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Show 19 Chapter Three It was Chinook's fault, it must be admitted, that Mary Alice Okleberry's party was a flop. That afternoon Josh and Cap Mullins came dawdling down main Street toward the Okleberry place. They were in no hurry because they knew there would be games and entertainment before tte cake and ice cream at the party. It was hot today, so Josh had worn a knit shirt along with his good Sunday pants. His mother had helped Cap Mullins get ready when he came for Josh. She even made him take off his shirt so she could iron it. But when she finished he looked fit for almost anything. At the corner of Second Street they had the bad luck to meet Mr- Courdelay. He was a sheep rancher who lived five miles out of town up in the foothills. When he spotted the boys as he was driving by in his pick-up, he squealed his brakes to a stop. He parked, got out, slammed the truck door, and angrily motioned the boys toward him. "You-you're the O'Tosh boy, aren't youl" he demanded, poking a finger toward Josh's chest. Josh felt his heart beating loudly against his ear drums. He didn't know what was wrong, but he knew it was serious. With cheeks drawn tight, he nodded. |