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WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine

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7/31/2019 WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/wyoming-a-story-of-the-outdoor-west-by-william-macleod-raine 1/133 WYOMING:ASTORYOFTHEOUTDOORWEST By WilliamMacLeodRaine TABLEOFCONTENTS 1.ADESERTMEETING 2.THEKINGOFTHEBIGHORNCOUNTRY 3.ANINVITATIONGIVENANDACCEPTED 4.ATTHELAZYDRANCH 5.THEDANCEATFRASER'S 6.APARTYCALL 7.THEMANFROMTHESHOSHONEFASTNESSES 8.INTHELAZYDHOSPITAL 9.ARESCUE 12.MISTRESSANDMAID 13.THETWOCOUSINS 14.FORTHEWORLD'SCHAMPIONSHIP 15.JUDDMORGANPASSES 16.HUNTINGBIGGAME 17.RUNTOEARTH 18.PLAYINGFORTIME 19.WESTPOINTTOTHERESCUE 20.TWOCASESOFDISCIPLINE 21.THESIGNALLIGHTS 22.EXITTHEKING 23.JOURNEYSENDINLOVERS'MEETING. CHAPTER1.ADESERTMEETING Anautomobileshotoutfromagashinthehillsandslippedswiftlydown tothebutte.Hereitcametoahaltonthewhite,dustyroad,while itsoccupantgazedwitheager,unsatedeyesonthegreatpanoramathat stretchedbeforeher.Theearthrolledinwaveslikeamightyseato thedistanthorizonline.Fromawonderfulblueskypoureddownupon thelandabathofsunbeat.Theairwaslikewine,pureandstrong,and abovethedesertswamtherare,untemperedlightofWyoming.Surelyhere wasapeaceprimeval,asilenceunbrokensincethebirthofcreation. Itwasallnewtoher,andwonderfullyexhilarating.Theinfiniteroll ofplain,thedistantshiningmountains,themultitudinousvoicesofthe desertdrownedinasunlitseaofspace--theywerealldetailsofthe situationthatministeredtoalargeserenity. Andwhileshebreatheddeeplythesatisfactionofit,anexplodingrifle echoshatteredthestillness.Withexcitedsputteringcametheprompt answerofafusillade.ShewasnewtotheWest;butsomeinstinct strongerthanreasontoldthegirlthatherewasnoplayfulpuncher shootingupthescenerytoventilatehisexuberance.Herimagination conceivedsomethingmoredeadly;asinisterpictureofmenpumpinglead inagrim,close-lippedsilence;alustyplainsman,withmurderin hisheart,crumplingintoalifelessheap,whilethethinsmoke-spiral curledfromhishotrifle.
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7/31/2019 WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/wyoming-a-story-of-the-outdoor-west-by-william-macleod-raine 1/133

WYOMING:ASTORYOFTHEOUTDOORWEST

By

WilliamMacLeodRaine

TABLEOFCONTENTS

1.ADESERTMEETING2.THEKINGOFTHEBIGHORNCOUNTRY3.ANINVITATIONGIVENANDACCEPTED4.ATTHELAZYDRANCH5.THEDANCEATFRASER'S6.APARTYCALL7.THEMANFROMTHESHOSHONEFASTNESSES8.INTHELAZYDHOSPITAL9.ARESCUE12.MISTRESSANDMAID13.THETWOCOUSINS14.FORTHEWORLD'SCHAMPIONSHIP15.JUDDMORGANPASSES16.HUNTINGBIGGAME17.RUNTOEARTH

18.PLAYINGFORTIME19.WESTPOINTTOTHERESCUE20.TWOCASESOFDISCIPLINE21.THESIGNALLIGHTS22.EXITTHEKING23.JOURNEYSENDINLOVERS'MEETING.

CHAPTER1.ADESERTMEETING

Anautomobileshotoutfromagashinthehillsandslippedswiftlydown

tothebutte.Hereitcametoahaltonthewhite,dustyroad,whileitsoccupantgazedwitheager,unsatedeyesonthegreatpanoramathatstretchedbeforeher.Theearthrolledinwaveslikeamightyseatothedistanthorizonline.Fromawonderfulblueskypoureddownuponthelandabathofsunbeat.Theairwaslikewine,pureandstrong,andabovethedesertswamtherare,untemperedlightofWyoming.Surelyherewasapeaceprimeval,asilenceunbrokensincethebirthofcreation.

Itwasallnewtoher,andwonderfullyexhilarating.Theinfiniterollofplain,thedistantshiningmountains,themultitudinousvoicesofthedesertdrownedinasunlitseaofspace--theywerealldetailsofthesituationthatministeredtoalargeserenity.

Andwhileshebreatheddeeplythesatisfactionofit,anexplodingrifleechoshatteredthestillness.Withexcitedsputteringcamethepromptanswerofafusillade.ShewasnewtotheWest;butsomeinstinctstrongerthanreasontoldthegirlthatherewasnoplayfulpunchershootingupthescenerytoventilatehisexuberance.Herimaginationconceivedsomethingmoredeadly;asinisterpictureofmenpumpingleadinagrim,close-lippedsilence;alustyplainsman,withmurderinhisheart,crumplingintoalifelessheap,whilethethinsmoke-spiralcurledfromhishotrifle.

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Sothegirlimaginedthesceneassheranswiftlyforwardthroughthepinestotheedgeofthebuttebluffwhenceshemightlookdownuponthecouleethatnestledagainstit.Norhadshegreatlyerred,forherfirstsweepingglanceshowedherthethingshehaddreaded.

Inasemicircle,wellbackfromthefootofthebutte,halfadozenmencrouchedinthecoverofthesage-brushandascatteredgroupofcottonwoods.Theywereperhapsfiftyyardsapart,andtheattentionofallofthemwasfocusedonaspotdirectlybeneathher.Evenasshelooked,inthatfirstswiftmomentofapprehension,aspurtofsmokecamefromoneoftheriflesandwasflungbackfromtheforkedpineatthebottomofthemesa.Shesawhimthen,kneelingbehindhisinsufficientshelter,atrappedmanmakinghislaststand.

Fromwhereshestoodthegirldistinguishedhimveryclearly,andunderthefield-glassesthatsheturnedonhimthedetailsleapedtolife.Tall,strong,slender,withthelean,cleanbuildofagreyhound,heseemedaswaryandalertasapanther.Thebroad,softhat,thescarlethandkerchieflooselyknottedabouthisthroat,thegrayshirt,spursandoveralls,proclaimedhimastockman,justashisdeadhorseattheentrancetothecouleetoldofanaccidentalmeetinginthedesertandahurriedrunforcover.

Thathehadnochancewasquiteplain,butnoplainerthanthecool

vigilancewithwhichheproposedtomakethempay.Eveninthematterofdefensehewasworseoffthantheywere,butheknewhowtomakethemostofwhathehad;knewhowtoavailhimselfofeveryinchofsagebrushthathelpedtorenderhimindistincttotheireyes.

Oneoftheattackers,eagerforaclearershot,exposedhimselfatrifletoofarintakingaim.Withoutanylossoftimeinsighting,swiftasalightning-flash,theriflebehindtheforkedpinespoke.Thatthebulletreacheditsmarkshesawwithagaspofdismay.Forthemansuddenlyhuddleddownandrolledoveronhisside.

Hiscomradesappearedtotakewarningbythisexample.Themenatbothendsofthecrescentfellback,andforaminutethegirl'sheartleaped

withthehopethattheywereabouttoabandonthesiege.Apparentlythemaninthescarletkerchiefhadnosuchexpectation.Hedesertedhispositionbehindthepineandranback,crouchinglowinthebrush,toanotherlittleclumpoftreesclosertothebluff.Thereasonforthiswasatfirstnotapparenttoher,butsheunderstoodpresentlywhenthemenwhohadfallenbackbehindtherollinghillocksappearedagainwellintotheedgeofthebluff.Onlybyhistimelyretreathadthemansavedhimselffrombeingoutflanked.

Itwasveryplainthattheattackersmeanttotaketheirtimetofinishhiminperfectsafety.Hewassurroundedoneverysidebyacordonofrifles,exceptwherethebarefaceofthebuttehungdownbehindhim.Toattempttoscaleitwouldhavebeentoexposehimselfasamarkfor

everyguntocertaindeath.

Itwasnowthatsheheardthemanwhoseemedtobedirectingtheattackcallouttoanotheronhisright.Shewastoofartomakeoutthewords,buttheireffectwascleartoher.Hepointedtothebrowofthebutteabove,andapuncherinwhitewoolenchapsdroppedbackoutofrangeandswungtothesaddleupononeoftheponiesbunchedintherear.Hecanteredroundinawidecircleandmadeforthebutte.Hispurposewasobviouslytocatchtheirvictimintheunprotectedrear,andfiredownuponhimfromabove.

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Theyoungwomanshoutedawarning,buthervoicefailedtocarry.Foramomentshestoodwithherhandspressedtogetherindespair,thenturnedandswiftlyscuddedtohermachine.Shesprangin,sweptforward,reachedtherimofthemesa,andplungeddown.Neverbeforehadsheattemptedsoprecariousadescentinsuchwildhaste.Thecarfairlyleapedintospace,andafteritstruckswayeddizzilyasitshotdown.Thegirlhungon,herfacewhiteandset,thepulseinhertemplebeatingwildly.Shecoulddonothing,asthemachinerockeddown,buthopeagainstmanychancesthatinstantdestructionmightbeaverted.

Utterlybeyondhercontrol,themotor-carthundereddown,reachedthefootofthebutte,andsweptoveralittlehillinitswildflight.Sherushedbyamountedhorsemaninthethousandthpartofasecond.Shewasstillspeedingatatremendousvelocity,butasecondhillreducedthissomewhat.Shehadnotyetrecoveredcontrolofthemachine,but,thoughhereyesinstinctivelyfollowedthewhiteroadthatflashedpast,sheagainhadphotographedonherbrainthesceneoftheturbidtragedyinwhichshewasintervening.

Atthefootofthebuttetheroadcircledanddippedintothecoulee.Shebracedherselffortheshock,but,thoughthewheelsskiddedtillherheartwasinherthroat,theautomobile,hangingonthebalanceofdisaster,sweptroundinsafety.

Herhornscreamedaninstantwarningtothetrappedman.Shecouldnotseehim,andforaninstantherheartsankwiththefearthattheyhadkilledhim.Butshesawthenthattheywerestillfiring,andshecontinuedherhonkinginvitationasthecarleapedforwardintothezoneofspittingbullets.

Bythistimeshewasrecoveringcontrolofthemotor,andshedarednotletherattentionwander,butoutofthecornerofhereyesheappreciatedthesituation.Temporarily,outofsheeramazeatthisapparitionfromtheblue,thegunsceasedtheirsniping.Shebecameawarethatalightcurlyhead,crouchedlowinthesage-brush,wasmovingrapidlytomeetheratrightangles,andindoingsowas

approachingdirectlythelineoffire.Shecouldseehimdodgingtoandfroashemovedforward,fortherifleswereagainbarking.

Shewaswithintwohundredyardsofhim,stillgoingrapidly,butnotwiththesameheadlongrushasbefore,whenthecurlyheaddisappearedinthesage-brush.Itwasupagainpresently,butshecouldseethatthemancamelimping,andsouncertainlythattwicehepitchedforwardtotheground.Incautiouslyoneofhisassailantsranforwardwithashoutthesecondtimehisheadwentdown.Crack!Theunerringriflerangout,andtheimpetuousonedroppedinhistracks.

Assheapproached,theyoungwomanslowedwithoutstopping,andasthecarsweptpastCurlyHeadflunghimselfinheadlong.Hepickedhimself

upfromherfeet,creptpasthertotheseatbeyond,andalmostinstantlywhippedhisrifletohisshoulderinpromptdefianceofthefirethatwasnowconvergedonthem.

Yetinafewmomentsthesounddiedaway,foravoicemidwayinthecrescenthadshoutedanamazeddiscovery:

"ByGod,it'sawoman!"

Thecarskimmedforwardovertheunevengroundtowardtheendofthe

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semicircle,andpassedwithinfiftyyardsofthesecondmanfromtheend,theoneshehadpickedoutastheleaderoftheparty.Hewasablack,swarthyfellowinplainleatherchapsandblueshirt.Astheypassedhetookalong,steadyaim.

"Duck!"shoutedthemanbesideher,anddraggedherdownontheseatsothathisbodycoveredhers.

Apuffofwindfannedthegirl'scheek.

"Nearthing,"hercompanionsaidcoolly.Helookedbackattheswarthymanandlaughedsoftly."Somedayyou'llmebbewishyouhadsentyourpillsstraighter,Mr.JuddMorgan."

Yetafewwheel-turnsandtheyhaddippedforwardoutofrangeamongthegreatlandwavesthatseemedtostretchbeforethemforever.Theunexpectedhadhappened,andshehadachievedarescueinthefaceoftheimpossible.

"Hurtbadly?"thegirlinquiredbriefly,herdark-blueeyesmeetinghisasfranklyasthoseofaboy.

"Noneedforanundertaker.IreckonI'llsurvive,ma'am."

"Whereareyouhit?"

"Ijustgotatelegramfrommyanklesayingtherewasacargoofleadarrivedthereunexpected,"hedrawledeasily.

"Hurtsagooddeal,doesn'tit?"

"Nomorethanisneedfultokeepmymemoryjoggedup.It'sasortofaforget-me-notsouvenir.Foragoodboy;complimentsofMr.JimHenson,"heexplained.

Herdarkglanceswepthimsearchingly.Shedisapprovedtheassuranceofhismannerevenwhiletheyouthinherapplaudedhisreckless

sufficiency.Hisgaycourageheldherunconsentingadmirationevenwhilesheresentedit.Hewasatrifletoomuchathiseaseforonewhohadjustbeensnatchedfromdireperil.Yeteveninhisinsouciancetherewassomethingengaging;somethingalmostofdistinction.

"Whatwasthetrouble?"

Mirthbubbledinhisgrayeyes."Igathered,ma'am,thattheywantedtocollectmyscalp."

"Dowhat?"shefrowned.

"Bumpmeoff--sendmeacrossthedivide."

"Oh,Iknowthat.Butwhy?"

Heseemedtoreproachhimself."NowhowcouldIbesoneglectful?Icleanforgottoask."

"That'sridiculous,"washersharpverdict.

"Yes,ma'am,plumbridiculous.MyonlyexcuseisthattheybeganscatteringleadsosuddenIdidn'thavetimetoaskmany'Whyfors.'I

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reckonwe'lljusthavetocallitaWyomingdifferenceofopinion,"heconcludedpleasantly.

"Whichmeans,Isuppose,thatyouarenotgoingtotellme."

"Igotsomuchelsetotelly'uthat'saheapmoreimportant,"helaughed."Y'usee,I'menjoyin'myfirstautomobileride.Itwascertainlythoughtfulofy'utoaskmetogoridingwithy'u,MissMessiter."

"Soyouknowmyname.MayIaskhow?"washerastonishedquestion.

Hegavethelowlaughthatalwaysseemedtosuggestaprivatesourceofamusementofhisown."IsuspicionedthatmightbeyournamewhenIsayy'ucomea-sailin'downfromheaventogathermeuplikeEnoch."

"Why?"

"Well,ma'am,IhappenedtodriftintoGimletButtetwoorthreedaysago,andwhileIwasupatthedepotlookingforsomefreightatrainsashaidinandsidetrackedaflatcar.TherewasanautomobileonthatcaraddressedtoMissHelenMessiter.Now,automobilesareawfulseldominthiscountry.Idon'tseemtorememberhavingseenonebefore."

"Isee.You'requiteaSherlockHolmes.Doyouknowanythingmoreaboutme?"

"Iknowy'uhavejustfallenheirtotheLazyD.Theysayy'uareaschoolmarm,butIdon'tbelieveit."

"Well,Iam."Then,"Whydon'tyoubelieveit?"sheadded.

Hesurveyedherwithhissmileaudacious,lethisamusedeyeswanderdownfromthemobilefacewiththewild-rosebloomtotheslimyoungfiguresolongandsupple,thenserenelymetherfrown.

"Y'udon'tlookit."

"No?Areyoutheownerofacompositephotographoftheteachersofthecountry?"

Heenjoyedagainhisprivatemirth."Ishouldlikerightwelltohavethepicturesofsomeofthem."

Sheglancedathimsharply,buthewasgazingsoinnocentlyatthepurpleShoshonesinthedistancethatshecouldnotgivehimthesnubshethoughtheneeded.

"Youareright.MynameisHelenMessiter,"shesaid,bywayofstimulatingacounterfundofinformation.For,thoughshewasayoung

womannotmuchgiventocuriosity,shewasawareofaninterestinthisspare,broad-shoulderedyouthwhowassuchanincarnationofbronzedvigor.

"Gladtomeety'u,MissMessiter,"heresponded,andofferedhisfirmbrownhandinWesternfashion.

Butsheobservedresentfullythathedidnotmentionhisownname.Itwasimpossibletosupposethatheknewnobetter,andshewasdriventoconcludethathewassilentofsetpurpose.Verywell!Ifhedidnot

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wanttointroducehimselfshewasnotgoingtourgeituponhim.Inabusinesslikemannershegaveherattentiontoeatingupthedustymiles.

"Yes,ma'am.IreckonIneverwasmoregladtodeathtomeetaladythanIwastomeetupwithy'u,"hecontinued,cheerily."Y'usurelookedgoodtomeasy'ucomea-foggin'downtheroad.Ifairhadbeenyearnin'forcompanybutwassomediscouragedforfeartheinvitationhadmiscarried."Hebrokeoffhissardonicrailleryandlethislevelgazepossessherforalongmoment."MissMessiter,I'mcertainlyunderanobligationtoy'uIcan'trepay.Y'usavedmylife,"hefinishedgravely.

"Nonsense."

"Fact."

"Itisn'tapersonalmatteratall,"sheassuredhim,withatouchofimpatienthauteur.

"It'saheappersonaltome."

Inspiteofherhealthyyoungresentmentshelaughedatthewayinwhichhedrawledthisout,andwithaswiftsweepherboyisheyestookinagainhiscompellingdevil-may-carecharm.Shewasatenderfoot,but

intuitionaswellasexperiencetaughtherthathewasunusualenoughtobeoneoftenthousand.NoyoungGreekgod'sheadcouldhaverisenmoresuperblyabovethebrick-tannedcolumnoftheneckthanthisclose-croppedcurlyone.Grayeyes,deepandunwaveringandmasterful,lookedoutofafaceasbrownasWyoming.Hewasgotupwithnothoughtofeffect,butthetigerishlitheness,thepicturesquecompetencyofhim,spakelouderthancostuming.

"Aren'tyoureallyhurtworsethanyoupretend?I'msureyourankleoughttobeattendedtoassoonaspossible."

"Don'ttellmeyou'realadydoctor,ma'am,"heburlesquedhisalarm.

"Canyoutellmewherethenearestranchhouseis?"sheasked,ignoringhisdiversion.

"TheLazyDisthenearest,Ireckon."

"Whichdirection?"

"Northbyeast,ma'am."

"ThenI'lltakethemostdirectroadtoit.

"InthatcaseI'llthanky'uformyrideandgetouthere."

"But--why?"

Hewavedajauntyhandtowardtherecentbattlefield."TheLazyDliesrightbackofthathill.Iexpect,mebbe,thosewolvesmighthowlagainifwewentback."

"Where,then,shallItakeyou?"

"Ihatetotroubley'utogooutofyourway.

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"Idaresay,butI'mgoingjustthesame,"shetoldhim,dryly.

"Ifyou'rerightdetermined--"Heinterruptedhimselftopointtothesouth."Doy'useethatcamel-backpeakoverthere?"

"Theonewiththesunshineonitsloweredge?"

"That'sit,MissMessiter.TheycallthosetwohumpstheAntelopePeaks.Ify'ucandropmesomewherenearthereIthinkI'llmanageallright."

"I'mnotgoingtoleaveyoutillwereachahouse,"sheinformedhimpromptly."You'renotfittowalkfiftyyards."

"That'srightkindofy'u,butIcouldnotthinkofaskingsomuch.Myfriendswillfindmeify'uleavemewhereIcanworkaheliograph."

"Oryourenemies,"shecutin.

"Ihopenot.I'dnotlikelyhavethelucktogetanotherinvitationrightthentogoridingwithafriendlyyounglady."

Shegavehimdirect,cool,black-blueeyesthatmetandsearchedhis."I'mnotatallsuresheisfriendly.IshallwanttofindoutthecauseofthetroubleyouhavejusthadbeforeImakeupmymindastothat."

"Ijudgepeoplebytheiractions.Y'udidn'twaittofindoutbeforebringingtheambulanceintoaction,"helaughed.

"Iseeyoudonotmeantotellme."

"You'requitealawyer,ma'am,"heevaded.

"Ifindyouaveryslipperywitness,then."

"Askanythingy'ulikeandI'lltellyou."

"Verywell.Whowerethosemen,andwhyweretheytryingtokillyou?"

"TheyturnedtheirwolflooseonmebecauseIshotuponeofthemyesterday."

"Dearme!Isityourbusinesstogoaroundshootingpeople?That'sthreeIhappentoknowthatyouhaveshot.Howmanymore?"

"Nomore,ma'am--notrecently."

"Well,threeisquiteenough--recently,"shemimicked."Youseemtomeagooddealofadesperado."

"Yes,ma'am."

"Don'tsay'Yes,ma'am,'likethat,asifitdidn'tmatterintheleastwhetheryouareornot,"sheordered.

"No,ma'am."

"Oh!"Shebrokeoffwithagestureofimpatienceathisburlesqueofobedience."YouknowwhatImean--thatyououghttodenyit;oughttobefuriousatmeforsuggestingit."

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"OughtI?"

"Ofcourseyouought."

"There'saheapofwaysIain'tuptospecifications,"headmitted,cheerfully.

"Andwhoarethey--thementhatwereattackingyou?"

Therewasagleamofirrepressiblehumorintheboldeyes."Yourcow-punchers,ma'am."

"Mycow-punchers?"

"Theyce'tainlybelongtotheLazyDoutfit."

"Andyousaythatyoushotoneofmymenyesterday?"Hecouldseehergettingreadyforadeclarationofwar.

"DownbyWillowCreek--Yes,ma'am,"heanswered,comfortably.

"Andwhy,mayIask?"sheflamed

"That'salongstory,MissMessiter.Itwouldn'tbesquareformetoget

myversioninbeforeyourboys.Y'uaskthem."Hepermittedhimselfagenialsmile,somewhatironic."Ishouldn'twonderbutwhatthey'llgivemeagiltedgedtestimonialasanunhangedhorsethief."

"Isn'ttheresuchathingaslawinWyoming?"thegirldemanded.

"Lotsofit.Y'ucanbuyjustasgoodlawrighthereasinKalamazoo."

"IwishIknewwheretofindit."

"Liketoputmeinthecalaboose?"

"Inthepenitentiary.Yes,sir!"Amomentlaterthequestionthatwasin

herthoughtsleapedhotlyfromherlips."Whoareyou,sir,thatdaretocommitmurderandboastofit?"

Shehadflickedhimontherawatlast.Somethingthatwasneartopainrestedforasecondinhiseyes."Murderisahardname,ma'am.AndIdidn'tsayhewasdaid,oranyofthethree,"camehisgentleanswer.

"YouMEANTtokillthem,anyhow."

"DidI?"Therewastheghostofasadsmileabouthiseyes.

"Thewayyouact,apersonmightthinkyouoneofNedBannister'smen,"shetoldhim,scornfully.

"Iexpectyou'reright."

Sherepentedheralittleatachargesounjust."Ifyouarenotashamedofyournamewhyareyousoloathtopartwithit?"

"Y'udidn'taskmemyname,"hesaid,adarkflushsweepinghisface.

"Iaskitnow."

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Likethelightfromasnuffedcandletheboyishrecklessnesshadgoneoutofhisface.Hisjawsweresetlikeaviseandhelookedhardashammeredsteel.

"MynameisBannister,"hesaid,coldly.

"NedBannister,theoutlaw,"sheletslip,andwasawareofastrangesinkingoftheheart.

Itseemedtoherthatsomethingsinistercametothesurfaceinhishandsomeface."Ireckonwemightaswellletitgoatthat,"hereturned,withbitterbriefness.

CHAPTER2.THEKINGOFTHEBIGHORNCOUNTRY

TwomonthsbeforethistimeHelenMessiterhadbeenserenelyteachingasecondgradeatKalamazoo,Michigan,notwithstandingtheearnesteffortsofseveralyouthsofthatcitytoinducehertoretiretodomesticity"What'stheuseofbeingaschoolmarm?"hadbeentheburdenoftheirplaint."AnyspinstercanteachkidsC-A-T,Cat,butonlyoneinseveralthousandcanbetheprettiestbrideinKalamazoo."Noneofthem,however,hadbeenabletodrivethepointsufficientlyhome,andit

isprobablethatshewouldhavecontinuedtodevoteherselftoYoungAmericaifanuncleshehadneverseenhadnotdiedwithoutawillandleftheraranchinWyomingyclepttheLazyD.

WhenherlawyerproposedtoputtheranchonthemarketMissHelenhadawordtosay.

"Ithinknot.I'llgooutandseeitfirst,anyhow,"shesaid.

"Butreally,mydearyounglady,itisn'tatallnecessary.Factis,I'vealreadyhadanofferofahundredthousanddollarsforit.Now,Ishouldjudgethatafairprice."

"Verylikely,"hisclientinterrupted,quietly."But,yousee,Idon'tcaretosell."

"Thenwhatintheworldareyougoingtodowithit?"

"Runit."

"But,mydearMissMessiter,itisn'tanautomobileoranyotherkindoftoy.Youmustrememberthatittakesabusinessheadandagreatdealofexperiencetomakesuchaninvestmentpay.Ireallythink--"

"MyschoolendsonthefourteenthofJune.I'llgetasubstituteforthelasttwomonths.IshallstartforWyomingontheeighteenthofApril."

Themanoflawgasped,explainedthedifficultiesagaincarefullyastoachild,foundthathewaswastinghisbreath,andwiselygaveitup.

MissMessiterhadstartedontheeighteenthofApril,asshehadannounced.WhenshereachedGimletButte,thenearestrailroadpointtotheLazyD,shefoundagroupofcurious,weatherbeatenindividualsgatheredroundamachineforeigntotheirexperience.Itwasonaflatcar,andthegeneralopinionranthegamutfromanewfangledsewingmachinetoathresher.Intothisguessingcontestcameitsownerwith

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sobriskandbusinesslikeanenergythatinsideoftwohoursshewastestingitupanddownthewidestreetofGimletButte,tothewonderanddelightofanaudiencetowhicheachoneoftheelevensaloonsofthecityhadcontributeditsadmiringquota.

Meanwhiletheyoungwomanattendedstrictlytobusiness.ShehaddisappearedforhalfanhourwithasuitcaseintotheElkHouse;andwhenshereturnedinashort-skirtedcorduroysuit,leggingsandwide-brimmedgrayStetsonhat,allGimletButtetookanabsorbinginterestinthedetailsofthisdelightfuladventurethathadhappenedtothetown.Thepopulationwasoutenmassetowatchherslipdowntheroadonatrialtrip.

Presently"Soapy"Sothern,driftinginonhisbuckskinfromtheHoodooPeakcountry,whereforprivatereasonsofhisownhehadbeenforthepastmonthasojourner,reportedthathehadseentheprettiestsightintheStateclimbingunderagasolinebroncwithamonkey-wrenchinherhand.Where?Rightoverthehillontheedgeoftown.Theimmediatestampedeforthecowponieswasavertedbyawarningchug-chugthatsoundeddowntheroad,followedbytheappearanceofaflashingwhirthatmadetheponiesdanceontheirhindlegs.

"Thegasolinebroncladysuremakesahitwithme,"announced"Texas,"gravely."IallowI'llrustleajobwiththeLazyDoutfit."

"Shece'tainlyridesherdonthatmachinelikeachampeen,"admittedSoapy."IreckonI'lldriftovertotheLazyDwithyoutolookafteryoreremains,Tex,whenthelightninghitsyou."

MissMessiterswungtheautomobileroundinaswiftcircle,cametoanabrupthaltinfrontofthehotel,andalightedwithoutdelay.Asshepassedinthroughthehalfscoreofadmirersshehadwon,herdarkeyessweptsmilinglyoverassembledCattleland.Shehadalreadymetmostofthematthelaunchingofthemachinefromtheflatcar,andhaddirectedtheirperspiringenergiesastheylaboredtofollowherorders.Nowshenoddedarecognitionwithalittlerippleofgaylaughter.

"I'mdelightedtobeabletocontributetotheentertainmentofGimletButte,"shesaid,asshesweptin.ForthisyoungwomanwaspossessedofWesternadaptation.Itgavehernoconscientiousqualmstoexchangeconversationfraternalwiththesegenialsavages.

TheElkHousedidnotrejoiceinaprivatediningroom,andcompetitionstrenuousensuedastowhoshouldhavethepleasureofsittingbesidetheguestofhonor.Toavoidillfeeling,thematterwasdeterminedbyagameoffreeze-out,inwhichTexasandamaturegentlemannamed,fromhiscomplexion,"Beet"Collins,weretheluckyvictors.Texasimmediatelyrepairedtothegeneralstore,wherehepurchasedanewscarletbandannafortheoccasion;alsoacakeofsoapwithwhichtoroutthealkalidustthathadfilteredintoeveryporeofhishandsand

facefromalongrideacrossthedesert.

CamesupperandTexassimultaneously,thecow-puncher'sfacescrubbedtoanappleshine.AtthelastmomentCollinsdefaulted,hisnervecompletelygone.Since,however,hewasathriftysoul,hesoldhisplacetoSoapyfortendollars,andproceededtoinvesttheproceedsinanimmediatedrunk.

DuringthefirsttenminutesofsupperMissMessiterdidnotappear,andthetwoguardianswhoflankedherchairsolicitouslyweretheobjectof

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muchbadinage.

"ShegotoneglimpseofthatredhaidofTexandtheporelady'stooktothesage,"explainedYorky.

"AndhimscrubbedsoshinyfusttimesinceChristmasbeforethebigblizzard,"sighedDocRogers.

"Shucks!Sheain'tscaredofnosawed-off,hammered-downruntlikeTexas,No,siree!MissMessiter'sontheabsentlist'causeshe'safraidshecayn'tresisttheblandishmentsofSoapy.Didyo'everhearaboutSoapyandthatCasparhashslinger?"

"Forgetit,Slim,"advisedSoapy,promptly.HehadbeenengagedinloftyandobliviousconversationwithTexas,buthedidnotintendtoallowreminiscencestogetunderwayjustnow.

Atthisopportunejuncturearrivedthemistressofthe"gasolinebronc,"neatlycladinasimplewhitelawnwithbluetrimmings.Shelookedlikeagleamofsunshineinherfresh,sweetyouth;andnoteveninherownschoolroomhadsheeverfoundherselfthefocusofacleaner,moreunstintedadmiration.FortheoutdoorsWesttakesoffitshatreverentlytowomenworthyofrespect,especiallywhentheyareyoungandfriendly.

HelenMessiterhadcometoWyomingbecausethecallofadventure,thedesireforexperienceoutsideofruttedconvention,werestirringherwarm-bloodedyouth.Shehadseenenoughoflifelivedinaparlor,andwhentherecameknockingatherdoorachancetoknowthebig,untamedoutdoorsatfirsthandshehadatonceembraceditlikealover.Shewaseagerforhernewlife,andshesetoutskillfullytomakethesementellherwhatshewantedtoknow.Tothem,ofcourse,itwasanoldstory,andwhateverofromanceitheldwasunconscious.ButsinceshewantedtotalkoftheWesttheyweremorethanreadytopleaseher.

Soshelistened,anddrewthemoutwithadroitquestionswhenitwasnecessary.Shemadethemtalkoflifeontheopenrange,ofrustlersandthosewholivedoutsidethelawintheupperShoshonecountry,ofthe

deadlywarwagingbetweenthecattleandsheepindustries.

"ArethereanysheepneartheLazyDranch?"sheasked,intenselyinterestedinSoapy'staleofhowcattleandsheepcouldnomorebegottomixthanoilandwater.

Foraninstantnobodyansweredherquestion;thenSoapyreplied,withwhatseemedelaboratecarelessness:

"NedBannisterrunsabunchofabouttwelvethousandnotmore'nfifteenortwentymilesfromyourplace."

"Andyousaytheyarespoilingtherange?"

"They'rece'tainlyspoilingitforcows."

"Butcan'tsomethingbedone?IfmycowsweretherefirstIdon'tseewhatrighthehastobringhissheepthere,"thegirlfrowned.

Theassembledcompanyattendedstrictlytosupper.Thegirl,surprisedatthestillness,lookedround."Well?"

"Nowyou'reshouting,ma'am!That'swhatwesay,"enthusedTexas,

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spurringtotherescue.

"Itdoesn'tmuchmatterwhatyousay.Whatdoyoudo?"askedHelen,impatiently."DoyouliedownandletMr.Bannisterandhiskinddrivetheirsheepoveryou?"

"Dowe,Soapy?"grinnedTexas.Yetitseemedtoherhissmilewasnotquitecarefree.

"I'mnotacowmanmyself,"explainedSoapytothegirl."NordoIrunsheep.I--"

"TellMissMessiterwhatyorebusinessis,Soapy,"advisedYorkyfromtheendofthetable,withamouthfulofbiscuitswellinghischeeks.

SoapycrushedtheirrepressibleYorkywithalook,butthatyoungmanhitbacksmilingly.

"Soapy,hesellssoap,ma'am.He'sasortercitysalesman,Ireckon."

"Ishouldneverhaveguessedit.Mr.SotherndoesnotLOOKlikeasalesman,"saidthegirl,withaglanceathisshrewd,hard,expressionlessface.

"Yes,ma'am,he'safirst-classsellerofsoap,isMr.Sothern,"chuckledthecow-puncher,kickinghisfriendsgaylyunderthetable.

"YoucanseeIneversoldHIMany,MissMessiter,"camebackSoapy,sorrowfully.

AllthiswasGreektotheyoungladyfromKalamazoo.HowwasshetoknowthatMr.Sothernhadvendedhissoapinsmallcubesonstreetcorners,andthathewrappedbanknotesofvariousdenominationsinthebars,whichsamewereretailedtoeagercustomersforthesmallsumoffiftycents,afteraguaranteethatthesoapwasgood?Hiscustomersrarelypatronizedhimtwice;andfrequentlytheyusedbadlanguagebecausethesoapwrappingwasnotasvaluableastheyhadexpected.Thiswas

manifestlyunfair,forMr.Sothern,whomadenoclaimstophilanthropy,oftenwarnedthemthatthesoapshouldbeboughtonitsmerits,andnotwithaneyesingletothepremiumthatmightormightnotaccompanythepackage.

"Istartedtotellyou,ma'am,whenthatinfantinterrupted,thatthecowmendon'taimtoquitbusinessyetawhile.They'vedrawnadead-line,MissMessiter."

"Adead-line?"

"Yes,ma'am,beyondwhichnosheepherderistorunhisbunch."

"Andifhedoes?"thegirlasked,openeyed.

"Hedon'tdoittwict,ma'am.Whydon'tyoupassthefritterstoMissMessiter,Slim?"

"AndaboutthisBannisterWhoishe?"

Herinnocentquestionseemedtoringabellforsilence;seemedtocarrywithitsomehiddenportentthatstoppedidleconversationasastrikingclockthatmarksthehourofanexecution.

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Thesmilethathadbeengaygrewgrim,andmenforgotthesubjectoftheirlight,casualtalk.ItwasSothernthatansweredher,andsheobservedthathisvoicewasgrave,hisfacestudiouslywithoutexpression.

"Mr.Bannister,ma'am,isasheepman."

"SoIunderstood,but--"Hereyestraveledswiftlyroundthetable,andappraisedthesuddensenseofresponsibilitythathadfallenonthesereckless,carelessfrontiersmen."Iamwonderingwhatelseheis.Really,heseemstobethebogeymanofGimletButte."

Therewasanotherinstantsilence,andagainitwasSoapythatliftedit."Iexpaictyou'lllikeWyoming,MissMessiter;leastwaysIhopeyouwill.There'sarightsmartofcountryhere."Hisgazewentoutoftheopendoortothevastseaofspacethatswaminthefinesunsetlight."Yes,mostfolksthatain'tplumbspoiltwithcitywayslikesit."

"Sureshe'lllikeit.Y'uwanttogetagood,easy-ridinghawss,MissMessiter,"advisedSlim.

"Andarifle,"addedTexas,promptly.

Itoccurredtoherthattheywereallworkingtogethertodrifttheconversationbacktoasafetopic.Shefollowedtheleadgivenher,butshemadeuphermindtoknowwhatitwasaboutherneighbor,Mr.Bannister,thesheepherder,thatneededtobehandledwithsuchwarinessandcircumspectionofspeech.

Herchancecamehalfanhourlater,whenshestoodtalkingtothelandladyonthehotelporchinthemellowtwilightthatseemedtorestonthelandlikeamoonlitaura.Forthemomenttheywerealone.

"WhatisitaboutthismanBannisterthatmakesmenafraidtospeakofhim?"shedemanded,withswiftimpulse.

Herlandlady'sstartledeyeswentalertlyroundtoseethattheywerealone."Hush,child!Youmustn'tspeakofhimlikethat,"warnedtheolderwoman.

"Whymustn'tI?That'swhatIwanttoknow."

"Isisn'thealthy."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

Againthatanxiouslookflashedroundinthedusk."TheBannisteroutfitistheworstintheland.NedBannisteriskingofthewholeBigHorncountryandbeyondthattotheTetons."

"Andyoumeantotellmethateverybodyisafraidofhim--thatmenlikeMr.Sotherndarenotsaytheirsoulistheirown?"thenewcomerasked,contemptuously.

"Notsoloud,child.HehasspieseverywhereThat'sthetrouble.Youdon'tknowwhoisinwithhim.He'sgotthewholeregionterrified."

"Ishesobad?"

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"Heisadevil.LastyearheandhishellriderssweptdownonTopazandkilledtwobartendersjusttoseethemkick,NedBannistersaid.Folksallowtheyknewtoomuch."

"Butthelaw--theGovernment?Haven'tyouasheriffandofficers?"

"Bannisterhas.Heelectsthesheriffinthiscounty."

"Aren'ttheremorehonestpeopleherethanvillains?"

"Tentimesasmany,butthetroubleisthatthehonestfolkscan'ttrusteachother.Yousee,ifoneofthemmadeamistakeandconfidedinthewrongman--well,somefinedayhewouldgoridingherdandwouldnotturnupatnight.Nextweek,ornextmonth,maybe,oneofhispartnersmightfindapileofbonesinanarroyo.

"HaveyoueverseenthisBannister?"

"YouMUSTspeaklowerwhenyoutalkofhim,MissMessiter,"thewomaninsisted."Yes,Isawhimonce;atleastIthinkIdid.Mightyfewfolksknowforsurethattheyhaveseenhim.Heisamystery,andhetravelsundermanynamesanddisguises."

"Whenwasityouthinkyousawhim?"

"TwoyearsagoatAyr.Thebankwaslootedthatnightandrobbedofthirtythousanddollars.Theyrousedthecashierfromhisbedandmadehimgivethecombination.Hedidn'twantto,andNedBannister"--hervoicesanktoatremulouswhisper--"putred-hotrunning-ironsbetweenhisfingerstillheweakened.Itwasamoonlightnight--muchsuchanightasthis--andafteritwasdoneIpeepedthroughtheblindofmyroomandsawthemrideaway.Herodeinfrontofthemandsanglikeanangel--diditoutofdaredeviltrytomockthepeopleofthetownthathadn'tnerveenoughtoshoothim.Yousee,heknewthatnobodywoulddarehurthim'countoftherevengeofhismen."

"Whatwashelike?"themistressoftheLazyDasked,strangelyawedat

thisrecitaloftranscendentvillainy.

"'Coursehewasmasked,andIdidn'tseehisface.ButI'dknowhimanywhere.He'salong,slimfellow,builtlikeamountainlion.Youcouldn'tlookathimandeverforgethim.He'soneofthesegraceful,easymenthatgosofurwithfoolwomen;oneofthekindthathalfshutshisdark,devileyesandmastersthemwithoutseemingtotry."

"Sohe'sawomankiller,too,ishe?AnymoreoutstandinginconsistenciesinthisversatileJesseJames?"

"He'splumbcrazyaboutmusic,theysay.HasapianoandplaysGriggandChopping,andallthatclassicalkindofmusic.Hewentcleardownto

DenverlastyeartohearMrs.Shoemansing."

Helensmiled,guessingatSchumann-Heinkasthesingerinquestion,andGriegandChopinasthecomposersnamed.Herinterestwasincrediblyaroused.ShehadexpectedtheWestanditsproductstoexhilarateher,butshehadnotlookedtofindsofinishedaMephistoamongitsvaunted"badmen."Hewasprobablyoverrated;consideredawonderbecausehisaccomplishmentsoutsteppedthoseoftherange.ButHelenMessiterhadquitedeterminedononething.Shewasgoingtomeetthisredoubtablevillainandmakeuphermindforherself.Already,beforeshehadbeen

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inWyomingsixhours,thisemancipatedyoungwomanhaddecidedonthat.

CHAPTER3.ANINVITATIONGIVENANDACCEPTED

Andalreadyshehadmethim.Notonlymethim,butsavedhimfromthejustvengeanceabouttofalluponhim.Shehadnotyetseenherownranch,hadnotspokentoasingleoneofheremployees,forithadbeenapartofherplantodropinunexpectedandexaminethesituationbeforeherforemanhadachancetoputhisbestfootforward.SoshehadstartedalonefromGimletButtethatmorninginhermachine,andhadcomealmostinsightoftheLazyDranchhouseswhenthebattleinthecouleeinvitedhertotakeahand.

