llect our
fee for allowin' the trucks to cross Paloma Rancho. How much you been
held up for, Jo?"

"One hundred and twelve dollars," she told him.

"Just a minute. I'll hand it to you. Move on now, and I'll get back
in the road and collect."

CHAPTER XIX

WHAT MADE THE WILD CAT

Jerkline Jo's wagon train snailed on over the desert toward the tents
of Demarest's big camp. The tires of Mr. Tweet's shiny new car plunked
down into the road, and that gentleman continued on toward the trucks
and the machine of Ragtown's first merchant, Mr. Huber.

Hiram Hooker was riding with Jerkline Jo, and the two had been deep in
their studies when the appearance of the various automobiles had
distracted their attention. Hiram now climbed to the top of Jo's
immense load of baled alfalfa, and, looking back, made reports to her.

"They're all together now," he said, "and having quite an argument.
Tweet's swinging his arms about as if he wanted to fight.

"Now he's getting into his car. He and the storekeeper are turning in
ahead of the trucks. Here they all come, Tweet in the lead!"

A little later Tweet shouted to Hiram to stop, and Hiram relayed the
command to Jo, who called to her ten whites and brought them to a
standstill. A little later five angry men hurried on foot alongside
the wagon.

"Here's your hundred and twelve dollars, Jo," Tweet said exultantly,
passing the girl a sheaf of bills, "And that settles that. Now, Mr.
Drummond, step over here and be introduced to Jerkline Jo Modock and my
friend Hiram Hooker, from Wild-cat Hill. We'll see if you folks can't
get together and conduct your affairs amicably."

Al Drummond, Hiram Hooker's one-time rival, was indeed there, dressed
after the fashion of Mr. Tweet, and looking big and important and
business-like. There was a dark scowl on his brow though as he came
forward and nodded to Jo, but did not offer his hand.

"Well, I've been held up," he muttered, "and I'm going to see about it,
but----"

"See about it all you want to, my friend," put in Tweet smoothly. "I
have complete control of this land, and have the sole right to say who
shall cross it and who shall not, and under what conditions. The ranch
is posted, and everything is in order. This road is a new one, and you
can't make the claim that it has been used so long that it must be
considered in the nature of a public highway. You've not a leg to
stand on; so every time you turn a wheel on t