CHAPTER XX

THE "KICKER'S" CANDIDATE

The next issue of the _Kicker_ contained many things of interest to
its readers. Now that the drought had been broken, Union County could
proceed with its business of raising cattle without fear of any future
lack of water, with plenty of grass, and no losses except those from the
usual causes. Dry Bottom merchants--depending upon the cattlemen for
their trade--breathed easier and predicted a good year in spite of the
drought. Their worries over, they had plenty of time--and
inclination--to discuss the _Kicker_.

More advertisements were appearing in the paper. Dry Bottom merchants
were beginning to realize that it deserved their support, and with few
exceptions they openly began to voice their opinions that the editor
would "make good."' The advertisements began to take on a livelier tone
and the Lazette _Eagle_ grew more sarcastic.

When the _Kicker_ appeared following the incident in the sheriff's
office, there was a detailed account of Dunlavey's now famous "ten day
edict," together with some uncomplimentary comments upon the latter's
action. This was signed by Hollis. He called attention to Dunlavey's
selfishness, to the preparations that had been made by him to shoot down
all the foreign cattle on the Rabbit-Ear. He made no reference to his
part in the affair--to his decision to allow the small ranchers to water
their cattle in the river at the imminent risk of losing his own. But
though he did not mention this, the small owners and his friends took
care that the matter received full publicity, with the result that
Hollis was kept busy assuring his admirers that the incident had been
much magnified--especially his part of it. Then his friends applauded
his modesty.

In the same issue of the paper was also related the story of Greasy's
capture by the Circle Bar men. But in telling this story Hollis was not
so modest, for he spoke frankly of his part in it--how he had refused to
allow his men to hang the thief, telling his readers that though Greasy
deserved hanging, he did not purpose to violate the law while advocating
it. Following the story of the capture was a detailed report of the
incident in the sheriff's office and a scathing commentary upon the
subservience of the latter official to Dunlavey's will. The article was
entitled: "Handling the Law," and Dunlavey's exact words when he stood
in the door of the sheriff's office as Hollis and Norton departed were