Shehadactedongenerousimpulse,andtheunforeseenresulthadbeentosavethisdesperadofromjustice.Buttheworstofitwasthatshecouldnotfinditinherhearttoregretit.Grantedthathewasavillain,double-dyedandbeyondhope,yethewasthehomeofsuchcourage,suchvirility,thatherunconsentingadmirationwentoutinspiteofherself.Hewas,atanyrate,aMAN,square-jawed,resolute,implacable.Inthesinuoustrailofhislifemightliearson,robbery,murder,buthestillheldtothatdynamicsparkofself-respectthatisakintothedivine.Norwasitpossibletobelievethatthoseunblinkinggrayeyes,with

thecapabilityofalatentsadnessofdespairinthem,expressedasoulentirelywithoutnobility.Hehadacertaingallantease,acertainattractivecandor,thatdidnotconsistwithvillainyunadulterated.

ItwascharacteristicevenofherimpulsivenessthatHelenMessitercurbedtheswiftcondemnationthatleapedtoherlipswhensheknewthatthemansittingbesideherwasthenotoriousbanditoftheShoshonefastnesses.Shewasnotintheleastafraid.Asureinstincttoldherhewasnotthekindofamanofwhomawomanneedhavefearsolongasherownanchorheldfast.Ingoodtimeshemeanttolethimhaveherunvarnishedopinionofhim,butshedidnotmeanittobeanunconsideredone.Whereforeshedrovethemachineforwardtowardthecamelbackedpeakhehadindicated,hereyesstraightbeforeher,afrown

corrugatingherforehead.

Forhim,havingmadehisdramaticannouncement,heseemedcontentforthepresentwithsilence.Heleanedbackinthecarandappreciatedherwithacoolnessthatjustmissedimpudence.Certainlyherappearanceproclaimedherverymuchworthwhile.Todwellonthelonglinesofhersuppleyoungbody,theexquisitethroatandchincurve,wasapleasurewithathrilltoit.Asaphysicalcreation,amereinnocentyounganimal,hethoughtherperfect;attunedtoafineharmonyofgraceandcolor.Butitwastheanimatingvitalityofher,thelightnessofmotion,thefireandsparkleofexpressionthatgaveherthecaptivatingcharmshepossessed.

Theyweretwomilesnearerthecamel-backedpeakbeforehebrokethesilence.

"Beatsabroncoforgettingovertheground.ThinkI'llhavetogetone,"hemusedaloud.

"WiththemoneyyoutookfromtheAyrbank?"sheflashed.

"Imightdriveoffsomeofyourcowsandsellthem,"hecountered,promptly."Abouthowmuchwilltheyholdmeupforamachinelikethis?"

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"Thisisonlyarunabout.Youcangetonefortwelveorfourteenhundreddollarsofanybody'smoney."

"Ofyours?"helaughed.

"Ihaven'tthatmuchwithme.Ifyou'llcomeoverandholduptheranchperhapswemightraiseitamongus,"shejeered.

Hismirthwasgenuine."ButrightnowIcouldn'tgetmorethanhowmuchoffy'u?"

"Sixty-threedollarsisallIhavewithme,andIcouldn'tgiveyoumore--NOTEVENIFYOUPUTREDHOTIRONSBETWEENMYFINGERS."Shegaveittohimstraight,herblueeyesfixedsteadilyonhim.

Yetshewasnotpreparedfortheeffectofherwords.Thelastthingshehadexpectedwastoseethebloodwashoutofhisbronzedface,toseehissensitivenostrilstwitchwithpain.Hemadeherfeelasifshehadinsultedhim,asifshehadbeenneedlesslycruel.Andbecauseofitshehardenedherheart.Whyshouldshesparehimthementionofit?Hehadnothesitatedattheshamelessdeeditself.Whyshouldsheshrinkbeforethatwoundedlookthatleapedtohisfineeyesinthatflashoftimebeforehehardenedthemtosteel?

"Youdidit--didn'tyou?"shedemanded.

"That'swhattheysay."Hisgazemetherdefiantly.

"Anditistrue,isn'tit?"

"Oh,anythingistrueofamanthatherdssheep,"hereturned,bitterly.

"IfthatistrueitwouldnotbepossibleforyoutounderstandhowmuchIdespiseyou."

"Thankyou,"heretorted,ironically.

"Idon'tunderstandatall.Idon'tseehowyoucanbethemantheysayyouare.BeforeImetyouitwaseasytounderstand.Butsomehow--Idon'tknow--youdon'tLOOKlikeavillain."Shefoundherselfstrangelyvoicingthedeephopeofherheart.Itwassurelyimpossibletolookathimandbelievehimguiltyofthethingsofwhich,hewasaccused.Andyetheofferednodenial,suggestednodefense.

Hertroubledeyeswentoverhisthin,sunbakedfacewithitstouch,ofbitterness,andshedidnotfinditpossibletodismissthesubjectwithoutgivinghimachancetosethimselfright.

"Youcan'tbeasbadastheysay.Youarenot,areyou?"sheasked,

naively.

"Whatdoy'uthink?"heresponded,coolly.

Sheflushedangrilyatwhatsheacceptedashisinsolence."Amanofanydecencywouldhavejumpedatthechancetoexplain."

"Butifthereisnothingtoexplain?"

"Youarethenguilty."

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Theireyesmet,andneitherofthemquailed.

"IfIpleadednotguiltywouldy'ubelieveme?"

Shehesitated."Idon'tknow.HowcouldIwhenitisknownbyeverybody?Andyet--"

Hesmiled."WhyshouldItroubley'u,then,withexplanations?Ireckonwe'llletitgoatguilty."

"Isthatallyoucansayforyourself?"

Heseemedtohangindoubtaninstant,thenshookhisheadandrefusedtheopening.

"IexpectifwechangedthesubjectIcouldsayagooddealfory'u,"hedrawled."Ineversawanythingpluckierthanthewayy'uflewdownfromthemesaandconductedthecutting-outexpedition.Y'usuredrilledthroughyourpuncherslikeastreakoflightning."

"Ididn'tknowwhoyouwere,"sheexplained,proudly.

"Wouldithavemadeanydifferenceify'uhad?"

Againtheangryflushtouchedhercheeks."Notabit.Iwouldhavesavedyouinordertohaveyouproperlyhangedlater,"shecutbackpromptly.

Heshookhisheadgayly."I'mce'tainlygoingtodisappointy'usome.Yourenterprisingpunchersmaycollectmeyet,butnotalive,Ireckon."

"I'llgivethemstrictorderstobringyouinalive."

"Didyoueverwantthemoonwheny'uwasalittlekid?"heasked.

"We'llsee,Mr.OutlawBannister."

Helaughedsoftly,inthequiet,indolentfashionthatwouldhavebeenpleasantifithadnotbeenather."It'srightkindofyoutotakesomuchinterestinme.I'dmostbewillingtoobligebylettingyourboysropemetorenewthisacquaintance,ma'am."Then,"IgetouthereMissMessiter,"headded.

Shestoppedontheinstant.Plainlyshecouldnotgetridofhimtoosoon."Haven'tyouforgotonething?"sheasked,ironically.

"Yes,ma'am.Tothankyouproperforwhaty'udidforme."Helimpedgingerlydownfromthecarandstoodwithhishandononeofthetires."Ihavebeentryingtothinkhowtosayitright;butIguessI'llhavetogiveitup.AllisthatifIevergetachancetoeventhescore--"

Shewavedhisthanksasideimpatiently"Ididn'tmeanthat.Youhaveforgottentotakemypurse."

Hisgravitywasbrokenontheinstant,andhislaughterwascertainlydelightfullyfresh."Icleanforgot,butIexpectI'lldropovertotheranchforitsomeday."

"We'lltrytomaketomakeyouwelcome,Mr.Bannister."

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"Don'tputyourselfoutatall.I'lltakepot-luckwhenIcome."

"Howmanyofyoumayweexpect?"sheasked,defiantly.

"Oh,Iallowtocomealone."

"You'llverylikelyforget."

"No,ma'am,Idon'tknowsomanyladiesthatI'mliabletosuchanoversight.

"Ihaveheardadifferentstory.Butifyoudoremembertocome,andwillletusknowwhenyouexpecttohonortheLazyD,I'llhavemessengerssenttomeetyou."

Heperfectlyunderstoodhertomeanleadenones,andthehumorousgleaminhiseyesparkledinappreciationofherspirit."Idon'twantallthatfussmadeoverme.IreckonI'lldropinunexpected,"hesaid.

Shenoddedcurtly."Good-bye.Hopeyouranklewon'ttroubleyouverymuch."

"Thanky'u,ma'am.Ireckonitwon't.Good-bye,MissMessiter."

OutofthetailofhereyeshesawhimbowinglikeanItalianoperasinger,asimpudentlyinsouciant,asgracefullygracelessasanystagevillaininhermemory.Onceagainshesawhim,whenhermachinesweptroundacurveandshecouldlookbackwithoutseemingtodoso,limpingacrossthroughthesagebrushtowardalittlehillockneartheroad.Andasshelookedthebare,curlyheadwasinclinedtowardherinanotherlow,mockingbow.Hewascertainlythegallantestvagabondunhanged.

CHAPTER4.ATTHELAZYDRANCH

HelenMessiterwasayoungwomanverymuchalive,whichimpliesthatshe

wasgiventoemotions;andashermachineskimmedoverthegroundtotheLazyDshehadthemtospare.Forfromthefirstthisyoungmanhadtakenhereye,andithadcomeuponherwithadistinctshockthathewasthenotoriousscoundrelwhowasterrorizingthecountryside.Shetoldherselfalmostpassionatelythatshewouldneverhavebelieveditifhehadnotsaidsohimself.Sheknewquitewellthatthecoldnessthathadclutchedherheartwhenhegavehisnamehadhadnothingtodowithfear.Therehadbeenchagrin,disappointment,butnothingintheleastliketheterrorshemighthaveexpected.Thesimpletruthwasthathehadseemedsomuchamanthatithadhurthertofindhimalsoawildbeast.

Deepinherheartsheresentedtheconvictionforceduponher.Reckless

heundoubtedlywas,atoddswiththelawsurely,butitwashardtoadmitthatattractivepersonalitytobethemaskoffiendishcrueltyandsinistermalice.Andyet--thefactsspokeforthemselves.Hehadnotevenattemptedadenial.Stilltherewasamysteryabouthim,elsehowwasitpossiblefortwosodistinctpersonalitiestodwelltogetherinthesamebody.

Shehatedhimwithallherlustyyoungwill;notonlyforwhathewas,butalsoforwhatshehadbeendisappointedinnotfindinghimafterherfirstinstinctiveliking.Yetitwaswithanoddlittlethrillthat

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sherandownagainintothecouleewhereherprosaiclifehadfounditsfirstrealadventure.Hemightbealltheysaid,butnothingcouldwipeoutthefactsthatshehadofferedherlifetosavehis,andthathehadlentherhisbodyasalivingshieldforoneexhilaratingmomentofdanger.

Asshereachedthehillsummitbeyondthecoulee,HelenMessiterwasawarethatariderinungainlychapsofwhitewoolwasrapidlyapproaching.Hedippeddownintothenextdepressionwithoutseeingher;andwhentheycamefacetofaceatthetopoftherisetheresultwasinstantaneous.Hisponydidananimatedtwo-stepnotontheprogramme.Ittookoneglanceatthediabolicalmachine,andwentuponitshindlegs,preliminarytogivinganelaborateexhibitionofpitching.Theriderindulgedinvividprofanityandpliedhisquirtvigorously.Butthebronco,withthefearofthisunknownevilonitssoul,varieditsbuckingsoeffectivelythatthepuncherastrideitshurricanedeckwasforced,inthelanguageofhiskind,to"takethedust."

Hisredheadsailedthroughtheairandlandedinthewhitesandatthegirl'sfeet.Foramomenthesatintheroadandgazedwithchagrinafterthevanishingheelsofhismount.Thenhiswrathfuleyescameroundtotheownerofthemachinethathadcausedtheeruption.Hismouthhadopenedtogiveadequateexpressiontohisfeelings,whenhediscoveredanewtheforgottenfactthathewasdealingwithawoman.

Hisjawhungopenforaninstantinamaze;andwhenherememberedtheuneditedvocabularyhehadturnedlooseontheworldafloodofpurpleswepthistannedface.

Shewantedtolaugh,butwiselyrefrained."I'mverysorry,"waswhatshesaid.

Hestaredinsilenceasheslowlypickedhimselffromtheground.Hisredhairroselikethequillsofaporcupineaboveafacethathadtheappearanceofbeingunfinished.Neithernosenormouthnorchinseemedtobequitedefiniteenough.

Shechokeddownhergayetyandofferedrenewedapologies.

"Iwasgoingforadoc,"heexplained,bywayofopeninghisshareoftheconversation.

"ThenperhapsyouhadbetterjumpinwithmeandridebacktotheLazyD.Isupposethat'swhereyoucamefrom?"

Hescratchedhisvividheadhelplessly."Yes,ma'am."

"Thenjumpin."

"IwasgoingtoBearCreek,ma'am,"headdeddubiously.

"Howfarisit?"

"'Bouttwenty-fivemiles,andthensome."

"Youdon'texpecttowalk,doyou?"

"No;Iallowed--"

"I'lltakeyoubacktotheranch,whereyoucangetanotherhorse."

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"Ireckon,ma'am,I'drutherwalk."

"Nonsense!Why?"

"Iain'tusedtothemgaswagons."

"It'squitesafe.Thereisnothingtobeafraidof."

Reluctantlyhegotinbesideher,ashappyasacalfinabrandingpen.

"AreyoutheladythatsashaidoffwithNedBannister?"heaskedpresently,afterhehadhadtimetosmothersuccessivelysomeofhisfear,wonderanddelightattheirsmooth,swiftprogress.

"Yes.Why?"

"Theboysallowyouhadn'toughterhavedoneit."Then,toplacetheresponsibilityproperlyonshouldersbroaderthanhisown,headded:"That'swhatJuddsays."

"AndwhoisJudd?"

"Judd,he'stheforemanoftheLazyD."

Belowthemappearedthecorralsandhousesofaranchnestlinginalittlevalleyflankedbyhills.

"Thisyere'stheLazyD,"announcedtheyouth,withpride,andinthespiritoffriendlinesssuggestedacaution."Judd,he'ssomepeppery.Youwantersmoothhimdownsome,seeingashe'sriledupto-day."

Aflickerofsteelcameintotheblueeyes."Indeed!Well,hereweare."

"Ifitain'tReddy,ANDtheladywiththeflyingmachine,"murmuredafreckledyouthnamedMcWilliams,emergingfromthebunkhousewithapanofwaterwhichhadbeenusedtobathethewoundofoneofthepuncturedcombatants.

"What'sthat?"snappedavoicefromwithin;andimmediatelyitsownerappearedinthedoorwayandboredwithnarrowedblackeyestheyoungwomaninthemachine.

"Whoareyou?"hedemanded,brusquely.

"Yourtarget,"sheanswered,quietly."Wouldyouliketotakeanothershotatme?"

Thefreckledladbrokeoutintoagurgleoflaughter,atwhichtheblack,swarthymanbesidehimwheeledroundinarage."Whatyoucacklin'at,Mac?"hedemanded,inalowvoice.

"Oh,thethingsInotice,"returnedthatyouthjauntily,meetingtheother'sangerwithouttheflickerofaneyelid.

"Itain'thealthytobesonoticin',"insinuatedtheother.

"Y'udon'tsay,"cametheprompt,sarcasticretort."Ifyou'resuchadarnedgoodjudgeofhealth,y'ubetterbeattendingtosomeofyourpatients."Hejerkedacasualthumboverhisshouldertowardthebunksonwhichlaythewoundedmen.

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"Ishouldn'twonderbutwhattheremightbeanotherpatientformetoattendto,"snarledtheforeman.

"Thatso?Well,turnyourwolfloosewheny'ugettofeelin'realdevilish,"jeeredtheundismayedone,strollingforwardtoassistMissMessitertoalight.

ThemistressoftheLazyDhadbeenawareofthebyplay,butshehadcaughtneitherthewordsnortheirimport.Shetooktheofferedbrownhandsmilingly,forhereagainshelookedintothefrankeyesoftheWest,unafraidandsteady.Shejudgedhimnotmorethantwenty-two,buttheschoolwherehehadlearnedoflifehadheldopenandstrenuoussessioneverydaysincehecouldremember.

"Gladtomeety'u,ma'am,"heassuredher,inthecurrentphraseofthesemi-aridlands.

"I'msureIamgladtomeetYOU,"sheanswered,heartily."CanyoutellmewhereistheforemanoftheLazyD?"

Heintroducedwithasmiletheswarthymaninthedoorway."Thisishimma'am--Mr.JuddMorgan."

NowithappenedthatMr.JuddMorganwassimmeringwithsuppressedspleen.

"AllI'vegottosayisthatyouhadnobusinessmixingupinthatshootin'affairbackthere.Perhapsyoudon'tknowthatthemanyousavedisNedBannister,theoutlaw,"washissurlygreeting.

"Oh,yes,Iknowthat."

"Thenwhatd'yemean--Whoareyou,anyway?"Hisinsolenteyescoastedmalevolentlyoverher.

"HelenMessiterismyname."

Itwasludicroustoseethechangethatcameovertheman.Hehadbeenpreparedtobullyher;andwithawordshehadprickedthebubbleofhisarrogance.Heswallowedhisangerandgotamechanicalsmileinworkingorder.

"Gladtoseeyouhere,MissMessiter,"hesaid,hissinistergazeattemptingtomeethersfrankly"Ibeenlookingforyoueveryday."

"Buty'umanagedtosurprisehim,afterallma'am,"chuckledMac.

"Where'syo'hawss,Reddy?"inquiredatallyoungman,whohadappearedsilentlyinthedoorwayofthebunkhouse.

Reddypinkedviolently."Ihadanaccident,Denver,"heexplained."Thisladyyereshe--"

"Scoopedy'urightoffyorehawss.Y'udon'tsay,"sympathizedMacsobreathlesslythatevenReddyjoinedinthechorusoflaughterthatwentupathisexpense.

Theyoungwomanthoughttomakeiteasyforhim,andsuggestedanexplanation.

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"Hishorseisn'tusedtoautomobiles,andsowhenitmetthisone--"

"Igotoff,"interposedReddyhastily,displayingacomplexionlikeaboiledbeet.

"Hegotoff,"Macexplainedgravelytotheincreasingaudience.

Denvernoddedwithanimperturbableface."Hegotoff."

MacintroducedMissMessitertosuchofheremployeesaswereonhand."ShakehandswithMissMessiter,Missou,"wastheformula,thenamealonevaryingtosuittheembarrassedgentlemeninleathers.Eachoftheminturnpresentedahugehand,inwhichherlittleonedisappearedforthetime,andwassawedupanddownintheairlikeapump-handle.Yetifshewasamusedshedidnotshowit;andherpleasureatmeetingthesimple,elementalproductsoftheplainsoutweighedagreatdealhersenseoftheludicrous.

"Howareyourpatientsgettingalong?"shepresentlyaskedofherforeman.

"Ireckonallright.IsentReddyforadoc,but--"

"Hegotoff,"murmuredMacpensively.

"I'llgoropeanotherhawss,"putinthemanwhohadgotoff.

"Getajumponyou,then.MissMessiter,wouldyouliketolookovertheplace?"

"Notnow.Iwanttoseethementhatwerehurt.PerhapsIcanhelpthem.OnceItookafewweeksinnursing."

"Bullyforyou,ma'am,"whoopedMac."I'veanotionthoseboysaresufferin'forawomantoputthediamond-hitchonthembandages."

"Bringthatsuit-casein,"shecommandedDenver,inthegentlestvoicehehadeverheard,aftershehadmadeahastyinspectionofthefirstwoundedman.

Fromthesuit-caseshetookalittleleathermedicine-case,thekindthatcanbeboughtalreadypreparedforuse.Itheldamongotherthingsarollofmedicatedcotton,someantiseptictablets,andalittlesteelinstrumentforprobing.

"Somewarmwater,please;andhavesomeboilingontherange,"werehernextcommands.

Macflewtoexecutethem.

Itwasapleasuretoseeherwork,sodeftlytheskillfulhandsaccomplishedwhatherbraintoldthem.Inadmiringawethepunchersstoodawkwardlyaroundwhileshewashedanddressedthehurts.Twoofthebulletshadgonethroughthefleshypartofthearmandleftcleanwounds.Inthecaseofthethirdmanshehadtoprobeforthelead,butfortunatelyfounditwithlittledifficulty.Meanwhileshesoothedthevictimwithgentlewomanlysympathy.

"Iknowithurtsagooddeal.JustaminuteandI'llbethrough."

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Hishandsclutchedtightlytheedgesofhisbunk."That'sallright,doc.YouattendtoropingthatpillandI'llendurethegrief."

Alongsighofreliefwentupfromtheassembledcowboyswhenshedrewthebulletout.

Thesinewyhandsfastenedonthewoodenbunkrelaxedsuddenly.

"'Frisco'sdaid,"gaspedthecook,whoborethetitleofWunHopfornoreasonexceptthathewasanIrishmaninaplaceformerlyheldbyaChinese.

"Hehasonlyfainted,"shesaidquietly,andcontinuedwiththeantisepticdressing.

Whenitwasallover,thebig,tannedmengatheredattheentrancetothecalfcorralandexpandedinadmirationoftheirnewboss.

"She'sapureforfair.Shegradesupanyoldwayyuhtakehertothebestcorn-fedarticleonthemarket,"pronouncedDenver,withenthusiasm.

"Igottoridetheboundary,"sighedMissou."Ikinderhatetogoright

now."

"Here,too,"acquiescedanother."Igotaround-uponWindCreektocutoutthemtwo-year-olds.If'twasmysay-so,I'dorderMaconthatjob."

"Rightkindofy'u.Seemstome"--Mac'ssarcasticeyetrailedaroundtoincludeallthosewhohadbeensingingherpraises--"thenewqueenofthishaciendawon'thavenotroubleatallpickingaprinceconsortwhenshegetsroundtoit.Here'sWunHop,notwhaty'umightcallanxious,butce'tainlywilling.ThenDenver'ssomeintheturtle-dovebusiness,accordingtothathash-slingerinCheyenne.Missoumightbeinducedtoacceptifitwasofferedhimproper;andIallowJimain'tturnedthecolorofRedtop'shairjestforinstance.Idon'twanttoleaveout

'FriscoandtheotherboyscarryingBannister'spills--"

"NorMcWilliams.I'dadmiretoincludehim,"murmuredDenver.

Thatsunburned,nonchalantyouthlaughedmusically."Surething.I'dhatetobeleftout.Theonlydifferenceis--"

"Well?"

Hisrovingeyecircledblandlyround."Istandaboutoneshowinamillion.Y'uroughnecksaredeadonesalready."

WithwhichcoldcomforthesaunteredawaytojoinMissMessiterand

theforeman,whonowappearedtogetheratthedooroftheranchhouse,preparedtomakeatourofthebuildingsandtheimmediatecorrals.

"Isn'tthereawomanontheplace?"shewasaskingMorgan.

"No'm,thereain't.Henderson'sdaughterwouldcomeandstaywithy'uawhileIreckon."

"Pleasesendforheratonce,then,andaskhertocometo-day."

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"Allright.I'llsendoneoftheboysrightaway."

"Howdidy'uleave'Frisco,ma'am?"askedMac,bywayofincludinghimselfeasily.

"He'srestingquietly.Unlessblood-poisoningsetsintheyoughtalltodowell."

"It'srightluckyforthemy'uhappenedalong.Thisisthehawsscorral,ma'am,"explainedtheyoungmanjustasMorganopenedhisthinlipstotellher.

Juddcontrivedtogetridofhimpromptly."Slaponasaddle,Mac,andrunuptheremudasoMissMessitercanseethehawssesforherself,"heordered.

"Mebbeshe'dratherridedownandlookatthebunch,"suggestedthecapableMcWilliams.

Asitchanced,shedidprefertoridedownthepastureandlookovertheplacefromonhorseback.Shewasinlovewithherranchalready.Itsspaciousdistances,thethousandsofcattleandthehorses,thesepicturesqueretainerswhoservedhereventothesheddingofanenemy'sblood;theyallstruckanansweringechoinhergallantyoungheart

thatnothinginKalamazoohadbeenabletostir.Shebubbledoverwithenthusiasm,thewhileMorgancovertlysneeredandMcWilliamswarmedtotheuntamedyouthinher.

"WhataboutthismanBannister?"sheflungoutsuddenly,aftertheyhadcanteredbacktothehousewhentheremudahadbeeninspected.

Herabruptquestionbroughtagaintheshort,tensesilenceshehadbecomeusedtoexpect.

"Herunssheepabouttwentyorthirtymilessouthwestofhere,"explainedMcWilliams,inacarefullycasualtone.

"Soeverybodytellsme,butitseemstomehespillsagooddealofleadonmymen,"sheansweredimpatiently."What'sthetrouble?"

"Lastweekhecrossedthedead-linewithabunchoffivethousandsheep."

"Whodrawsthisdead-line?"

"Thecattlemengottogetheranddrewit.Yourunclewasoneofthosethatmarkeditoff,ma'am."

"AndBannistercrossedit?"

"Yes,ma'am.Yesterday'Friscocomeonhimandoneofhisherderswithabigbunchofthemlessthanfifteenmilesfromhere.Hedidn'tknowitwasBannister,andtookapot-shotathim.'CourseBannistercamebackathim,andhegotFriscointhelaig."

"Didn'tknowitwasBannister?WhatdifferenceWOULDthatmake?"shesaidimpatiently.

Maclaughed."Whatdifferencewoulditmake,Judd?"

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Morganscowled,andtheyoungmanansweredhisownquestion."Wedon'tanyofusgooutofourwaymore'namiletocrossBannister'strail,"hedrawled.

"Doyouwearthisforanornament?Areyouupholsteredwithhardwaretocatchtheeyesofsomegirl?"sheasked,touchingwiththeendofherwhiptherevolverintheholsterstrappedtohischaps.

Hisserene,gaysmileflashedather."Arey'uorderingmetogooutandgetNedBannister'sscalp?"

"No,Iamnot,"sheexplainedpromptly."WhatIamtryingtodiscoveriswhyyouallseemtobeafraidofoneman.Heisonlyaman,isn'the?"

Aveiloficeseemedtofallovertheboyishfaceandleaveitchiseledmarble.Hisunspeakingeyesrestedontheswarthyforemanasheanswered:

"Idon'tknowwhatheis,ma'am.Hemaybeoneman,orhemaybeahundred.What'smore,Iain'tparticularlysufferingtofindout.Factis,Ihaven'tlostanyBannisters."

Thegirlbecameawarethatherforemanwaslookingatherwithawarysilentvigilancesinisterinitsintensity.

"Inshort,you'reliketherestofthepeopleinthissection.You'reafraid."

"Nowy'u'reshoutin',MissMessiter.Isureamwhenitcomestoshootin'offmymouthaboutBannister."

"Andyou,Mr.Morgan?"

Itstruckherthattheyoungpuncherwaitedwithacuriousinterestfortheansweroftheforeman.

"DiditlooklikeIwasafraidthismawnin',ma'am?"heasked,with

narrowedeyes.

"No,youallseemedbraveenoughthen,whenyouhadhimeighttoone."

"Iwasn'tthere,"hastilyputinMcWilliams."Idon'tgogunningformymanwithoutgivinghimashow."

"Ido,"retortedMorgancruelly."I'dgoifwewasfiftytoone.We'd'a'gothim,too,ifithadn'tbeenforMissMessiter.'Twasachanceweain'tlikelytogetagainforayear."

"Itwasn'tyourfaultyoudidn'tkillhim,Mr.Morgan,"shesaid,lookinghardathim."Youmaybeinterestedtoknowthatyourlastshot

missedhimonlyaboutsixinches,andmeaboutfour."

"Ididn'tknowwhoyouwere,"hesullenlydefended.

"Isee.Youonlyshootatwomenwhenyoudon'tknowwhotheyare."SheturnedherbackonhimpointedlyandaddressedherselftoMcWilliams."YoucantellthemenworkingonthisranchthatIwon'thaveanymoresuchattacksonthismanBannister.Idon'tcarewhatorwhoheis.Idon'tproposetohavehimmurderedbymyemployees.Letthelawtakehimandhanghim.Doyouhear?"

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"Ice'tainlydo,andtheboyswillgetthewordstraight,"hereplied.

"ItakeitsinceyuharegivingyourordersthroughMac,yuhdon'tneedmeanylongerforyourforeman,"bulliedMorgan.

"Youtakeitright,sir,"camehercrispreply."McWilliamswillbemyforemanfromto-day."

Theman'sface,malignantandwolfish,suddenlylostitsmask.Thatshewouldsopromptlycallhisbluffwasthelastthinghehadexpected."That'sallright.Ireckonyuhthinkyuhknowyourownbusiness,butI'llputittoyuhstraight.Longasyuhliveyou'llbesorryforthis."

Andwiththathewheeledaway.

Sheturnedtohernewforemanandfoundhimlessradiantthanshecouldhavedesired."I'mrightsorryy'udidthat.I'mafraidy'u'llmaketroubleforyourself,"hesaidquietly.

"Why?"

"Idon'tknowmyselfjustwhy."Hehesitatedbeforeadding:"TheysayhimandBannisteristhickerthanthey'doughttobe.It'sacinchthat

he'sincahootssomehowwiththatShoshonebunchofbadmen."

"But--why,that'sridiculous.OnlythismorninghewastryingtokillBannisterhimself."

"That'swhatIdon'tjustsavvy.There'sawholelotaboutthatbusinessIdon'tgetnextto.IguessBannisterisattheheadofthem.Everybodyseemsagreedaboutthat.Butthewholethingisatangleofcontradictiontome.I'vemilleditoveraheapinmymind,too."

"Whataresomeofthecontradictions?"

"Well,here'sonerightoffthebat,asweusedtosaybackinthe

States.Bannisterisagreatmusician,theyclaim;finesinger,andallthat.NowIhappentoknowhecan'tsinganymorethanabellowingyearling."

"Howdoyouknow?"sheasked,hereyesshiningwithinterest.

"BecauseIheardhimtryit.'TwasonedaylastsummerwhenIwasoutcuttingtrailofabunchofstraysdownbyDeadCowCreek.Thedaywashot,andIlaydownbehindacottonwoodanddroppedofftosleep.WhenIawakeneditdidn'ttakemelonger'nanhourtodiscoverwhathadwokeme.Somebodyontheothersideofthecreekwastryingtosing.Itwasce'tainlythelimit.PrettysoonhecomeoutofthebrushandIseenitwasBannister."

"You'resureitwasBannister?"

"Ifseeingisbelieving,I'msure."

"Andwashissingingreallysobad?"

"I'dhateevertohearworse."

"Washesingingwhenyousawhim?"

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"No,he'djustquit.Hecaughtsightofmyponygrazing,andhuntedcoverrealprompt."

"Thenitmighthavebeenanothermansinginginthethicket."

"Itmight,butitwasn't.Y'usee,I'dfollowedhimthroughthebushbyhissong,andheshowedupthemomentIexpectedhim."

"Stilltheremighthavebeenanothermantheresinging."

"Onechanceinamillion,"heconceded.

Asuddenhopeflamedupliketowinherheart.Perhaps,afterall,NedBannisterwasnottheleaderoftheoutlaws.Perhapssomebodyelsewasmasqueradinginhisname,usingBannister'sunpopularityasashieldtocoverhisiniquities.Still,thiswasanunlikelyhypothesis,shehadtoadmit.Forwhyshouldheallowhisgoodnametobedraggedinthedustwithoutanyefforttosaveit?OnasuddenimpulsethegirlconfidedherdoubttoMcWilliams.

"Youdon'tsupposetherecanbeanymistake,doyou?SomehowIcan'tthinkhimasbadastheysay.Helooksawfullyreckless,butonefeelsonecouldtrusthisface."

"Samehere,"agreedthenewforeman."FirstoffwhenIsawhimmythinkwas,'I'dliketohavethatmanbackingmyplaywhenI'msittinginthegamewithOldManHardLuckreachingoutformybluechips.'"

"Youdon'tthinkfaceslie,doyou?"

"I'veseenthemthatdid,but,gen'rallyspeaking,tonguesareaheaplikeliertogettangledwiththetruth.ButIreckonthereain'tanydoubtaboutBannister.He'sknownoverallthisWesterncountry."

Theyoungwomansighed."I'mafraidyou'reright."

CHAPTER5.THEDANCEATFRASER'S

"HeardtellyetofthedanceovertoFraser's?"

HewasayoungmanofabrickredcountenanceandheworelooselyroundhisneckthebestpolkadotsilkhandkerchiefthatcouldbeboughtinGimletButte,alsosuchgalaattireaswasusuallyreservedonlyforeventsofimportance.Sittinghishorsecarelesslyintheplainsman'sindolentfashion,heaskedhisquestionofMcWilliamsinfrontoftheLazyDbunkhouse.

"Nope.Whendoestheshindigcomeoff?"

"Fridaynight.Bigthing.Y'uwanttobethere.Ally'ulads."

"Mebbesomeofuswillrideover."

Heofthepolkadotkerchiefdidnotappearquitesatisfied.Hisglancewanderedtowardthehouse,asithadbeendoingoccasionallysincethemomentofhisarrival.

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"Y'ubetthisdanceisacehigh,Mac.Fancycostumesandmasks.Y'ucanrentthecostumesovertoSlauson'sforthreeper.Texas,he'sgoingtocallthedances.MusicfromGimletButte.Y'uwanttogetittuckedawayinyourthinkerthatthisdanceain'tontheorderofculls.No,sirree,it'scornfed."

"Gladtohearofit.I'llcipheroutsomehowtobethere,Slim."

Slim'sglancetookintheranchhouseagain.Hehadriddentwenty-threemilesoutofhiswaytocatchaglimpseofthenewlyarrivedmistressoftheLazyD,thereportofwhosegoodlooksandadventureshadtraveledhandinhandthroughmanycanonseventotheheartoftheTetons.IthadbeenonSkunkCreekthathehadheardofherthreedaysbefore,andnowhehadcometoverifythetongueofrumor,toseeherquitecasually,ofcourse,anddohisownappraising.Itbegantolookasifheweregoingtohavetorideoffwithoutaglimpseofher.

Henoddedtowardthehouse,turningashademorepurplethanhisnativecholerichue."Y'uwanttobringyourbosswithy'u,Mac.Webeenhearingarightsmartlotaboutherandtheboyswouldadmiretohaveherpresent.It'sgoingtobestrictlyaccordingtoHoyle--norough-houseplaysgo,y'understand."

"I'llspeaktoheraboutit."Mac'sdeepamusementdidnotreachthe

surface.HewasquitewellawarethatSlimwasplayingfortimeandthathewastoobashfultoplumpoutthedesirethatwasinhim."Greatthewaycowsarejumpin',ain'tit?"

"Sure.Well,I'llbemovin'alongtoSlauson's.Ijustdrappedinonmyway.Thoughtmebbey'uhadn'theardtellofthedance."

"Muchobliged.WasitforoldmanSlausony'udugupallthemtogs,Slim?He'llce'tainlyadmiretoseey'uinthatsilktableclothy'ugotroundyourneck."

Slim'spurpledeepenedagain."Y'ugotograss,Mac.Idon'taimtoasky'utobemyvalleyyetawhile."

"C'rect.IwasjustwonderingdoalltheTriangleBarboysridetherangesohandsome?"

"Don'ty'uworryabouttheTriangleBarboys,"advisedtheembarrassedSlim,gatheringuphisbridlereins.

Withonemorereluctantglanceinthedirectionofthehouseherodeaway.Whenhereachedthecorralhelookedbackagain.Hisgazeshowedhimtheboyishforemandoubledupwithlaughter;alsothesweepofawhiteskirtdescendingfromthepiazza.

"Now,ain'tthathoodooedluck?"theaggrievedrideroftheTriangleBar

outfitdemandedofhimself,"Imademygetawayaboutthreeshakestoosoon,bygum!"

HerforemanwasinthethroesofmirthwhenHelenMessiterreachedhim.

"Includemeinthejoke,"shesuggested.

"Oh,Iwasjustthinkin',"heexplainedinadequately.

"Doesitalwaystakeyouthatway?"

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"Abouttheseboysthatdropinsofrequentonbusinessthesedays.Funnyhowfondthey'regettingoftheLazyD.Therewasthatstockdetectivehappenedinyesterdaytoshowhowanxioushewasaboutyourcows.ThenthetwoWillowCreekridersthatwantedajobpunchingfory'u,nottomentionmentiontheShoshoneminerandthestorekeeperfromGimletButteandSoapySothernand--"

"StillIdon'tquiteseethejoke."

"Itain'tanyjokewiththem.Seriousbusiness,ma'am."

"Whathappenedtostartyouonthisline?"

"Theladridingdowntheroadonthatpiebaldpinto.Hecometwentymilesoutofhisway,plumbdressedforawedding,alltogivemeaninvitetoadanceatFraser's.Y'uwouldcallthatrealthoughtfulofhim,Iexpect."

Shegaylysparkled."Arealranchdance--thekindyouhavebeentellingmeabout.AreIdaandIinvited?"

"Invited?SlimhintedatalynchingifIcamewithouty'u."

Shelaughedsoftly,merryeyesflashingswiftlyathim."HowgallantyouWesternersare,eventhoughyoudoturnitintoburlesque."

Hisyounglaughechoedhers."Burlesquenothing.Mylifewouldn'tbeworthathingifIwentalone.Honest,Iwouldn'tdare."

"Sincetheranchcan'taffordtoloseitsforemanIdaandIwillgoalong,"shepromised."Thatis,ifitisconsideredproperhere."

"Proper.Goodgracious,ma'am!Everyladyforthirtymilesroundwillbethere,fromsixmonthsoldtoeightyoddyears.Itwouldn'tbePROPERtostayathome."

TheforemandrovehertoFraser'sinasurreywithIdaHendersonandoneoftheLazyDpunchersonthebackseat.Thedrivewasovertwenty-fivemiles,butinthatsilentstarrynighteverymilewasadelight.Partofthewayledthroughabeautifulcanon,alongtherockymountainroadofwhichtheyoungmanguidedtherigwithunerringskill.Beyondthegorgethecountrydebouchedintoagrassyparkthatfellawayfromtheirfeetformiles.ItwasinthisbasinthattheFraserranchlay.

Thestrainsofthefiddleandthethumpingoffeetcouldbeheardastheydroveup.Alreadytheroomsseemedtobeprettywellfilled,asHelennoticedwhentheyentered.Threesetswereonthefloorforaquadrilleandthehouseshookwiththeenergyofthedancers.Onbenchesagainstthewallswereseatedthespectators,andononeofthemstood

Texascallingthedance.

"Alemaneleft.Righthandt'yerpardnerandgrandrightandleft.Ev-v-rybodyswing,"chantedthecaller.

Adozenroughyoungfellowswereclusterednearthefrontdoor,apparentlyafraidtoventurefartherlesttheirescapebecutoff.ThroughtheseMcWilliamspushedawayforhischarges,thecowboysfallingbackrespectfullyatoncewhentheydiscoveredthepresenceofMissMessiter.

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InthebedroomwheresheleftherwrapsthemistressoftheLazyDfoundadozenormoreinfantsandseveraloftheirmothers.Inthekitchenwerestillotherwomenandbabies,someoftheformerveryoldandofthelatterveryyoung.Afewofthebabieswereasleep,butmostofthemwerestillverymuchalivetothissceneofunwontedhilarityintheiryounglives.

AssoonassheemergedintothegeneralpublicityofthedancingroomherforemanpounceduponHelenandledhertoaplaceintheheadsetthatwasmakingup.Thefloorwasrough,themusicjerkyanduncertain,thequadrillinganexhibitionofjoyousandawkwardabandon;butitspicturesquelackofconventionappealedtothegirlfromMichigan.Itratherstartledhertobeswungsovigorously,butaglanceabouttheroomshowedthatthesehumorous-eyedWesternersweremerelylivinguptothedutyofthehourastheyunderstoodit.

AtthecloseofthequadrilleHelenfoundherselfbeingintroducedto"Mr.Robins,"aliasSlim,whodrewoneofhisfeetbackinanembarrassedbow.

"Ienjoytomeety'u,ma'am,"heassuredher,andsupplementedthiswitharequestforthenextdance,afterwhichhefellintosilencethatwaspainfulinitsintensity.

Nearlyallthedancesweresquares,asfewofthosepresentunderstoodtheintricaciesofthewaltzandtwo-step.HenceithappenedthattheproficientMcWilliamssecuredthreerounddanceswithhismistress.

Itwasduringthelunchofsandwiches,cakeandcoffeethatHelenperceivedanadditiontothecompany.Theaffairhadbeenadvertisedacostumeball,butmostofthosepresenthadconstruedthisveryliberally.Sheherself,tobesure,hadcomeasMaryQueenofScots,Macwasarrayedinthescarlettunicandtight-fittingbreechesoftheNorthwestMountedPolice,andperhapseightortenothershadmadesomeattemptatrepresentingsomeoneotherthantheywere.Shenowsawanother,apparentlyanewarrival,standinginthedoorwaynegligently.

Aglancetoldherthathewasmadeupforaroadagentandthathisrevolversandmaskwereapartofthenecessarycostuming.

Slowlyhisgazecircledtheroomandcameroundtoher.Hiseyeswerehardasdiamondsandasflashing,sothattheimpactoftheirmeetinglooksseemedtoshockherphysically.Hewasatallman,swarthyofhue,andhecarriedhimselfwithalighteasethatlookedsilkenstrong.Somethinginthebearingwasfamiliaryetnotquitefamiliareither.Itseemedtosuggestaresemblancetosomebodysheknew.AndinthenextthoughtsheknewthatthesomebodywasNedBannister.

ThemanspoketoFraser,justthenpassingwithacupofcoffee,andHelensawthetwomenapproach.Thestrangerwascomingtobeformally

introduced.

"ShakehandswithMr.Holloway,MissMessiter.He'sfromupinthehillcountryandherodetoourfrolic.Y'u'vegotthreeguessestofigureoutwhathe'smadeupas."

"Onewillbequiteenough,Ithink,"sheansweredcoldly.

Fraserdepartedonhisdestinationwiththecoffeeandthenewcomersatdownonthebenchbesideher.

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"One'senough,isit?"hedrawledsmilingly.

"Quite,butI'msurprisedsofewcameincostume.Whydidn'tyou?ButIsupposeyouhadyourreasons."

"Didn'tI?I'msupposedtobeabadmanfromthehills."

Sheswepthimcasuallywithanindifferentglance."Andisn'tthatwhatyouareinreallife?"

