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"I'll uphold the law as long as I can."

Fraser nodded. He knew Brandt spoke the simple truth. What he had

sworn to do he would do to the best of his ability. But the Texan

knew, too, that the ramshackle jail would be torn to pieces and

the sheriff overpowered.

From his coat pocket he drew a letter, and presented it to the

other. "I didn't expect to give this to you under these

circumstances, Mr. Brandt, but I'd like you to know that I'm on

the level when I say I don't know any of the Squaw Creek

cattlemen and have never ridden for any outfit in this State."

Brandt tore open the letter, and glanced hurriedly through it.

"Why, it's from old Sam Slauson! We used to ride herd together

when we were boys." And he real aloud:

"Introducing Steve Fraser, lieutenant in the Texas Rangers."

He glanced up quickly. "You're not the Fraser that ran down

Chacon and his gang of murderers?"

"Yes, I was on that job."