DENTON CROUCH 29

the morning od the hearing onalvies belonging the court room had a half dozen people there. the judge looked from one to another then back to the sheaf of papaers in front of him " we are here to decide the disposition of the belongings of one alvie kraft deceased. is there any one here who would claim to be blood kin?" at the end of one bench sat a big man. he was scruffty and filthy, no one sat next to him to avoid the smell. " yes your honor ime a brother." the judge peered through the glasses on the end of his nose at the pile of nasty humanity." can you present proof of your relation ship sir? the judge asked. the big man shook his head. " what is your name sir?" the judge asked. " abe kraft. " the big man all but spit the answer out. " can present proof of your identity?" the judge bore in. " well, uh no, just my word."abe replyed. " where do you reside sir?" the judge asked. " i got a ranch south of dos cabezas, i live there." abe answered. at that denton crouches head snapped around to look at abe. the judge leaned back in his chair clearly perplexed. " i was prepared to terminate these proceedings to day but i now must extend them " turning to abe he said" you will have ten days to produce proof that you and alvie are related in any way. ten days from now in this court we will resume the proceedings.at that time sir you will come to court freshly washed. court adjurned." the judge dropped the gavel on the desk in front of him and got up and left the room. everyone stood up to leave but denton stepped up to abe. " do you brand a K3 ?" the big man looked denton over top to bottom" yes i do and just who are you to be asking?" his voice had a beligerent tone. " ime the new owner of the fw cattle . i hope we can work together." denton was being as socialable as possible. will and one other deputy stood behind him. abe looked from one to the other" i dont need no help "he turned and stomped out of the court house. " nice friendly feller huh?" will said as he stepped up. "yeah, he maybe the reason i asked about a brand inspecter." denton said matter of factly.