Hissharpscrutinychiseledintoher."What'sthat?"

"Youwon'tmindifIforgetandcallyouMr.BannisterinsteadofMr.Holloway?"

Shethoughthiscounterfeitastonishmentperfect.

"SoI'mNedBannister,amI?"

Theireyesclashed.

"Aren'tyou?"

Shefeltsureofit,andyettherewasalurkingdoubt.Fortherewasinhismannersomethingindescribablymoresinisterthanshehadfeltinhimonthatoccasionwhenshehadsavedhislife.Thenadebonairrecklessnesshadbeentheoutstandingnote,butnowtherewassomethingribaldandwickedinhim.

"Sincey'uputitasaquestion,commonpolitenessdemandsananswer.NedBannisterismyname."

"Youaretheterrorofthiscountry?"

"Ishan'tbeaterrortoy'u,ma'am,ifIcanhelpit,"hesmiled.

"Butyouarethemantheycalltheking?"

"Ihavethathonor."

"HONOR?"

Atthesharpscornofheraccenthelaughed.

"Doyoumeanthatyouareproudofyourvillainy?"shedemanded.

"Y'u'vece'tainlygottheteacherhabitofaskingquestions,"herepliedwithalaughthatwasasneer.

Ashadowfellacrossthemandavoicesaidquietly,"Shedidn'twaittoaskanywhenshesavedyourlifedowninthecouleebackoftheLazyD."

TheshadowwasJimMcWilliams's,anditsownerlookeddownatthemanbesidethegirlwithsteady,hostileeyes.

"Isthisyourputin,sir?"theotherflashedback.

"Yes,seh,itis.Theboysdon'tquitelikeseeingyourhardwaresoprominentatasocialgathering.Inthiscommunitygunsdon'tcomeinto

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thehouseataranchdance.I'macommitteetomentionthesubjectandtocollectyourthirty-eightsify'uagreewithus."

"AndifIdon'tagreewithyou?"

"There'salloutdoorsreadytoreceivey'u,seh.Itwouldbeapitytostayintheonespotwhereyourwelcome'sworethin."

"StillImaychoosetostay."

"Ce'tainly,butify'udecidethatwayy'ubetterstepoutontheporchandtalkitoverwithuswherethereain'tladiespresent."

"Isn'tthisacostumedance?What'sthematterwithmyguns?I'manoutlaw,ain'tI?"

"Idon'tknowwhethery'uareornot,seh.Ify'usayy'uarewe'rereadytotakeyourword.Thegunshavetobeshuckedify'ustayhere.Theymightgooffaccidentalandscaretheladies."

Themanroseblackly."I'llrememberthis.Ify'uknewwhoy'uweregettingsogaywith--"

"Icanguess,Mr.Holloway,thekindofanoutfity'ufreightwith,and

IexpectIcouldputahandletoanothernameforyou."

"ByGod,ify'udaretosay--"

"Idon'tdare,especiallyamongsomanyladies,"cameMcWilliams'sjauntyanswer.

Theeyesofthetwomengripped,afterwhichHollowayswungonhisheelandswaggereddefiantlyoutofthehouse.

Presentlytherecamethesoundofapony'sfeetgallopingdowntheroad.IthadnotyetdiedawaywhenTexasannouncedthatthesupperintermissionwasover.

"Pardnersforaquadrille.Ladies'choice."

Thedancewasonagainfullswing.Thefiddlersweretuningupandcouplesgatheringforaquadrille.DenvercametoclaimMissMessiterforapartner.ApparentlyeventheexistenceofthevanishedHollowaywasforgotten.ButHelenrememberedit,andponderedovertheaffairlongafterdaylighthadcomeandbroughtwithitanendtothefestivities.

CHAPTER6.APARTYCALL

ThemistressoftheLazyD,justthroughwithhermorningvisittothehospitalinthebunkhouse,stoppedtoreadthegaudypostertackedtothewall.Itwasembellishedwiththedrawingofaplacidriderastridetheembodimentoffuryincarnate,underwhichwasthelegend:"SticktoYourSaddle."

BIGFOURTHOFJULYCELEBRATIONATGIMLETBUTTE.ROPINGANDBRONCOBUSTINGCONTESTSFORTHECHAMPIONSHIPOFTHEWORLDANDBIGPRIZES,Including$1,000fortheBestRiderandtheSameforBestRoper.Cow

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PonyRaces,Ladies'RacesandLadies'RidingContest,Fireworks,ANDFREEBARBECUE!!!!EVERYBODYCOMEANDTURNYOURWOLFLOOSE.

Asuddenthudofpoundinghoofs,asnatchofragtime,andherforemansweptupinacloudofwhitedust.Hisponycamefromagalloptoaninstanthalt,andsimultaneouslyMaclandedbesideher,onehandholdingthewide-brimmedhathehadsnatchedoffinhisdescent,theotherhitchedbyacasualthumbtothebeltofhischaps.

Shelaughed."Youreallydiditverywell."

Macblushed.Hewasstillyoungenoughtotakeprideinhispicturesqueregalia,topreferthedramaticwayofdoingacommonplacething.But,thoughhelikedthisgirl'strickoflaughingathimwithaperfectlygravefaceoutofthosedark,long-lashedeyes,hewouldhavelikeditbetterifsometimestheyhadgivenbacktheapplausehethoughthislittletricksmerited.

"Sho!That'sfoolishness,"hedeprecated.

"Isupposetheygotyoutositforthispicture;"andsheindicatedtheposterwithawaveofherhand.

"Thatain'tarealpicture,"heexplained,andwhenshesmiledadded,

"asofcoursey'uknow.Nohawsseverpitchedthatway--andthesaddleain'tright.Factis,it'sallwrong."

"Howdiditcomehere?Itwasn'therelastnight."

"IreckonDenverbroughtitfromSlauson's.Hewasridin'thatcountryyesterday,andastheboyswasoutofsmokin'hecomehomethatway."

"Isupposeyou'llallgo?"

"Ireckon."

"Andyou'llride?"

"Iaimtositin."

"Attheroping,too?"

"No,m'm.Iain'tsomuchwiththerope.IttakesaMexicantosnakearope."

"ThenI'llbeabletoborrowonlyathousanddollarsfromyoutohelpbuythatbunchofyoungcowswewerespeakingabout,"shemocked.

"Onlyathousand,"hegrinned."Anditain'tacinchI'llwin.Therearethreeorfourstraightupridersonthisrange.Afellowcomefromthe

Hole-in-the-Wallandwonoutlastyear."

"Andwherewereyou?"

"Oh,Itooksecondprize,"heexplained,withobviousindifference.

"Well,youhadbettergetfirstthisyear.We'llhavetoshowthemtheLazyDhasn'tgonetosleep."

"Surething,"heagreed.

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"HasthatbuyerfromCheyenneturnedupyet?"sheasked,revertingtobusiness.

"Notyet.Doy'uwantIshouldmakethecutsoonashecomes?"

"Don'tyouthinkhispriceisalittlelow--twentydollarsfrombrandup?"

"It'sascrubbunch.Wewanttogetridofthem,anyway.Butyou'rethedoctor,"heconcludedslangily.

Shethoughtamoment."We'lllethimhavethem,butdon'tmakethecuttillIcomeback.I'mgoingtorideovertotheTwinButtes."

Hisadmiringeyesfollowedherasshewenttowardtheponythatwaswaitingsaddledwiththereinthrowntotheground.Shecarriedherslim,lithefigurewithagrace,alightness,thatfewwomencouldhaverivaled.Whenshehadswungtothesaddle,shehalf-turnedinherseattocallanordertotheforeman.

"Ithink,Mac,youhadbetterrunupthosehorsesfromEagleCreek.HaveDenverandMissoulookafterthem."

"Sure,ma'am,"hesaidaloud;andtohimself:"She'sce'tainlyathoroughbred.Doeseverythingwellshetackles.Ineversawanythinglikeit.I'maChinkifshedoesn'trunthisranchlikeshehadbeenatitfortyyears.Samethingwithhergasolinebronc.Thatpinto,too.He'sgotabadeyeforfair,butshemakeshimeatoutofherhand.Ireckonthepintoisliketherestofus--cleanmashed."Heputhisarmsonthecorralfenceandgrewintrospective."BlamedifIknowwhatitisabouther.'Courseshe'sawinneronlooks,butthatain'titalone.Iguessit'sonaccountofherbeingsuchagamelittlegentleman.Whensheturnsthatsmilelooseonafellow--well,there'ssuresunshineintheair.Andgame--why,NedBannisterain'tgamerhimself."

McWilliamshadclimbedlazilytothetopboardofthefence.Hewasan

energeticyouth,buthelikedtodohisthinkingathisease.Now,ashisgazestillfolloweditslodestar,hesuddenlyslippedfromhisseatandranforward,pullingtherevolverfromitsscabbardasheran.Intohiseyeshadcreptatensealertness,theshiningwatchfulnessofthetigerreadyforitsspring.

ThecauseofthechangeintheforemanoftheLazyDwasasimpleone,andonitsfaceinnocentenough.Itwasmerelythatastrangerhadswungincasuallyatthegateoftheshortstablelane,andwasduetomeetMissMessiterinabouttenseconds.Sofargoodenough.Adozentravelersdroppedineveryday,butthisparticularonehappenedtobeNedBannister.

Fromthestabledoorashotrangout.Bannisterduckedandshoutedgenially:"Tryagain."

ButHelenMessiterwhirledherponyasonahalf-dollar,andchargeddownonthestable.

"Whofiredthatshot?"shedemanded,hereyesblazing.

Thehorse-wranglershowedembarrassment.Hehadfoundtimeonlytoleantherifleagainstthewall.

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"IreckonIdid,ma'am.Y'usee--"

"Didyougetmyordersaboutthisfeud?"sheinterruptedcrisply.

"Yes,ma'am,but--"

"Thenyoumaycallforyourtime.WhenIgivemymenordersIexpectthemtoobey."

"Iwouldn't'a'shotifI'dknowedy'uwassonearhim.Y'uwasbehindthatsummerkitchen,"heexplainedlamely.

"YouonlyexpecttoobeyorderswhenI'minsight.Isthatit?"sheaskedhotly,andwithoutwaitingforananswerdeliveredherultimatum."Well,Iwon'thaveit.IrunthisranchaslongasIamitsowner.Doyouunderstand?"

"Yes,ma'am.Ihadn'toughttohavedidit,butwhenIseenBannisteritcomeovermeIowedhimapillfortheonehesentmelastweekdowninthecoulee.SoIupandgrabbedtherifleandlethimhaveit."

"ThenyoumayupandgrabyourtrunkforMedicineHill.Shortywilldriveyoutomorrow."

Whenshereturnedtoherunexpectedguest,HelenfoundhiminconversationwithMcWilliams.Thelatter'sgunhadfoundagainitsholster,buthisbrown,gracefulhandhoveredclosetoitsbutt.

"SeemslikealongtimesincetheLazyDhasbeenhonoredbyavisitfromMr.Bannister,"hewassaying,withgentleirony.

"That'sright.SoIhavecometomakeupforlosttime,"cameBannister'squietretort.

MissMessiterdidnotknowmuchaboutWyominghumannatureintheraw,butshehadlearnedenoughtobesurethatthesoftcourtesyofthese

twoyouthscoveredastarkcouragethatmightleaptolifeanymoment.Whereforesheinterposed.

"We'llbepleasedtoshowyouovertheplace,Mr.Bannister.Asithappens,weareclosetothehospital.Shallwebeginthere?"

Hercool,silkendefianceearnedasmilefromthevisitor."Allyourcasesdoingwell,ma'am?"

"It'sverykindofyoutoask.IsupposeyoutakeaninterestbecausetheyareYOURcases,too,inawayofspeaking?"

"Mine?Indeed!"

"Yes.IfitwerenotforyouI'mafraidourhospitalwouldbeempty."

"ItmustberightpleasanttobenursedbyMissMessiter.Ireckontheboysaregratefultomeforscatteringmyleadsopromiscuous."

"Iheardonesayhewouldliketolamyourhaidtenderly,"murmuredMcWilliams.

"Withatwo-by-four,Isuppose,"laughedBannister.

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"Shouldn'twonder.But,lookingy'uovercasual,itoccurstomehemightgetsickofhisjobbefo'heturnedy'uloose,"McWilliamsadmitted,withaglanceofadmirationatthecleanpowershowingintheother'ssupplelines.

Norcouldeithertheforemanorhismistressdenythetributeoftheirrespecttothebravadoofthisscampwhosatsojauntilyhisseatregardlessofwhatthenextmomentmightbringforth.Threewoundedmenwereabouttheplace,allpresumablyquitewillingtogetacleanshotathimintheopen.Oneofthemhadtakenhischancealready,andmissed.Theirvisitorhadnowarrantforknowingthatasecondmightnotanyinstanttryhisluckwithbettersuccess.Yethelookedeveryinchthemanonhorseback,nowhitdisturbed,nottheleastconsciousofanydanger.Tall,spare,broadshouldered,thisberry-brownyoungman,crownedwithclose-croppedcurls,satatthegatesoftheenemyverymuchathisinsolentcase.

"Icameovertopaymypartycall,"heexplained.

"Itreallywasn'tnecessary.Aruninthemachineisnotaformalfunction."

"MaybenotinKalamazoo."

"Ithoughtperhapsyouhadcometogetmypurseandthesixty-threedollars,"shederided.

"No,ma'am;noryettogetthatbunchofcowsIwasgoingtorustlefromyoutobuyanauto.Icametoaskyoutogoridingwithme."

Theaudacityofittookherbreath.Ofalltheoutrageousthingsshehadeverheard,thiswasthecream.Anacknowledgedoutlaw,engagedinfeudwithherretainersoverthatdeadlyquestionoftherunoftherange,hehadsaunteredovertotheranchwherelivedadozenofhisenemies,threeofthemstillscarredwithhisbullets,merelytoaskhertogoridingwithhim.Themagnificenceofhisbravadoalmostobliteratedits

impudence.Ofcourseshewouldnotthinkofgoing.Theidea!Buthereyesglowedwithappreciationofhiscourage,notthelessbecausetheconsciousnessofitwassoconspicuouslyabsentfromhismanner.

"Ithinknot,Mr.Bannister"andherfacealmostimperceptiblystiffened."Idon'tgoridingwithstrangers,norwithmenwhoshootmyboys.AndI'llgiveyouapieceofadvice,sir.Thatis,toburnthewindbacktoyourhome.OtherwiseIwon'tanswerforyourlife.Mypunchersdon'tloveyou,andIdon'tknowhowlongIcankeepthemfromyou.You'renotwantedhereanymorethanyouwereatthedancetheotherevening."

McWilliamsnodded."That'sright.Y'ubetterrollyourtrail,seh;and

ify'utakemyadvice,you'llthrowgravellively.Iseentwooftheboyscuttingacrostthatpasturefiveminutesago.Theylookedasiftheymightbehaidedtocuty'uoff,andIallowitmaybetheirnighttohowl.MissMessiterdon'twanttoberesponsiblefory'ugettingleadpoisoning."

"Indeed!"Theirvisitorlookedpolitelyinterested."Thissolicitudeformeisverytouching.Iobservethatbothofyouarecarefullyblockingmefromthebunkhouseinordertopreventanotherpractice-shot.IfIcan'tpersuadeyoutojoinmeinaride,MissMessiter,IreckonI'll

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gowhileI'mstillunpunctured."Hebowed,andgatheredthereinsfordeparture.

"Onemoment!Mr.McWilliamsandIaregoingwithyou,"thegirlannounced.

"Changedyourmind?Thinkyou'lltakealittlepasear,afterall?"

"Idon'twanttoberesponsibleforyourkilling.We'llseeyousafeofftheplace,"sheansweredcurtly.

TheforemanfellinononesideofBannister,hismistressontheother.Theyrodeincloseformation,tolessenthechanceofanambuscade.Bannisteralonechattedathisdebonairease,ignoringtheresponsibilitytheyfeltforhissafety.

"Igotmyride,afterall,"hepresentlychuckled."Tobesure,Iwasn'texpectingMr.McWilliamstochaperonus.Butthat'sanaddedpleasure."

"Woulditbeanaddedpleasuretogetbumpedofftokingdomcome?"drawledtheforeman,givingareluctantadmirationtohisaplomb.

"Thinkingofthosewillingboysofyoursagain,areyou?"laughedBannister."They'rece'tainlyaheapprevalentwiththeirhardware,but

theirhuntingdon'tseemtobringhomeanymeat."

"Bytheway,howISyourankle,Mr.Bannister?Iforgottoask."Thisshotfromtheyoungwoman.

Heenjoyeditwithinternalmirth."Theydidhappenonthetargetthattime,"headmitted."Oh,it'sgettingalongfine,butIaimtodomostofmywalkingonhorsebackforawhile."

Theysweptpastthefirstdangerousgroveofcottonwoodsinsafety,androundedtheboundaryfencecorner.

"They'reinthatbunchofpinesoverthere,"saidtheforeman,aftera

singlesweepofhiseyesinthatdirection.

"Yes,Iseetheyare.Yououghtn'ttoletyourboyswearredbandannaswhentheygogunning,MissMessiter.It'sanawfulcarelesshabit."

Helenherselfcouldseenosignoflifeinthegroupofpines,butsheknewtheirkeen,trainedeyeshadfoundwhatherscouldnot.Ridingwithoneoranotherofhercowboys,shehadoftennoticedhowinfalliblytheycouldreadthecountryformilesaround.Ascatteredpatchonadistanthillside,thoughitmightbeahalf-hour'sridefromthem,toldthemagreatdealmorethanseemedpossible.Toherthedarkspotssiftedonthatslopemeantscrubunderbrush,iftherewasanymeaningatallinthem.Butherriderscouldtellnotonlywhethertheywerealive,but

coulddifferentiatebetweensheepandcattle.Indeed,McWilliamscouldnearlyalwaystellwhethertheywereHERcattleornot.Hewasunabletoexplaintoherhowhedidit.Byasortofinstinct,shesupposed.

Thepineswerenegotiatedinsafety,andonthepartofthemenwithacarelessnessshecouldnotunderstand.Foraftertheyhadpassedtherewasaspotbetweenhershoulder-bladesthatseemedtotingleinexpectationofapossiblebulletboringitswaythrough.Butshewouldhavediedratherthanletthemknowhowshefelt.

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PerhapsBannisterunderstood,however,forheremarkedcasually:"Iwouldn'tbeamblingpastsoleisurelyifIwasridingalone.Itmakesaheapofdifferencewhoyourcompanyis,too.Thosepuncherswouldn'ttakeachanceatmenowforamilliondollars."

"No,they'resomehaidstrong,buttheyain'tplumblocoed,"agreedMac.

FifteenminuteslaterHelendrewupatthelinecorner."We'llpartcompanyhere,Mr.Bannister.Idon'tthinkthereisanymoredangerfrommymen."

"BeforewepartthereissomethingIwanttosay.Iholdthatamanhasasmuchrighttorunsheeponthesehillsascows.It'sgovernmentland,andneitheroneofusownsit.It'sboundtobeacaseofthesurvivalofthefittest.Ifsheeparehardierandmoreadaptedtothecountry,thencowshavegottovamos.That'snature,asitlookstome.Thebuffaloandtheantelopehavegone,andIguesscowshavegottotaketheirturn."

Herscornfuleyesburnedhim."Youcametotellmethat,didyou?Well,Idon'tbelieveawordofit.I'llnotyieldmyrightswithoutafight.Youmaydependonthat."

"Here,too,"noddedherforeman."I'mwithmybosscleardowntheline.

Andassoonassheletsmeturnloosemysix-gun,you'llhearitpop,seh."

"Ihavenotadoubtofit,Mr.McWilliams,"returnedthesheepmanblithely."InthemeantimeIwasgoingtosaythatthoughmostofmyinterestsareinsheepinsteadofcattle--"

"Ithoughtmostofyourinterestswereinotherpeople'sproperty,"interruptedtheyoungwoman.

"Itgoesintosheepultimately,"hesmiled."Now,whatIamtryingtogetatisthis:I'mindebttoyouaheap,MissMessiter,andsinceI'mnotallyellowcur,Iintendtoplayfairwithyou.Ihaveorderedmy

sheepbackacrossthedeadline.Youcanhavethisrangetoyourselfforyourcattle.Thefight'soffsofaraswepersonallyareconcerned."

Ahintofdeepercolortouchedhercheeks.Hermannerhadbeencavalieratbest;forthemostpartfranklyhostile;andallthetimethemanwasonanerrandofgood-will.Certainlyhehadscoredatherexpense,andshewasashamedofherself.

"Y'umeanthatyou'regoingtorespectthedeadline?askedMacinsurprise.

"Ididn'tsayquitethat,"explainedthesheepman."WhatIsaidwasthatImeanttokeeponmysideofitsofarastheLazyDcattleare

concerned.I'llletyourrangealone."

"Buty'umeantocrossitdownbelowwheretheBarDouble-Ecowsrun?"

Bannister'sgaysmiletouchedthesardonicface."Doyouinvitethepublictoexamineyourhandwhenyousitintoagameofpoker,Mr.McWilliams?"

"You'redeadright.It'snoneofmybusinesswhaty'udosolongasy'ukeepoffourrange,"admittedtheforeman."Andnexttimethe

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conversationhappensonMr.Bannister,I'llputinmylittlesay-sothatheain'tallblack."

"That'sverygoodofyou,sir,"wastheother'sironicalretort.

Thegirl'sgauntletedhandoffereditselfimpulsively."Wecan'tbefriendsunderexistingcircumstances,Mr.Bannister.ButthatdoesnotalterthefactthatIoweyouanapology.Youcameasapeaceenvoy,andoneofmymenshotatyou.Ofcourse,hedidnotunderstandthereasonwhyyoucame,butthatdoesnotmatter.Ididnotknowyourreasonmyself,andIknowIhavebeenveryinhospitable."

"AreyoushakinghandswithNedBannisterthesheepmanorNedBannistertheoutlaw?"askedtheownerofthatname,withaqueerlittlesmilethatseemedtomockhimself.

"WithNedBannisterthegentleman.IfthereisanothersidetohimIdon'tknowitpersonally."

Heflushedunderneaththetan,butveryplainlywithpleasure."YouropinionsarerightcontrarytoHoyle,ma'am.Aren'tyouawarethatasheepmanisthelowestthingthatwalks?AskMr.McWilliams."

"Ihaveknownstockmenofthatopinion,but--"

Theforeman'ssentencewasneverfinished.Fromaclumpofbushesahundredyardsawaycamethecrackofarifle.Abulletsangpast,cuttingalinethatleftononesideofitBannister,ontheotherMissMessiterandherforeman.Instantlythetwomenslidfromtheirhorsesonthefartherside,draggeddowntheyoungwomanbehindthecoverofthebroncos,andarrangedthethreeponiessoastogiveherthegreatestprotectionavailable.Somehowtheweaponsthatgarnishedthemhadleapedtotheirhandsbeforetheirfeettouchedtheground.

"Thatcoyoteisn'toneofourmen.I'llbackthatopinionhigh,"saidMcWilliamspromptly.

"Whoishe?"thegirlwhispered.

"That'swhatwe'regoingtofindoutprettysoon,"returnedBannistergrimly."Chancesareit'smeheistryingtogather.Now,I'mgoingtomakeabreakforthatcottonwood.WhenIgo,youbetterrunupawhitehandkerchiefandmovebackfromthefiring-line.TurnBuckloosewhenyouleave.He'llstayaroundandcomewhenIwhistle."

Hemadearunforit,zigzaggingthroughthesage-brushsoswiftlyastooffertheleastcertainmarkpossibleforasharpshooter.Yettwicetheriflespokebeforehereachedthecottonwood.

MeanwhileMachadfastenedthehandkerchiefofhismistressontheend

ofaswitchhehadpickedupandwasedgingoutofrange.Histense,narrowedgazeneverleftthebush-clumpfromwhichtheshotswerebeingpumped,andhewascarefulduringtheirretreattoremainonthedangersideoftheroad,inordertocoverHelen.

"IguessBannister'sright.Hedon'twantus,whoeverheis."

Andevenashemurmuredit,thewindofabulletliftedhishatfromhishead.Hepickeditupandexaminedit.Thecourseofthebulletwasmarkedbyaholeinthewidebrim,andtwomoreinthesideandcrown.

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"Hece'tainlyventilateditproper.Ireckon,ma'am,we'llmakearunforit.Lielowonthepinto'sneck,withyourhaidontheoffside.That'sright.Lethimout."

AmileandahalffartheruptheroadMacreinedin,andmadetheIndianpeace-sign.TwodejectedfigurescameoverthehillandresolvedthemselvesintopunchersoftheLazyD.Eachofthemtrailedariflebyhisside.

"You'reafinepairofring-tailedsnorters,ain'ty'u?"jeeredtheforeman."Gottogetgayandgoprojectin'roundontheshootaftery'ugotyourorderstostayhitched.Anythingtosayforyo'selves?"

Iftheyhaditwassaidverysilently.

"Now,MissMessiterisgoingtopassitupthistime,butfromnowony'udon'tgooffonanyprivatemassacreeswhiley'upunchattheLazyD.Gitthat?Thishyeristhelastcallforsupperinthedining-cah.Ify'umissit,y'u'llfeedatsomeotherchuckhouse."Suddenlythedrawlofhissarcasmvanished.Hisvoicecarriedtheringofperemptorycommand."Jim,y'ugobacktotheranchwithMissMessiter,ANDKEEPYOUREYESOPEN.Missou,Ineedy'u.We'regoingback.Ireckony'ubetterhangontothestirrup,forwegottotravelsome.Adios,

senorita!"

Hewasoffataslowlopeontheroadhehadjustcome,theothermanrunningbesidethehorse.Presentlyhestopped,asifthearrangementwerenotsatisfactory;andthesecondmanswungbehindhimonthepony.Later,whensheturnedinhersaddle,shesawthattheyhadlefttheroadandwerecuttingacrosstheplain,asiftotakethesharpshooterintherear.

Hertroubledthoughtsstayedwithherevenaftershehadreachedtheranch.Shewasnervouslyexcited,keyeduptoahighpitch;forsheknewthatoutonthedesert,withinamileortwoofher,menwerestalkingeachotherwithlifeordeathinthebalanceasthepriceofvigilance,

skillandanunflawedsteelnerve.Whilesheherselfhadbeenindanger,shehadbeenmistressofherfear.Butnowshecoulddonothingbutwait,afterorderingoutsuchreinforcementsasshecouldrecruitwithoutdelay;andtheinactiontolduponherswift,impulsivetemperament.Once,twice,thewindbroughttoherafaintsound.

Shehadbeenpacingtheporch,butshestopped,whiteasasheet.Behindthosefaintexplosionsmightlieasinistertragedy.Hermindprojecteditselfintoascoreofimaginarypossibilities.Shelistened,breathlessinhertensity,butnofurtherechoofthatbattlefieldreachedher.ThesunstillshonewarmlyonbrownWyoming.Shelookeddownintoarollingplainthatblurredinthedistancefromknobsandflatspacesintoasinglestretchthatincludedathousandrisesanddepressions.Thatroll

ofcountryteemedwithlife,butthesteady,inexorablesunbeatdownonwhatseemedashining,primevalwasteofspace.Yetsomewhereinthatspacethetragedywasbeingdetermined--unlessithadbeenalreadyenacted.

Shewantedtoscream.Theverystillnessmockedher.So,too,didtheclickingwindmill,withitsmonotonousregularity.Herponystillstoodsaddledintheyard.Sheknewthatherplacewasathome,andshefoughtdownadozentimesthetremendousimpulsetomountandflytothefieldofcombat.

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Shelookedatherwatch.Howslowlytheminutesdragged!Itcouldnotbeonlyfiveminutessinceshehadlookedlasttime.Againshefelltopacingthelongwestporch,andinterruptedherselfadozentimestostopandlisten.

"Icanbearitnolonger,"shetoldherselfatlast,andinanothermomentwasinthesaddleplyingherpintowiththequirt.

Butbeforeshereachedthefirstcottonwoodsshesawthemcoming.Herglassessweptthedistantgroup,andwithashivershemadeoutthedreadfultruth.Theywerecomingslowly,carryingsomethingbetweenthem.Thegirldidnotneedtobetoldthattheobjecttheywerebringinghomewastheirdeadorwounded.

Afigureonhorsebackdetacheditselffromthehuddleofmenandgallopedtowardsher.Hewascomingtobreakthenews.Butwhowasthevictim?BannisterorMcWilliamsshefeltsure,byreasonofthesinkingheartinher;andthenitcamehomethatshewouldbehardhitifitwereeither.

Theapproachingriderbegantotakedistinctformthroughherglasses.Ashepoundedforwardsherecognizedhim.ItwasthemannicknamedDenver.Thewindwasblowingstronglyfromhertohim,andwhilehewas

stillahundredyardsawayshehurledherquestion.

Hisanswerwaslostinthewindsweep,butonewordofitshecaught.Thatwordwas"Mac."

CHAPTER7.THEMANFROMTHESHOSHONEFASTNESSES

Thoughthesharpshooter'sriflecrackedtwiceduringhisrunforthecottonwood,thesheepmanreachedthetreeinsafety.HecoulddodgethroughthebrushaselusivelyasanymaninWyoming.Itwasatrickhehadlearnedonthewhitewashedfootballgridiron.Forinhisburiedpast

thismanhadbeenthenotedhalf-backofafamouscollege,andoneofhisspecialtieshadbeenrunningtheballbackafteracatchthroughabrokenfieldofopponents.Thelessonthatexperiencehadthenthumpedintohimhadsincesavedhislifeonmorethanoneoccasion.

Havingreachedthetree,Bannistertookimmediateadvantageofthelieofthegroundtosnakeforwardunobservedforanotherhundredfeet.Therewasadipfromthefootofthetree,downwhichherolledintothesagebelow.Hewormedhiswaythroughthethickscrubbrushtotheedgeofadrycreek,intothebedofwhichheslid.Thenswiftly,hisbodybentbeneaththelevelofthebank,heranforwardinthesand.Hemovednoiselessly,eyesandearsalerttoaidhim,andclimbedthebankatapointwherealiveoakgrew.

Warilyhepeepedoutfrombehinditstrunkandswepttheplainforhisfoe.Nothingwastobeseenofhim.Slowlyandpatientlyhiseyesagainwentoverthesemi-circlebeforehim,forwheredeathmaylurkbehindeveryfootofvegetation,everybumporhillock,theplainsmanleavesaslittleasmaybetochance.Nofaintestmovementcouldescapethesheepman'seyes,noleaststirfailtoapprisehisears.Yetformanyminuteshewaitedinvain,andthedelaytoldhimthathehadtodowithatrainedhunterratherthanamererecklesscow-puncher.Forsomewhereintheroughcountrybeforehimhisenemylaymotionless,everyfaculty

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alivetotheleasthintofhispresence.

ItwasthewhirringflightofastartleddovethattoldBannisterthewhereaboutsofhisfoe.Twohundredyardsfromhimthebirdrose,andthedirectionittookshowedthatthemanmusthavebeentrailingforwardfromtheoppositequarter.Thesheepmanslippedbackintothedrycreekbed,retracedhisstepsforaboutastone-throw,andagaincrawledupthebank.

Foralongtimehelayfacedowninthegrass,hisgazerivetedtothespotwhereheknewhisopponenttobehidden.Afaintrustlenotbornofthewindstirredthesage.StillBannisterwaited.Alessexperiencedplainsmanwouldhaveblazedawayandexposedhisownposition.Butnotthisyoungmanwiththesteel-wirenerves.Silentasthecomingofdusk,nobreakingtwigordisplacedbrushbetrayedhisself-containedpresence.

Somethingintheclumphewatchedwriggledforwardandshowedindistinctlythroughanopeningintheunderscrub.Hewhippedhisrifleintopositionandfiredtwice.Thehuddledbrownmasslurchedforwardanddisappeared.

"WonderifIgothim?SeemstomeIcouldn'thavemissedclean,"thoughtBannister.

Silenceasbefore,vastandunbroken.

Ascrambleofrunningfeettearingapaththroughthebrush,acrouchingbodyshowingdarklyforaneyeflash,andthenthepoundingofahorse'sretreatingfeet.

Bannisterleapedup,ranlightlyacrosstheinterveningspace,andwithhisrepeatertookapotshotatthegallopinghorseman.

"Missed!"hemuttered,andatoncegaveasharpwhistlethatbroughthisponytohimonthetrot.Hevaultedtothesaddleandgavechase.Itwasroughgoing,butnothinginreasoncanstopacow-pony.Assurefooted

asamountaingoat,asgoodaclimberalmostasacat,Buckfollowedtheflyinghorsemanoverperilousrockrimsandacrossdeep-cutcreekbeds.Pantherlikeheclimbedupthesteepcreeksideswithouthesitation,fortheround-uphadtaughthimnevertofalteratstiffgoingsolongashisriderputhimatit.

ItwaswhilehewasclamberingoutofthesheersidesofawashthatBannistermadeadiscovery.Themanhepursuedwaswounded.Somethinginthemannerofthefellow'sridinghadsuggestedthistohim,butadropofbloodsplashedonastonethathappenedtomeethiseyemadethesurmiseacertainty.

Hewasgainingnow--notfast,almostimperceptibly,butnonetheless

surely.Hecouldseethemanlookingoverhisshoulder,once,twice,andthenagain,withthathurried,fearfulglancethatmeasurestheapproachofretribution.Barringaccidents,themanwashis.

Buttheunforeseenhappened.Bucksteppedintheholeofaprairiedogandwentdown.Overhisheadflewtheriderlikeastonefromacatapult.

HowlongNedBannisterlayunconsciousheneverknew.Butwhenhecametohimselfitwasnonetoosoon.Hesatupdizzilyandpassedhishand

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overhishead.Somethinghadhappened.

Whatwasit?Oh,yes,hehadbeenthrownfromhishorse.Awaveofrecollectionpassedoverhim,andhismindwasclearoncemore.PresentlyhegottohisfeetandmovedratheruncertainlytowardBuck,forthehorsewasgrazingquietlyafewyardsfromhim.

Buthalfwaytotheponyhestopped.Voices,approachingbywayofthebedofDryCreek,driftedtohim.

"Hemust'a'turnedandgoneback.Mebbeheguessedwewasthere."

AndavoicethatBannisterknew,onethathadastrangelypenetrant,cruelringofpowerthroughthedrawl,madeanswer:"JuddsaidbeforehefaintedhewassurethemanwasNedBannister.I'dce'tainlyliketomeetupwithmybelovedcousinrightnowandevenupafewoldscores.ByGod,I'dmakehimsickbeforeIfinishedwithhim!"

"I'llbety'uwould,Cap,"returnedtheother,admiringly."Thinkwe'dbetterdeployhereandbeatupthesceneryafewaswego?"

Therearetimeswhenthemindworkslikelightning,flashesitsmessagesonthewingsofanelectriccurrent.ForBannisterthiswasoneofthem.Thewholesituationlightedforhimplainlyasifithadbeenexplained

foranhour.

Hiscousinhadbeenoutwithabandofhiscut-throatsonsomeerrand,andwhilereturningtothefastnessesoftheShoshoneMountainshadstoppedtonoonatacowspringthreeorfourmilesfromtheLazyD.JuddMorgan,whomheknewtobealieutenantofthenotoriousbandit,hadriddentowardtheranchinthehopeofgettinganopportunitytoventhisangeragainstitsmistressorsomeofhermen.WhilepursuingtherenegadeBannisterhadstumbledintoahornet'snest,andwasinimminentdangerofbeingstungtodeath.Evennowthelastspeakerwasscramblingupthebanktowardhim.

Thesheepmanhadtochoosebetweenleavinghisrifleandimmediate

flight.ThelatterwassuchaforlornhopethathegaveupBuckforthemoment,andranbacktotheplacewherehisrepeatingWinchesterhadfallen.Withoutstoppinghescoopedtherifleupashepassed.Inhisdayhehadbeenafamoussprinter,andhescuddednowfordearlife.Itwasnolongeraquestionofsecrecy.Thesoundofmenbreakingtheirhurriedwaythroughtheheavybrushofthecreekbankcamecrisplytohim.Avoicebehindshoutedawarning,andfromnotahundredyardsinfrontofhimcameanansweringshout.Hemmedinfromtheforeandtherear,heswungoffatarightangle.Anopenstretchlaybeforehim,buthehadtotakehisdesperatechancewithoutcover.Anythingwasbetterthantobetrappedlikeawildbeastdrivenbythebeaterstotheguns.

Acrossthebare,brownmesaheplunged;andbeforehehadtakenadozen

stepsthefirstriflehadlocateditspreyandwassnipingathim.Hehadperhapsahundredyardstocovererethemesafellawayintoahollow,wherehemightfindtemporaryprotectioninthescrubpines.Andnowasecondmarksmanjoinedhimselftothefirst.Buthewasgoingfast,alreadyhadcoveredhalfthedistance,anditisnoeasythingtobringdownalive,dodgingtarget.

Againthefirstgunspoke,andscoredanothermiss,whereatamocking,devilishlaughrangoutinthesunshine.

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"Y'uboyssplashaheapofuselessleadaroundthehorizon.IreckonCousinNed'smymeat.Y'usee,Igethimintheflapperwithoutspoilinghimcomplete."Andatthewordheflungtherifletohisshoulderandfiredwithnoapparentaim.

Therunningmandoubleduplikeacottontail,butfoundhisfeetagaininaninstant,thoughonearmhunglimpbyhisside.Hewaswithinadozenfeetofthehilldropandmomentarysafety.

"ShallItakehim,Cap?"criedoneofthemen.

"No;he'smine."Theriflesmokedoncemoreandagaintherunnerwentdown.Butthistimeheplungedheadlongdowntheslopeandoutofsight.

Theoutlawchiefturnedonhisheel."Ireckonhe'llnotrunanymoreto-day.Bringhimintocampandwe'lltakehimalongwithus,"hesaidcarelessly,andwalkedawaytohishorseinthecreekbed.

Twoofthemenstartedforward,buttheystoppedhalfway,asifrootedtotheground.Foragallopinghorsemansuddenlydrewupattheverypointforwhichtheywerestarting.Heleapedtothegroundandwarnedthembackwithhisrifle.WhilehecoveredthemasecondmanrodeupandliftedBannistertohissaddle.

"Ready,Mac,"hegavetheword,andbothhorsesdisappearedwiththeirridersoverthebrowofthehill.Whenthesurpriseddesperadoesrecoveredthemselvesandreachedthatpointtherescuershaddisappearedintheheavybrush.

Thealarmwasatoncegiven,andtheircaptain,cursingtheminaraucousbellowfortheirblunder,orderedimmediatepursuit.Itwassomelittletimebeforethetrailofthefugitiveswaspickedup,butoncediscoveredtheywereoverhauledrapidly.

"We'renotgoingtogetoutwithoutswappinglead,"McWilliamsadmittedanxiously."Iwishty'uwasn'thamperedwiththatload,butIreckonI'llhavetotrytostandthemoffalone."

"WebuckedintoasliceofluckwhenIopenedonhisbroncmaverickingaroundalone.Hadn'tbeenforthatwecouldneverhavemadeit,"saidMissou,whonevercrossedabridgeuntilhecametoit.

"Wehaven'tmadeityet,oldhoss,notbyalongmile,andtwomoreontopo'that.They'rebeginningtopumpleadalready.Huh!Gottodrapyourpillscloser'nthat'forey'uworryme."

"Ibelievehe'sdaid,anyway,"saidMissoupresently,peeringdownintothewhitefaceoftheunconsciousman.

"Gottohangontotheremains,anyhow,forMissHelen.Thosecoyotesare

toomuchofthewolfbreedtoleavehimwiththem."

"Lookslikethey'regittin'theaimsomebetter,"equablyremarkedtheotheraminutelater,whenaspurtofsandflewupinfrontofhim.

"They'rece'tainlycrowdingus.IexpaictIbettersendthema'How-de-do?'soastodiscouragethemafew."Hetookascarefulaimashecouldonthegallopinghorse,buthisbulletwentwide.

"They'regaininglikesixty.It'smyoffhandopinionwebetterstopat

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thatbunchoftreesandarguesomewiththem.Nousebuck-jumpin'alongtoburnthewindwhiletheydrillstreaksoflightthroughus."

"Allright.Takethetrees.Y'u'llbeabletogetintothegamesomethen."

Theydebouchedfromtheroadtothelittlegroveandslippedfromtheirhorses.

"Deader'nhell,"murmuredMissou,asheliftedthelimpbodyfromhishorse."ButIguesswe'llpackwhat'sleftbacktothelittleladyattheLazyD."

Theleaderofthepursuershaltedhismenjustoutofrangeandcameforwardalone,holdinghisrighthandupintheusualsignalofpeace.InappearancehewasnotunlikeNedBannister.Therewasthesamelong,slim,tigerbuild,withtheflowingmusclesripplingeasilybeneaththelooseshirt;thesameeffectofpoweranddominance,thesameclean,springystride.Theposeofthehead,too,eventhesweepofsalientjaw,boreamarkedresemblance.Butsimilarityceasedattheexpression.Forinsteadoffranknesstherelurkedherethathintofthedevilofstrongpassionuncontrolled.Hewasthevictimofhisownmoods,andinthespaceofanhouronemight,perhaps,readinthatfacecoldcunning,cruelmalignity,leeringribaldry,aswellasthehard-bittenvirtuesof

unflinchingcourageandimplacablepurpose.

"Ireckonyou'renearenough,"suggestedMac,whenthemanhadapproachedtowithinahundredfeetofthetreeclump.

"Y'u'redrawingthedead-line,"theotheracknowledged,indolently."Itwon'ttaketenwordstotelly'uwhatIwantandmeantohave.I'mgivingy'utwominutestohandmeoverthebodyofNedBannister.Ify'udon'tseeitthatwayI'llcomeandmakealeadmineofyourwholeoutfit."

"Y'ucan'tcometooquick,seh.We'reherea-shootin',anddon'ty'uforgetit,"wasMcWilliams'spromptanswer.

ThesinisterfaceofthemanfromtheShoshonesdarkened."Y'u'vesignedyourowndeathwarrants,"heletoutthroughsetteeth,andatthewordswungonhisheel.

