JIM THE CONQUEROR

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3275, 6 March 1937, Page 2

JIM THE CONQUEROR

By PETER B. KYNE

It was a week before the expected letter arrived from Jaime Miguel Higuenes. Having perused it, Roberta handed it to Crooked Bill. "Rancho Valle Verde, Las Gruces, Co., Texas. June 28, 1925. "Dear Miss Antrim: "Supplementing my telegram of a week ago I regret to report that on the 21st inst. your Uncle, Thomas Antrim, as the aftermath of a dispute that arose due to your uncle's alleged trespass with his sheep on lands not owned by him, engaged in a duel with rifles on the range some ten miles from Los Algodones. His antagonist, one Jim Higgins, emerged the victor in this sanguinary affray. From the testimony of the latter, in addition to that of a ranger who arrived on the scene immediately following the unfortunate incident, it appears, much as I regret to say so, that Mr Antrim was very much the aggressor. In fact Higgins was wounded three times by your relative before he found himself in position to return the fire. The ranger brought Higgins and the body of your uncle to Los Algodones, the county seat, where the coroner's jury returned a verdict of justifiable homicide.

"In accordance with your telegraphic instructions I have seen to it that your uncle received Christian burial in All Fellows Cemetery-

"Being at this time confined to my home with a slight indisposition, I directed my general manager to call upon your uncle's foreman in charge of some 40,000 sheep on the range and inform him that it was your wish, as the probable heir to your uncle's estate, that he continue to carry on with the sheep until the arrival of you or your representative here. The foreman, Bill Dingle, impressed my foreman as being a bit recalcitrant. He mentioned having a contract with your uncle to participate to a certain extent in the latter's sheep business and stated that he was not taking orders from anybody. My manager hereupon showed him your telegram to me,;

conveying your request that I act as your representative temporarily. This written display of authority had little or no effect on Bill Dingle. While Jim Higgins is recovering from his wounds, Bill Dingle continues to trespass on the former's lands.

"Suspecting that your uncle might have made a will, I suggested to the public administrator that he look into the matter. Three days ago I received a letter from this official

informing me that the Federal Trust Company, of El Paso, had forwarded a will to be filed for probate at Los Algodones. For this will it appears that you are the sole heir and Company, whose executorship, how-co-executor with the Federal Trust ever, may cease, at your option, but only after the Trust Company shall have been paid certain loans made your uncle in his lifetime. "You will, doubtless, have to employ a local attorney. If desired, I shall be happy to recommend one who has served the Higuenes family ably and faithfully for forty years— Don Prudencio Alviso, of Los Algodones.

"I regret to state that I have very

little confidence in the integrity of your foreman, Bill Dingle, and suggest that you take steps to count the sheep immediately. The count will have to be made by one backed by undoubted legal right to do so. Upon the request of the local attorney for the estate the court will appoint a man to do this for you. I advise prompt action.

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"If I can serve you further, do not hesitate to command. "Your obedient servant, "Jaime Migual Higuenes." "Well?" Roberta queried as Crooked Bill folded the letter and laid it on the library table. The old schemer rubbed his ingenious head. "Don't like the idea of that El Paso bank being co-exe-cutor with you, honey. We'd better ascertain how much money the estate owes the bank, pay them oil' and get rid of them. I imagine it isn't a great deal. No sane bank would loan Tom Antrim very much. Of course, this Dingle Bell " "Bill Dingle," Roberta corrected. "Senor Higuenes doesn't trust him." "Senor Higuenes is evidently in the cattle business, if we may judge from his letter-head, so naturally he wouldn't trust any sheepman. I wouldn't be in too great a hurry to oust Dingle Bell—l mean Bill Dingle, if I were you, Bobby. The qualities that go to make up a good sheep foreman might not appeal to a cattleman. However, I think you should engage Senor Prudencio Alviso as your attorney. What we want now is action. We must have those sheep counted. We'll engage Prudencio by night letter tonight and tell him we're forwarding a thousand for his retainer; we will also suggest that he consult with Higuenes when selecting the man to count the sheep. The court will probably appoint the man nominated by your attorney. Meanwhile we will have to arm you with proper credentials —birth certificate, affidavits and other proof that you are the identical Roberta Antrim mentioned in your uncle's will. Glenn Hackett will attend to that, of course."

(To be Continued).