CHAPTER IX.
BATTLE LIGHT O'Brien pressed close to Barry.
"Partner," he said rapidly, "you're clear now--you're clear of more hell that you ever dream.

Now climb that hoss of yours and feed him leather till you get clear of Brownsville--and if I was you I'd never come within a day's ride of the Three B's again." The mild, brown eyes widened.
"I don't like crowds," murmured Barry.
"You're wise, kid," grinned the bartender--"a hell of a lot wiser than you know right now.

On your way!" And he turned to follow the crowd into the saloon.

But Jerry Strann stood at the swinging doors, watching, and he saw Barry linger behind.
"Are you coming ?" he called.
"I got an engagement," answered the meek voice.
"You got another engagement here," mocked Strann.

"Understand ?" The other hesitated for an instant, and then sighed deeply.