"Theball'sabouttoopen.Pardnersforawaltz.Haveadust-cutter,Mac,beforeshegrowswarm."

Thepuncherhandedoverhisflask,andtheotherhelditbeforehiseyeandappraisedthecontentsinapprovedfashion."Don'tmindifIdo.Here'show!"

"How!"echoedMissou,inturn,andtippedupthebottletilltheliquor

gurgleddownhisbakedthroat.

"He'sfanningouthismensoasto,getusbothatthefrontandbackdoor.Luckythereain'tbutfourofthem."

"Iguesswebetterliebacktoback,"proposedMissou."Ifourluck'sgoodIreckonthey'regoingtohaveagaytimerushingthisfort."

Afewdesultoryshotshadalreadybeendroppedamongthecottonwoods,andreturnedbythedefendantswhenMissouletoutayelloftriumph.

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"GloryHallelujah!Herecomestheboyssplittin'downtheroadhell-for-leather.Thatlopsided,ring-tailedsnorterofahawss-thiefisgatheringhiswolvesforahikebacktothetalltimber.Feedmeacigareet,Mac.Iplumbwanttocelebrate."

Itwasasthecow-puncherhadsaid.Downtheroadacloudofdustwassweepingtowardthem,inthecentreofwhichtheymadeoutthreehardridingcowboysfromtheranch.Fartherback,inthedistance,wasanotherdustwhirl.Theoutlawchief'shard,vigilantgazesweptoverthereinforcements!anddecidedinstantlythatthegamehadgoneagainsthimforthepresent.Hewhistledshrillytwice,andbeganaslowretreattowardthehills.Themiscreantsflungafewdefiantshotsattheadvancingcowmen,anddisappeared,swallowedupintheearthswells.

Thehomewardmarchwasaslowone,forBannisterhadbeguntoshowsignsofconsciousnessanditwasnecessarytocarryhimwithextremecare.Whiletheywerestillamilefromtheranchhousethepintoanditsridercouldbeseenlopingtowardthem.

"Rideforward,Denver,andtellMissHelenwe'recoming.Betterhavehergeteverythingfixedtodoctorhimsoonaswegetthere.Givehimthebestshowintheworld,andhe'llstillbesailingawfulclosetothedivide.I'llbetahundredplunkshe'llcashin,anyway."

"DONE!"

Thevoicecamefaintlyfromtheimprovisedlitter.Macturnedwithastart,forhehadnotknownthatBannisterwasawaketohissurroundings.Themanappearedthepictureofhelplessness,allthelustypowerandvigorstrickenoutofhim;buthisindomitablespiritstilltriumphedoverthephysicalcollapse,forastheforemanlookedafaintsmiletouchedtheashenlips.Itseemedtosay:"Stillinthering,oldman."

CHAPTER8.INTHELAZYDHOSPITAL

Helen'sfirstswiftglanceshowedthatthewoundedmanwasBannister.Sheturnedincrispcommandtoherforeman.

"Havehimtakentomyroomandputtobedthere.Wehavenotimetoprepareanother.Andsendoneoftheboysonyourbesthorseforadoctor."

Theycarriedthelimpfigureinwithroughtendernessandlaidhiminthebed.McWilliamsunbuckledthebeltanddrewoffthechaps;then,withthehelpofDenver,undressedthewoundedmanandcoveredhimwithquilts.SoHelenfoundhimwhenshecameintoattendhiswounds,

bringingwithhersuchthingsassheneededforhertask.Mrs.Winslow,thehousekeeper,assistedher,andtheforemanstayedtohelp,butitwasonthemistressoftheranchthattheresponsibilityofsavinghimfell.MissouwasalreadygallopingtoBearCreekforadoctor,butthegirlknewthatthebattlemustbefoughtandtheissuedecidedbeforehecouldarrive.

Hehadfallenagainintoinsensibilityandsherinsedanddressedhiswounds,workingwiththequietimpersonalcertaintyoftouchthatdidnotbetraytheinnerturmoilofhersoul.ButMcWilliams,hiseyes

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followinghereverymotionandalerttoanticipateherneeds,sawthatthecolorhadwashedfromherfaceandthatshewascontrollingherselfonlytomeetthedemandsoftheoccasion.

Asshewasfinishing,thesheepmanopenedhiseyesandlookedather.

"Youarenottospeakoraskquestions.Youhavebeenwoundedandwearegoingtotakecareofyou,"sheordered.

"That'srightgoodofy'u.Ice'tainlyfeetmightytrifling."Hiswideeyestraveledroundtilltheyfellontheforeman."Y'useeIcamebacktohelpfillyourhospital.AmItherenow?WhereamI?"HisgazereturnedtoHelenwiththesuddenirritationoftheirresponsiblesick.

"YouareattheLazyD,inmyroom.Youarenottoworryaboutanything.Everything'sallright."

Hetookheratherwordandhiseyesclosed;butpresentlyhebegantomutterunconnectedwordsandphrases.Whenhislidsliftedagaintherewasawilderlookinhiseyes,andsheknewthatdeliriumwasbeginning.Atintervalsitlastedforlong;indeed,untilthedoctorcamenextmorninginthesmallhours.HetalkedofmanythingsHelenMessiterdidnotunderstand,ofincidentsinhispastlife,someofthemjerkywiththeexcitementofatensemoment,othersapparentlysnatchesoftalk

withrelatives.Itwaslikethebabblingofachild,irrelevantandyetofteninsistent.Hewouldinonebreathgiveordersconnectedwiththelambingofhissheep,inthenextbreakintofootballtalk,callingoutsignalsandimploringhismentoholdthemortobreakthroughandgettheball.Oncehebrokeintocurses,buthisveryoathsseemedtocomefromacleanheartandmissedthevulgaritytheymighthavehad.Againhistalkrambledinconsequentlyoverhisyouth,andhewouldurgehimselforsomeoneelseofthesamenametobetterlife.

"Ned,Ned,rememberyourmother,"hewouldbeseech."Sheaskedmetolookafteryou.Don'tgowrong."Orelseitwouldbe,"Don'tdisgracethegeneral,Ned.You'llbreakhisheartifyoublackentheoldname."Tothisthemeherecurredrepeatedly,andshenoticedthatwhenhe

imaginedhimselfintheEasthislanguagewascorrectandhisintonationcultured,thoughstillwithasuggestionofaSouthernsoftness.

ButwhenhespokeofherhisspeechlapsedintothefamiliardrawlofCattleland."Iain'tsuchasweepasy'uthink,girl.SomedayI'llsuretelly'uallaboutit,andhowIhavelovedy'ueversincey'uscoopedmeupinyourcar.You'rethegamestlittlelady!Toseey'ucomea-sailin'downafterme,sosteadyandbusinesslike,notturningahairwhenthebulletshummed--Isuredolovey'u,Helen."Andthenhefelluponherfirstnameandcalledherbyitahundredtimessoftlytohimself.

Thishappenedwhenshewasalonewithhim,justbeforethedoctorcame.

Shehearditwithstarryeyesandwithaheartthatflushedforjoyawarmercolorintohercheeks.Brushingbacktheshortcurls,shekissedhisdampforehead.Itwasinthethickofthebattle,beforehehadweatheredthatpointwheretheissuesoflifeanddeathpressedclosely,andeveninthemidstofhergreatfearsitbroughthercomfort.Shewastothinkoftenofitlater,andalwaysthememorywastobemusicinherheart.Evenwhenshedeniedherloveforhim,assuredherselfitwasimpossibleshecouldcareforsoshamefulavillain,eventhenitwasasweettorturetoallowherselftheluxuryofrecallinghisbrokendeliriousphrases.Attheveryworsthecouldnotbeasbadas

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theysaid;someinstincttoldherthiswasimpossible.Hisfearlessdevil-may-caresmile,hisjaunty,gallantbearing,thesepleadedagainsttheevidenceforhim.Andyetwasitconceivablethatamanofspirit,agentlemanbytrainingatleast,wouldlethimselflieundertheodiumofsuchachargeifhewerenotguilty?Hertangledthoughtsfoughtthisprofitlessconflictfordays.Norcouldshedismissitfromhermind.Evenafterhebegantomendshewasstillontherack.Forinsomesnatchofgoodtalk,whenthefinequalityofthemanseemedtoglowinhisface,poignantremembrancewouldstabherwithrecollectionofthedifferencebetweenwhathewasandwhatheseemedtobe.

OneofthethingsthathadbeenacontinualsurprisetoHelenwastheshorttimerequiredbythesedeep-cheatedandclean-bloodedWesternerstorecoverfromapparentlyseriouswounds.ItwasscarcemorethantwoweekssinceBannisterhadfilledthebunkhousewithwoundedmen,andalreadytwoofthemwerebackatworkandthethirdalmostfitforservice.Forperhapsthreedaysthesheepman'slifehunginthebalance,afterwhichhissplendidconstitutionandhisoutdoorlifebegantotell.Thethermometershowedthatthefeverhadslippeddownanotch,andhewasnowsleepingwholesomelyagoodpartofhistime.Altogether,unlessforsomeunseencontingency,thedoctorprophesiedthatthesheepmanwasgoingtoupsettheprobabilitiesandgetwell.

"Whichmerelyshows,ma'am,whatispossiblewhenyougiveasoundman

twenty-fourhoursadayinourhillsforafewyears,"headded."Thankstoyournursinghe'sgoingtoshavethroughbythenarrowestmarginpossible.Itoldhimto-daythatheowedhislifetoyou,MissMessiter."

"Idon'tthinkyouneedhavetoldhimthatDoctor,"returnedthatyoungwoman,notalittlevexedathim,"especiallysinceyouhavejustbeentellingmethatheowesittoWyomingairandhisownsoundnessofconstitution."

Whenshereturnedtothesickroomtogiveherpatienthismedicinehewantedtotellherwhatthedoctorhadsaid,butshecuthimoffruthlesslyandtoldhimnottotalk.

"Mayn'tIevensay'Thankyou?'"hewantedtoknow.

"No;youtalkfartoomuchasitis."

Hesmiled"Allright.Y'usitthereinthatchair,whereIcanseey'udoingthatfancyworkandI'llnotsayaword.It'llkeep,allright,whatIwanttosay."

"Inoticeyoukeeptalking,"shetoldhim,dryly.

"Yes,ma'am.Y'uhadbetterhaveletmesaywhatIwantedto,butI'llbegoodnow."

Hefellasleepwatchingher,andwhenheawokeshewasstillsittingthere,thoughitwasbeginningtogrowdark.Hespokebeforesheknewhewasawake.

"I'mgoingtogetwell,thedoctorthinks."

"Yes,hetoldme,"sheanswered.

"Didhetelly'uitwasyournursingsavedme?"

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"Pleasedon'tthinkaboutthat."

"WhatamItothinkabout?Iowey'uaheap,anditkeepspilingup.Ireckony'udoitallbecauseit'syourChristianduty?"hedemanded.

"Itismyduty,isn'tit?"

"Ididn'tsayitwasn't,thoughIexpaictBighornCountywillforgettogivey'uaunanimousvoteofthanksfordoingit.Iaskedify'udiditbecauseitwasyourduty?"

"Thereasondoesn'tmattersothatIdoit,"sheanswered,steadily.

"Reasonsmattersome,too,thoughtheyain'tasimportantasactionsoutinthiscountry.BackinBostontheyfiguremore,andsincey'uusedtogotoschoolbacktherey'uhadn'toughttothrowdownyourprofessorofethics."

"Don'tyouthinkyouhavetalkedenoughforthepresent?"shesmiled,andadded:"IfImakeyoutalkwheneverIsitbesideyouIshallhavetostayaway."

"That'swherey'u'vece'tainlygotthedroponme,ma'am.I'maclam

tilly'ugivetheword."

Beforeaweekhewasabletositupinachairforanhourortwo,andsoonaftercouldlimpintothelivingroomwiththeaidofawalkingstickandhishostess.Underthetanhestillworeaninterestingpallor,buttherecouldbenoquestionthathewasontheroadtohealth.

"Amandoesn'tknowwhathe'smissinguntilhegetsshotupandisbroughttotheLazyDhospital,soastoletMissMessiterexerciseherChristiandutyonhim,"hedrawled,cheerfully,observingthesuddenglowonhercheekbroughtbythereferencetohisunansweredquestion.

Hemadetheloungeinthebigsunnywindowhisheadquarters.Fromithecouldlookoutonsomeoftheranchactivitieswhenshewasnotwithhim,couldwatchthelineridersastheypassedtoandfroandcommandaviewofoneofthecorrals.Therewasalways,too,theturquoisesky,outofwhichpouredafloodoflightontherollofhilltops.Sometimeshereadtohimself,buthewasstilleasilytired,andpreferredusuallytorest.Moreoftenshereadaloudtohimwhilehelaybackwithhisleveledeyesgravelyonhertillthegentle,coolabstractionsheaffectedwasdisturbedandherperplexedlashesrosetoreproachtheintensityofhisgaze.

Shewasofthosewomenwhohavetheheavenbornfacultyofmakinghomeofsuchfortuitouselementsasaretotheirhands.Exceptherpianoand

suchknickknacksasshehadbroughtinasingletrunkshehadhadtodependupontheresourcesoftheestablishmenttowhichshehadcome,butitiswonderfulhowmuchcanbedonewithsomeNavajorugs,abearskin,afewbitsofIndianpotteryandwovenbasketsandajudiciousarrangementofscenicphotographs.InafewdaysshewouldhaveherpicturesfromKalamazoo,pendingwhichhertouchhadtransformedthebiglivingroomfromacheerlessbarnintoaspotthatwasacomforttotheeyeandheart.Tothewoundedmanwholaythereslowlyrenewingthebloodhehadlosttheroomwastheapotheosisofhome,less,perhaps,byreasonofwhatitwasinitselfthanbecauseitwasthesettingforher

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presence--forhergrave,sympatheticeyes,thesoundofherclearvoice,thelightgraceofhermotion.Herejoicedinthedelightfulintimacythecircumstancesmadenecessary.Tohearsnatchesofjoyoussongandgaylaughterevenfromadistance,towatchherasshecameinandoutonherdailytasks,tocontestheropinionsofbooksandlifeandseehoweagerlyshedefendedthem;hewonderedhimselfatthestrengthoftheappealthesesimplethingsmadetohim.Alreadyhewasdreadingthedaywhenhemustmounthishorseandridebackintotheturbulentlifefromwhichshehadforatime,snatchedhim.

"I'llhatetogobacktosheepherding,"hetoldheronedayatlunch,lookingatheracrossasnow-whitetableclothuponwhichwereaserviceofshiningsilver,fragilechinateacupsandplatesstampedLimoges.

HewasatthemomentbutteringadeliciousFrenchrollandshewasdaintilypouringteafromanoldfamilyheirloom.Thecontrastbetweenthisandthedustandthegreaseofamiddaymealattheendofa"chuckwagon"lentaccenttohissmilinglamentation.

"Alotofsheepherdingyoudo,"shederided.

"Ashepherdhastolookafterhissheep,y'uknow."

"YouherdsheepjustaboutasmuchasIpunchcows."

"Ihavetoherdmyherders,anyhow,andthatkeepsmeonthemove."

"I'mgladthereisn'tgoingtobeanymoretroublebetweenyouandtheLazyD.Andthatremindsmeofanotherthing.I'veoftenwoneredwhothosemencouldhavebeenthatattackedyouthedayyouwerehurt."

Shehadaskedthequestionalmostcarelessly,withoutanythoughtthatthismightbesomethinghewishedtoconceal,butsherecognizedhermistakebythewarinessthatfilmedhiseyesinstantly.

"Roomthereforarightinterestingguessingcontest,"hereplied.

"Youwouldn'tneedtoguess,"shecharged,onswiftimpulse.

"MeaningthatIknow?"

"Youdoknow.Youcan'tdenythatyounow."

"Well,saythatIknow?"

"Aren'tyougoingtotell?"

Heshookhishead."Notjustyet.I'vegotprivatereasonsforkeepingitquietawhile."

"I'msuretheyarecreditabletoyou,"cameherswiftironicretort.

"Sure,"heagreed,whimsically."Imustliveuptotheprofessionalstandard.Honoramongthieves,y'uknow."

CHAPTER9.MISSDARLINGARRIVES

MissMessiterclungtocivilizationenough,atleast,topreferthather

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chambermaidshouldbeawomanratherthanaChinese.ItdidnotsuitherpreconceivedideaoftheproperthingthatLeeMingshouldsweepfloors,dustbric-a-brac,andmakethebeds.Toseehimslosh-sloshingaroundinhisfeltslippersmadeherhomesickforKalamazoo.Therewereotherreasonswhytheproprietieswouldbebetterservedbyhavinganotherwomanabouttheplace;reasonsthathadtodowiththechaperonesystemthatevenintheuncombedWestmakeitsclaimsuponunmarriedyoungwomenofrespectability.Shehadwithherforthepresentfourteen-year-oldIdaHenderson,butthisarrangementwasmerelytemporary.

WhereforeonthemorningafterherarrivalHelenhadsenttwolettersbackto"theStates."OneofthesehadbeentoMrs.Winslow,awidowoffifty-five,invitinghertocomeoutonabusinessbasisashousekeeperoftheLazyD.ThebuxomwidowhadlovedHelensinceshehadbeenatoddlingbaby,andherreplywasimmediateandenthusiastic.Eightdayslatershehadreportedinperson.ThesecondletterboretheaffectionateaddressofNoraDarling,Detroit,Michigan.Thisalsointimeborefruitattheranchinamannerworthyofspecialmention.

ItwasthefourthdayafterNedBannisterhadbeencarriedbacktotheLazyDthatHelenMessitercameouttotheporchofthehousewithaletterinherhand.Shefoundherforemansittingonthestepswaitingforher,buthegotupassoonasheheardthefallofherlight

footstepsbehindhim.

"Yousentforme,ma'am?"heasked,hatinhand.

"Yes;IwantyoutodriveintoGimletButteandbringbackapersonwhomyou'llfindattheElkHousewaitingforyou.Ihadratheryouwouldgoyourself,becauseIknowyou'rereliable."

"Thankyou,ma'am.HowwillIknowhim?"

"It'sawoman--aspinster.She'scomingtohelpMrs.Winslow.InquireforMissDarling.Sheisn'tusedtojoltingtwodaysinarig,butIknowyouwillbecarefulofher."

"I'llsurelybeascarefuloftheoldladyasifshewasmyownmother."

Themistressoftheranchsmotheredadesiretolaugh.

"I'msureyouwill.Atherageshemayneedagooddealofcare.Becertainyoutakerugenough."

"I'lltakecareofherthebestIknowhow.Expectshe'slikelyrheumatic,butI'llwropheruptillshelookslikeaCheyennesquawwhentourististryingtogetafreeshootatherwithcamera."

"Pleasedo.IwanthertogetagoodimpressionofWyomingsothatshe

willstay.Idon'knowabouttherheumatism,butyoumightaskher."

Therewerepinpointsofmerrimentbehindtheguilelessinnocenceofhereyes,buttheycametothesurfaceonlyaftertheforemanhaddeparted.

McWilliamsorderedateamofyounghorsehitched,andpresentlysetoutonhistwoday;journeytoGimletButte.Hereachedthattowningoodseason,lefttheteamatacorralandwalkedbacktotheElkHouse.Thewhitedustoftheplainswasheavyonhim,fromthebandannathatlooselyembracedthebrownthroatabovetheflannelshirttothe

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encrustedbootsbutthroughitthegoodhumorofhistannedfacesmiledfraternallyonayoungwomanhepassesattheentrancetothehotel.Hergaysmilemethiscordially,andshewasstillinhismindwhileheranhiseyedowntheregisterinsearchofthenamehewanted.Thereitwas--MissNoraDarling,Detroit,Michigan--intheneatestoflittleroundletters,underdateofthepreviousday'sarrivals.

"IsMissDarlingin?"askedMcWilliamsofthehalf-grownsonofthelandladywhoservedinlieuofclerkandporter.

"Nope!Wentoutalittlewhileago.Saidtotellanybodytowaitthataskedforher."

Macnodded,relievedtofindthatdutyhadpostponeditselflongenoughforhimtopursuethefriendlysmilethathadnotbeenwastedonhimafewsecondsbefore.Hestrolledouttotheporchanddecidedatoncethatheneededacigarmorethananythingelseonearth.Hewashelpedtoarealizationofhisneedbyseeingtheownerofthesmiledisappearinanadjoiningdrugstore.

Shewasbeginningonanutsundaewhenthepuncherdriftedin.Shecontinuedtodevoteevenhereyestoitsconsumption,whiletheforemanopenedacasualconversationwiththedrugclerkandlithiscigar.

"HowarethingscominginGimletButte?"heasked,bywayofprolonginghisstayratherthanoutofdesireforinformation.

Yes,shecertainlyhadthelongest,softestlasheshehadeverseen,andtheripestofcherrylips,behindthesmilingdepthsofwhichsparkledtworowsoftinypearls.HewishedshewouldlookatHIMandsmileagain.Therewasn'tanyusetryingtomeltasundaewithit,anyhow.

"Sure,it'sagoodyearontherangeandthepriceofcowsjumping,"heheardhissub-consciousselfmakeanswertothepatronizinginquiriesofhimofthe"boiled"shirt.

"Funnyhowprettyhairofthatcolorwasespeciallywhentherewasso

muchofit.Youmightcallitasortofcopperygoldwherethelittlecurlsescapedintendrilsandranwild.Afellow--"

"Yes,IreckonmostoftheboyswilldroparoundtotheFourthofJulycelebration.Gottocutlooseonceinawhile,y'uknow."

Ashyglanceshothimandsethima-tinglewithaqueerdelight.Gracious,whatprettydarkvelvetylashesshehad!

Shewasrisingalready,andasshepaidfortheicecreamthatinnocentgazesmotehimagainwiththebrightestofIrisheyesconceivable.Itlingeredforjustaponderablesunlitmomentorhim.Shehadsmiledoncemore.

AfteradecentintervalMacpursuedhispetitcharmertothehotel.Shewasseatedontheporchreadingamagazine,andwasabsorbedlyunconsciousofhimwhenhepassed.Forafewawkwardmomentshehungaroundtheoffice,thenreturnedtotheporchandtookthechairmostdistantfromher.Hehadsattherealongtenminutesbeforesheletherhandsandthemagazinefallintoherlapanddemurelygavehimhischance.

"CanyoutellmehowfaritistotheLazyDranch?"

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"Seventy-twomilesasthecrowflies,ma'am."

"Thankyou."

Theconversationthreatenedtodiebeforeitwaswellborn.DesperatelyMcWilliamstriedtothinkofsomethingtosaytokeepitalivewithoutbeingtoobold.

"Ify'uwerethinkingoftravelingoutthatwayIcouldgivey'ualift.Ijustcameintogetanotherlady--anoldladythathasjustcometothiscountry."

"Thankyou,butI'mexpectingaconveyancetomeetmehere.Youdidn'thappentopassoneontheway,Isuppose?"

"No,Ididn't.Whatranchwerey'ugoingto,ma'am?

"MissMessiter's--theLazyD."

Asuspicionbegantopenetratetheforeman'sbrain."Y'uain'tMissDarling?"

"WhatmakesyousosureI'mnot?"sheasked,tiltingherdimpledchin

towardhimaggressively.

"Y'u'retooyoung,"heprotested,helplessly.

"I'mnoyoungerthanyouare,"cameherquick,indignantretort.

Thusboldlyaccusedofhisyouth,theforemanblushed."Ididn'tmeanthat.MissMessitersaidshewasanoldlady--"

"Youneedn'ttellfibsaboutit.Shecouldn'thavesaidanythingofthekind.Whoareyou,anyhow?"thegirldemanded,withspirit.

"I'mtheforemanoftheLazyD,cometogetMissDarling.Mynameis

McWilliams--JimMcWilliams."

"Idon'tneedyourfirstname,Mr.McWilliams,"sheassuredhim,sweetly."Andwillyoupleasetellmewhyyouhavekeptmewaitingheremorethanthirtyhours?"

"MissMessiterdidn'tgetyourletterintime.Y'usee,wedon'tgetmaileverydayattheLazyD,"heexplained,thewhilehehopefullywonderedjustwhenshewasgoingtoneedhislastname.

"Idon'tseewhyyoudon'tgoafteryourmaileverydayatleast,especiallywhenMissMessiterwasexpectingme.Toleavemewaitingherethirtyhours--I'llnotstandit.Whendoesthenexttrainleavefor

Detroit?"sheasked,imperiously.

Thesituationseemedtocallfordiplomacy,andJimMcWilliamsmovedtoanearerchair."I'mrightsorryithappened,ma'am,andI'llbetMissMessiteris,too.Y'usee,webeenawfulbusyonewayand'nother,andIplumbneglectedtosendoneoftheboystothepost-office."

"Whydidn'toneofthemwalkoveraftersupper?"shedemanded,severely.

Hecurbedthesmilethatwastwitchingathisfacialmuscles.

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"Well,o'courseitain'tsofar,--onlyforty-threemiles--still--"

"Forty-threemilestothepost-office?"

"Yes,ma'am,onlyforty-three.Ifyou'llexcusemethistime--"

"Isitreallyforty-three?"

Hesawthathersuddensmilehadbroughtoutthedimplesintheovalfaceandthatherpetulancehadbeensweptawaybyhisastoundinginformation.

"Forty-three,sureasshootin',excepttwictaweekwhenitcomestoSlauson's,andthat'sonlytwentymiles,"heassuredher."Usedtobeseventy-two,buttheGovernmentgotbusywithitsruralfreedelivery,andnowwegetitrightatourdoors."

"Youmusthavebigdoors,"shelaughed.

"Allouto'doors,"hepunned."Y'usee,ourhouseisunderourhat,andlikeasnotthat'stwentymilesfromtheranchhousewhennightfalls."

"Dearme!"Sheswepthisgracefulfiguresarcastically."And,ofcourse,

twentymilesfromabrush,too."

Helaughedwithdeepdelightatherthrust,forthewarmyouthinhimdidnotaskforpointedwitonthepartofayoungwomansoattractiveandwithamannersodelightfullyprovoking.

"IexpaictIhavegatheredupsomesceneryonthejourney.I'llgobrushitoffandgetreadyforsupper.I'dadmiretositbesidey'uandpassthebutterandthehashify'udon'tobject.Y'usee,Idon'toftenmeetupwithladies,andI'doughttoimprovemytablemannerswhenIgetachanctwithonesomucholderthanIamando'coursesomuchmoreexperienced."

"Iseeyoudon'tintendtopassanyhoneywiththehash,"sheflashed,withaglimpseofthepearls.

"DIDN'Ty'usayy'uwasolderthanme?IbelieveI'veplumbforgothowoldy'usaidy'uwas,MissDarling."

"Yourmemory'ssuchasieveitwouldn'tbeworthwhiletellingyou.Afteryou'vebeentoschoolawhilelongermaybeI'lltryyouagain."

"Someladieslike'emyoung,"hesuggested,amiably.

"Butfullgrown,"sheamended.

"Doy'ujudgebymylooksormyways?"heinquired,anxiously.

"Byboth."

"That'srightstrange,"hemusedaloud."Forjudgingbysomeofyourwaysyou'rethespinsterMissMessiterwastellingmeabout,butjudgingbyyourlooksy'u'reonlytheprettiestandsassiesttwenty-year-oldinWyoming."

Andwiththisshothefled,toseewhattransformationhecouldeffect

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withtheaidofawhiskbroom,atinpanofalkaliwaterandarollertowel.

Whenshemethimatthesuppertableherfirstquestionwas,"DidMissMessitersayIwasanoldmaid?"

"Sho!Iwouldn'tletthattroublemeifIwasy'u.Awomanain'tanyolderthanshelooks.Youragedon'tshowtospeakof."

"Butdidshe?"

"IreckonshelaidatrapformeandIshovedmypawin.Shewantedtogivemeapleasantsurprise."

"Oh!"

"Don'ty'ugrowanxiousaboutbeinganoldmaid.Thereain'tanyinWyomingtospeakof.Ify'ulikeI'lltelltheboysyou'reworriedandsomeofthemwillbeJohnnie-on-the-Spot.They'reawfulgallant,cowpunchersare."

"Someofthemmaybe,"shediffered."IfyouwanttoknowI'mjusttwenty-one."

Hesawedindustriouslyathissteak."Y'udon'tsay!Justoldenoughtovote--likethissteerwasbeforetheymassacreedhim."

Shegavehimonelook,andthereafterpunishedhimwithsilence.

TheyleftGimletButteearlynextmorningandreachedtheLazyDshortlyafternoononthesucceedingday.McWilliamsunderstoodperfectlythatstrenuouscompetitionwouldinevitablyensueassoonastheLazyDbeheldtheattractionhehadbroughtintotheirmidst.NordidheneedaphrenologisttotellhimthatNorawasabornflirtandthathershyslantglancesweremeanttopenetratetoughhidestotenderhearts.Butthisdidnotdiscouragehim,andhesetaboutmakinghisindividualimpressionwhilehehadheralltohimself.Hewasn'tatallsurehow

deepthiswent,buthehadthesatisfactionofhearinghisfirstname,theoneshehadtoldhimshehadnoneedof,falltentativelyfromherprettylipsbeforetheotherboyscaughtaglimpseofher.

ShortlyafterhisarrivalattheranchMacwenttomakehisreporttohismistressofsomebusinessmattersconnectedwiththetrip.

"Iseeyougotbacksafelywiththeoldlady,"shelaughedwhenshecaughtsightofhim.

Hislookreproachedher."Y'usaidaspinster."

"Butitwasyouthatinsistedontherheumatism.Bytheway,didyouask

heraboutit?"

"Wedidn'tgetthatfar,"heparried.

"Oh!Howfardidyouget?"Sheperchedherselfontheporchrailingandmockedhimwithherfriendlyeyes.Herheartwaslightwithinherandshewasreadyforanythinginthewayoffun,forthedoctorhadjustpronouncedherpatientoutofdangerifhetookpropercareofhimself.

"AboutasfurasIgotwithy'u,ma'am,"heaudaciouslyretorted.

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"Wemightdisagreeastohowfarthatis,"sheflungbackgaylywithheightenedcolor.

"No,ma'am,Idon'tthinkwewould."

"But,gracious!You'renotaMormon.Youdon'twantusboth,doyou?"shedemanded,hereyessparklingwiththeexhilarationofthetilt.

"CouldIgeteitheroneofy'u,doy'ureckon?That'swhat'sworryingme."

"Isee,andsoyouintendtokeepusbothonthestring."

Hisjoyouslaughterechoedhers."Iexpaicty'uwouldcallthatpresumptionorsomeotherdictionaryword,wouldn'ty'u?"

"Inanybodyelseperhaps,butsurelynotinMr.McWilliams."

"I'mawfulgladtobetrottinginaclassbymyself."

"Andyou'llletusknowwhenyouhavemadeyourmindupwhichofusitistobe?"

"Well,mineain'ttheonlymindthathastobemadeup,"hedrawled.

Shetookthisupgleefully."Ican'tanswerforNora,butI'lljumpatthechance--ifyoudecidetogiveittome."

Helaugheddelightedlyintothehathewasmomentarilyexpectingtoputon."I'llmillitoveraspellandlety'uknow,ma'am."

"Yes,thinkitoverfromallpointsofview.Ofcoursesheisprettier,butthenI'mnotafflictedwithrheumatismandprobablywouldn'tflirtasmuchafterward.Ihaveagoodtemper,too,asarule,butthensohasNora."

"Oh,she'sprettier,isshe?"Withboyishaudacityhegrinnedather.

"Whatdoyouthink?"

Heshookhishead."I'llhavetogotothefootoftheclassonthat,ma'am.Givemeaneasierone."

"I'llhavetochooseanothersubjectthen.WhatdidyoudoaboutthatbunchofCircle66cowsyoulookedatonyourwayin?"

Theydiscussedbusinessforafewminutes,afterwhichshewentbacktoherpatientandhetohiswork.

"Ain'tsheastraight-uplittlegentlemanforfair?"theforemanaskedhimselfinrhetoricalandexuberantquestion,slappinghishatagainsthislegashestrodetowardthecorral."Thinkofhercomingatmelikeshedid,theblamedlittlethoroughbred.Y'ubetsheknowsmedowntothegroundandhowsuddenIgotoveranyfoolnotionsImighta-startedtogetinmycocoanut.Butthewayshecamebackatme,quickaslightningandthensome,pretendin'allthatfoolishnessandknowin'allthetimeI'dsavezthegame."

BothMcWilliamsandhismistresshadguessedrightintheirsurmiseas

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toNoraDarling'spopularityinthecowcountry.Shemadeanimmediateandpronouncedhit.Itwasastonishinghowmanyerrandsthemenfoundtotakethemto"thehouse,"astheycalledthebuildingwherethemistressoftheranchdwelt.Bannisterservedforatimeasanexcellentexcuse.Judgingfromthenumberoftheinquirieswhichthemenfounditnecessarytomakeastohisprogress,Helenwouldhaveguessedhimexceedinglypopularwithherriders.Havingasenseofhumor,shementionedthistoMcWilliamsoneday.

Helaughed,andtriedtoturnitintoacomplimenttohismistress.Butshewouldhavenoneofit.

"Iknowbetter,sir.Theydon'tcomeheretoseeme.Noraistheattraction,andIhavesenseenoughtoknowit.Mynoseisquiteoutofjoint,"shelaughed.

Maclookedwithgayearnestnessatthefeatureshehadmentioned."There'saheapofdifferenceinnoses,"hemurmured,apparentlyaproposofnothing.

"That'sanotherwayoftellingmethatNora'spugisthesweetestthingyoueversaw,"shecharged.

"Iain'thalfsuchabadactorassomeoftheboys,"hedeprecated.

"Meaninginwhatway?"

"TheNoraDarlingway."

Hepronouncedhernamesomuchasifitwereacaressthathismistresslaughed,andhejoinedinit.

"It'syourficklenessthatisbreakingmyheart,thoughIknewIwaslostassoonasIsawyourbeatificlookonthedayyougotbackwithNora.ThefirstweekIcamenoneofyoucoulddoenoughforme.Nowit'sallNora,darling."Shemimickedgaylyhisintonation.

"Well,ma'am,it'sthisway,"explainedtheforemanwithagrin."Y'u'rerightpleasantandfriendly,buttheboyshavegotasavvywaydowndeepthaty'u'dshuckthatfriendlinessawfulsuddenifanyofthemdroppedaroundwith'Object,Matrimony'intheirmanner.Consequenceis,they'reloadeddowntothegroundwithadmirationoftheirboss,buttheyain'tpresumptuousenoughtoexpaictanymore.Ihadnotions,mebbe,I'dcutmoreice,mebeingnotafflictedwithbashfulness.Mynotionsfaded,ma'am,inaboutaweek."

"ThenNoracame?"shelaughed.

"No,ma'am,theyhadgoneglimmeringlongbeforeshearrived.Iwasjustconvalescentenoughtoneedbeingcheeredupwhenshedrappedin."

"Andareyoucheeredupyet?"hismistressasked.

Hetookoffhisdustyhatandscratchedhishead."Iain'trightcertain,yet,ma'am.SoonasIknowI'mconsoled,I'llberoundwithaninvitetothewedding."

"Thatis,ifyouare."

"IfIam--yes.Y'ucan'tmostalwaystellwhentheyhaveeyeslike

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hers."

"You'requiteanauthorityonthesexconsideringyouryears."

"Yes,ma'am."Helookedaggrieved,thinkinghimselfamangrown."Howdidy'usayMr.Bannisterwas?"

"Wait,andI'llsendNoraouttotellyou,"sheflashed,anddisappearedinthehouse.

Conversationatthebunkhouseandthechucktentsometimescircledaroundtheyoungwomenatthehouse,butitspersonalityrarelygrewpronounced.ReferencestoHelenMessiterandthehousemaidwereusuallybywayofreparteeateachother.ForachangehadcomeoverthespiritoftheLazyDmen,and,thoughacheerfulprofanitystillflowedfreelywhentheywerealonetogether,vulgaritywaslargelybanished.

ThemorningafterhisconversationwithMissMessiter,McWilliamswaswashingintheforeman'sroomwhenthetrianglebeatthecallforbreakfast,andheheardthecook'sraucous"Comeandgetit."Therewastheusualstampedeforthetent,andaminutelaterMacflungbacktheflapandentered.Hetooktheseatattheheadofthetable,alongthebenchesonbothsidesofwhichthepuncherswereplyingbusyknivesandforks.

"Astackofchips,"orderedtheforeman;andthecook's"Comingup"wasscarcelymorepromptthantheplateofhotcakeshesetbeforetheyoungman.

"Henfruit,sunnysideup,"shoutedReddy,whowasfurtheradvancedinhismeal.

"Tamethatfog-horn,son,"advisedWunHop;butpresentlyheslidthreefriedeggsfromafrying-panintotheplateofthehungryone.

"Iwanty'uboystofinishflankin'thatbunchofhillcalvesto-day,"saidtheforeman,emptyinghalfajugofsyrupoverhiscakes.

"Redtop,heain'tgotnoappetitethesedays,"grinnedDenver,asthegentlemanmentionedcleanedupasecondloadedplateofham,eggsandfriedpotatoes."IseehimstudyingaWindRiverBible*yesterday.Curioushowinthespringayoungman'sfancygitstowanderingonhousefurnishing.Red,hewastakingthecataloguealphabetically.Carpetswasabsorbin'hisattention,chairsondeck,andchandeliersinthehole,asweusedtosaywhenwewasbaseballkids."

[*AWindRiverBibleintheNorthwestranchcountryisacatalogueofoneofthebigChicagodepartmentstoresthatdoesalargeshippingbusinessintheWest.]

"Ain'tawordoftruthinit,"indignantlydeniedtheassailed,hisunfinishednoseandchingivinghimapathetic,whippedpuppylook."Sho!Iwasjustlookingupsaddles.Can'tafellowbuyanewsaddlewithoutaskingleaveofDenver?"

"CyarpetsusedtobeginwithaCinmyspelling-book,butsaddlesgotoffrightfootfustwithaS,"suggestedMacamiably.

"Hewasce'tainlytryingtotreehissaddleamongtheC's.HewaslookingawfullovingataTurkishrug.Reckonhethoughtitwasa

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saddle-blanket,"deridedDenvercheerfully.

"Huh!Y'u'reawfulsmart,Denver,"retaliatedReddy,hiscomplexionmatchinghishair."Y'utalkaheapwithyourmouth.Nobodybelievesawordofwhaty'usay."

Denverrelaxedintoarangesongbywayofrepartee:

"Iwantmightybadtobemarried,Tohaveagardenandahome;Ice'tainlyaimtogitmarried,Andhaveagyurlformyown."

"Aw!Y'ufreshguysmakemetired.Y'udon'tdevilmeabit,notabit.WhyforshouldIcarewhaty'usay?Iguessthisoutfitain'tgotnosurcingleonme."Nevertheless,hemadeahurriedendofhisbreakfastandflungoutofthetent.

"Y'uboyshadn'toughttowoundReddy'stenderfeelings,andhimsobentonmatrimony!"saidDenverinnocently."Getamoveonthemfriedspudsandsashaythemdownthisway,ifthere'sanyleftwheny'ufillyourplate,Missou."

NorwasReddytheonlyyoungmanwhohaddreamsthosedaysattheLazyD.Cupidmusthavehadhishandsfull,forhisdartspuncturedmorethanonehonestplainsman'sheart.Thereputationoftheyoungwomenatthe

LazyDseemedtotravelonthewingsofthewind,andfromfarandnearCattlelandsentdevoteestothisshrineofyouthandbeauty.Socasuallythevictimsdriftedin,alwayswithagoodbusinessexcusewarrantedtoendurerailleryandsarcasm,thatitwasimpossibletosaytheyhadcomeofsetpurposetosunthemselvesinfemininesmiles.

AsforNora,itisnottoomuchtosaythatshewashavingthetimeofherlife.Detroit,Michigan,couldoffernosuchfieldforherexpansivecharmsastheBighorncountry,Wyoming.Hereshemighthaveherpickofahundred,andeveryoneofthempicturesquelybegirtwithflannelshirt,knottedscarfatneck,anarsenalthatbristled,andasun-tanthatcouldbeachievedonlyintheoutdoorsoftheRockies.Certainlytheseknightsofthesaddleradiatedaromancewithwhichevenher

floorwalker"gentlemanfriend"couldnotcompete.

CHAPTER10.ASHEPHERDOFTHEDESERT

IthadbeenHelenMessiter'sdailycustomeithertotakearideonherponyoraspininhermotorcar,butsinceBannisterhadbeenquarteredattheLazyDhertimehadbeensofullyoccupiedthatshehadgiventhisupforthepresent.ThearrivalofNoraDarling,however,tooksomuchworkoffherhandsthatshebegantocontinueherridesanddrives.

Herpatientwasbythistimesofarrecoveredthathedidnotneedher

constantattendanceandtherewerereasonswhyshedecideditbesttospendonlyaminimumofhertimewithhim.Thesehadtodowithherincreasinginterestinthemanandtheneedshefelttodiscourageit.Ithadcometoaprettypass,shetoldherselfscornfully,whenshefoundherselfinventingexcusestotakeherintotheroomwherethismostpicturesqueofunhangedscampswaslying.Mostgoodwomenareatheartpuritans,andifHelenwastooliberaltojudgeothersnarrowlyshecouldbenonethelessrigidwithherself.Shemighttalktohimofherduty,butitwasherhabittobefrankinthoughtandsheknewthatsomethingnearerthanthatabstractionhadmovedhereffortsinhis

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behalf.Shehadfoughtforhislifebecauseshelovedhim.Shecoulddenyitnolonger.Norwastheshamewithwhichsheconfesseditunmingledwithpride.Hewasamantocompellove,oneofthemoodimperative,chain-armoredintheoutdoorvirtuesofstrengthandenduranceandstarkcourage.Herabasementbeganonlywherehissuperlationended.Thatabeingsogodlikeinequipmentshouldhavebeenfashionedwithoutasoul,andthatsheshouldhavegivenherhearttohim.Thiswasthefountofherdegradation.

