THE WILL 8

tobey pulled into the chute for unloading cattle at the auction barn. the yard man shut a gate behind him. the cattle inspecter stepped out of the check in shed and watched the steers trot off the trailer and down the ally to a holding pen. tobey pulled out of the chute and patked his truck and trailer. he took his court documents into the check in shed for the inspecter to look at. "we will do this one time tobey so you need to get that brand transfered. i dont know if you can do it over the phone or not. maybe have that lawyer do it. "the inspecter was writting out the papers for the sale barn. " thats the best idea ive heard yet. i dont envy dealing with all that paper work. when we get done here today ill go see him." tobey answered. when they stepped out of the shed there was a tall thin man waitting" are you tobey?" he asked. " yes how can i help you?" tobey watched the inspecter go on toward the main building. "ime hardy leech, ime a agent for the arizona ranch realty office here in town. i was wondering when you would be putting the inherited ranch up for sale?" " i dont plan on selling it any time soon. the more ime there the more i like it. but if i ever decide ill call you first."tobey smiled at the agent. " i have a buyer right now who will make a sizeable offer if you will look at it.it would make you a wealthy man." the agent was pushing. "well i may not be wealthy there just yet, but ime comfortable. i think ill just hang on for a while"tobey replyed. hardy produced a business card" call me when your ready" when tobey stepped into the auction barn the inspecter was waitting for him" come on ill buy you a cup of coffee. we need to talk." stepping into the inspecters little office he closed the door behind them and set his coffee cup on the corner of the desk."what did that dirt pirate want with you? i know ime pokeing into your business but i have a good reason".the inspecter sat down. tobey took a sip of his coffee" he said he had a high doller buyer for the ranch, i would be a wealthy man if i sold to him." " did he tell you who it was?"the inspecter asked" you see, we need good legitement cow people here. thats my opinon not the states. there is a indiviual buying up every ranch he can around here. he has been trying to buy that out fit from blake for a year or so. also the fiftey sections next to you is for sale. but the old codger that ownes it wont talk about selling to ole money bags. two days ago some one took a shot at the old man. they missed. but it makes me think that maybe that and blakes killing were connected." tobey had quit his coffee and set it on the desk next to the inspecters." yeah that is kinda curious. i just want to be left alone to do my thing. ime not looking for trouble." tobey leaned forward"but i wont run from it either. i can be a pretty unpleasent individual my self." " thats what i like to hear, which i didnt. just keep me informed as to what is going on. the guy with all the money is harry tubbs. just talking to him will make you suspicious. watch your back" the inspecter stood up." i need to get to work, just keep me informed will you?" "will do. you need me ill be at home." tobey said as he walked out the door. later as tobey sat in the auction barn watching cattle sell he was thinking over what the inspecter had told him. but at that time the gate opened and a thin cow and calf came into the ring. the bidding started low and didnt move up very much. tobey bid, he didnt know why but he did. as the auction progressed he saw two or three different bargins with good potential. he bought them he had feed at home he just as well have something eating it. his steers didnt top the market but sold well enough. enough to pay for his purchases and have a little left over.when he went to settle up at the sellers window the woman there pushed a set of invoices and envelope through the window and told him thank you. he picked up his papers and turned to leave. but another man was standing there, a little close and he bumped into him. " excuse me"tobey said as he stepped around the man who gave him a sour look. tobey had a lot to think on as he hauled his purchases home.