ItwasofthesethingsshethoughtasshedroveinthelateafternoontowardthoseAntelopePeakshehadfirstpointedouttoher.Shesweptpastthesceneofthebattleanddippeddownintotheplainsforaruntothatwesternhorizonbehindthejaggedmountainlineofwhichthesunwasradiantlysettinginasplashofgloriouscolors.Lostinthought,spaceslippedunderherwheelsunnoticed.Nottillhercarrefusedthespurandslowedtoadespondenthaltdidsheobservethatvelvetnightwasfallingovertheland.

Sheprowledroundthemachineafterthefashionofthemotorist,examiningdetailsthatmightbethecauseofthetrouble.Shediscoveredsoonenoughwithinstantdismaythatthegasolenetankwasempty.Reddy,alwaysunreliable,musthaveforgottentofillitwhenshetoldhimto.

Bytheroadshemustbethirtymilesfromhomeifshewereastep;

acrosscountryasthecrowflies,perhapstwenty.Shewasayoungwomanofresolution,andshewastednotimeintearsorregrets.TheXIXranch,ownedbyasmall"nester"namedHenderson,couldnotbemorethanfiveorsixmilestothesoutheast.Ifshestruckacrossthehillsshewouldbesuretorunintooneofthebarblines.AttheXIXshecouldgetahorseandreachtheLazyDbymidnight.Withoutanyhesitationshestruckout.Itwasunfortunatethatshedidnothaveonherheavylacedhighboots,butsherealizedthatshemusttakethingsasshefoundthem.Thingsmighthavebeenagooddealworse,shereflectedphilosophically.

Andbeforelongtheywereworse,fortheincreasingdarknessblottedoutthelandmarksshewasusingasguidesandshewaslostamongthehill

wavesthatrolledoneafteranotheracrosstherange.Stillshedidnotgiveway,tellingherselfthatitwouldbebetterafterthemoonwasup.Shecouldthentellnorthfromsouth,andsohavealinebywhichtotravel.Butwhenatlengththestarscameout,thousandsuponthousandsofthem,andlookeddownonalandmagicallyfloodedwithchillmoonlight,thegirlfoundthatthetransformationofWyomingintothissenseofsilverylovelinesshadtonedthedistantmountainlinetoanindefinitehazethatmadeitimpossibleforhertodistinguishonepeakfromanother.

Shewanderedforhours,hungryandtiredandfrightened,thoughthislastshewouldnotconfess.

"There'snothingtobeafraidof,"shetoldherselfoverandover."EvenifIhavetostayoutallnightitwilldomenoharm.There'snoneedtobeababyaboutit."

Buttrytoevadeitasshewould,therewassomethinginthelonelinessofthislimitlessstretchofhilltopthatgotonhernerves.Theveryshadowscastbythemoonshineseemedtoofantasticforreality.Somethingeerieandunearthlyhoveredoveritall,andbeforesheknewitasobchokedupherthroat.

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Vaguefanciesfilteredthroughhermind,weirdimaginingsbornofthenightinamindthathadbeensweptfromthemooringsofreason.Sothatwithnosensiblesurprisetherecametoherinthatmoonlitseaofdesertthesoundofavoiceaclearsweettenorswellingbravelyinsongwiththeveryecstacyofpathos.

Itwastheprisonsongfrom"IlTrovatore,"andthedesolationofitsliftedappealwenttotheheartlikewatertotherootsofflowers.

Ah!Ihavesigh'dtorestme.Deepinthequietgrave.

Thegirl'ssobcaughtinherbreast,stilledwiththeaweofthatheavenlymusic.Soforaninstantshewaitedbeforeitwasborneinonherthatthevoicewasahumanone,andthattheheavenfromwhichitdescendedwasthehilltopaboveher.

Awildlaugh,followedbyanoath,cutthedyingechoesofthesong.Shecouldheartheswishofaquirtfallingagainandagain,andthesoundoftramplinghoofsthuddingonthehard,sun-crackedground.Startled,shesprangtoherfeet,andsawsilhouettedagainsttheskylineahorseandhisriderfightingformastery.

Thebattlewassuperbwhileitlasted.Thehorsehadbeenafamous

outlaw,brokentothesaddlebyitsowneroutofthesheerpassionforvictory,butthereweretimeswhenitssavagestrengthrebelledatabjectsubmission,andthiswasoneofthem.Itswungitselfskyward,andcamedownlikeapile-driver,camel-backed,andwithoutjointsinthelegs.Swiftlyitroseagainlungingforwardandwhirlingintheair,thenjarreddownatanangle.Thebrutediditsmalevolentbest,afuryincarnate.Buttheride,wasamatch,andmorethanamatch,forit.HesatthesaddlelikeaCentaur,withtheperfect:unconsciousgraceofabornmaster,swayinginhisseatasneedwas,andspurringthehorsetoablinderfury.

Suddenashadbeenthestart,nolesssuddenwasthefinishofthebattle.Thebroncopoundedtoastiff-leggedstandstill,trembledfor

alongminutelikeanaspen,andsanktoatamesurrender,despitethesharpspursrowelingitsbloodysides.

"Ah,mybeauty.You'vehadenough,haveyou?"demandedthecruel,triumphantvoiceoftherider."Youwouldtrythatgame,wouldyou?I'llteachyou."

"Stopspurringthathorse,youbully."

Themanstopped,insheeramazementatthisapparitionwhichhadleapedoutofthegroundalmostathisfeet.Hiswaryglancecircledthehillstomakesureshewasalone.

"Ce'tainly,ma'am.We'resuredelightedtomeetupwithyou.Ain'twe,Two-step?"

Forhimself,hespokethesimpletruth.Helivedinhissensations,spurringhimselftofreshonesashehadbutjustnowbeenspurringhishorsetosatethegreedofconquestinhim.Andthishigh-spirited,gallantcreature--hecouldfeelhervitalcourageintheveryringofhervoice--offeredararefilliptohisjadedappetite.Thedusky,long-lashedeyeswhichalwaysgiveawomananeffectofbeauty,thesplendidflingofhead,andthepiquant,finelycutfeatures,withtheir

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unconscioustaleofBrahmincaste,thelonglinesofthesupplebody,willowyandyetplumpasapartridge--theywenttohisheadlikestrongwine.Herewasanadventurefromthegods--astubbornwilltobend,theprideofahaughtyyoungbeautytotrailinthedust,heruntamedhearttobreakifneedbe.Thelustofthebattlewasonhimalready.Shewasawomantodreamabout,

"SweeterthanthelidsofJuno'seyes,OrCytherea'sbreath,"

hetoldhimselfexultantlyasheslidfromhishorseandstoodbowingbeforeher.

Andhe,forhispart,wasatakingenoughpictureofdevil-may-caregallantrygonetoseed.Thetouchofjauntyimpudenceinhishumility,notlessthanthedaringadmirationofhishandsomeeyesandtheeasy,sinuousgraceofhisflexedmuscles,labeledhimwhathewas--amanboldandcapabletodowhathewilled,andavillaineveryinchofhim.

Saidshe,afterthatfirstclashofstormyeyeswithbold,admiringones:

"Iamlost--fromtheLazyDranch."

"Why,no,you'refound,"hecorrected,whiteteethflashinginasmile.

"Mymotorranoutofgasolenethisafternoon.I'vebeen"--therewasacatchinhervoice--"wanderingeversince."

"You'replayedout,ofcourse,andy'u'vehadnosupper,"hesaid,hisquietclosegazeonher.

"Yes,I'mplayedoutandmynerve'sgone."Shelaughedalittlehysterically."IexpectI'mhungryandthirsty,too,thoughIhadn'tnoticeditbefore."

Hewhirledtohissaddle,andhadthecanteenthongsunloosedina

moment.Whileshedrankherummagedfromhissaddle-bagssomesandwichesofjerkyandaflaskofwhiskey.Sheatethesandwiches,hethewhilewatchingherwithamusedsympathyinhisswarthycountenance.

"Youain'thalf-badatthechuck-wagon,MissMessiter,"hetoldher.

Shestopped,thesandwichpartwaytohermouth."Idon'trememberyourface.I'vemetsomanypeoplesinceIcametotheLazyD.Still,IthinkIshouldrememberyou."

Heimmediatelyrelievedofdutyherquasiapology."Youhaven'tseenmyfacebefore,"helaughed,and,thoughshepuzzledoverthedoublemeaningthatseemedtolurkbehindhiswordsandamusehim,shecould

notfindthekeytoit.

Itwastoodarktomakeouthisfeaturesatallclearly,butshewassureshehadseenhimbeforeorsomebodythatlookedverymuchlikehim.

"Lifeontherangeain'tjustwhaty'ucancallexciting,"hecontinued,"andwhenayoungladyfreshfrombackEastdropsamonguswhilesixgunsarepopping,breaksupalikelyfeudandmendsrightneatlyalltheventilatedfeudistsit'sacorollarytoherfunthat'ssheisgoingtobecomefamous."

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Whathesaidwastrueenough.Theunsolicitednotorietyherexploithadbroughtuponherhadbeenitschiefpenalty.GarbledversionsofithadappearedwithfakepicturesinNewYorkandChicagoSundaysupplements,andallCattlelandhadheardanddiscussedit.Nomatterintowhatunfrequentedcanonsherode,somesilentcowpuncherwouldlookatherastheymetwithadmiringeyesbehindwhichshereadaknowledgeofthestory.Itwasalonelydesolatecountry,fullofthewidedeepsilencesofutteremptiness,yettherecouldbenofootfallbutthewhisperofitwasbruitedonthewingsofthewind.

"DoyouknowwheretheLazyDranchisfromhere?"sheasked.

Henodded.

"Canyoutakemehome?"

"Isurelycan.Butnotto-night.You'remoretiredthany'uknow.We'llcamphere,andinthemo'ningwe'llhitthetrailbrightandearly."

Thisdidnotsuitheratall."IsitfartotheLazyD?"sheinquiredanxiously.

"Everyinchoffortymiles.There'sacreeknotmorethantwohundred

yardsfromhere.We'llstaytheretillmorning,"hemadeanswerinamatterofcoursevoice,leadingthewaytotheplacehehadmentioned.

Shefollowed,protesting.Yetthoughitwasnotinaccordwithhercivilizedsenseoffitness,sheknewthatwhatheproposedwasthecommonsensesolution.Shewastiredandwornout,andshecouldseethathisbronchohadtraveledfar.

Havingreachedthebankofthecreek,heunsaddled,wateredhishorseandpicketedit,andstartedafire.Uneasilyshewatchedhim.

"Idon'tliketosleepout.Isn'ttherearanchhousenear?"

"Y'uwouldn'tcallitnearbythetimewehadreachedit.What'stohinderyoursleepinghere?Isn'tthisroomairyenough?Anddon'ty'ulikethesystemoflighting?'TwaspatentedIforgethowmanymillionyearsago.Y'uain'tgoingtoplayparlorgirlnowaftergettingthereputationy'u'vegotforgameness,arey'u?"

Butheknewwellenoughthatitwasnosillyschoolgirlfearshehad,butsomedeepinstinctinherthatdistrustedhimandwarnedhertobeware.So,lightlyhetookuptheburdenofthetalkwhilehegatheredcottonwoodbranchesforthefire.

"NowifI'donlythoughttobringaloadoflumberandsomecarpenters--andachaperon,"hechidedhimselfinburlesque,hisbold

eyescloselyonthegirl'sfacetogloatonthecolorthatflewtohercheeksathissuggestion.

Shehastenedtodisclaimlightlythefeelinghehadunmaskedinher."Itisapity,butitcan'tbehelpednow.IsupposeIamcrossanddon'tseemverygrateful.I'mtiredoutandnervous,butIamsurethatI'llenjoysleepingout.IfIdon'tIshallnotbesoungenerousastoblameyou."

Hesoonhadacupofsteamingcoffeereadyforher,andtheheatofit

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madeanewwomanofher.Shesatinthewarmfireglow,andbegantofeelstealingoverheradelightfulreactionoflanguor.Shetoldherselfseverelyitwasridiculoustohavebeensofoolishlyprimabouttheinevitable.

"Sinceyouknowmyname,isn'titfairthatIshouldknowyours?"shesmilinglyasked,moreamiablythanshehadyetspokentohim.

"Well,sinceIhavefoundthelambthatwaslost,y'umaycallmeashepherdofthedesert."

"Then,Mr.Shepherd,I'mverygladtomeetyou.Idon'trememberwhenIeverwasmoregladtomeetastranger."Andsheaddedwithalittlelaugh:"It'sapityI'mtoosleepytodomydutybyyouinasocialway."

"We'llletthatwaittillto-morrow.Y'u'llentertainmeplentythen.I'llmakeyourbunkuprightaway."

Shewaspresentlylyingwithherfeettothefire,snuglyrolledinhissaddleblankets.Butthoughhereyeswereheavy,herbrainwasstilltooactivetopermithertosleepimmediately.Theexcitementofheradventurewastoonear,theemotionsofthedaytoopoignantlyvivid,tolosetheirholdonheratonce.Forthefirsttimeinherlifeshe

laylappedintheillimitablevelvetnight,countlessunwinkingstarslightingtheblue-blackdreaminwhichshefloated.Theenchantmentofthenight'slovelinesssweptthroughhersensitivepulsesandthrilledherwiththemysteryofthegreatlifeofwhichshewasanatom.Aweheldherawillingcaptive.

Shethoughtofmanythings,ofherpastlifeanditsincongruitywiththepresent,ofthemanwholaywoundedattheLazyD,ofthisotherwide-shoulderedvagabondwhowasjustnowintheshadowsbeyondthefirelight,pacingupanddownwithlong,lightevenstridesashelookedtohishorseandfedthefire.Shewatchedhimmakeanendofthethingshefoundtodoandthentakehisplaceoppositeher.Whoandwhatwashe,thisfascinatingscampwhoonemomentfloodedthemoonlitdesert

withinspiredsnatchesfromtheoperasunginthevoiceofanangel,andthenextlashedathishorselikeadevilincarnate?Howreconciletheoutstandinginconsistenciesinhim?Forhiseveryinflection,everymotion,proclaimedthestrainofgoodbloodgonewrongandtrampledunderfootofset,sardonicpurpose,indicatedhimamanofcultureinahellofhisownchoosing.Loungingonhiselbowintheflickeringshadows,socarelesslyinsouciantineverypicturesqueinchofhim,heseemedtoradiatethemelodramaoftheuntamedfrontier,justasherguestoftarnishedreputationnowattheranchseemedtobreatheforthitsromance.

"Sleepwell,littlepartner.Don'tbeafraid;nothingcanharmyou,"thismanhadtoldher.

Promptlyshehadanswered,"I'mnotafraid,thankyou,intheleast";andafteramomenthadadded,nottoseemhostile,"Goodnight,bigpartner."

Butdespitehercalmassurancesheknewshedidnotfeelsoentirelysafeasifithadbeenoneofherownranchboysontheothersideofthefire,oreventhatothervagabondwhohadmadesodirectanappealtoherheart.Ifshewerenotafraid,atleastsheknewsomevaguehintofanxiety.

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Shewasstillthinkingofhimwhenshefellasleep,andwhensheawakenedthefirstsoundthatfellonherearswashistunefulwhistle.Indeedshehadanindistinctmemoryofhiminthenight,wrappingtheblanketscloseraboutherwhenthechillairhadhalfstirredherfromherslumber.Thedaywasstillveryyoung,buttheabundantdesertlightdismissedsleepsummarily.Sheshookandbrushedthewrinklesoutofherclothesandwentdowntothecreektowashherfacewiththeinadequatefacilitiesathand.Afterredressingherhairshereturnedtothefire,uponwhichacoffeepotwasalreadysimmering.

Shecameupnoiselesslybehindhim,buthistrainedsenseswereapprisedofherapproach.

"Goodmo'ning!Howdidy'ufindyourbedroom?"heasked,withoutturningfromthebaconhewasbroilingontheendofastick.

"Quiteuptothespecifications.WithallWyomingforafloorandtheskyforaceiling,IneverhadaroomIlikedbetter.Buthaveyoueyesinthebackofyourhead?"

Helaughedgrimly."Ihavetobealleyesandearsinmybusiness."

"Isyourbusinessofanaturesosensitive?"

"AsmuchsoasstocksonWallStreet.Andwehaven'tanytickertowarnustogetundercover.Doyoutakecreaminyourcoffee,MissMessiter?"

Shelookedroundinsurprise."Cream?"

"We'reintin-canland,youknow,andliveonair-tights.Imilkmycowwithacan-opener.Letmerecommendthisquailontoast."Hehandedherabatteredtinplate,andpreparedtohelpherfromthefrying-pan.

"Isupposethatisanothernameforpork?"

"No,really.Ihappenedtobagacoupleofhootersbeforeyouwakened."

"You'reamissionaryofthegood-foodsmovement.IshallnameyourmissionSt.Sherry's-in-the-Wilderness."

"Ah,Sherry's!That'ssincemytime.Idon'tsupposeIshouldknowmywayaboutinlittleoldNewYorknow."

Shefoundhimeagertopickupagainthebrokenstrandsthathadconnectedhimwiththebigworldfromwhichhehadoncecome.Ithadbeenlongsinceshehadenjoyedatalkmore,forheexpressedhimselfwithwitanddexterity.Butthroughherenjoymentrananoteofapprehension.Hewasforthemomentaresurrectedgentleman.Butwhatwouldhebenext?Shehadaninsistentmemoryofaheavenlyfloodof

musicbrokenbyahorriblediscordofraucousoaths.

Itwashethatlingeredovertheirbreakfast,loathtomakethefirstmovetobringhimbackintorealities;anditwasshethathadtosuggesttheneedofsettingout.Butonceonhisfeet,hesaddledandpackedswiftly,withadeftnessbornofexperience.

"We'llhavetoaskTwo-steptocarrydoubleto-day,"hesaid,ashehelpedhertoaplacebehindhim.

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Two-stephadevidentlymadeanendofthebroncospreeuponwhichhehadbeentheeveningbefore,forhesubmittedsedatelytohisunusualburden.Thefirsthilltoptheyreachedhaditssurprisetoofferthegirl.Inalittlevalleybelowthem,scarceamileaway,nestledaranchwithitscorralsandbuildings.

"Look!"sheexclaimed;andthenswiftly,"Didn'tyouknowitwasthere?"

"Yes,that'stheHilkeplace,"heansweredwithcomposure."Ithasn'tbeenoccupiedforyears."

"Isn'tthatsomeonecrossingtothecorralnow?"

"No.Astraycow,Ireckon."

Theydroppedintoahollowbetweenthehillsandlefttheranchontheirleft.Shewasnotsatisfied,andyetshehadnotgroundsenoughuponwhichtobaseasuspicion.Forsurelythefigureshehadseenhadbeenthatofaman.

CHAPTER12.MISTRESSANDMAID

Nowthatitwassafelyconcluded,Helenthoughttheadventurealmostworthwhileforthespontaneousexpressionsofgoodwillithaddrawnforthfromheradherents.Mrs.WinslowandNorahadtakenhertotheirarmsandweptandlaughedoverherinturn,andintheirsilentundemonstrativewayshehadfeltherselfhedgedinbyunusualsolicitudeonthepartofherriders.Itwasgood--nonebutsheknewhowgood--tobebackamongherown,tobaskinafriendlinessshecouldnotdoubt.ItwasbestofalltositoppositeNedBannisteragainwithnoweightonherheartfromtheconsciousnessofhisunworthiness.

Shecouldaffecttodisregardthegrayeyesthatfollowedherwithsuchmagnetizedcontentaboutthelivingroom,butbeneathhercoolself-containmentsheknewthejoyousheartinherwasstrangelybuoyant.

Helovedher,andshehadarighttoletherselflovehim.Thiswasenoughforthepresent.

"They'resoplumbgladtoseey'utheycan'tlety'ualone,"laughedBannisteratthesoundofaknockonthedoorthatwasaboutthefifthinasmanyminutes.

ThistimeitprovedtobeNora,cometofindoutwhathermistresswouldlikeforsupper.Helenturnedtotheinvalid.

"Whatwouldyoulike,Mr.Bannister?"

"Ishouldlikeaporterhousewithmushrooms,"heannouncedpromptly.

"Youcan'thaveit.Youknowwhatthedoctorsaid."Veryperemptorilyshesmiledthisathim.

"He'sanoldgranny,MissMessiter."

"Youmayhaveaneggontoast."

"Makeittwo,"hepleaded."Excitement'sjustlikecaviartotheappetite,andseeingy'usafe--"

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"Verywell--two,"sheconceded.

Theyatesuppertogetherinarenewalofthepleasantintimacysodelightfultoboth.Helayonthelounge,proppedupwithsofacushions,thewhilehewatchedherdeftfingersbutterthetoastandpreparehisegg.Itwassurelyworthwhiletobeaconvalescent,givensosweetacomradeforanurse;andafterhehadmovedovertothetableheenjoyedimmenselythegayfirmnesswithwhichshedeniedhimwhatwasnotgoodforhim.

"I'llbety'udidn'thavesupperlikethisatRobbers'Roost."hetoldher,enthusiastically.

"Itwasn'tsobad,consideringeverything."Shewaslookingdirectlyathimasshespoke."Yourcousinisratheraremarkablemaninsomeways.Hemanagestoliveonthebestthatcanbegotintin-canland."

"Didhetelly'uhewasmycousin?"heasked,slowly.

"Yes,andthathisnamewasNedBannister,too?"

"Didthatexplainanythingtoy'u?"

"Itexplainedagreatdeal,butitleftsomethingsnotclearyet."

"Forinstance?"

"Foronething,thereasonwhyyoushouldbeartheodiumofhiscrimes.Isupposeyoudon'tcareforhim,thoughIcanseehowyoumightinaway."

"Idon'tcareforhimintheleast,thoughIusedtowhenwewereboys.Astolettingmyselfbeblamedforhiscrimes.IdiditbecauseIcouldn'thelpmyself.Welookmoreorlessalike,andhewascunningenoughtomanufactureevidenceagainstme.Wewereneverseentogether,andsoveryfewknowthattherearetwoBannisters.AtfirstIusedto

protest,butIgaveitup.Therewasn'ttheleastuse.Icouldonlywaitforhimtobecapturedorkilled.Inthemeantimeitdidn'tmakemeanymorepopulartobeasheepman."

"Weren'tyoutakingalongchanceofbeingkilledfirst?Someonewithagrudgeagainsthimmighthaveshotyou."

"Theyhaven'tyet,"hesmiled.

"Youmightatleasthavetoldmehowitwas,"shereproached.

"Istartedtotelly'uthatfirstday,butitlookedsomuchofafairytaletounloadthatIpasseditup."

"Thenyououghtnottoblamemeforthinkingyouwhatyouwerenot."

"Idon'trememberblamingy'u.ThefactisIthoughtitawfulwhiteofy'utodoyourChristiandutysothorough,mebeingsuchamiscreant,"hedrawled.

"Yougavemenochancetothinkwellofyou."

"Butyety'udidyourdutyfromAtoZ."

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"We'renottalkingaboutmyduty,"sheflashedback."Mypointisthatyouweren'tfairtome.IfIthoughtillofyouhowcouldIhelpit?"

"IexpaictyourKalamazooconscienceisworryin'y'ubecausey'umisjudgedme."

"Itisn't,"shedeniedinstantly.

"Iain'tofarevengefuldisposition.I'llforgivey'ufordoingyourdutyandsavingmylifetwice,"hesaid,withasmileofwhimsicalirony.

"Idon'twantyourforgiveness."

"Well,thenforthinkingmea'badman.'"

"Yououghttobegmypardon.Iwasafriend,atleastyousayIactedlikeone--andyoudidn'tcareenoughtorightyourselfwithme."

"MaybeIcaredtoomuchtorisktryingit.Iknewtherewouldbeproofsometime,andIdecidedtolieunderthesuspicionuntilIcouldgetit.Iseenowthatwasn'tkindorfairtoyou.IamsorryIdidn'ttelly'uallaboutit.MayItelly'uthestorynow?"

"Ifyouwish."

Itwasalongstory,butthemainpointscanbetoldinaparagraph.Thegrandfatherofthetwocousins,GeneralEdwardBannister,hadworntheConfederategrayforfouryears,andhadlostanarmintheserviceoftheflagwiththestarsandbars.AfterthewarhereturnedtohishomeinVirginiatofinditinruins,hisslavesfreedandhisfieldsmortgaged.Hehadpulledhimselftogetherforanotherstart,andhadpracticedlawinthelittletownwherehisfamilyhadlivedforgenerations.Ofhistwosons,onewasane'er-do-well.Hewasoneofthosebrilliantfellowsofwhommuchisexpectedthatneverdevelops.Hehadatasteforlowcompany,marriedbeneathhim,and,afteracareer

thatwasacontinualmortificationandhumiliationtohisfather,waskilledinadrunkenbrawlunderdisgracefulcircumstances,leavingbehindasonnamedforthegeneral.ThesecondsonofGeneralBannisteralsodiedyoung,butnotbeforehehadprovedhisdevotiontohisfatherbyanexemplarylife.He,too,wasmarriedandleftanonlyson,alsonamedfortheoldsoldier.Theboyswereaboutofanageandwerewellmatchedinphysicalandmentalequipment.Butthegeneral,whohadtakenthembothtolivewithhim,soondiscoveredthattheircharacterswereasdissimilarasthepoles.Onegrandsonwasfrank,generous,openasthelight;theotherwasofanaturealmostdegenerate.Infact,eachhadinheritedthequalitiesofhisfather.Talesbegantocometotheoldgeneral'searsthatatfirstherefusedtocredit.Buteventuallyitwasmadeplaintohimthatoneoftheboyswasarakeofthemost

objectionabletype.

Thereweremanystormyscenesbetweenthegeneralandhisgrandson,buttheboycontinuedtogofrombadtoworse.Afterapeculiarlyflagrantcase,involvingthecharacterofarespectableyounggirl,youngNedBannisterwasforbiddenhisancestralhome.Ithadbeenbymeansofhiscousinthatthislastiniquityofhishadbeenunearthed,andtheboyhadtakenittohisgrandfatherinhotindignationasthelasthopeofprotectingthereputationoftheinjuredgirl.Fromthathourtheevilhatredofhiscousin,alwaysdormantintheheart,flamedintoactive

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heat.Thedisownedyouthsworetoberevenged.Ashorttimelaterthegeneraldied,leavingwhatlittlepropertyhehadentirelytotheonegrandson.Thisstirredagainthebitterrageoftheother.Hesetfiretothehousethathadbeenwilledhiscousin,andtookatrainthatnightforWyoming.ByastrangeironyoffatetheymetagainintheWestyearslater,andtheenmitybetweenthemwasrenewed,growingeverymonthmorebitteronthepartoftheonewhocalledhimselftheKingoftheBighornCountry.

Shebrokethesilenceafterhisstorywithagentle"Thankyou.Icanunderstandwhyyoudon'tliketotellthestory."

"Iamverygladofthechancetotellittoyou,"heanswered.

"WhenyouweredeliriousyousometimesbeggedsomeoneyoucalledNednottobreakhismother'sheart.Ithoughtthenyoumightbespeakingtoyourselfasillpeopledo.OfcourseIseenowitwasyourcousinthatwasonyourmind."

"WhenIwasoutofmyheadImusthavetalkedalotofnonsense,"hesuggested,inthevoiceofaquestion."IexpectIhadopinionsIwouldn'thavebeenscatteringaroundsofreeifI'dknownwhatIwassaying."

Hewashardlypreparedforthetideofcolorthatswepthercheeksathiswordsnorforthemomentaryconfusionthatshutteredtheshyeyeswithlonglashescastdown.

"Sickfolksdotalkfoolishness,theysay,"headded,hisgazetrainedonhersuspiciously.

"Dothey?"

"Mrs.WinslowsaysIdid.ButwhenIaskedherwhatitwasIsaidsheonlylaughedandtoldmetoasky'u.Well,I'maskin'now."

Shebecameverybusyovertheteapot."Youtalkedabouttheworkatyour

ranch--sheepdippingandsuchthings."

"Wasthatall?"

"No,aboutlotsofotherthings--footballandyourearlylife.Idon'tseewhatMrs.Winslowmeant.Willyouhavesomemoretea?"

"No,thanky'u.Ihavefinished.Yes,thatce'tainlyseemsharmless.Ididn'tknowbutIhadbeentellingsecrets."Stillhisunwaveringeyesrestedquietlyonher.

"Secrets?"Shesummonedheraplombtoletaquestionrestlightlyinthefacesheturnedtowardhim,thoughshewasafraidshemethis

eyeshardlylongenoughforcompleteinnocence"Why,yes,secrets."Hemeasuredlookswithherdeliberatelybeforehechangedthesubject,andheknewagainthedelightfulexcitementofvictory."Arey'ugoingtoreadtomethisevening?"

Shetookhisopeningsoeagerlythathesmiled,atwhichhercolormountedagain.

"Ify'ulike.WhatshallIread?"

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"SomemoreofBarrie'sbooks,ify'udon'tmind.Whenafellowisweakasakittenhesortertakestothingsthatareaboutkids."

Noracameinandclearedawaythesupperthings.ShewasjustbeginningtowashthemwhenMcWilliamsandDenverdroppedintothekitchenbydifferentdoors.Eachseemedsurprisedanddisappointedatthepresenceoftheother.Noragaveeachofthemasmileandadishcloth.

"Reddy,he'sshavin'andFrisco'sstrugglingwithabiledshirt--Imeanwithanecktie,"Denverhastilyamended."They'llbealongrightsoon,Ishouldn'twonder."

"Y'ubettergotelltheboysMissNoradon'twantherkitchenlitteredupwithsomanyofthem,"suggestedhisrival.

"Y'u'reforemanhere.Idon'taimtobuttintoyourbusiness,Mac,"grinnedbacktheother,polishingateaplatewiththetowel.

"IwanttogetsometablelinenovertoLeeMingto-night,"saidNora,presently.

"Denver,he'llbegladtotakeitfory'u,MissNora.He'srealobliging,"offeredMac,generously.

"I'vebeeninthehouseallday,soIneedawalk.Ithoughtperhapsoneofyougentlemen--"MissNoralookedfromonetotheotherofthemwithdeepinnocence.

"Sure,I'llgoalongandcarryit.JustasMacsays,I'llberealpleasedtogo,"saidDenver,hastily.

MacfelthehadbeenatrifleprecipitateinhisassumptionthatNoradidnotintendtogoherself.LeeMinghadestablishedalaundrysomehalfmilefromtheranch,andthewaytheretolaythroughmostpicturesqueshadowandmoonlight.TheforemanhadconscientiousscruplesagainstlettingDenverescortherdownsuchaveritablelovers'laneofromanticscenery.

"Idon'tknowasy'uoughttogooutinthenightairwiththatcold,Denver.I'dhateaheaptohavey'ucatchpneumony.Itdon'tseemtomeI'dbejustifiedinallowin'y'uto,"saidtheforeman,anxiously.

"You'reTHATthoughtful,Mac.ButIexpectmebbealittlesaunterwithMissNorawilldomythroatgood.We'llwalkrealslow,so'snottowearoutmystrength."

"Big,huskyfellowslikey'uareawfullikelytodropoffwithpneumony.Ibeenthinkin'Igotsomeawfulgoodmedicinethatwouldbetherightstufffory'u.It'sinthedrawerofmywash-stand.Helpyourselfliberalanditwillsurelydoy'ugood.Y'u'llfinditinabottle."

"I'llbetit'sgoodmedicine,Mac.AfterwegethomeI'lldroparound.Inthewashstand,y'usaid?"

"Ihatetohavey'utakesucharisk,"Mactriedagain."Thereain'tabitofuseiny'uexposingyourselfsocareless.Y'utakeahotfootbathandsomeofthatmedicine,Denver,thengorightstraighttobed,andinthemo'ningy'u'llbegoodasnew.Honest,y'uwon'tknowyourself."

"Y'ugotthebestheart,Mac."Noragiggled.

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"SinceI'mforemanIgottobeamothertoy'uboys,ain'tI?"

"Y'u'reliabletobeagrandmothertousify'ukeepon,"camebacktheyounggiant.

"Y'uplumbdiscourageme,Denver,"sighedtheforeman.

"No,sir!ThewayIlookatit,afellow'sgottotakesomerisk.Now,y'ucayn'ttellsomethings.IfigureIain'thalfsolikelytocatchpneumonyasy'uwouldbetogethearttroubleify'uwentwalkingwithMissNora,"returnedDenver.

Aperfectgravitysatonboththeirfacesduringtheprogressofmostoftheirrepartee.

"Ifyourthroat'ssobad,Mr.Halliday,I'llputakeroseneragrounditforyouwhenwegetback,"Norasaid,withasweetlittleglanceofsympathythattheforemandidnotenjoy.

Denver,otherwise"Mr.Halliday,"beamed."Y'u'rerealkind,ma'am.I'llbetthatwillhelpitontheoutsidemuchasMac'smedicinewillinside."

"What'lly'udoformyheart,ma'am,ifitgitsbadthewayDenverfiguresitwill?"

"Y'umighttryamustardplaster,"shegurgled,withlaughter.

Foroncethedebonairforeman'sreadytonguehadbroughthimtodefeat.HewasabouttoretirefromthefieldtemporarilywhenNoraherselfofferedfirstaidtothewounded.

"Wewouldliketohaveyoucomealongwithus,Mr.McWilliams.Iwantyoutocomeifyoucansparethetime."

Thesofteyestelegraphedaninvitationwithsuchasubtlesuggestionof

aprivateunderstandingthatMacwasinstantlyencouragedtoaccept.

Heknew,ofcourse,thatshewasplayingthemagainsteachotherandsittingbacktoenjoytheresult,buthewaspossessedofthehopecommontoyouthsinhiscasethathereallywasonabetterfootingwithherthantheotherboys.Thisopinion,itmaybeadded,wassharedbyDenver,FriscoandevenReddyasregardsthemselves.Whichismerelyanotherwayofputtingtheregrettablefactthatthisverycharmingyoungwomanwasgiventocoquettingwiththeheartsofheradmirers.

"Anytimey'ugetoneasyaboutthatcoughy'ugorightonhome,Denver.Don'tstayjestoutofpoliteness.We'llnevermissy'u,anyhow,"theforemanassuredhim.

"Thanky'u,Mac.Buty'useeIgottostaytokeepMissNorafromgettingbored."

"Wasitaphrenologiststrungy'uwiththenotiony'uwasacureforlonesomeness?"

"Shucks!Idon'tmakenosuchclaims.Theonlythingisit'sacomfortwhenyou'reboredtohavecompany.MissNora,she'ssopolite.But,y'usee,ifI'malongIcantakey'uforawalkwheny'ugettoobad."

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TheyreachedthelittletrailthatranuptoLeeMing'splace,andDenversuggestedthatMacruninwiththebundlesoastosaveNoratheclimb.

"I'dliketo,honestIwould.Butsincey'uthoughtofitfirstIwon'tstealthecreditofdoingMissNoraagoodturn.We'llwaitrightherefory'utilly'ucomeback."

"We'llallgouptogether,"decidedNora,andhonorswereeasy.

Inthepleasantmoonlighttheysaunteredback,twoofthemstillengagedinlivelybadinage,whilethethirdplayedchoruswithappreciativelittlegigglesandmurmursof"Oh,Mr.Halliday!"and"Youknowyou'rejustflatteringme,Mr.McWilliams."

Iftheyhadnotbeensoabsorbedintheirgayfoolishnessthetwomenmightnothavewalkedsoinnocentlyintothetrapwaitingforthemattheirjourney'send.Asitwas,thefirstintimationtheyhadofanythingunusualwasasterncommandtosurrender.

"Throwupyourhands.Quick,youblankfools!"

Amaskedmancoveredthem,ineachhandasix-shooter,andathis

summonsthearmsofthecow-puncherswentinstantlyintotheair.

Noragaveaninvoluntarylittlescreamofdismay.

"Y'udon'tneedtobeafraid,lady.Ain'tnobodygoingtohurtyou,Ireckon,"themaskedmangrowled.

"Suretheywon't,"Macreassuredher,addingironically:"Thisgun-playbusinessisjustneighborlyfrolic.LiabletohappenanydayinWyoming."

Asecondmaskedmansteppedup.He,toowasgarnishedwithanarsenal.

"What'sallthistalkingabout?"hedemandedsharply.

"Wejustbeenhavingalittleconversationseh?"returnedMcWilliams,gently,hisvigilanteyessearchingthroughthedisguiseoftheother"Justbeentellingtheladythatyourcallisinfriendlyspirit.Noobjections,Isuppose?"

Theswarthynewcomer,whoseemedtobeincommand,sworesourly.

"Y'uputaknotinyourtongue,Mr.Foreman."

"Ce'tainly,ify'uprefer,"returnedtheindomitableMcWilliams.

"ShutuporI'llpumpleadintoyou!"

"I'mpadlocked,seh."

NoraDarlinginterruptedthedialoguebyquietlyfainting.Theforemancaughtherasshefell.

"Seewhaty'udone,y'ublamedchump!"hesnapped.

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CHAPTER13.THETWOCOUSINS

Thesheepmanlayathisease,thestrongsupplelinesofhimstretchedlazilyonthelounge.Helenwassittingbesidehiminaneasychair,andhewatchedtheplayofherfaceinthelamplightasshereadfrom"TheLittleWhiteBird."Shewasverygoodtosee,sovitallyaliveandfullofasweetcharmthathalfrevealedandhalfconcealedherpersonality.TheimaginationwithwhichshethrewherselfintoadiscussionofthechildfanciesportrayedbytheScotchwritercapturedhisfancy.Itdelightedhimtotemptherintodiscussionsthattoldhimbysuggestionsomethingofwhatshethoughtandwas.

Theywereinanimateddebatewhenthedooropenedtoadmitsomebodyelse.Hehadsteppedinsoquietlythathestoodtherealittlewhilewithoutbeingobserved,smilingdownatthemwithtriumphantmalicebehindthemaskhewore.PerhapsitwastheblackvisorthatwasresponsiblefortheMephistoeffect,sinceithidallthefacebuttheleeringeyes.These,narrowedtoslits,swepttheroomandcamebacktoitsoccupants.Hewasatallmanandwell-knit,dressedincongruouslyinup-to-dateridingbreechesandboots,incombinationwiththeusualgrayshirt,knottedkerchiefandwide-brimmedfelthatofthehorsemanoftheplains.Thedustofthedesertlaythickonhim,withoutintheleastobscuringacertainribaldelegance,adistinctionofwickedness

thatresteduponhimashisdue.Tothisresulthisdebonairmannercontributed,thoughitcarriedwithitnosuggestionofweakness.Tothegirlwholookedupandfoundhimtherehelookedindescribablysinister.

Shehalfrosetoherfeet,dilatedeyesfixedonhim.

"Goodevenin'.Icametomakesurey'ugotsafehome,MissMessiter,"hesaid.

Theeyesofthetwomenclashed,thesheepman'ssternandunyielding,hiscousin'slitwiththedeviloftriumph.Butoutofthefacesofbothmenlookedtheinevitableconflict,thedeclarationofwarthatneverendstilldeath.

"I'vebeenaheapanxiousabouty'u--couldn'tsleepforworrying.SoIsaddledupandrodeintofindoutify'uwereallrightandtoinquirehowCousinNedwasgettingalong."

Thesheepman,notdeigningtomoveaninchfromhisposition,lookedinsilencehissteadycontempt.

"Thisconversationsoundsawholelotlikeamonologueuptodate,"hecontinued."Now,maybey'udon'tknowy'uhavethehonorofentertainingtheKingoftheBighorn."Theman'sbrownhandbrushedthemaskfromhiseyesandhebowedwithmockingdeference."MissMessiter,allowmetointroducemyselfagain--NedBannister,trainrobber,rustler,kidnapper

andgeneralbadman.ButIain'ttoldy'utheworstyet.I'mcousintoasheepherder'andthat'sthelowestthingthatwalks."

Helimpedforwardafewstepsandsatdown."Thankyou,IbelieveIwillstayawhilesincey'ubothaskmesourgent.Itisn'toftenImeetwithawelcomesoheartyandstraightfromtheheart."

Itwasnothardtoseehowthelikenessbetweenthemcontributedtothemistakethathadbeencurrentconcerningthem.Sidebyside,nomancouldhavemistakenonefortheother.Thecoloroftheireyes,

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theshadeofhair,eventhecutoftheirfeatures,weredifferent.Butbeneathalldistinctionsindetailranafamilyresemblancenottobedenied.Thismanlookedlikehiscousin,thesheepman,asthelattermighthavedoneifallhislifehehadgivenafreereintoevilpassions.

Theheight,thebuild,theelastictreadofeach,madefurthercontributionstothiseffectofsimilarity.

"Whatareyoudoinghere?"Theywerethefirstwordsspokenbythemanontheloungeandtheyrangwithacurtchallenge.

"Cometoinquireafterthehealthofmydearcousin,"camethepromptsilkenanswer.

"Youvillain!"

"Mydearcousin,y'uspeakwithsuchconvictionthaty'ualmostpersuademe.ButofcourseifI'mavillainI'vegottoliveuptomyreputation.Haven'tI,MissMessiter?"

"Wouldn'titbebettertoliveitdown?"sheaskedwithaquietnessthatbeliedherterror.Fortherehadbeeninhismannerathreat,notagainstherbutagainstthemanwhomherheartacknowledgedasher

lover.

Helaughed."Y'u'restillhopingtomakeaSundayschoolsuperintendentoutofme,Isee.Y'uhaven'tforgotallyourschoolmarmwaysyet,butI'llteachy'utoforgetthem."

Theothercousinwatchedhimwithacool,quietglancethatneverwavered.Theoutlawwasheavilyarmed,buthisweaponsweresheathed,and,thoughtherewasawaryglitterbehindthevindictiveexultationinhiseyes,hiscapablehandsbetrayednoknowledgeoftheexistenceofhisrevolvers.Itwas,heknew,tobeamoralvictory,ifoneatall.

"HopeI'mnotdisturbinganyhappyfamilycircle,"heremarked,and,

takingtwolimpingstepsforward,heliftedthebookfromthegirl'sunresistinghands."H'm!Barrie.Idon'tgomuchonhim.He'stoosissyforme.ButIcouldhaveguessedtheotherNedBannisterwouldbereadingsomethinglikethat,"heconcluded,aflickerofsneeringcontemptcrossinghisface.

"Perhapsy'u'lllearnsometimetoattendtoyourownbusiness,"saidthemanonthecouchquietly.

Hatredgleamedinthenarrowedslitsfromwhichthesouloftheothercousinlookeddownathim."I'maphilanthropist,andmybusinessisattendingtootherpeople's.Theyraisesheep,forinstance,andImarketthem."

Thegirlhastilyinterrupted.Shehadnotfearedforherself,butsheknewfearfortheindomitablemanshehadnursedbacktolife."Won'tyousitdown,Mr.Bannister?Sinceyoudon'tapproveourliterature,perhapswecanfindsomeotherdiversionmoretoyourtaste."Shesmiledfaintly.

Themanturnedinsmilingdivinationofherpurpose,andsatdowntoplaywithherasacatdoeswithamouse.

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"Thanky'u,MissMessiter,IbelieveIwill.Icalledtothanky'uforyourkindnesstomycousinaswellastoinquireaboutyou.Thewordgoesthaty'upulledmydearcousinbackwhendeathwasreachingmightystrongforhim.OfcourseIfeelgratefultoy'u.Howishegettingalongnow?"

"He'sdoingverywell,Ithink."

"That'sce'tainlygoodhearing,"washisironicalresponse."Howcomehetogethurt,didy'usay?"

Hissleeksmilewasathinghatefultosee.

"Ahoundbitme,"explainedthesheepman.

"Y'udon'tsay!Ireckony'uoughtn'ttohavegotinitsway.Didy'ukillit?"

"Notyet."

"Thatwassurelyamistake,forit'sliabletobiteagain."

Thegirlfeltasuddensicknessathishoneyedcruelty,butimmediatelypulledherselftogether.Forwhateverfiendishintentionmightbeinhis

mindshemeanttofrustrateit.

"Ihearyouareofamusicalturn,Mr.Bannister.Won'tyouplayforus?"

Shehadbychancefoundhisweakspot.Instantlyhiseyeslitup.Hesteppedacrosstothepianoandbegantolookoverthemusic,thoughnotsointentlythatheforgottokeepunderhiseyethemanonthelounge.

"H'm!Mozart,Grieg,Chopin,Raff,Beethoven.Y'uce'tainlyhavethemusichere;Iwonderify'uhavethemusician."Helookedheroverwithabold,unscrupulousgaze."It'sanoldtricktohaveclassicalmusicontherackandragtimeinyoursoul.Cany'uplaythese?"

"Youwillhavetobethejudgeofthat,"shesaid.

HeselectedtwoofGrieg'ssongsandinvitedhertothepiano.HeknewinstantlythattheNorwegian'sdelicatefancyandlyricalfeelinghadfoundinhernoinadequatemediumofexpression.Thepeculiaremotionalqualityofthesong"ILoveThee"seemedtofilltheroomassheplayed.Whensheswungroundonthestoolatitsconclusionitwastomeetashining-eyed,musicalenthusiastinsteadofthevillainshehadleftfiveminutesearlier.

"Y'uCANplay,"wasallhesaid,butthemannerofitspokevolumes.

Fornearlyanhourhekeptheratthepiano,andwhenatlastheletherstopplayingheseemedamantransformed.

"Youhavegivenmeagreatpleasure,averygreatpleasure,MissMessiter,"hethankedherwarmly,hisWesternidiomsloughedwithhisvillainyforthemoment."IthasbeenagoodmanymonthssinceIhaveheardanydecentmusic.WithyourpermissionIshallcomeagain."

Herhesitationwasimperceptible."Surely,ifyouwish."Shefeltitwouldbeworsethanidletodenythepermissionshemightnotbeableto

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refuse.

Withperfectgracehebowed,andashewheeledawaymetwithalittleshockofremembrancethegazeofhiscousin.Foralongmomenttheireyesboredintoeachother.Neitheryieldedthebeatofaneyelid,butitwastheoutlawthatspoke.

"Ihadforgotteny'u.That'sstrange,toobecauseitwasfory'uIcame.I'mgoingtotakey'uhomewithme.

"Aliveordead?"askedtheotherserenely.

"Alive,dearNed."

"Sameoldtraitscroppingoutagain.Therewasalwayssomethingfelineabouty'u.Irememberwheny'uwereaboyy'ulikedtotormentwildanimalsy'uhadtrapped."

"Iplaywithlargergamenow--andfinditmoreinteresting."

"Justso.MissMessiter,Ishallhavetoborrowaponyfromy'u,unless--"Hebrokeoffandturnedindifferentlytothebandit.

"Yes,Ibroughtahawssalongwithmefory'u,"repliedtheothertothe

unvoicedquestion."Ithoughtmaybey'umightwanttoridewithus."

"Buthecan'tride.Hecouldn'tpossibly.Itwouldkillhim,"thegirlbrokeout.

"Ireckonnot."ThemanfromtheShoshonesglancedathisvictimashedrewonhisgauntlets."He'saheaptougherthany'uthink."

"Butitwill.Ifheshouldridenow,why--Itwouldbethesameasmurder,"shegasped."Youwouldn'tmakehimridenow?"

"Didn'ty'uhearhimorderhishawss,ma'am?He'skeenonthisride.Ofcoursehedon'thavetogounlesshewantsto."Themanturnedhis

villainoussmileonhiscousin,andthelatterinterpretedittomeanthatifhepreferred,thepointofattackmightbeshiftedtothegirl.Hemightgoorhemightstay.ButifhestayedthemistressoftheLazyDwouldhavetopayforhisdecision.

"No,I'llride,"hesaidatonce.

HelenMessiterhadmissedthemeaningofthatMarconiedmessagethatflashedbetweenthem.Shesetherjawwithdecision."Well,you'llnot.It'sperfectlyridiculous.Iwon'thearofsuchathing."

"Y'useemrightwelcome.Hadn'ty'ubetterstay,Ned?"murmuredtheoutlaw,withsmilingeyesthatmocked.

"Ofcoursehehad.Hecouldn'trideamile--nothalfamile.Theideaisutterlypreposterous."

Thesheepmangottohisfeetunsteadily."I'lldofamously."

"Iwon'thaveit.Whyareyousofoolishaboutgoing?Hesaidyoudidn'tneedtogo.Youcan'trideanymorethanababycouldchopdownthatpineintheyard."

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"I'maheapstrongerthany'uthink."

"Yes,youare!"shederided."It'snothingbutobstinacy.Makehimstay,"sheappealedtotheoutlaw.

"AmImycousin'skeeper?"hedrawled."Icanadvisehimtostay,butIcan'tmakehim."

"Well,Ican.I'mhisnurse,andIsayhesha'n'tstirafootoutofthishouse--notafoot."

Thewoundedmansmiledquietly,admiringthesplendidenergyofher."I'mrightsorrytoleavey'usounceremoniously."

"You'renotgoing."Shewheeledontheoutlaw"Idon'tunderstandthisatall.Butifyouwanthimyoucanfindhimherewhenyoucomeagain.Puthimonparoleandleavehimhere.I'llnotbeapartytomurderbylettinghimgo."

"Y'uthinkI'mgoingtomurderhim?"hesmiled.

"Ithinkhecannotstandtheriding.Itwouldkillhim."

"Ahaidstrongmanisboundtohavehisway.Heseemshell-benton

riding.Allthedocssaytheoutsideofahawssisgoodfortheinsideofaman.Mebbeit'llbethemakingofhim."

"Iwon'thaveit.I'llrousethewholecountrysideagainstyou.Whydon'tyouparolehimtillheisbetter?"

"Allright.We'llleaveitthatway,"announcedtheman."I'dhatetohurtyourtenderfeelingsaftersuchapleasantevening.LethimgivehisparoletocometomewheneverIsendforhim,nomatterwherehemaybe,toquitwhateverheisdoingrightthatinstant,andcomeonthejump.Ifhewantstoleaveitthatway,we'llcallitabargain."

Againtherapier-thrustoftheireyescrossed.Thesheepmanwas

satisfiedwithwhathesawinthefaceofhisfoe.

"Allright.It'sadeal,"heagreed,andsankweaklybacktothecouch.

Therearemenwhoselooksareaprofanationtoanygoodwoman.NedBannister,oftheShoshones,wasoneofthem.Helookedathiscousin,andhisribaldeyescoastedbacktoboldscrutinyofthisyoungwoman'scharming,buoyantyouth.TherewasSomethinginhisfacethatsentaflushofshamecoursingthroughherrichblood.Nomanhadeverlookedatherlikethatbefore.

"Takeawfulgoodcareofhim,"hesneered,withsoplainanimplicationofevilthathercleanbloodboiled."ButIknowy'uwill,anddon'tlet

himgobeforehe'srealstrong."

"No,"shemurmured,hatingherselffortheflushthatbathedher.

HebowedlikeaChesterfield,andwentoutwithelasticheels,spursclicking.

Helenturnedfiercelyonherguest."Whydidyoumakemeinsistonyourstaying?AsifIwantyouhere,asif--"Shestopped,chokingwithanger;presentlyflamedout,"Ihateyou,"andranfromtheroomtohide

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herselfalonewithhertearsandhershame.

CHAPTER14.FORTHEWORLD'SCHAMPIONSHIP

ThesceneonwhichHelenMessiter'seyesrestedthatmellowFourthofJulywasvividenoughtohaveinterestedafarmorejadedmindthanhers.NowhereoutsideofCattlelandcouldithavebeenduplicated.Wyomingissparselypopulated,buttheridersoftheplainsthinknothingoftravelingahundredmilesinthesaddletobepresentata"broncobusting"contest.Largedelegations,too,hadcomeinbyrailroadfromCaspar,Billings,Sheridan,Cheyenneandascoreofotherpoints,sothattheamphitheatrethatlookeddownonthearenawasfilledtoitscapacity.

Allnightthelittletownhadriotedwithitsguests.EverythingwaswideopenatGimletButte.Saloonsweredoingaland-officebusinessandgambling-housescoiningmoney.Greatpilesofgoldhadpassedtoandfroduringthenightattheroulettewheelandthefarotable.Butwiththecomingofdayinteresthadcenteredontherough-ridingcontestfortheworld'schampionship.Saloonsanddancehallsweredeserted,andtheuniversaltrendoftravelhadbeentowardthebiggrandstands,fromwhichthesportcouldbebestviewed.

Itwasafternoonnow.Thepreliminarieshadbeenridden,andhalfadozenofthebestridershadbeenchosenbythejudgestorideagainforthefinals.Helenwaswonderfullyinterested,becauseinthesixwhoweretorideagainwereincludedthetwoBannistercousins,herforeman,McWilliams,theyoungman"Texas,"whomshehadmetthedayofherarrivalatGimletButte,andTomSanford,whohadlastyearwonthechampionship.

Shelookeddownonthearena,andherheartthrobbedwiththepurejoyoflife.AlreadyshelovedherWestanditspicturesque,chap-cladpopulation.Theirjinglingspursandtheircoloredkerchiefsknottedroundsunburnednecks,theirfrank,whole-heartedabandontothe

interestofthemoment,ledhertoregardtheseyouthsasschoolboys.Yettheywereahard-bittenlot,asonecouldsee,burnedtoabrick-redbytheuntemperedsunoftheRockies;withmusclesknitlikesteel,andheartstoughenedtoendureanyblizzardtheymightmeet.Onlythehumorouswrinklesaboutthecornersoftheireyesgavethemawayforthecheerfulsonsofmirththattheywere.

"BobAustinonTwo-Step,"announcedthemegaphoneman,andalittlestireddiedthroughthegroupgatheredatthelanebetweenthearenaandthecorral.

Ameek-lookingbuckskinwasdrivenintothearena.Theembodimentoflistlessness,itapparentlyhadnotambitionenoughtoflickaflyfrom

itsflankwithitstail.Suddenlythebronco'searspricked,itssharpeyesdilated.Amanwasridingforward,theloopofalariatcirclingabouthishead.Theropefelltrue,butthewilyponyside-stepped,andtheloopslitheredtotheground.Againtheropeshotforward,droppedoverthepony'sheadandtightened.Theroper'smustangbraceditsforefeet,andbroughtthebuckskinupshort.Anotherropesweptoveritshead.Itstoodtrembling,unabletomovewithoutstranglingitself.

Apicturesqueyouthinflannelshirtandchapscameforward,draggingblanket,saddleandbridle.Atsightofhimthehorsegaveaspasmodic

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fling,thentrembledagainviolently.Ablindwascoaxedoveritseyesandthebridleslippedon.Quicklyandwarily,withdeftfingers,theyoungmansaddledandcinched.Hewavedahandjauntilytotheropers.Thelariatswerethrownoffasthepuncherswungtothesaddle.Foraninstantthebuckskinstoodbewildered,motionlessasastatue.Therewasasuddenleapforwardhighinair,andBobAustin,alias"Texas,"swunghissombrerowithajoyouswhoop.

"Fanhim!Fanhim!"screamedthespectators,andtherider'squirtwentupanddownlikeapiston-rod.

RoundandroundwentTwo-Stepinaviciouscircle,"swappingends"withdizzyingrapidity.Suddenlyhewentforwardasfromacatapult,andcametosuddenhaltinaboutfiveseconds.ButTexas'skneesstillclung,viselike,tothesidesofthepony.Aseriesofquickbucksfollowed,thebuckskincomingdownwithbackhumped,allfourlegsstiffasironposts.Thejarontheriderwouldhavebeenlikeapile-driverfallingonhisheadhadhenotlethimselfgrowlimp.Thebuckskinplungedforwardagaininfrenziedleaps,endinginanunexpectedjumptooneside.AlasforTexas!Onemomenthewasjubilantlyplyingquirtandspurs,thenexthefoundhimselfpitchingsideways.Tosavehimselfhecaughtatthesaddle-horn.

"He'shuntingleather,"shoutedahundredvoices.

Oneofthejudgesrodeoutandwavedahand.Texasslippedtothegrounddisqualified,andmadehisdejectedwaybacktohisderidingcomrades.Someofthemhadenduredsimilarmisfortunesearlierintheday.Thereforetheyfoundmuchpleasureincondolingwithhim.

"Ifhe'donlyrecollectedtosawoffthehornofhissaddle,thenhecouldn't'a'founditwhenhewenttohuntleather,"mournfullycommentedonepuncherinashirtofrobin'seggblue.

"'Twouldhavebeenmostasgoodastotakethedust,wouldn'tit?"retortedTexasgently,andthelaughwasonthegentlemaninblue,becausehehadbeenthrownearlierintheday.

"Afellow'shandssuregetinhiswaysometimes.Ireckonifyou'dtiedyourhands,Tex,you'dbeenridingthatrocking-hawssyet,"suggestedDenveramiably.

"Sometimesit'shisfootheputsinit.Therewasonctagentdisqualifiedforridingonhisspurs,"saidTexasreminiscently.

AtwhichhitDenverretired,fornotthreehoursbeforehehadbeendetecteddigginghisspursintothecinchtohelphimsticktothesaddle.

"JimMcWilliamswillrideDeadEasy,"cametheannouncementthroughthe

megaphone,andaburstofcheeringpassedalongthegrandstand,forthesunnysmileoftheforemanoftheLazyDmadehimageneralfavorite.HelenleanedforwardandwhisperedsomethinggailytoNora,whosatintheseatinfrontofher.TheIrishgirllaughedandblushed,butwhenhermistresslookedupitwasherturntofeelthemountingcolorcreepintohercheeks.ForNedBannister,arrayedinallhisridingfinery,wasmakinghiswayalongtheaisletoher.

ShehadnotseenhimsincehehadriddenawayfromtheLazyDtendaysbefore,quitesufficientlyrecoveredfromhiswoundstotakeupthe

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routineoflifeagain.Theyhadpartednotthebestoffriends,forshehadnotyetforgivenhimforhisdeterminationtoleavewithhiscousinonthenightthatshehadbeenforcedtoinsistonhisremaining.Hehadputherinafalseposition,andhehadneverexplainedtoherwhy.Norcouldsheguessthereason--forhewasnotamantoharvestcreditforhimselfbyexplaininghisownchivalry.

Sinceherhearttoldherhowgladshewashehadcometoherboxtoseeher,shegreetedhimwiththecoolestlittlenodintheworld.

"Goodmorning,MissMessiter.MayIsitbesidey'u?"heasked.

"Oh,certainly!"Shesweptherskirtsasidecarelesslyandmaderoomforhim."Ithoughtyouweregoingtoridesoon."

"No,IridelastexceptforSanford,thechampion.Mycousinridesjustbeforeme.He'senteredunderthenameofJackHolloway."

Shewasthinkingthathehadnobusinesstoberiding,thathiswoundswerestilltoofresh,butshedidnotintendagaintoshowinterestenoughinhisaffairstointerfereevenbysuggestion.Herhearthadbeeninhermoutheverymomentofthetimethismorningwhilehehadbeentossedhitherandthitheronthebackofhismount.Inhisdeliriumhehadsaidhelovedher.Ifhedid,whyshouldhetortureherso?It

waswellenoughforsoundmentorisktheirlives,but--

Acheerswelledinthegrandstandanddiedbreathlesslyaway.McWilliamswassettingapaceitwouldtakearareexperttoequal.Hewasatrickrider,andallthespectacularfeatsthatappealedtotheonlookerwerehis.Whilehishorsewaswildlypitching,hedrankabottleofpopandtossedthebottleaway.Withthereinsinhisteethheslippedoffhiscoatandvest,andconcludedasplendidexhibitionofskillbyridingwithhisfeetoutofthestirrups.Hehadbeensmokingacigarwhenhemounted.Exceptwhilehehadbeendrinkingthepopithadbeeninhismouthfrombeginningtoend,and,afterhehadvaultedfromthepony'sback,hedeliberatelypuffedalongsmoke-spiralintotheair,toshowthathiscigarwasstillalight.Nopreviousriderhad

earnedsospontaneousaburstofapplause."He'sce'tainlyapurewhenitcomestoriding,"acknowledgedBannister."Ilooktoseehimgeteitherfirstorsecond."

"Whomdoyouthinkishismostdangerousrival?"Helenasked.

"Mycousinisastraight-uprider,too.He'smoregracefulthanMac,Ithink,butnotquitesogoodontricks.Itwillbenipandtuck."

"Howaboutyourcousin'scousin?"sheasked,withboldirony.

"Hehopeshewon'thavetotakethedust,"washislaughinganswer.

Thenextridersuffereddefeatirrevocablybeforehehadbeenthirtysecondsinthesaddle.HismountwasoneofthemostcunningoftheoutlawponiesoftheNorthwest,anditbroughthimtogriefbyjamminghisleghardagainstthefence.Hetriedinvaintospurthebroncointothemiddleofthearena,butafteritdroveatapostforthethirdtimeandgroundhislimbagainstit,hegaveuptothepainandslippedoff.

"Thatisn'tfair,isit?"Helenaskedoftheyoungmansittingbesideher.

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Heshruggedhislean,broadshoulders."Heshouldhaveknownhowtokeepthehorseintheopen.Macwouldneverhavebeencaughtthatway."

"JackHollowayonRockingHorse,"theannouncershouted.

Ittookfourmenandtwolariatstosubduethishorsetoaconditionsufficientlytametopermitofasaddlebeingslippedon.Eventhenthiscouldnotbeaccomplishedwithoutthrowingthebroncofirst.Theresultwasthatallthespiritwastakenoutoftheanimalbythepreliminaryordeal,sothatwhenthemanfromtheShoshonecountrymounted,hissteedwastoojadedtoattemptresistance.

"Thumbhim!Thumbhim!"theaudiencecried,referringtothecowboytrickofrunningthethumbsalongacertainplaceintheshouldertostirtheangerofthebucker.

Buttheriderslippedoffwithdisgust."Givemeanotherhorse,"hedemanded,andafteraminute'sconsultationamongthejudgesasecondponywasdrivenoutfromthecorral.ThisoneprovedtobeaTartar.Itwentoffinafrenzyofpitchingthemomentitsriderdroppedintothesaddle.

"Y'u'llgoalongwaybeforeyouseebetterridin'thanhisandMac's.Noticehowhegivestoitspitching,"saidBannister,ashewatchedhis

cousin'sperfecteaseinthecycloneofwhichhewasthecenter.

"Iexpectitdependsonthekindofa'hawss,'"shemocked."He'sridingwell,isn'the?"

"Idon'tknowanythatridebetter."

Thehorseputupasuperbfight,tryingeverythingitknewtounseatthisdemonclampedtoitsback.Itpossessedincombinationalltheworstvices,wasaweaver,asunfisherandafence-rower,andneverhadittriedsodesperatelytomaintainitsrecordofneverhavingbeenridden.Buttheoutlawinthesaddlewastoomuchfortheoutlawunderneath.Hewasmaster,justashewasfirstamongtheruffianswhom

heled,becausetherewasinhimared-hotdevilofwickednessthatwouldbrooknorival.

Thefuriousbroncosurrenderedwithoutaninstant'swarning,anditsriderslippedatoncetotheground.Ashesaunteredthroughthedusttowardthegrandstand,Helencouldnotfailtoseehowhisvanitysunneditselfintheapplausethatmethisperformance.Hisequipmentwasperfecttotheleastdetail.Thereflectionfromalady'slooking-glasswasnobrighterthanthesilverspurshejingledonhissprightlyheels.Strikinglyhandsomeinadark,sinisterway,onewouldsayatfirstsight,andlaterwouldchafeatthejusticeofaverdictnottobedenied.

NedBannisterrosefromhisseatbesideHelen."Wishmeluck,"hesaid,withhisgaysmile.

"Iwishyoualltheluckyoudeserve,"sheanswered.

"Oh,wishmemorethanthatify'uwantmetowin."

"Ididn'tsayIwantedyoutowin.Youtakethemostunaccountablethingsforgranted."

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"I'veagoodmindtowin,then,justtospitey'u,"helaughed.

"Asifyoucould,"shemocked;buthervoicetookasofterintonationasshecalledafterhiminalowmurmur:"Becareful,please."

Hiswhiteteethflashedasmileofreassuranceather."I'veneverbeenkilledyet."

"NedBannisteronSteamboat,"sangoutthemegaphoneman.

"I'mce'tainlyinluck.Steamboat'stheworsthawssontherange,"hetoldhimself,ashestrodedownthegrandstandtoenterthearena.

Theannouncementofhisnamecreatedforthesecondtimethatdayastirofunusualinterest.EverybodyinthatlargeaudiencehadheardofNedBannister;knewofhisrecordasa"badman"andhisprowessasthekingoftheShoshonecountry;suspectedhimofbeingatrainandbankrobberaswellasarustler.Thatheshouldhavetheboldnesstoenterthecontestinhisownnameseemedtoshowhowdefianthewasofthepublicsentimentagainsthim,andhowsecurehecountedhimselfinflauntingthiscontempt.Asforthesheepman,thenotorietythathiscousin'sodorousreputationhadthrustuponhimwasextremelydistastefulaswellasdangerous,buthehaddonenothingtodisgracehisname,andhemeanttouseitopenly.Hecouldalmostcatchthelowwhispersthatpassed

frommouthtomouthabouthim.

"Ain'titashamethatafellowlikethat,leaderofallthecriminalsthathideinthemountains,canshowhimselfopenlybeforetenthousandhonestfolks?"Thatheknewtobethepurportoftheirwhispering,andalongwithitwentarecitalofthecrimeshehadcommitted.Howhewasanoted"waddy,"orcattle-rustler;howheandhisganghadheldupthreetrainsineighteenmonths;howhehadkilledTomMooney,BobCarneyandseveralothers--thesewerethesortsofthingsthatwerebeingsaidabouthim,andfromthebottomofhissoulheresentedhisimpotencytoclearhisname.

TherewassomethinginBannister'sridingthatcaughtHelen'sfancyat

once.Itwastheunconsciousgraceoftheman,theeasewithwhichheseemedtomakehimselfaverypartofthehorse.Heattemptednotricks,rodewithoutanyflourishes.Buttheperfectpoiseofhislithebodyasitgavewiththemotionsofthehorse,proclaimedhimabornrider;sofinished,indeed,thathisveryeaseseemedtodiscounttheperformance.Steamboathadamalevolentredeyethatglaredhatredattheoppressorman,andto-dayitliveduptoitsreputationofbeingthemostviciousanduntamedanimalonthefrontier.But,thoughitdiditsbesttounseattheriderandtramplehimunderfoot,therewasnomomentwhentheissueseemedindoubtsaveonce.Thehorseflungitselfbackwardinasomersault,riskingitsownneckinordertobreakitsmaster's.Buthewasequaltotheoccasion;andwhenSteamboatstaggeredagaintoitsfeetBannisterwasstillinthesaddle.Itwasadaringandmagnificent

pieceofhorsemanship,and,thoughhewassupposedtobeadesperadoandaruffian,hisachievementmetwithabreathlessgasp,followedbythunderousapplause.

Thebattlebetweenhorseandmanwasonagain,fortheanimalwasasstrongalmostincourageastherider.ButSteamboat'sconfidencehadbeenshakenaswellasitsstrength.Itseffortsgrewlesscyclonic.Foamcovereditsmouthandfleckeditssides.Thepitcheswereeasytoforeseeandmeet.Presentlytheyceasedaltogether.

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Bannisterslidfromthesaddleandswayedunsteadilyacrossthearena.Theemergencypast,hehadscarceanounceofforceleftinhim.JimMcWilliamsranoutandslippedanarmaroundhisshoulders,regardlessofwhathisfriendsmightthinkofhimforit.

"You'reallin,oldman.Y'uhadn'toughttohaveridden,eventhoughy'udidskinusalltoafinish."

"Nonsense,Mac.Firstplacegoestoy'uor--orJackHolloway."

"Notunlessthejudgesareblind."

ButBannister'spredictionprovedtrue.Thechampion,Sanford,hadbeentravelingwithaWildWestshow,andwasfartoosofttocompetewiththeselustycowboys,whohadkepthardfromtheirdailylifeontheplains.Beforehehadriddenthreeminutesitwasapparentthathestoodnochanceofretaininghistitle,sothatthedecisionnarroweditselftoanissuebetweenthetwoBannistersandMcWilliams.Firstplacewasawardedtothelatter,thesecondprizetoJackHollowayandthethirdtoNedBannister.

ButnearlyeverybodyinthegrandstandknewthatBannisterhadbeendiscriminatedagainstbecauseofhisunpopularity.Thejudgeswerenotlocalmen,andhadnothingtofearfromtheoutlaw.Thereforethey

penalizedhimonaccountofhisreputation.ItwouldneverdofortheAssociatedPressdispatchestosendwordallovertheEastthatamurderousdesperadowaspermitted,unmolested,towalkawaywiththechampionshipbelt.

"Itain'tasquaredeal,"declaredMcWilliamspromptly.

HewassittingbesideNora,andheturnedroundtoexpresshisopiniontothetwosittingbehindhiminthebox.

"We'llnotgobehindthereturns.Y'uwonfairly.Icongratulatey'u,Mr.Champion-of-the-world,"repliedthesheepman,shakinghandscordially.

"ItoldyoutobringthatbelttotheLazyD,"smiledhismistress,assheshookhands.

Butinherheartshewascryingoutthatitwasanoutrage.

CHAPTER15.JUDDMORGANPASSES

GimletButtedevotedthenightoftheFourthtoahigholdtime.Theropingandtheothersportsweretobeonthemorrow,andmeanwhilethenighthourswerefilledwithexuberance.Thecowboy'sspreecomes

onlyonceinseveralmonths,butwhenitdoescomeheentersintotheoccasionwithsuchwhole-heartedenthusiasmastomakeupswiftlyforlosttime.Atravelingmidwayhadcastitstentsinavacantsquareincompetitionwiththeregularattractionsofthetown,andeverywherethehard-ridingpuncherswere"nightherding"infullregalia.

Therewasabigmaskedballinthestreet,andanotherintheMasonicHall,whilehereandthereflaredthelightsofthefakerwithsomethingtosell.Amongtheselastwas"Soapy"Sothern,doingathrivingbusinessinsellingsuckersandbarswrappedwithgreenbacks.Crowdstrampedthe

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streetsblowinghornsandthrowingconfetti,andeverywherewasalargesprinklingofmeninhigh-heeledboots,swingingalongwiththeawkward,stiff-leggedgaitofthecowboy.Sometimesagirlwashangingonhisarm,andagainhewas"whoopingitupwiththeboys";butineithercasetherange-rider'ssavingswereburningaholethroughhispocketswithextremerapidity.

JimMcWilliamsandthesheepmanBannisterhadthatdaysealedafriendshipthatwastobeasenduringaslife.TheownerofthesheepranchwasalreadyunderheavyobligationtotheforemanoftheLazyD,butdebtaloneisnotenoughonwhichtofoundsoulbrotherhood.Theremustbequalitiesofkinshipintheprimevalelementsofcharacter.Bothmenhadsuspectedthatthiskinshipexisted,butto-daytheyhadproveditinthewaythatonehadlostandtheotherhadwonthecovetedchampionship.Theyhadmadenovowsandnoprofessions.Thesubjecthadnotevenbeentouchedinwords;ameetingoftheeyes,followedbythehandshakewithwhichBannisterhadcongratulatedthewinner.Thathadbeenall.Butitwasenough.

WiththecasualdemocracyofthefrontiertheyhadtogetherescortedHelenMessiterandNoraDarlingthroughariotousthreehoursofcarnival,takingcaretogetthembacktotheirhotelbeforethenightreallybegan"tohowl."

Butaftertheyhadlefttheyoungwomen,neitherofthemcaredtosleepyet.Theywerestillincostume,Macdressedasamonk,andhisfriendasaStuartcavalier,andthespiritoffrolicwasyetstronginthem.

"Iexpaict,mebbe,webetterhuntincouplesifwe'regoingtohelppaintthetown,"smiledMac,andhisfriendhadimmediatelyagreed.

Itmusthavebeenwellaftermidnightthattheyfoundthemselves"buckingthetiger"inacombinationsaloonandgambling-house,whosepatronsweredecidedlycosmopolitanincharacter.Herewhiteandredandyellowmenplayedsidebyside,theOrientandtheOccidentandtheaboriginalalikeintentonthefallingcardsandthelittlerollingball.Agoodmanyofthemwerestillintheirmasksanddominos,though

these,forthemostpart,removedtheirvizorsbeforeplaying.

NeitherMcWilliamsnorhisfriendwerebettinghigh,andtheluckhadbeensoeventhatattheendoftwohours'playneitherofthemhadatanytimeeitherwonorlostmorethanfifteendollars.Inpointoffact,theywereplayingnotsomuchtowinasjusttokeepintouchwiththegay,youthfulhumorofthenight.

Theyweregettingtiredofthegamewhentwomenjingledinforadrink.Theyweretalkingloudlytogether,anditwasimpossibletomissthesubjectoftheirconversation.

McWilliamsgavealittlejerkofhisheadtowardoneofthem."Judd

Morgan,"hislipsframedwithoutmakingasound.

Bannisternodded.

"Beentankingupallday,"Macadded."Otherwisehistonguewouldnotbeshootingoffsoreckless."

Asilencehadfallenovertheassemblysaveforthebraggartsatthebar.Menlookedateachother,andthenfurtivelyatBannister.ForMorgan,ignorantofwhowassittingquietlywithhisbacktohimatthe

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faro-table,wasventinghishateofBannisterandMcWilliams.

"Bothinthesameboat.Didy'useehowMacrantohelphimto-day?Bothwaddies.Bothrustlers.Bothtrainrobbers.Sho!Igotthroughputtingapadlockonmemouth.Mantoman,I'masgoodaseitherofthem--damnsightbetter.Iwishttheywashere,oneorboth;Iwishttheywouldstepuphereandfightitout.Bannister'safalsealarm,andthatforemanoftheLazyD--"HistonguestumbledoverablurofvilificationthatendedwithafoulmentionofMissMessiter.

Instantlytwochairscrashedtothefloor.Twopairofgrayeyesmetquietly.

"Myquarrel,Bann,"saidJim,inalow,evenvoice.

Theothernodded."I'llseey'uhaveaclearfield."

ThemanwhowaswithMorgansuddenlywhisperedinhisear,andthelatterslewedhisheadinstartledfear.AlmostinstantlyabulletclippedpastMcWilliams'sshoulder.Morganhadfiredwithoutwaitingforthechallengehefeltsurewasathand.Once--twicetheforeman'srevolvermadeanswer.Morganstaggered,slippeddowntothefloor,abulletcrashingthroughthechandelierashefell.Foramomenthisbodyjerked.Thenherolledoverandlaystill.

Theforeman'sweaponcoveredhimunwaveringly,butnomoresteadilythanBannister'sgazethemanwhohadcomeinwithhimwholaylifelessonthefloor.Themanlookedatthelifelessthing,shuddered,andbackedoutofthesaloon.

"Ically'ualltowitnessthatmyfriendkilledhiminself-defense,"saidBannisterevenly."Y'uallsawhimfirefirst.Macdidnotevenhavehisgunout."

"That'sright,"agreedone,andanotheradded:"Hegotwhatwascomingtohim."

"Hesuredid,"wasthebarkeeper'sindorsement."Hecameinhuntingtrouble,butIreckonhedidn'twanttobeaccommodatedsoprompt."

"Y'u'llfindusattheGimletButteHouseifwe'rewantedforthis,"saidBannister."We'llbetheretillmorning."

Butonceoutofthegambling-houseMcWilliamsdrewhisfriendtooneside."Doy'uknowwhothatwasIkilled?"

"JuddMorgan,foremanbeforey'uattheLazyD."

"Yes,butwhatelse?"

"Whatdoy'umean?"

"ImeanthatnexttoyourcousinJuddwasleaderofthatShoshone-Tetonbunch."

"Howdoy'uknow?"

"Isuspecteditalongtime,butIknewforsurethedaythatyourcousinhelduptheranch.ThemanthatwasinchargeofthecrowdoutsidewasMorgan.Icouldsweartoit.IknewhimsoonasIclapped

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eyestohim,butIwasawfulcarefultoforgettotellhimIrecognizedhim."

"ThatmeansweareinmoreserioustroublethanIhadsupposed."

"Y'ubetitdoes.We'reinahellofahole,figureitoutanywayy'ulike.Insteadofhavingshotupacasualidiot,I'vekilledNedBannister'sright-handman.Thatwillbetheexcuse--shootingMorgan.ButtherealtroubleisthatIwonthechampionshipbeltfromyourcousin.Healreadyhatedy'ulikepoison,andhedon'tlovemeanytoohard.Hewillhaveusarrestedbyhissheriffhere.Catchthepoint.Y'U'RENEDBANNISTER,THEOUTLAW,ANDI'MHISRIGHT-BOWER.That'stheplayhe'sgoingtomake,andhe'sgoingtomakeitrightsoon."

"Idon'tcareifhedoes.We'llfighthimonhisownground.We'llprovethathe'sthemiscreantandnotus."

"Provenothing,"snarledMcWilliams."Doy'ureckonhe'llgiveusachancetoproveathing?Notonyourlife.He'llhaveusjailedfirstthing;thenhe'llstirupasentimentagainstus,andbeforemorningtherewillbealynchingbee,andy'uandIwillweartheneckties.Howdoy'ulikethelooksofit?"

"Buty'uhavealotoffriends.Theywon'tstandforanythinglike

that."

"Notiftheyhadtimetostopit.Troubleis,fellow'sfriendsthinkawfulslow.They'llarriveintimetocutusdownandbethemourners.No,sir!It'sahikeforJimmieMaconthebackofthefirstbronchecanslapasaddleon."

Bannisterfrowned."Idon'tliketorunbeforethescurvyscoundrels."

"Doy'usupposeI'menjoyingit?Nottoanyextent,Iallow.Butthatsweetrelativeofyoursholdseveryaceinthedeck,andhe'llplaythem,too.Heownsthelawinthisman'stown,andheownsthelawless.Butthebestcardheholdsisthathecangetathousandofthebest

peopleheretojoinhiminhangingthe'king'oftheShoshoneoutlaws.Explanationsnothing!Y'urodeunderthenameofBannister,didn'ty'u?He'sJackHolloway."

"Itdoesmakeastrongcombination,"admittedthesheepman.

"Strong!It'sinvincible.Icanseehimplayingit,laughinguphissleeveallthetimeatthehonestfoolsheisworking.No,sir!Idrawoutofagamelikethat.Y'udon'tgetarunforyourmoney."

"Ofcourseheknowsalreadywhathashappened,"musedBannister.

"Sureheknows.ThatfellowwithMorganmadeabee-lineforhim.Just

aboutnowhe'sroutingthesheriffoutofhisbed.Wegotnotimetolose.Thingis,toburnthewindoutofthistownwhilewehavethechance."

"Isee.Itwon'thelpusanytobespillingleadintoasheriff'sposse.Thatwouldce'tainlyputusinthewrong."

"Nowy'u'reshouting.Ifwe'rehonestmenwhydon'twesurrenderpeaceable?That'stheplaythe'king'isgoingtomakeinthistown.Nowifweshouldspoilaposseandbumpoffoneortwoofthem,wecouldn't

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pileupevidenceenoughtogetajurytoacquit.No,sir!Wecan'tsurrenderandwecan'tfight.Consequenceis,wegottorollourtailsimmediate."

"WehaveanappointmentwithMissMessiterandNoraforto-morrowmorning.We'llhavetoleavewordwecan'tkeepit."

"Sure.DenverandMissouareplayingthewheeldownattheSilverDollar.Ireckonwebettermakethoseboysjumpandrunerrandsforuswhilewelielow.I'lldropincasualandgivethemtheword.Meety'uhereintenminutes.Whatevery'udo,keepthatmaskonyourface."

"Bettermeetfartherfromthesceneoftrouble.Supposewesaythenorthgateofthegrandstand?"

"Goodenough.So-long."

ThefirstfaintstreaksofdaywerebeginningtoshowonthehorizonwhenBannisterreachedthegrandstand.Heknewthatinsideofanotherhalf-hourthelittlefrontiertownwouldbeblinkingintheearlymorningsunlightthatfallssobrilliantlythroughthelimpidatmosphere.Iftheyweregoingtoleavewithoutfightingtheirwayouttherewasnotimetolose.

Tenminutesslowlytickedaway.

Heglancedathiswatch."Fiveminutesafterfour.IwishIhadgonewithMac.Hemayhavebeenrecognized."

Butevenasthethoughtflittedthroughhismind,thesemi-darknessopenedtoletafigureoutofit.

"AllquietalongthePotomac,seh?"askedtheforeman'sblithevoice."Good.Ifoundtheboysandgotthemstarted."HeflungdownaMexicanvaquero'sgailytrimmedcostume.

"Getintothese,seh.Denvershuckedthemforme.Thatcoyotemusthave

noticedwhatweworebeforeheslidout.Y'ucanbettheordersaretowatchforusasweweredressedthen."

"Whatareyugoingtodo?"

"Me?I'mscheduledtobeAaronBurr,seh.Missouswapswithmewhenhegetsbackhere.They'regoingtorustleussomewhitemen'sclothes,too,butwecayn'twearthemtillwegetoutoftownonaccountofshowingourhandsomefaces."

"Whatabouthorses?"

"Denverisrustlingsomeforus.Y'ubetterbescribblingyourbilly-doo

tothegirly'uleavebehindy'u,seh."

"Haven'ty'ugotonetoscribble?"Bannisterretorted."Seemstomey'ubettergetbusy,too."

SoithappenedthatwhenMissouarrivedafewminuteslaterhefoundthispairofgentlemen,whowereabouttofleefortheirlives,busilyinditingwhatMcWilliamshadtermedfacetiouslybillets-doux.Eachofthemwastryingtomakehisletteralittlewarmerthanfriendshipallowedwithoutcommittinghimselftoanychanceofarebuff.Macgotas

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farasNoraDarling,absentmindedlyinsertedacommabetweenthewords,andtherestuckhopelessly.HelookedenviouslyacrossatBannister,whosepencilwastravelingrapidlydownhisnote-book.

"My,whataswifttrailyourpencilleavesonthatpaper.That'sgoingsome.Mine'sboggeddownbeforeitgotstarted.Iwishty'uwouldstartmeoff."

"Well,ifyouain'tupandstartedabusinesscollegealready.Ihadoughttohavebroughtatypewriteralongwithme,"murmuredMissouironically.

"Howarethingsstacking?Ourfriendstheenemygettingbusyyet?"askedBannister,foldingandaddressinghisnote.

"That'swhat.Ordersgoneouttoguardeveryroadsoasnottoletyoupass.What'sthematterwithmerustlinguptheboysandusholdingdownacornerofthistownourselves?"

Thesheepmanshookhishead."We'renotgoingtostartalittleprivatewarofourown.Wecouldn'tdothatwithoutspillingalotofblood.No,we'llmakearunforit."

"Thaty'u,Denver?"theforemancalledsoftly,asthesoundof

approachinghorsesreachedhim.

"Betyourlife.Gotyourownbroncs,too.SheriffBurnscalledupDanielsnottoletanyhorsesgooutfromhiscorraltoanybodywithouthisO.K.Ihappenedtobecinchingatthetimethe'phonemessagecame,soIconcludedthatorderwasn'tforme,andlitoutkinderunceremonious."

Hastilythefugitivesdonnedthenewcostumesanddominos,turnedtheirnotesovertoDenver,andswungtotheirsaddles.

"Goodluck!"thepuncherscalledafterthem,andDenveraddedanironicalpromisethattheforemanhadnodoubthewouldkeep."I'lllook

outforNora--Darling."Therewasadrawlingpausebetweenthefirstandsecondnames."I'llce'tainlyseethatshedon'thaveanytimetoworryabouty'u,Mac."

"Y'ugotoHalifax,"returnedMacgeniallyoverhisshoulderashelopedaway.

"Idoubtifwecangetoutbytheroads.Soonaswereachtheendofthestreetwebettercutacrossthathayfield,"suggestedNed.

"That'swhatever.Thenwe'llslippastthesentrieswithoutbeingseen.I'dhatetospoilanyofthemifwecanhelpit.We'reliabletogetourselvesdislikedifourgunsspattertoomuch."

Theyrodethroughthemainstreet,stillnoisywiththeshoutsoflaterevelersreturningtotheirquarters.Maskedmenwereyetinevidenceoccasionally,sothattheirhabitscausedneitherremarknorsuspicion.Agoodmanyofthepunchers,unabletostaylonger,wereslippingoutoftownafterhavingmadeanightofit.Inthegeneralexodusthetwofriendshopedtoescapeunobserved.

Theydroppedintoasidestreet,gallopeddownitfortwohundredyards,anddismountedatabarb-wirefencewhichranparallelwiththeroad.

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Theforeman'swire-clippersseveredthestrandsonebyone,andtheyledtheirhorsesthroughthegap.Theycrossedanalfalfa-field,jumpedanirrigationditch,usedtheclippersagain,andfoundthemselvesinalargepasture.Itwasgettinglightereverymoment,andwhiletheywerestillinthepastureavoicehailedthemfromtheroadinanunmistakablecommandtohalt.

Theybentlowoverthebacksoftheirponiesandgavethemthespur.Theshottheyhadexpectedrangout,passingharmlesslyoverthem.Anotherfollowed,andstillanother.

"That'sright.Shootupthescenery.Y'udon'thurtusnone,"theforemansaid,apostrophizingthemanbehindthegun.

Thenextclippedfencebroughtthemtotheopencountry.Forhalfanhourtheyrodeswiftlywithouthalt.ThenMcWilliamsdrewup.

"Wherearewemakingfor?"

"HowabouttheWindRivercountry?"

"Won'tdo.Firstoff,they'llstrikerightdownthatwayafterus.What'sthematterwithrunningupSweetwaterCreekandlyingoutinthebadlandsaroundtheRoubideaux?"

"Good.Ihaveasheep-campupthatway.IcanarrangetohavegrubsentthereforusbyamanIcantrust."

"Allright.TheRoubideauxgoes."

Whiletheywerenooningatacow-spring,Bannister,lyingonhisback,withhisfacetotheturquoisesky,becameawarethatavagrantimpulsehadcrystallizedtoafixeddetermination.Hebroacheditatoncetohiscompanion.

"Onethingisacinch,Mac.Neithery'unorIwillbesafeinthiscountrynowuntilwehavebrokenupthegangofdesperadoesthatis

terrorizingthiscountry.Ifwedon'tgetthemtheywillgetus.Thereisn'tanydoubtaboutthat.I'mnotwillingtoliedownbeforethesemiscreants.Whatdoy'usay?"

"I'mwithy'u,oldman.Butputanametoit.Whatarey'uproposing?"

"I'mproposingthaty'uandImakeitourbusinessnottohaveanyotherbusinessuntilwecleanoutthisnestofwolves.Let'sgorightafterthem,andseeifwecan'twipeouttheShoshone-Tetonoutfit."

"How?Theyownthelaw,don'tthey?"

"Theydon'towntheUnitedStatesGovernment.Whentheyheldupa

mail-traintheydidafoolthing,fortheybuckedupagainstUncleSam.WhatIproposeisthatwegetholdofoneofthegangandmakehimweaken.Then,afterwehavegotholdofsomeevidencethatwillconvict,we'llgooutandrundownmynamesakeNedBannister.Ifpeopleoncegettheideathathisholdisn'tsostrongthere'sahundredpeoplethatwilltestifyagainsthim.We'llhavehiminaGovernmentprisoninsideofsixmonths."

"Orelsehe'llhaveusinaholeintheground,"addedtheforeman,dryly.

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"Oneortheother,"admittedBannister."Arey'uinonthisthing?"

"Isurelyam.Y'u'rethebestmanI'vemetupwithinamonthofSundays,seh.Y'uain'tgotbutonefault;andthatisy'udon'tsmokecigareets.Feedyourselfaboutadozenadayandy'uwon'thaveablamedtroubleleft.Match,seh?"TheforemanoftheLazyD,alreadyfollowinghisownadvice,rolleddeftlyhissmoke,moisteneditandproceededtoblowawayhistroubles.

Bannisterlookedathisdebonairinsoucianceandlaughed."Wateroffaduck'sback,"hequoted."Iknowsomefolksthatwouldbesweatingfearrightnow.It'sce'tainlyanaggravatingsituation,thatofbeinganhonestmanhuntedasavillainbyavillain.ButIexpaictmycousin'senjoyingit."

"Heain'tenjoyingitsomuchashewouldifhisplanshadworkedoutalittlesmoother.He'sholdingthesackrightnowandcussingrightsmahtoveritbeingempty,Ireckon."

"Hedidlockthestabledooralittletoolate,"chuckledthesheepman.Butevenashespokeashadowfelloverhisface."MyGod!Ihadforgotten.Y'udon'tsupposehewouldtakeitoutofMissMessiter."

"Notunlesshe'stiredofliving,"returnedherforeman,darkly."Onething,thiscountrywon'tstandforisthat.He'sgottokeephishandsoffwomenorhelosesout.Hedassentlayahandonthemiftheydon'twanthimto.That'sthelawoftheplains,isn'tit?"

"That'stheunwrittenlawforthebadman,butInoticeitdoesn'tseemtosatisfyy'u,myfriend.Y'uandIknowthatmycousin,NedBannister,doesn'tacknowledgeanylaw,writtenorunwritten.He'sadevilandhehasnofear.Didn'thekidnapherbefore?"

"Hesurelywouldneverdaretouchthoseyoungladies.But--Idon'tknow.Bann,IguesswebetterrollalongtowardtheLazyDcountry,afterall."

"Ithinkso."Nedlookedathisfriendwithsmilingdrollery."Ithoughty'usmokedyourtroublesaway,Jim.Thisoneseemstoworryy'u."

McWilliamsgrinnedsheepishly."There'sonetroublewon'tbesmokedaway.Itkinderdwells."Then,apparentlyaproposofnothing,headded,irrelevantly:"WonderwhatDenver'sdoingrightnow?"

"Probablykeepingthatappointmenty'uranawayfrom,"banteredhisfriend.

"I'llbetheis.Funnyhowsomemenhavealltheluck,"murmuredthedespondentforeman.

CHAPTER16.HUNTINGBIGGAME

Inpointoffact,Denver'soccupationatthatmomentwaspreciselywhattheyhadguessedittobe.HewassittingbesideNoraDarlinginthegrandstand,explainingtoherthefinepointsof"roping."Mr.BobAustin,commonlyknownas"Texas,"wasmeanwhiletryingtomakehimselfagreeabletoHelenMessiter.Truthtotell,bothyoungwomenlistened

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withdividedinteresttotheiradmirers.Bothofthemhadheardthestoryofthenight,andeachofthemhadtuckedawayinhercorsageascribblednoteshewantedtogetbacktoherroomandreadagain.Thatthepursuitwasstilloneverybodyknew,andthoseontheinsidewereawarethatthe"King,"masqueradingunderthenameofJackHolloway,wastheactivepowerbehindthesheriffstimulatingthechase.

Itwasaftertheropinghadbegun,andAustinhadbeencalledawaytotakehisturn,thattheoutlawchiefsaunteredalongtheaisleofthegrandstandtotheboxinwhichwasseatedthemistressoftheLazyD.

"Beautifulmo'ning,isn'tit?Delightfullycrispandclear,"hesaidbywayofintroduction,stoppingatherbox.

Sheunderstoodthesubtlejeerinhismanner,andherfinecouragerosetomeetit.Therewasadaringlightinhereye,abuoyantchallengeinhervoiceassheanswered:

"Itisasplendidmorning.I'mnotsurprisedyouareenjoyingit."

"DidIsayIwasenjoyingit?"Helaughedasheliftedthebar,cameintoherboxandtookaseat.

"Ofcoursenot.Howcarelessofme!Ihadforgottenyouwereinmourning

foradeceasedfriend."

Hisdarkeyesflashed."I'llnotmournforhimlong.Hewasamightytriflingfellow,anyhow.SoonasIcatchandhanghismurderersI'llquitwearingblack."

"Youmaywearoutseveralsuitsbeforethen,"shehitback.

"Don'ty'ubelieveit;whenIwantathingIdon'tquittillit'sdone."

Shemethisgaze,andtheimpactofeyesseemedtoshockherphysically.Thewickednessinhimthreatened,gloated,dominated.Sheshiveredinthewarmsunlight,andwouldnothavehadhimknowitforworlds.

"Dearme!Howconfidentyoutalk.Aren'tyousometimesdisappointed?"

"Temporarily.ButwhenIwantathingItakeitintheend."

Sheknewhewasservingnoticeonherthathemeanttowinher;andagainthelittlespinalshiverracedoverher.Shecouldnotlookathissardonic,evilfacewithoutfear,andshecouldnotlookawaywithoutbeingawareofhiseyespossessingher.Whatwastheuseofcourageagainstsuchacreatureasthis?

"Yes,Iunderstandyoutakeagooddealthatisn'tyours,"sheretortedcarelessly,hereyesonthearena.

"ImakeitminewhenItakeit,"heansweredcoolly,admiringthegamenesswhichsheworeasasuitofchainarmoragainsthisthrusts.

"Isn'titalittledangeroussometimes?"herevenvoicecountered."Whenyoutakewhatbelongstoothersyourunarisk,don'tyou?"

"That'spartoftherules.ExceptforthatIshouldn'tlikeitsowell.Ihuntbiggame,andthebiggerthegamethemorerisk.That'swhyy'uguessedrightwheny'usaidIwasenjoyingthemo'ning."

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"Meaning--yourcousin?"

"Well,no.Iwasn'tthinkingofhim,thoughhe'ssomesizable.ButI'mhuntingbiggergamethanheis,andIexpecttobagit."

Sheletherscornfuleyesdriftslowlyoverhim."Imightpretendtomisunderstandyou.ButIwon't.Youmayhaveyouranswernow.Iamnotafraidofyou,forsinceyouareabullyyoumustbeacoward.Isawarattlesnakelastweekinthehills.ItremindedmeofsomeoneIhaveseen.I'llleaveyoutoguesswho."

Heranswerdrewblood.Theblacktideracedundertheswarthytanofhisface.Heleanedforwardtillhisbeadyeyeswereclosetoherdefiantones."Y'uhaveforgottenonething,MissMessiter.Arattlesnakecansting.Iasknothingofyou.Can'tIbreakyourheartwithoutyourlovingme?You'reonlyawoman--andnotthefirstIhavebroken,byGod--"

Hisslim,lithebodywasleaningforwardsothatitcutoffothers,andleftthemtoallintentsalone.Atatouchofherfingersthehandbaginherlapflewopenandalittleivory-hiltedrevolverlayinherhand.

"Youmaybreakme,butyou'llneverbendmeaninch."

Helookedatthelittlegunandlaughedironically."Sho!Ify'ushouldhitmewiththatandIshouldfinditoutImightgetmadaty'u."

"DidIsayitwasforyou?"shesaidcoldly;andagaintheshockofjoinedeyesendedindrawnbattle.

"Havey'uthenerve?"Helookedherover,sodaintyandsoresolute,sosilkenstrong;andheknewhehadhisanswer.

Hissmolderingeyesburnedwithdesiretosnatchhertohimandrideawayintothehills.Forhewasamanwholivedinhissensations.Hehadwonmanywomentotheirhurt,butitwasthejoyofconflictthat

madethepursuitworthwhiletohim;andthisyoungwoman,whocouldsodelightfullybubblewithlittlelaughsreadytospilloverandwasyetpossessedofaspiritsofinelysuperiortothetendernessofhersoft,round,maidenlycurves,alluredhimmightilytotheattack.

Shedroppedtherevolverbackintothebagandshuttheclaspwithaclick,"AndnowIthink,Mr.Bannister,thatI'llnotdetainyouanylonger.Weunderstandeachothersufficiently."

Herosewithalaughthatmocked."Iexpaicttospendquiteabitoftimeunderstandingy'uoneofthesedays.Inthemeantimethisistoourbetteracquaintance."

Deliberately,withouttheleasthaste,hestoopedandkissedherbeforeshecouldrallyfromthestaggeringsurpriseoftheintentionshereadinhiseyestoolatetoelude.Then,withthecoolestbravadointheworld,heturnedonhisheelandstrolledaway.

Angrysapphiresgleamedathimfromunderthelong,brownlashes.Shewasfurious,aghast,daunted.Bythemerestchanceshewassittinginacornerofthebox,soscreenedfromobservationthatnonecouldsee.Buttheinsolenceofhim,therecklessdefianceofallstandardsofsociety,shookherevenwhileitenragedher.Hehadputforthhisclaimlike

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abraggart,buthehadmadegoodwithanaudacitysuperbinitseffrontery.Howshehatedhim!Howshefearedhim!Thethoughtswerewoveninseparablyinhermind.Mephistohimselfcouldnothaveimpressedhimselfmoreimperativelythanthisstrutting,heartlessmasterartistinvice.

Shesawhimagainpresentlydowninthearena,foritwashisturntoshowhisskillatroping.Texashaddonewell;verywell,indeed.Hehadmadethethrowandtieinthirty-sevenseconds,whichwastwosecondsfasterthantherecordofthepreviousyear.Butsheknewinstinctively,asherfascinatedeyeswatchedtheoutlawpreparingforthefeat,thathewasgoingtowin.Hewouldusehissuccessasaweaponagainsther;asameansofshowingherthathealwayssucceededinwhateverheundertook.Sosheinterpretedhelookheflungherashewaitedatthechuteforthewildhillsteertobedrivenintothearena.Ittakesagoodmanphysicallytomakeasuccessfulroper.Hemustbepossessedofnerve,skillandendurancefaroutoftheordinary.Hemustbequick-eyed,strong-handed,nimbleoffoot,expertofhandandbuiltlikeawildcat.SoDenverexplainedtothetwoyoungwomeninthebox,andtheonebehindhimadmittedreluctantlythatshelong,lean,suppleCentaurwaitingimpassivelyatthegatewayfittedthespecifications.

Outflashedtherough-coatedhillsteer,wildandfleetasahare,thinandleggy,withmusclesofwhipcord.Downwenttheflag,andthe

stopwatchesbegantotickofftheseconds.Likeanarrowtheoutlaw'sponyshotforward,alariatcirclingroundandroundtherider'shead.Ateveryleapthecowponylessenedthegapasitpoundedforwardontheheelsoftheflyingsteer.

Theloopsweptforwardanddroppedoverthehornsoftheanimal.Thepony,withtheperfectcraftoflongpractice,swervedtoonesidewitharush.Thedraggingropeswungupagainsttherunningsteer'slegs,grewsuddenlytaut.Downwentthesteer'shead,andnextmomentitsfeetweresweptfromunderitasitwentheavilytotheground.Manandhorsewereperfectintheirteamwork.Asthesuppleriderslidfromthebackoftheponyitrantotheendoftheropeandbraceditselftokeeptheanimalfromrising.Bannisterleapedonthesteer,tie-ropeinhand.

Swiftlyhisdefthandspassedtoandfro,makingthenecessaryloopsandknots.Thenhishandswentintotheair.Thesteerwashog-tied.

Forafewsecondsthejudgesconsultedtogether."Twenty-nineseconds,"announcedtheirspokesman,andatthewordsagreatcheerwentup.Bannisterhadmadehistieinrecordtime.

Impudentlythescoundrelsauntereduptothegrandstand,bowedelaboratelytoMissMessiter,andperchedhimselfonthefence,wherehemightbetheobservedofallobservers.Itwascurious,shethought,howhisvanitywalkedhandinhandwithsomuchpowerandforce.Hewasreallyextraordinarilystrong,butnodebutante'sself-sufficiencycouldhaveexcelledhis.Hewassofranklyanegotistthatitceasedtobea

weakness.

BackinherroomatthehotelanhourlaterHelenpacedupanddownunderanervousstrainforeigntohertemperament.Shewasafraid;forthefirsttimeinherlifedefinitelyafraid.Thismanpittedagainstherhaddeliberatelydivorcedhislifefrommorality.Inhimlaynoappealtoanyconsciencecourtoflastresort.Buttheterrorofthiswasnotforherselfprincipally,butforherflyinglover.Withhisindubitablepower,backedbytheunpopularityofthesheepmaninthiscattlecountry,theKingoftheBighorncoulddestroyhiscousinif

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hesethimselftodoso.Ofthisshewasconvinced,andherconvictioncarriedacertaintythathehadthewillaswellasthemeans.Ifhehadlackedanythinginmotivesheherselfhadsuppliedone.Forshewasafraidthatthisvillainhadreadherheart.

Andasherhandwentflutteringtoherheartshefoundsmallcomfortinthepaperlyingnextitthatonlyafewhoursbeforehadbroughtherjoy.Foratanymomentamessengermightcomeintotellherthatthewriterofithadbeencapturedandwastobedealtwithsummarilyinfrontierfashion.Atbestherloverandherfriendwerebutfugitivesfromjustice.Againstthemwerearrayednotonlytheruffianfollowersoftheirenemy,butalsothelawfullyconstitutedauthoritiesofthecounty.Eveniftheyshouldescapeto-daythenetwouldtightenonthem,andtheywouldeventuallybecaptured.

ForthethirdtimesincecomingtoWyomingHelenfoundrefugeintears.

CHAPTER17.RUNTOEARTH

WhenwordcametoDenverandtheotherpunchersoftheLazyDthatReddyhadbeenpressedintoserviceasaguideforthepossethatwaspursuingthefugitivestheygaveventtotheirfeelingsinchoiceprofanity.

"Now,ain'tthatlikehim?HadtorunaroundlikealocoedcalftellingallheknowedandmoretillBurnsropeshimin,"commentedthedisgustedMissou.

"TroublewithReddyishesetshismouthtoworkingandthengoesawayandleavesit,"mournedJimHenson.

"I'dhatetofeelassoreasReddywillwhentheboysgetthroughplayingwithhimafterhegetsbacktotheranch,"Denvercontributed,whenhehadexhaustedhisvocabulary.

MeanwhileReddy,unawareofbeingacauseofoffense,wascheerfully

happyintheunexpectedhonorthathadbeenthrustuponhim.Hiswillwasofputty,moldedintotheopinionofwhomeverhehappenedatthemomenttobewith.Justnow,withtheironiceyeofSheriffBurnsuponhim,hewasstrongforlawenforcement.

"Afellerhadn'toughttobesopromiscuouswithhishardware.Thisherethingofshootingupcitizensdon'tdoWyomingnogoodthesedays.Capitalain'ta-goingtocomeinwhensuchgoings-onoccur,"hesagelyopined,unconsciouslyparrotingthesentimentBurnshadjustbeeninstillingintohim.

"That'sright,sir.Ifthatain'thorsesenseIdon'tknowany.Yougotaheadonyou,allright,"answeredtheadmiringsheriff.

TheflatteredReddypleadedguiltytobeingwiserthanmostmen."JestbecauseIpunchcowsain'tanyreasonwhyI'manybody'sfool.I'llshowthemsmartboysattheLazyDIdon'thavetotakethedustofanyofthebunchwhenitcomestousingmythinktank."

"Iwould,"sympathizedBurns."Youbetthey'llallbealmightyjealouswhentheylearnhowyouwaschosenoutofthewholeoutfitonthisjob."

Alldaytheyrode,andthatnightcampedafewmilesfromtheLazyD.

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Earlynextmorningtheyhailedasolitaryriderashepassed.Themanturnedouttobeacowman,withasmallranchnotfarfromtheoneownedbyMissMessiter.

"Hello,Henderson!y'useenanythingofJimMcWilliamsandanotherfellowridingacrostthisway?"askedReddy.

"Nope,"answeredthecowmanpromptly.ButimmediatelyhemodifiedhisstatementtoaddthathehadseentwomenridingtowardDryCreekacoupleofhoursago."Theywasgoingkinderslow.Lookedtomesorterlikeoneofthemwashurtandtheotherwashelpinghimout,"hevolunteered.

Thesherifflookedsignificantlyatoneofhismenandnodded.

"Youdidn'trecognizethehorses,Ireckon?"

"Cometothinkofit,oneoftheponiesdidlooklikeJim'sroan.What'sup,boys?Anythingdoing?"

"Nothingparticular.WewanttoseeJim,that'sall.Solong."

WhatHendersonhadguessedwasthetruth.ThecontinuoushardridinghadbeentoomuchforBannisterandhiswoundhadopenedanew.Theywereat

thetimeonlyafewmilesfromashackonDryCreek,wheretheLazyDpuncherssometimesputup.McWilliamshadattendedthewoundasbesthecould,andafterafewhours'resthadheadedforthecabininthehills.Theywerecompelledtotravelveryslowly,sincethemotionkeptthesheepman'swoundcontinuallybleeding.ButaboutnoontheyreachedtherefugetheyhadbeenseekingandBannisterlaydownonthebunkwiththeirsaddleblanketsunderhim.Hesoonfellasleep,andMactookadvantageofthistosetoutonaforagingexpeditiontoaranchnotfardistant.Herehegotsomebread,bacon,milkandeggsfromamanhecouldtrustandreturnedtohisfriend.

Itwasdarkbythetimehereachedthecabin.Hedismounted,andwithhisarmsfullofprovisionspushedintothehut.

"Awake,Bann?"heaskedinalowvoice.

Theanswerwasunexpected.Somethingheavystruckhischestandflunghimbackagainstthewall.Beforehecouldrecoverhisbalancehewaspinionedfast.Fourmenhadhurledthemselvesuponhim.

"We'vegotyou,Jim.Notamiteo'useresisting,"counseledthesheriff.

"ThinkIdon'tsavezthat?IcantakeahintwhenawholeMethodistchurchfallsonme.Whoarey'u,anyhow?"

"Somebodylightalantern,"orderedBurns.

BythedimlightitcastMacmadethemout,andsawNedBannistergaggedandhandcuffedonthebed.HeknewamomentofsurprisewhenhiseyesfellonReddy.

"Soitwasy'ubroughtthemhere,Red?"hesaidquietly.

Contrarytohisownexpectations,thegentlemannamedwasembarrassed"Thesheriff,hesummonedmetoserve,"washislamedefense.

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"Andsoy'uthrewdownyourfriends.Goodboy!"

"Aman'sgottobackthelawup,ain'the?"

Macturnedhisshoulderonhimratherpointedly."Thereisn'tanyneedofkeepingthatgaginmyfriend'smouthanylonger,"hesuggestedtoBurns.

"That'sright,too.Takeitout,boys.Igottodomyduty,butIdon'taimtomakeanygentlemanmoreuncomfortablethanIcanhelp.Iwanteverythingtobepleasantallround."

"I'mrightgladtohearthat,Burns,becausemyfriendisn'tfittotravel.Y'ucantakemebackandleavehimoutherewithaguard,"theforemanrepliedquickly.

"SorryIcan'taccommodateyou,Jim,butIgottotakey'ubothwithme."

"ThosearetheordersoftheKing,arethey?"

Burnsflusheddarkly."Itain'tgoingtodoyouanygoodtotalkthatway.YouknowmightywellthisheremanwithyouisBannister.Iain't

goingtotakenochancesonlosinghimnowI'vegotmyhandonhim."

"Y'uce'tainlydeserveare-election,andI'llbety'ugetitallright.Anymansogivenovertoduty,soplumbloadeddowntothehockswithconscienceasy'u,willsurelycomebackwithabigmajoritynextNovember."

"Iain'taskin'forYOURvote,Mac."

"Oh,y'udon'tneedvotes.JustgettheKingtoO.K.yournominationandy'u'llwininawalk."

"Myfriend,y'ubettermindyourownbusiness.FarasIcanmakeouty'u

gottroublesenoughofyourown,"retortedthenettledsheriff.

"Y'udon'tneedtotellmethat,TomBurns'Y'uain'taman--nothingbutastuffedskinworkedbyastring.WhenthatmiscreantBannisterpullsthestringy'ujump.He'sjerkeditnow,soy'u'retakingusbacktohim.IcanprovethatcoyoteMorganshotatmefirst,butthatdoesn'tcutanyicewithyou."

"Whatmadeyoulightoutsosudden,then?"demandedtheaggrievedBurnstriumphantly.

"BecauseIknewyou.That'saplentygoodreason.I'mnotaskinganythingformyself.AllIsayisthatmyfriendisn'tfittotravel

yet.Lethimstayhereunderaguardtillheis."

"Hewasfitenoughtogethere.Bythunder,he'sfittogoback!"

"Y'u'vesaidenough,Mac,"brokeinBannister."It'sawfullygoodofy'utospeakforme,butIwouldratherseeitoutwithyoutoafinish.Idon'twantanyfavorsfromthisyellowdogofmycousin."

The"yellowdog"sethisteethandsworevindictivelybehindthem.Hewasalreadyimagininganhourwhentheseinsolentprisonersofhiswould

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singanothertune.

CHAPTER18.PLAYINGFORTIME

"They'vegot'em.CaughtthemonDryCreek,justbelowGreenForks."

HelenMessiter,justfinishingherbreakfastatthehotelpreparatorytoleavinginhermachinefortheranch,laiddownherknifeandforkandlookedwithdilatedeyesatDenver,whohadbrokeninwiththenews.

"Areyousure?"Thecolorhadwashedfromherfaceandleftherverywhite,butshefrontedthesituationquietlywithouthystericsorfussofanykind.

"Yes,ma'am.They'rebringingtheminnowtojail.Watchoutandy'u'llseethempasshereinafewminutes.SeemsthatBannister'swoundopeneduponhimandhecouldn'tgoanyfarther.CourseMacwouldn'tleavehim.SheriffBurnsandhispossedroppedinonthemandhadthemcoveredbeforeMaccouldchirp."

"Youaresurethisman--thisdesperadoBannister--willdonothingtillnight?"

"NotthewayIfigureit.He'llhavethejailwatchedallday.Buthe'sgottoworkthetownuptoalynching.Iexpectthebarswillbefreeforallto-day.Bynighttheworstpartofthistownwillbereadyforanything.TherestofthecitizensaregoingtositdownanddonothingjustbecauseitisBannister."

"Butitisn'tBannister--nottheBannistertheythinkitis."

Heshookhishead."Nouse,ma'am.I'vetalkedtillmythroataches,butitdon'tdoamiteofgood.NobodybelievesawordofwhatIsay.Y'usee,weain'tgotanyproof."

"Proof!Wehaveenough,Godknows!didn'tthisvillain--thisoutlawthatcallshimselfJackHolloway--attackandtrytomurderhim?"

"That'swhatwebelieve,butthereportoutisthatoneofuspunchersshothimupforcrossingthedead-line."

"Didn'tthisfellowholduptheranchandtrytotakeNedBannisterawaywithhim?"

"Yes,ma'am.Butthatdoesn'tlookgoodtomostpeople.Theysayhehadhisfriendscometotakehimawaysoy'uwouldn'tholdhimandletusboysgethim.Thiscousinbusinessisafairytalethewaytheysizeitup.Howcomethiscousintolethimgoifhehelduptheranchtoput

thesickmanoutofbusiness?No,miss.ThiscountryhasmadeupitsmindthatyourfriendistheoriginalNedBannister.Myopinionisthatnothingonearthcansavehim."

"Idon'twantyouropinion.I'mgoingtosavehim,Itellyou;andyouaregoingtohelp.Arehisfriendsnothingbutabunchofquitters?"shecried,withsparklingeyes.

"Ididn'tknowIwassuchagreatfriendofhis,"answeredthecowboysulkily.

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"You'reafriendofJimMcWilliams,aren'tyou?Areyougoingtosneakawayandletthesecurshanghim?"

Denverflushed."Y'u'redeadright,MissHelen.IguessI'llseeitoutwithyou.What'stheorders?"

"Iwantyoutohelpmeorganizeadefense.GetallMac'sfriendsstirreduptomakeafightforhim.Bringasmanyofthemintoseemeduringthedayasyoucan.IfyouseeanyoftherestoftheLazyDboyssendthemintomeforinstructions.Reportyourselfeveryhourtome.Andmakesurethatatleastthreeofyourfriendsthatyoucantrustarehangingroundthejailalldaysoastobereadyincaseanyattemptismadetostormitbeforedark."

"I'llseetoit."Denverhungonhisheelamomentbeforeleaving."It'sonlysquaretotelly'u,MissHelen,thatthismeanswarheretonight.Thesestreetsaregoingtorunwithbloodifwetrytosavethem."

"I'mtakingthatresponsibility,"shetoldhimcurtly;butamomentlatersheaddedgently:"Ihaveaplan,myfriend,thatmaystopthisoutrageyet.Butyoumustdoyourbestforme."Shesmiledsadlyathim."You'remyforeman,to-day,youknow."

"I'mgoingtodomylevelbest,y'umaytietothat,"hetoldherearnestly.

"Iknowyouwill."Andtheirfingerstouchedforaninstant.

Throughawindowthegirlcouldseeacrowdpouringdownthestreettowardthehotel.Sheflewupthestairsandoutuponthesecond-storypiazzathatlookeddownupontheroad.

Fromherpointofvantagesheeasilypickedthemout--thetwounarmedmenridingwiththeirhandstiedbehindtheirbacks,encircledbyadozenridersarmedtotheteeth.Bannister'shathadapparentlyfallenofffartherdownthestreet,forthemanbesidehimwasdustingit.The

woundedprisonerlookedabouthimwithoutfear,butitwasplainhewasnearthelimitofendurance.Hewaspaleasasheet,andhisfaircurlsclungmoistlytohisdampforehead.

McWilliamscaughtsightofherfirst,andshecouldseehimturnandsayawordtohiscomrade.Bannisterlookedup,caughtsightofher,andsmiled.Thatsmile,sopaleandwan,wenttoherheartlikeaknife.Butthemessageofhereyeswashope.Theytoldtheprisonerssilentlytobeofgoodcheer,thatatleasttheywerenotdesertedtotheirfate.

"Whatisitabout--thecrowd?"Noraaskedofhermistressasthelatterwasreturningtotheheadofthestairs.

InasfewwordsasshecouldHelentoldher,repressingsharplythetearsthegirlbegantoshed."Thisisnotthetimetoweep--notyet.Wemustsavethem.Youcandoyourpart.Mr.Bannisteriswounded.Getadoctoroverthetelephoneandseethatheattendshimattheprison.Don'tleavethe'phoneuntilyouhavegotonetopromisetogoimmediately."

"Yes,miss.Isthereanythingelse?"

"AskthedoctortocallyouupfromtheprisonandtellyouhowMr.

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Bannisteris.Makeitplaintohimthatheistogiveuphisotherpractice,ifnecessary,andistokeepusinformedthroughthedayabouthispatient'scondition.Iwillberesponsibleforhisbill."

Helenherselfhurriedtothetelegraphofficeatthedepot.Shewroteoutalongdispatchandhandedittotheoperator."Sendthisatonceplease."

Hewasoneofthosesuperciliousyoungidiotsthatmakethemostofsuchsmallpoweraseverdriftsdowntothem.Takingthemessage,hetosseditonthetable."I'llsenditwhenIgettime."

"You'llsenditnow."

"What--what'sthat?"

Hersteadyeyescaughtandheldhisshiftingones."Isayyouaregoingtosenditnow--thisveryminute."

"Iguessnot.Theline'sbusy,"hebluffed.

"Ifyoudon'tbeginsendingthatmessagethisminuteI'llmakeitmybusinesstoseethatyouloseyourposition,"shetoldhimcalmly.

Hesnatchedupthepaperfromtheplacewherehehadtossedit."Oh,well,ifit'ssodarnedimportant,"he-concededungraciously.

Shestoodquietlyabovehimwhilehesentthetelegram,eventhoughhecontrivedtomakeeverymomentofherstayanunvoicedinsult.HerwirewastothewifeoftheGovernoroftheState.Theyhadbeenclosefriendsatschool,andthelatterhadbeenurgingHelentopayavisittoCheyenne.Themessageshesentwasasfollows:

Battleimminentbetweenoutlawsandcattlemenhere.Bloodshedcertainto-night.Myforemanlastnightkilledinself-defenseadesperado.Bannister'sgang,inleaguewithtownauthorities,meantolynchhimandoneofmyotherfriendsafterdarkthisevening.Sheriffwilldo

nothing.Canyourhusbandsendsoldiersimmediately?Wireanswer.

Theoperatorlookedupsullenlyafterhisfingershadfinishedthelasttap."Well?"

"Justonethingmore,"Helentoldhim."Youunderstandtherulesofthecompanyaboutsecrecy.NobodyyouknowsIamsendingthismessage.Ifbyanychanceitshouldleakout,Ishallknowthroughwhom.Ifyouwanttoholdyourposition,youwillkeepquiet."

"Iknowmybusiness,"hegrowled.Nevertheless,shehadspokeninseason,forhehadhaditinhismindtogiveatipwhereheknewitwouldbeunderstoodtohastenthejaildeliveryandaccompanying

lynching.

Whenshereturnedtothehotel?HelenfoundMissouwaitingforher.Sheimmediatelysenthimbacktotheoffice,andtoldhimtowaitthereuntiltheanswerwasreceived."I'llsendoneoftheboysuptorelieveyousothatyoumaycomewiththetelegramassoonasitarrives.Iwanttheoperatorwatchedallday.Oh,here'sJimHenson!Denverhasexplainedthesituationtoyou,Ipresume.Iwantyoutogouptothetelegraphofficeandstaythereallday.Gotolunchwiththeoperatorwhenhegoes.Don'tlethimtalkprivatelytoanybody,notevenfora

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fewseconds.Idon'twantyoutoseemtohavehimunderguardbeforeoutsiders,butlethimknowitveryplainly.HeisnottomentionawireIsentortheanswertoit--nottoanybody,Jim.Isthatplain?"

"Y'ubet!He'saclam,allright,tilltheorderiscountermanded."AndtheyoungmandepartedwithacheerfulgrinthatassuredHelenshehadnothingtofearfromofficialleaks.

Nora,fromansweringatelephonecall,cametoreporttothegeneralincharge."ThedoctorsaysthathehaslookedafterMr.Bannister,andthereisnoimmediatedanger.Ifhekeepsquietforafewdaysheoughttodowell.Mr.McWilliamssentamessagebyhimtosaythatwearen'ttoworryabouthim.Hesaidhewould--would--ropeaheapofcowsontheLazyDyet."

Nora,burstingintotears,flungherselfintoHelen'sarms."Theyaregoingtokillhim.Iknowtheyare,and--and'twasonlyyesterday,ma'am,Itoldhimnotto--togetgay,thepoorboy.Whenhetriedto--to--"Shebrokedownandsobbed.

Hermistresssmiledinspiteofherself,thoughshewasbitterlyawarethatevenNora'sgriefwasonlysuperficiallyludicrous.

"We'regoingtosavehim,Nora,ifwecan.There'shopewhilethere's

life.Yousee,Machimselfisfullofcourage.HEhasn'tgivenup.Wemustkeepupourcourage,too."

"Yes,ma'am,butthisisthefirstgentlemanfriendIeverhadhanged,and--"Shebrokeoff,sobbing,leavingtherestasaguess.

Helenfilleditoutaloud."Andyouweregoingtosaythatyoucaremoreforhimthananyoftheothers.Well,youmuststopcoquettingandtellhimsowhenwehavesavedhim."

"Yes,ma'am,"agreedNora,veryrepentantforthemomentofthefactthatitwashernaturetoplaywiththeheartsofthoseofthemalepersuasion.Immediatelysheadded:"HewasTHATkind,ma'am,

tender-hearted."

Helen,whoseownheartwasbreaking,continuedtosootheher."Don'tsayWAS,child.Youaretobebrave,andnotthinkofhimthatway."

"Yes,ma'am.Hetoldmehewasgoingtobuycowswiththethousanddollarshewonyesterday.Iknewhemeant--"

"Yes,ofcourse.It'sacowboy'swayofsayingthathemeanstostarthousekeeping.Haveyouthetelegram,Missou?"Forthatyoungmanwasstandinginthedoorway.

Hehandedhertheyellowslip.Sherippedopentheenvelopeandread:

CompanyBenroute.RailroadconnectionsuncertainPostponecrisislongaspossible.MayreachGimletButtebyten-thirty.

Herfirstthoughtwasofunspeakablerelief.Themilitiawasgoingtotakeahand.Theboysinkhakiwouldcomemarchingdownthestreet,andeverythingwouldbeallright.Buthardontheheelsofherinstinctivegladnesstrodthesobersecondthought.Ten-thirtyatbest,andperhapslater!Wouldtheywaitthatlong,orwouldtheydotheircowardlyworkassoonasnightfellShemustcontrivetodelaythemtillthetraindrewin.Shemustplayforthosetwoliveswithallherwoman'swit;

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mustmatchtheoutlaw'ssinistercunningandfoolhimintodelay.Sheknewhewouldcomeifshesentforhim.Buthowlongcouldshekeephim?Aslongashewasamusedatheragony,aslongashispleasureintormentingherwasgreaterthanhisimpatiencetobeathisruffianlywork.Oh,ifsheeverneededallherpoweritwouldbeto-night.

ThroughoutthedayshecontinuedtoreceivehourlyreportsfromDenver,whoalwaysbroughtwithhimfourorfivehonestcowpunchersfromup-countrytolistentothestrangetalesheunfoldedtothem.Itwas,ofcourse,inpart,thespellofhersweetpersonality,ofthatshyappealshemadetothemanhoodinthem;butofthosewhocame,nearlyallbelieved,forthetimeatleast,andalignedthemselvesonhersideinthestrugglethatwasimpending.Someofthesewereswayedfromtheirallegianceinthecourseoftheday,butafewsheknewwouldremaintrue.

Meanwhile,allthroughtheday,theenemywasbusilyatwork.AsDenverhadpredicted,freeliquorwasservedtoallwhowoulddrink.Thetownanditsguestswerestartedonagranddebauchthatwastoendinviolencethatmightshocktheirsoberintelligence.Everywherepoisonedwhisperswerebeingflungbroadcastagainstthetwomenwaitinginthejailforwhatthenightwouldbringforth.

Duskfellonatowncrazedbybadwhiskeyandevilreport.Thedeedsof

Bannisterwerehashedandrehashedateverybar,andnobodyrelatedthemwithmoreironicgustothanthemanwhocalledhimselfJackHolloway.Therewerepeopleintownwhoknewhisrealnameandcharacter,butofthesethemajoritywereeitherinalliancewithhimordarednotvoicetheirknowledge.OnlyMissMessiterandherpuncherstoldthetruth,andtheirwordswereblownawaylikechaff.

FromthefirstmomentofdarknessHelenhadtheoutlawleaderdoggedbytwoofhermen.Sinceneitherofthesewereherownridersthiswasdonewithoutsuspicion.Atintervalsofeveryquarterofanhourtheyreportedtoherinturn.Bannisterwasbeginningtodrinkheavily,andshedidnotwanttocutshorthisdissipationbyasingleminute.Yetshehadtomakesureofgettinghisattentionbeforehewenttoofar.

Itwasclosetoninewhenshesenthimanote,notdaringtodelayaminutelonger.Forthereportsofhermenwerealltothesameeffect,thatthecrisiswouldnotnowbelongpostponed.Bannister,orHolloway,ashechosetocallhimself,wasatthebarwithhislieutenantsinevilwhenthenotereachedhim.Hereaditwithasatisfactionhecouldnotconceal.So!Hehadbroughtheralreadytoherknees.Beforehewasthroughwithhersheshouldgrovelinthedustbeforehim.

"I'llbebackinafewminutes.DonothingtillIreturn,"heordered,andwentjinglingawaytotheElkHouse.

Theyoungwoman'sanxietywaspitiable,butsherepresseditsternly

whenshewenttomeetthemanshefeared;andneverhaditbeenmoreinevidencethaninthishourofhergreatesttorture.Blithelyshecameforwardtomeethim,eyechallengingeyegayly.Nohintofheranguishescapedintohermanner.Hereadthereonlycoquetry,theeternalsexconflict,thewinsomedefianceofawomanhithertothevirginmistressofallassaultsuponherheart'scitadel.Itwasthelastthinghehadexpectedtosee,butitwasinfinitelymorepiquant,moreintoxicating,thandesperation.Sheseemedtogivethelietohisimpressionofherloveforhiscousin;andthat,too,delightedhispride.

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"Youwillsitdown?"

Carelessly,almostindolently,sheputthequestion,herraisedeyebrowsindicatingachairwithperfunctoryhospitality.Hehadnotmeanttosit,hadexpectedonlytogloatafewminutesoverherdespair;butthissituationcalledformoredeliberation.Hehadyettoestablishthemasteryhisvanitydemanded.Thereforehetookachair.

"Thisisce'tainlyanunexpectedhonor.Didy'usendformetoexplainsomemoreaboutthatsufficientunderstandingbetweenus?"hesneered.

Itwasagreatrelieftohertoseethat,thoughhehadbeendrinking,asshehadheard,hewasentirelymasterofhimself.HereffortsmightstillbedirectedtoPhilipsober.

"Isentforyoutocongratulateyou,"sheanswered,withasmile."YouareabiggermanthanIthought.Youhavedonewhatyousaidyouwoulddo,andIpresumeyoucanveryshortlygooutofmourning."

Heradiatedvanity,seemedtovisiblyexpand"Doy'ugoinwhenIgoout?"heaskedbrutally.

Shelaughedlightly."Hardly.ButitdoesseemasifI'munluckyinmyforemen.Theyallseemtohaveengagementsacrossthedivide."

"I'llgetyuanother."

"Thankyou.Iwasgoingtoaskasmuchofyou.Canyousuggestonenow?"

"I'marightgoodcattlemanmyself."

"And--canyoustaywithmeareasonabletime?"

Helaughed."IhavenoengagementsacrosstheStyx,ma'am."

"Myotherforementhoughttheywerepermanentfixtureshere,too."

"We'reallliabletomistakes."

"Evenyou,Isuppose."

"I'llsignaleasetogivey'upossessionofmyskillforaslongasy'ulike."

Shesettledherselfcomfortablybackinaneasychair,asalluringapictureofbuoyant,radiantyouthashehadseeninmanyaday."Buttheterms.IamafraidIcan'tofferyouasmuchasyoumakeatyourpresentoccupation."

"Icouldkeepthatupasaside-line."

"Soyoucould.Butifyouusemytimeforyourownprofit,yououghttopaymearoyaltyonyourintake."

Hiseyeslitwithlaughter."Ireckonthatcanbearranged.AnypercentageyouthinkfairItwillallbeinthefamily,anyway."

"Ithinkthatisoneofthethingsaboutwhichwedon'tagree,"shemadeanswersoftly,flashinghimtheproperlookofinvitingdisdainfromunderhersilkenlashes.

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Heleanedforward,elbowonthechair-armandchininhand."We'llagreeaboutitoneofthesedays."

"Thinkso?"shereturnedairily.

"Idon'tthink.Iknow."

Justaneyebeathergazemethis,withthathintofshyquestioning,ofpuzzleddoubtthatshowedagrowinginterest."Iwonder,"shemurmured,andrecoveredherselflittlelaugh.

Howshehatedhertask,andhim!Shewasasingularlyhonestwoman,butshemustplaythesiren;mustallurethisscoundreltoforgetfulness,withahurriedandyeteludetheveryfamiliarityhermannerinvited.Sheknewherpart,theheartlessenticingcoquette,compoundedhalfofpassionandhalfofselfishness.Itwasahatefulthingtodo,thissacrificeofherpersonalreticence,oftheindividualabstractioninwhichshewrappedherselfasacloak,inordertohintatapossibilityofsomeintimacyoffeelingbetweenthem.Sheshrankfromitwitharepugnancehardlytobeovercome,butsheheldherselfwithanironwillandconsummatearttotheroleshehadundertaken.Twoliveshungonhersuccess.Shemustnotforgetthat.Shewouldnotletherselfforgetthat--andoneofthemthatofthemansheloved.

So,bravelysheplayedherpart,repellingalwayswithahintofinvitation,denyingwiththepromiseinherfascinatedeyesofultimatesurrendertohisardor.Inthezestofthepursuittheminutesslippedawayunnoticed.Neverhadawomanseemedtohimmoresubtlyelusive,andneverhadhefeltmoresureofhimself.Hercharmgrewonhim,stirredhispulsestoafasterbeat.Foritwashisfavoritesport,andthiswarm,suppleyoungcreature,whowastobethevictimofhisbowandarrow,showedherselfworthyofhismettle.

Theclockdownstairsstruckthehalf-hour,andBannister,remindedofwhatlaybeforehimoutside,madeamovetogo.Heralerteyeshadbeenexpectingit,andsheforestalledhimbyachangeoftactics.Moved

apparentlybyimpulse,sheseatedherselfonthepiano-stool,sweptthekeysforaninstantwithherfingers,andplungedintothebrilliant"Carmen"overture.Susceptibleasthismanwastotheinfluenceofmusic,hecouldnotfailtobearrestedbysoperfectaninterpretationofhismood.Hestoodrooted,wascarriedbackagaininimaginationtoagreatartiste'srenderingofthatstoryoffiercepassionandachingdesiresobrilliantlyenactedunderthewhitesunbeatofacountryofcloudlessskies.Imperceptiblyshedriftedintootherpartsoftheopera.Wasitthewild,gypsyseductivenessofCarmenthathefelt,or,rather,thisAmericangirl'sallurement?From"Lovewilllikeabirdlingfly"sheslippedintotheexquisitelygracefulsnatchesofsongwithwhichCarmenanswerstheofficer'squestions.Theirrarebuoyancymarchedwithhismood,andfromthemshecarriedhimintothesong

"Overthehill,"thatissoperfectandromanticanexpressionofthewanderlust.

Howlongshecouldhaveheldhimshewillneverknow,foratthatinopportunetimecameblunderingoneofhismenintotheroomwithacallforhispresencetotakechargeofthesituationoutside.

"Whatdoy'uwant,Bostwick?"hedemanded,withcurtperemptoriness.

Themanwhisperedinhisear.

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"Can'twaitanylonger,can'tthey?"snappedhischief."Y'utellthemthey'llwaittillIgivetheword.Understand?"

Healmostflungthemanoutoftheroom,butHelennoticedthatshehadlosthim.Hisinterestwasperfunctory,and,thoughheremainedalittletimelonger,itwastoestablishhisauthoritywiththemenratherthantolistentoher.Twicehelookedathiswatchwithinfiveminutes.

Herosetogo."ThereisalittlepieceofbusinessIhavetoputthrough.SoI'llhavetoasky'utoexcuseme.Ihavehadadelightfulhour,andIhatetogo."Hesmiled,andquotedwithmocksentimentality:

"ThehoursIspentwiththee,dearheart,Areasastringofpearlstome;Icountthemover,everyoneapart,Myrosary!Myrosary!"

"Dearme!Onecertainlylivesandlearns.HowcouldIhaveguessedthat,withyourreputation,youcouldaffordtoindulgeinarosary?"shemocked.

"Goodnight."Heofferedhishand.

"Don'tgoyet,"shecoaxed.

Heshookhishead."Duty,y'uknow."

"Stayonlyalittlelonger.Justtenminutesmore."

Hisvanitypurred,sosoftlyshestrokedit."Can't.WishIcould.Y'uhearhownoisythingsaregetting.I'vegottotakecharge.So-long."

Shestoodclose,lookingupathimwithafaceofseductiveappeal.

"Don'tgoyet.Please!"

Thetriumphofvictorymountedtohishead."I'llcomebackwhenI'vedonewhatI'vegottodo."

"No,no.Stayalittlelongerjustalittle."

"Notaminute,sweetheart."

Hebenttokissher,andalittleclenchedfiststruckhisface.

"Don'tyoudare!"shecried.

Theoutragedwomaninher,curbedalleveningwithanironbit,escapedfromcontrol.Delightedlyhelaughed.Thehotspiritinherpleasedhimmightily.Hetookherlittlehandsandheldtheminoneofhiswhilehesmileddownather."Iguessthatkisswillkeep,mygirl,tillIcome

back."

"MyGod!Areyougoingtokillyourowncousin?"

Allherterror,allherdetestationandhatredofhim,lookedhaggardlyoutofherunmaskedface.Hisnarrowedeyessearchedherheart,andhiscountenancegreweverysecondmoresinister,

"Y'uhavebeenfoolingmeallevening,then?"

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"Yes,andhatingyoueveryminuteofthetime."

"Y'udared?"Hisfacewasblackwithrage.

"Youwouldliketokillme.Whydon'tyou?"

"BecauseIknowabetterrevenge.I'mgoingouttotakeitnow.Afteryourloverisdead,I'llcomebackandmakelovetoy'uagain,"hesneered.

"Never!"Shestoodbeforehimlikeaqueeninherlissom,brave,defiantyouth."Andasforyourcousin,youmaykillhim,butyoucan'tdestroyhiscontemptforyou.Hewilldiedespisingyouforacowardandascoundrel."

Itwastrue,andheknewit.Inhishearthecursedher,whilehevainlysoughtsomeweaponthatwouldstrikehomethroughherimperviousarmor.

"Y'ulovehim.I'llrememberthatwhenIseehimkick,"hetaunted.

"Imakeyouapresentoftheinformation.Ilovehim,andIdespiseyou.Nothingcanchangethosefacts,"sheretortedwhitely.

"Mebbe,butsomedayy'u'llcrawlonyourkneestobegmypardonfor

havingtoldmeso."

"Thereisyouroverweeningvanityagain,"shecommented.

"I'mgoingtobreaky'u,mybeauty,sothaty'u'llcomerunningwhenIsnapmyfingers."

"We'llsee."

"AndinthemeantimeI'llgohangyourlover."Hebowedironically,swungonhisjinglingheel,andstrodeoutoftheroom.

Shestoodtherelisteningtohisdyingfootfalls,thencoveredher

facewithherhands,asiftopressbackthedreadfulvisionhermindconjured.

CHAPTER19.WESTPOINTTOTHERESCUE

Itwasunderstoodthatthesheriffshouldmakeaperfunctorydefenseagainstthemobinorderto"square"himwiththevotersattheelectionsoontobeheld.Butthewordhadbeenquietlypassedthatthebulletsoftheprisonguardswouldbefiredovertheheadsoftheattackers.ThisassurancelentanaddedbraggadociototheDutchcourageofthelynchers.Manyofthemwhowouldotherwisehavehungbackdistinguished

themselvesbytheenthusiasmwhichtheydisplayed.

Bannisterhimselfgeneraledtheaffair,detailingsquadstobatterdowntheouterdoor,toguardeverysideoftheprison,andtooverpowerthesheriff'sguard.Thatofficial,accordingtoprogramme,appearedatawindowandmadealittlespeech,declaringhisintentionofperforminghisdutyatwhatevercost.Hewashooteddownwithjeersandlaughter,andimmediatelytheattackcommenced.

Theyellsoftheattackersmingledwiththesoundoftheaxe-blowsand

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thereportofrevolversfrominsidethebuilding.AmongthosenearesttothedoorbeingbattereddownwereDenverandthefewmenhehadwithhim.Hisplanofferedmerelyaforlornhope.Itwasthatinthefirstscrambletogetinafterthewaywasopenedheandhisfriendsmightpushupthestairsinthevan,andholdthecorridorforaslongastheycouldagainstthefuriousmob.

Ittooklessthanaquarterofanhourtobatterdownthedoor,andamongthefirstofthosewhosprangacrossthethresholdwereDenver,Missou,Friscoandtheirallies.Whileothersstoppedtooverpowerthestrugglingdeputiesaccordingtothearrangedfarce,theyhurriedupstairsanddiscoveredthecellinwhichtheirfriendswerefastened.

FriscopassedarevolverthroughthegratingtoMcWilliams,andanothertoBannister."Haven'tgotthekeys,soIcan'tlety'uout,oldhoss,"hetoldtheforeman."Butmebbey'uwon'tfeelsolonesomewiththeselittletoystoplaywith."

MeanwhileDenver,ayounggiantofseventy-sixinches,heldtheheadofthestairs,withfourstalwartplainsmenbackofhim.Therushofmanyfeetcameuppell-mell,andheflungtheleadersbackonthosebehind.

"Holdonthere.Thisisn'tafree-lunchcounter.Don'tyouseewe'recrowdedupherealready?"

"What'seatingyou?Whyfor,can'twecome?"growledoneoftheforemostnursinganinjurednose.

"I'vejustexplainedtoyou,son,thatit'scrowded.Folksareprevalentenoughuphererightnow.Sendupthatbunchofkeysandwe'llbringyourmeattoyoufastenough."

"What'sthat?What'sthat?"Theoutlawchiefpushedhiswaythroughthedensemobatthedoorandreachedthestairway.

"Hewon'tletusup,"growledoneofthem.

"Whowon't?"demandedBannistersharply,andatoncecameleapingupthestairs.

"Nothingdoing,"drawledFrisco,andtossedhimovertherailingontotheheadsofhisfollowersbelow.

TheycarriedBannisterintotheopenair,forhisheadhadstruckthenewel-postinhisdescent.Thisgavethedefenseafewminutesrespite.

"They'regoingtocomea-shootingnexttime,"remarkedDenver."Justassoonashecomesbackfrombye-lowlandyou'llseethingshum."

"Y'ubet,"agreedMissou."We'lllastaboutthreeminuteswhenthe

stampedebegins."

Thescreamofanenginepiercedthenight.

Denver'sfacelit."Makeitfiveminutes,Missou,andMacissafe.Atleast,I'mhopingsoawfulhard.MissHelenwiredforthemilitiafromSheridanthisnothing.Chancesarethey'reonthattrain.Icouldn'ttellyouearlierbecauseshemademepromisenotto.Shewasafraiditmightleakoutandgetthingsstartedsooner."

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Weakbutfurious,themiscreantfromtheShoshonesreturnedtotheattack."Breakinthebackdoorandsneakupbehindonthosefellows.We'llhavethemenwewantinsideoffifteenminutes,"hepromisedthemob.

"We'llrushthemfrombothsides,andshowthoseguysonthelandingwhethertheycanstopus,"addedBostwick.

Suddenlysomeoneraisedthecry,"Thesoldiers!"Bannisterlookedupthestreetandsworeaviciousoath.Swingingdowntheroadatdoubletimecameacompanyofmilitiainkhaki.Hewasmadwithbaffledfury,buthemadegoodhisretreatatonceanddisappearedpromptlyintothenearestdarkalley.

Themobscatteredbyuniversalimpulse;disintegratedsopromptlythatwithinfiveminutesthesoldiersheldthegroundalone,savefortheofficialsoftheprisonandDenver'slittleband.

AboyishlieutenantlatelyoutofthePoint,andjustcomeintoalieutenancyinthemilitia,wasincommand."Intime?"heaskedanxiously,forthiswashisfirstindependentexpedition.

"Y'ubet,"chuckledDenver."We'rerightgladtoseeyou,andI'llbetthoseboysinthecageain'tregrettingyourarrivalany.Fifteen

minuteslaterandyouwouldhavebeenintimetoholdthefuneralservices,Ireckon."

"WhereisMissMessiter?"askedtheyoungofficer.

"She'sattheElkHouse,colonel.Iexpectsomeofusbetterdriftoverthereandtellherit'sallright.She'sthegamestlittlewomanthatevercrossedtheWyomingline.Hadn'tbeenforhertheseboyswouldhavebeenacrossthedividehoursago.She'saplumbthoroughbred.Wouldn'tgiveupaninch.Alldayshehasgeneraledthisthing;playedamightyweakhandforaheapmorethanitwasworth.Sand?Seh:she'sgritclearthrough,ifanybodyasksyou."AndDenvertoldthestoryoftheday,makingmuchofherunflinchingcourageandnothingofhermen's

readinesstobackwhateverstepsshedecidedupon.

Itwastenminutespastelevenwhenasmoothyoung,apple-cheekedladinkhakipresentedhimselfbeforeHelenMessiterwithabowneverinventedoutsideofWestPoint.

"IamLieutenantBeecher.GovernorRaleighpresentshiscomplimentsbyme,MissMessiter,andisverygladtobeabletoputatyourservicesuchforcesasareneededtoquietthetown."

"Youwereintime?"shebreathed.

"Withaboutfiveminutestospare.Iamhavingtheprisonersbrought

hereforthenightifyoudonotobject.InthemorningIshallinvestigatetheaffair,andtakesuchstepsasarenecessary.Inthemeantimeyoumayrestassuredthattherewillbenofurtherdisturbance."

"ThankyouIamsurethatwithyouincommandeverythingwillnowbeallright,andIamquiteofyouropinionthattheprisonershadbetterstayhereforthenight.Oneofthemiswounded,andoughttobegiventhebestattention.But,ofcourse,youwillseetothat,lieutenant."

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Theyoungmanblushed.Thiswastherightkindofappreciation.HewishedhisoldclassmatesatthePointcouldhearhowimplicitlythissweetgirlreliedonhim.

"Certainly.Andnow,MissMessiter,ifthereisnothingyouwish,Ishallretireforthenight.Youmaysleepwithperfectconfidence."

"IamsureImay,lieutenant."Shegavehimabroadsideoftrustingeyesfullofadmiration."Butperhapsyouwouldlikemetoseemyforemanfirst,justtorelievemymind.And,asyouwereabouttosay,hisfriendmightbebroughtin,too,sincetheyaretogether."

Theyoungmanpromptlyassented,thoughhehadnotbeenawarethathewasabouttosayanythingofthekind.

Theycameintogether,BannistersupportedbyMcWilliams'sarm.Theeyesofbothmistressandmaidbrimmedoverwithtearswhentheysawthem.Helendraggedforwardachairforthesheepman,andhesankintoit.Fromitsdepthshelookedupwithhisrare,sweetsmile.

"I'veheardaboutit,"hetoldher,inalowvoice."I'veheardhowy'ufoughtformylifeallday.There'snothingIcansay.Iowedy'ueverythingalreadytwice,andnowIoweitalloveragain.GivemealifetimeandIcouldn'tgeteven."

Helen'sswiftglancesweptoverNoraandtheforeman.Theywereinadarkalcove,obliviousofanybodyelse.Alsotheywereineachother'sarmsfrankly.ForsomereasonwineflowedintothecreamofHelen'scheeks.

"Doyouhaveto'geteven'?Amongfriendsisthatnecessary?"sheaskedshyly.

"Ihopenot.Ifitis,I'msurebankruptEvenmythanksseemtostayathome.Ify'uhadn'tdonesomuchforme,perhapsIcouldtelly'uhowmuchy'uhaddoneButIhavenowordstosayit."

"Thendon't,"sheadvised.

"Y'u'rethebestfriendamaneverhad.That'sallIcansay."

"It'senough,sinceyoumeanit,eventhoughitisn'ttrue,"sheansweredgently.

Theireyesmet,fastenedforaninstant,andbycommonconsentlookedaway.

Asitchancedtheywereclosetothewindow,theirshadowsreflectedontheblind.Aman,slippingpastinthestreetonhorseback,stoppedatsightofthatlightedwindow,withthemovingshadows,inan

uncontrollablewhitefury.Heslidfromthesaddle,threwthereinsoverthehorse'sheadtotheground,andslippedhisrevolverfromitsholsterandbacktomakesurethathecoulddrawiteasily.Thenhepassedspringilyacrosstheroadtothehotelandupthestairs.Hetrodlightly,stealthily,andbyhisverywarinessdefeatedhispurposeofeludingobservation.Forapairofkeeneyesfromthehotelofficeglimpsedthefigurestealingpastsonoiselessly,andpromptlyfollowedupthestairway.

"HopeIdon'tintrudeatthishappyfamilygathering."

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Helen,whohadbeenpouringaglassofcordialforthespentandwoundedsheepman,puttheglassdownonthetableandturnedatsoundofthesilken,sinistervoice.Afteroneglanceatthevindictiveface,fromthecoldeyesofwhichhateseemedtosmolder,shetookaninstinctivesteptowardherlover.Thecoldwavethatdrenchedherheartaccompaniedanassurancethatthemaninthedoorwaymeanttrouble.

Hissleeksmilearrestedher.Hewasstandingwithhisfeetapart,hishandsclaspedlightlybehindhisback,asnattyandaswellgroomedaswashiswont.

"Ah,makethemostofwhatyeyetmayspend,Beforeye,too,intotheDustdescend;DustintoDust,andunderDusttolie,SansWine,sansSong,sansSinger,and--sansEnd!"

hemisquoted,withasneer;andimmediatelyinterruptedhisironytogivewaytooneofhissuddenblindrages.

Withincredibleswiftnesshisrighthandmovedforwardandup,catchingrevolverfromscabbardasitrose.Butbyafractionofasecondhispurposehadbeenanticipated.Aclosedfistshotforwardtothesalientjawintimetoflingthebulletsintotheceiling.Anarmencircledtheoutlaw'sneck,andflunghimbackwarddownthestairs.Therailingbroke

hisfall,andonithisbodysliddownward,theweaponfallingfromhishand.Hepulledhimselftogetheratthefootofthestairs,crouchedforanupwardrush,butchangedhismindinstantly.Theyoungofficerwhohadflunghimdownhadhimcoveredwithhisownsix-shooter.Hecouldhearfootstepsrunningtowardhim,andheknewthatinafewsecondshewouldbeinthehandsofthesoldiers.Plungingoutofthedoorway,thedesperadovaultedtothesaddleanddrovehisspurshome.Foraminutehoofspoundedonthehard,whiteroad.Thenthenightswallowedhimandtheechoofhisdisappearance.

"ThatwasBannisteroftheShoshonesandtheTetons,"thegirl'swhitelipspronouncedtoLieutenantBeecher.

"AndIlethimgetawayfromme,"thedisappointedladgroaned."Why,Ihadhimrightinmyhands.Icouldhavethrottledhimaseasy.ButhowwasItoknowhewouldhavenerveenoughtocomerushingintoahotelfullofsoldiershuntinghim?"

"Y'uhaveaverypersistentcousin,Mr.Bannister,"saidMcWilliams,comingforwardfromthealcovewithshiningeyes."AndImustsayhe'sgame.Didy'ueverhearthelike?Comebuttinginhereascoolasifhehadn'tathingtodobutsingoutorderslikehewasinhisownhome.Hewasthateasy."

"ItseemstomethatalittleofthepraiseisdueLieutenantBeecher.Ifhehadn'tdealtsocompetentlywiththesituationmurderwouldhave

beendone.DidyoulearnyourboxingattheAcademy,Lieutenant?"Helenasked,tryingtotreatthesituationlightlyinspiteofherhammeringheart.

"Iwasthechampionmiddleweightofourclass,"Beechercouldnothelpsayingboyishly,withanotherofhisblushes.

"Icaneasilybelieveit,"returnedHelen.

"Iwishy'uwouldteachmehowtodoubleupamansopromptand

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immediate,"saidtheadmiringforeman.

"IexpectI'munderparticularobligationstothatstraightrighttothechin,Lieutenant,"chimedinthesheepman."ThefactisthatIdon'tseemtobeabletogetoutanythingexceptthanksthesedays.Ioughttosendmycousinaletterthankinghimforgivingmeachancetoowesomuchkindnesstosomanypeople."

"Yourcousin?"repeatedtheuncomprehendingofficer.

"Thisdesperado,Bannister,ismycousin,"answeredthesheepmangravely.

"Butifhewasyourcousin,whyshouldhewant--tokillyou?"

"That'salongstory,Lieutenant.Willy'uhearitnow?"

"Ifyoufeelstrongenoughtotellit."

"Oh,I'mstrongenough."HeglancedatHelen."PerhapswehadbetternottireMissMessiterwithit.Ify'u'llcometomyroom--"

"Ishouldlike,aboveallthings,tohearitagain,"interruptedthatyoungwomanpromptly.

Forthemanshelovedhadjustcomebacktoherfromthebrinkofthegraveandshewasstillreluctanttolethimoutofhersight.

SoNedBannistertoldhisstoryoncemore,andoutofthealcovecamethehappyforemanandNoratolistentothetale.Whilehetoldithissweetheart'scontentedeyeswereonhim.Theexcitementofthenightburntpleasantlyinherveins,foroutofthenettledangershehadpluckedsafetyforhersheepman.

CHAPTER20.TWOCASESOFDISCIPLINE

TheFourthofJulycelebrationatGimletButtehadbeenathingofthepastforfourdaysandtheLazyDhadfallenbackintotheroutineofranchlife.TheriderswerediscussingsupperandthecontinuedabsenceofReddywhenthatyoungmandrewbacktheflapandjoinedthem.

Hestoodnearthedoorwayandgrinnedwithembarrassedguiltattheassembledcompany.

"IreckonIgottoomuchFourthofJulyatGimletButte,boys.That'showcomeItobeonpunctualgettingback."

Therewasalongsilence,duringwhichthoseatthetablelookedathim

withanexpressionlessgravitythatdidnotseemtoveilanundulywarmwelcome.

"Hello,Mac!Hello,boys!Ijustgotback,"hefurthercontributed.

WithoutcommenttheLazyDresumedsupper.ApparentlyithadnotmissedReddyornoticedhisreturn.Casualconversationwaspickedupcheerfully.Thereturnoftheprodigalwasquiteignored.

"Thenthatblamedcowgitsitsbackupandmakesabee-lineforRogers.

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Theoldmanhikesforhisponyand--"

"Seemsgoodtogitmylegsundertheoldtableagain,"interruptedReddywithcheerfulunease.

"--losesbyabouthalfasecond,"continuedMissou."IfDochadn'tropeditshindlaig--"

"Havesomecigars,boys.Ibroughtaboxbackwithme."Reddytossedahandfulonthetable,wheretheycontinuedtolieunnoticed.

"--there'snotellingwhatwouldhavehappened.As'twastheoldmangotoffwitha--"

"Y'ubet,they'regoodcigarsallright,"brokeinthepropitiatoryReddy.

Theinterruptedanecdotewentontoafinishandthementroopedoutandlefttheprodigalalonewithhishash.WhenthatyoungmanreachedthebunkhouseFriscowasindulginginareminiscence.Reddygotonlythelastofit,butthatdidnotcontributetohisserenity.

"Yep!WhenIwasworkingontheSilverDollar.Musta-beenthreeyearsago,Ireckon,whenJerryMillergotthatchapping."

"ThrewdowntheoutfitinarowtheyhadwiththeLaffertycrowd,didn'the?"askedDenver.

Frisconodded.

Macgotup,glancedround,andreachedforhishat."IreckonI'llhavetobegoing,"hesaid,andforthrightdeparted.

ReddyreachedforHIShatandrose."IgottogoandhaveatalkwithMac,"heexplained.

Denvergottothedoorfirstandhisbigframefilledit.

"Don'thurry,Reddy.Itain'tpolitetorushawayrightafterdinner.Besides,Macwillbehereallday.Heain'tstartingforNewYork."

"Y'u'regittin'blamedparticular.Machewentrightout."

"ButMacdidn'thaveamostparticularengagementwiththeboys.There'sadifference."

"Why,Iain'tgot--"Reddypausedandlookedaroundhelplessly.

"Gents,Imovey'uthatitbethehorsesenseoftheLazyDthatourfriendMr.ReddyReevesbegivengratisonechappingimmediatelyifnot

sooner.Thereasonforwhichsamebeingthatheplayedalowdowntrickontheoutfitwhosebreadhewaseating."

"Oh,quityourfoolin',boys,"besoughtthevictimanxiously.

"AndthatDenver,beingsomeable-bodiedandhavingagoodreach,berequestedtodeliversametothegentneedingit,"concludedMissou.

Reddybackedinalarmtothewall."Y'uboysdon'twanttogetgaywithme.Y'ucan'tmonkeywith--"

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Motioncarriedunanimously.

JustasReddywhippedouthisrevolverDenver'slonglegshotoutandhisfootcaughtthewristbehindtheweapon.WhenReddynexttookcognizanceofhissurroundingshewasservingasamattressfortheanatomyofthreestalwartriders.Hewasgentlydepositedfacedownonhisbunkwithaone-hundred-eighty-poundlivepegattheendofeacharmandleg.

"Allready,Denver,"announcedFriscofromtheendoftheleftfoot.

Denverselectedapairofplainleatherchapswithcareandproceededtobusiness.Whathehadtodohedidwithenergy.Itissafetosaythatatleastoneofthosepresentcanstillvividlyrememberthisandtestifytohisthoroughness.

Macdriftedinafterthedisciplining.Asforemanitwasfittingthatheshouldbediscreetlyignorantofwhathadoccurred,buthecouldnothelpsaying:

"Thaty'uIheardsinging,Reddy?Seemstomey'uhadoughttotakethatvoiceintograndopera.Thewayy'ustraddlethemhighnotesisacautionforfair.Whatwasity'uwassinging?Soundedlike'WouldI

werefarfromhere,love.'"

"Y'ugotohell,"chokedReddy,rushingpasthimfromthebunkhouse.

McWilliamslookedroundinnocently."Ijudgesomeofy'uboysmusta-beenteasingReddyfromhismanner.Seemedlikehedidn'twanttositdownandtalk."

"Ishouldn'twonderbuthe'llholdhisconversationsstandingforadayortwo,"returnedMissougravely.

AttheendofthelaughthatgreetedthisMacreplied:

"Well,y'uboyswanttobegentlewithhim.""He'ssoplumbtendernowthatIreckonhe'llgetalongwithoutanymoretreatmentinthatlinefromus,"drawledFrisco.

Macdepartedlaughing.Hehadanengagementthatrecurreddailyintheduskoftheevening,andhewasalwayscarefultobeontime.TheotherpartytotheengagementmethimatthekitchendoorandfellwithhimintothetrailthatledtoLeeMing'slaundry.

"Whatmadeyoulate?"sheasked.

"I'mnotlate,honey.Iseemlatebecauseyou'resoanxious,"heexplained.

"I'mnot,"protestedNoraindignantly."Ifyouthinkyou'retheonlymanontheplace,JimMcWilliams."

"Sho!Holdyourhawssesaminute,Nora,darling.Aspinsterlikey'u--"

"Youthinkyou'reawfulfunny--writinginmyautographalbumthataspinster'sbestfriendisherpowderbox.IlikeMr.Halliday'swaysbetter.He'saperfectgentleman."

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"Iain'tgotawordtosayagainstDenver,evenifhedidwriteinyourbook,

"'Sugarissweet,Theskyisblue,GrassisgreenAndsoareyou.'

Ireckon,beingaperfectgentleman,hemeant--"

"YouknowverywellyouwrotethatinyourselfandpretendeditwasMr.Halliday,signinghisnameandeverything.Itwasn'tabitniceofyou."

"NowdoIlooklikeaforger?"hewantedtoknowwithinnocenceonhischerubicface.

"Anywayyouknowitwasmean.Mr.Hallidaywouldn'tdosuchathing.Youtakeyourarmdownandkeepitwhereitbelongs,Mr.McWilliams."

"Thatain'tmyname,Nora,darling,andI'dliketoknowwheremyarmbelongsifitisn'troundtheprettiestgirlinWyoming.What'stheuseofbeingengagedif--"

"I'mnotsureI'mgoingtostayengagedtoyou,"announcedtheyoung

womancoolly,walkingattheoppositeedgeofthepathfromhim.

"Nowthatain'tanywaytotalk."

"Youneedn'tlectureme.I'mnotyourwifeandIdon'tthinkI'mgoingtobe,"cutinNora,whosetemperwasruffledonaccountofhavinghadtowaitforhimaswellasforotherreasons.

"Y'usurelywouldn'tmakemesuey'uforbreachofpromise,wouldy'u?"hedemanded,withaburlesqueofanxietythatwasthefinalstraw.

Noraturnedonherheelandheadedforthehouse.

"Nowdon'ty'ugetmadatme,honey.Iwasonlyjoking,"heexplainedashepursuedher.

"Youthinkyoucanlaughatmeallyouplease.I'llshowyouthatyoucan't,"sheinformedhimicily.

"Sho!Iwasn'tlaughingaty'u.Whattickledme--"

"I'mnotinterestedinyouramusement,Mr.McWilliams."

"What'stheuseofflyingoutaboutalittlethinglikethat?Honest,Idon'tevenknowwhatyou'remadatmefor,"theperplexedforemanaverred.

"I'mnotmadatyou,asyoucallit.I'msimplydisgusted."

Andwithafinal"Goodnight"flunghaughtilyoverhershoulderMissNoraDarlingdisappearedintothehouse.

Mactookoffhishatandgazedatthedoorthathadbeenclosedinhisface.Hescratchedhispuzzledpollinvain.

"Ice'tainlygotminegoodandstraightjustlikeReddygothis.But

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whatintimewasitallabout?Andmethinkin'Iwasagraduateinthestudyoftheladies.IreckonIneverdidgetjarredupso.It'splumbdiscouraging."

IfhecouldhavecaughtaglimpseofNoraatthatmoment,lyingonherbedandcryingasifherheartwouldbreak,Macmighthavefoundthesituationlesshopeless.

CHAPTER21.THESIGNALLIGHTS

Inalittlehill-riftaboutamilebackoftheLazyDRanchwasadesertedminer'scabin.

Thehutsatontheedgeofabluffthatcommandedaviewofthebuildingsbelow,whileatthesametimethepinesthatsurroundeditscreenedtheshackfromanycasualobservation.Athincurlofsmokewasrisingfromthemudchimney,andinsidethecabintwomenloungedbeforetheopenfire.

"It'shismove,andheisgoingtomakeitsoon.EverynightIlookforhimtodropdownontheranch.Hishate'skindofvolcanic,Mr.NedBannister'sis,andit'sboundtobubbleovermightysuddenoneofthese

days,"saidtheyoungerofthetwo,risingandstretchinghimself.

"Itdidbubbleoversomewhenhedrovetwothousandofmysheepoverthebluffandkilledthewholeoutfit,"suggestedthenamesakeofthemanmentioned.

"Yes,Ireckonthat'ssomeirritating,"agreedMcWilliams."ButifIknowhim,heisn'tgoingtobecontentwithsheepsolongashecantakeitoutofarealliveman."

"Orwoman,"suggestedthesheepman.

"Orwoman,"agreedtheother."Especiallywhenhethinkshecancuty'u

deeperbystrikingather.Ifhedoesn'traidtheLazyDoneofthesenights,I'mablamedpoorprophet."

Bannisternoddedagreement."He'sneartheendofhisrope.Hecouldseethatifhewereblind.WhenwecapturedBostwickandtheygotaconfessionoutofhim,thatstartedthelandslideagainsthim.Itbegantobenoisedabroadthatthegovernmentwasgoingtowipehimout.Folksbegantolosetheirterrorofhim,andafterthathiswholeoutfitbegantowanttoturnState'sevidence.Heisn'tsureofoneofthemnow;can'ttellwhenhewillbeshotinthebackbyoneofhisownscoundrelsforthattwothousanddollarsreward."

Theforemanstrollednegligentlytothedoor.Hiseyesdrifted

indolentlydownintothevalley,andimmediatelysparkledwithexcitement.

"Thesignal'sout,Bann,"heexclaimed."It'sinyourwindow."

Thesheepmanleapedtohisfeetandstrodetothedoor.Downinthevalleyalightwasgleaminginawindow.Evenwhilehelookedanotherlightappearedinasecondwindow.

"Shewantsusboth,"criedtheforeman,runningtothelittlecorral

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backofthehouse.

Hepresentlyreappearedwithtwohorses,bothsaddled,andtheytookthedownwardtrailatonce.

"IfMissHelencankeephiminplaytillwearrive,"murmuredMacanxiously.

"Shecanifhegivesherachance,andIthinkhewill.There'sakindofcatinstinctinhimtoplaywithhisprey."

"Yes,buthemissedhiskilllasttimebylettingherfoolhim.That'swhatI'mafraidof'thathewon'twait."

Theyhadreachedlowergroundnow,andcouldputtheirponiesatapoundinggallopthatateupthetrailfast.Astheyapproachedthehouses,bothmendrewreinandlookedcarefullytotheirweapons.Thentheyslidfromthesaddlesandslippednoiselesslyforward.

Whattheforemanhadsaidwasexactlytrue.HelenMessiterdidwantthemboth,andshewantedthemverymuchindeed.

AftersuppershehadbeendreamilyplayingovertoherselfoneofChopin'swaltzes,whenshebecameaware,bysomeinstinct,thatshewas

notaloneintheroom.Therehadbeennoleastsound,noslighteststirtobetrayanalienpresence.Yetthatsomeonewasintheroomsheknew,andbysomesubtlesixthsensecouldevenputanametotheintruder.

Withoutturningshecalledoverhershoulder:"ShallIfinishthewaltz?"Nofaintesttremorintheclear,sweetvoicebetrayedtheracingheart.

"Y'u'reacoolhand,myfriend,"camehisreadyanswer."ButIthinkwe'lldispensewiththemusic.Ihadenoughlasttimetoservemefortwice."

Shelaughedassheswungonthestool,withthatmusicalscornwhich

bothalluredandmaddened."Ididratherdoyouthattime,"sheallowed.

"Thisisthereturnmatch.Youwonthen.Iwinnow,"hetoldher,withalookthatchilled.

"Indeed!Butisn'tthatratherdiscountingthefuture?"

"Onlytheimmediatefuture.Y'u'remine,mybeauty,andImeantotakey'uwithme."

Justadisdainfulsweepofhereyesshegavehimassherosefromthepiano-stoolandrearrangedthelamps."Youmeansomuchthatnevercomestopass,Mr.Bannister.Theroadtothenetherregionsispavedwith

goodintentions,wearegiventounderstand.Notthatyourscanbyanystretchofimaginationbecalled'goodintentions.'"

"Contrariwise,then,perhapstheroadtoheavenmaybepavedwithevilintentions.Sincey'utraveltheroadwithme,whereveritmaylead,itwerebutgallanttohopeso."

Hetookthreesharpstepstowardherandstoodlookingdowninherface,hersweetslendernesssoclosetohimthattheperfumemountedtohisbrain.Surelynomaidenhadeverbeenmoredesirablethanthisone,who

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heldhiminsuchcontemptuousestimationthatonlyhersteadyeyesmovedathisapproach.Theseheldtohisanddefiedhim,whileshestoodleaningmotionlessagainstthetablewithsuchstrongandsupplegrace.Sheknewwhathemeanttodo,hatedhimforit,andwouldnotgivehimthesatisfactionofflyinganinchfromhimorstrugglingwithhim.

"Youreyesarepoolsofsplendor.That'sright.Makethemflashfire.Ilovetoseesuchspirit,sinceitoffersamoreenticingpleasureinbreaking,"hetoldher,withanadmirationhalfironicbutwhollygenuine."Poolsofsplendor,mybeauty!ThereforeIsalutethem."

Atthetouchofhislipsuponhereyelidsashiverranthroughher,butstillshemadenomovement,wascoldtohimasmarble."Youcoward!"shesaidsoftly,withaninfinitecontempt.

"Yourlips,"hecontinuedtocatalogue,"areripeasfreshfleshofSouthernfruit.Nocupideverpossessedsoadorableamouth.AworshiperofErosI,asnowIprove."

Thistimeitwasthemouthhekissed,thewhileherunconqueredspiritlookedoutofthebraveeyes,andfainwouldhavemurderedhim.Inturnhekissedhercoldcheeks,thetipofoneofherlittleears,thesmall,clenchedfistwithwhichshelongedtostrikehim.

"Areyouquitethrough?"

"Forthepresent,andnow,havingputthesealofmyownershiponhermoreobviouscharms,I'lltakemybridehome."

"Iwoulddiefirst."

"Nay,you'lldielater,MadamBannister,butnotformanyyears,Ihope,"hetoldher,withatheatricalbow.

"Doyouthinkmesoweakathingasyourwordsimply?"

"Rathersostrongthatthegloryofovercomingy'ufillsmewithjoy.

Believeme,madam,thoughyourmasterIamnotlessyourslave,"hemocked.

"Youareneithermymasternormyslave,butathingIdetest,"shesaid,inalowvoicethatcarriedextraordinaryintensity.

"Andobey,"headded,suavely."Come,madam,tohorse,forourhoneymoon."

"ItellyouIshallnotgo."

"Then,infaith,we'llre-enactamoderneditionof'TheTamingoftheShrew.'Y'u'llfindme,sweet,asaptatthepartasoldPetruchio."He

pacedcomplacentlyuptheroomandback,andquotedglibly:

"AndthusI'llcurbhermadandheadstronghumor.Hethatknowsbetterhowtotameashrew,Nowlethim,speak;'tischaritytoshow."

"Wouldyoutakemeagainstmywill?"

"Y'uhavesaidit.What'syourwilltome?WhatIwantItake.AndIsurewantmybeautifulshrew."Hishalf-shutteredeyesgloatedonherasherattledoffacouplemorelinesfromtheplayhehadmentioned.

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"Kate,likethehazel-twig,Isstraightandslender,andasbrowninhueAshazel-nuts,andsweeterthanthekernels."

Sheletaswiftglancetravelanxiouslytothedoor."Youareinaverypoeticalmoodto-day."

"Asbefitsabridegroom,myown."Hesteppedlightlytothewindowandtappedtwiceonthepane."Asignaltobringthehorsesround.Ify'uhaveanypreparationstomake,anytrousseautoprepare,y'ubettersetthatgirlofyourstowork."

"Ihavenopreparationstomake."

"Comingtomesimplyasy'uare?Good!We'llleadthesimplelife."

Nora,asitchanced,knockedandenteredathismoment.Thesightofhervividgoodlookstruckhimforthefirsttime.Atsightofhimshestopped,gazingwithpartedlips,adoublerowofpearlsshiningthrough.

Heturnedswiftlytothemistress."Y'uoughtnottobealonethereamongsomanymen.Itwouldn'tbeproper.We'lltakethegirlalongwithus."

"Where?"Nora'spartedlipsemitted.

"ToArden,mydear."Heinterruptedhimselftolookathiswatch."Iwonderwhythatfellowdoesn'tcomewiththehorses.Theyshouldpassthiswindow."

Bannister,standingjauntilywithhisfeetastrideashelookedoutofthewindow,heardsomeoneentertheroom."Didy'ubringroundthehorses?"hesnapped,withoutlookinground.

"NO,WEALLOWEDTHEYWOULDN'TBENEEDED."

Atsoundoftheslowdrawltheoutlawwheeledlikeaflash,hishandtravelingtothehiltoftherevolverthathungonhiship.Buthewastoolate.Alreadytworevolverscoveredhim,andheknewthatbothhiscousinandMcWilliamsweredeadshots.Heflashedonevenomouslookatthemistressoftheranch.

"Y'ufooledmeagain.Thatlampbusinesswasasignal,andIwastoothick-haidedtoseeit.Mycomplimentstoy'u,MissMessiter."

"Y'uareunderarrest,"announcedhiscousin.

"Y'udon'tsay."Hisvoicewasfullofsarcasticadmiration."Andyoudoneitwithyourlittlegun!My,whatawondery'uare!"

"Takeyourhandfromthebuttofthatgun.Y'ubetterrelievehimofit,Mac.He'sgotsucharestlessdispositionhemightcommitsuicidebyreachingforit."

"Whatdoy'uthinkyou'regoingtodowithmenowy'uhavegotme,CousinNed?"

"We'regoingtoturny'uovertotheUnitedStatesGovernment."

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"Guessagain.Ihaveathing,ortwotosaytothat."

"You'regoingtoGimletButtewithus,aliveordead."

Theoutlawintentionallymisunderstood."IfI'vegottotakey'u,thenwe'llsayy'ugodeadratherthanalive."

"HewasgoingtotakeNoraandmewithhim,"Helenexplainedtoherfriends.

Instantlythemanswungroundonher."ButnowI'vechangedmymind,ma'am.I'mgoingtotakemycousinwithmeinsteadofy'uladies."

Helencaughthismeaningfirst,andflasheditwhitelytoherlover.Itdawnedonhimmoreslowly.

"Iseey'uremember,MissMessiter,"hecontinued,withacruel,silkenlaugh."HegavemehisparoletogowithmewheneverIsaidtheword.I'msayingitnow."Hesatdownastrideachair,puthischinonthebackcross-bar,andgrinnedmalevolentlyfromonetoanother.

"What'scomeoverthishappyfamily?Itdon'tlooksojoyousallofasudden.Y'udon'tneedtoworry,ma'am,I'llsendhimbacktoy'uallright--aliveordead.Withhisshieldoronit,y'uknow.Ha!ha!"

"Youwillnotgowithhim?"ItwaswrungfromHelenasalowcry,andstruckherlover'sheart.

"Imust,"heanswered."Igavehimmyword,y'uremember."

"Butwhykeepit?Youknowwhatheis,howabsolutelydevoidofhonor."

"Thatisnotquitethequestion,isit?"hesmiled.

"Wouldhekeephiswordtoyou?"

"Notifaliewoulddoaswell.Butthatisn'tthepoint,either."

"It'squixotic--foolish--worsethanthat--ridiculous,"sheimplored.

"Perhaps,butthefactremainsthatIampledged."

"'Icouldnotlovethee,dear,somuchLovedInothonormore,'"

murmuredthevillaininthechair,apparentlytotheceiling."DearNed,healwayswasthesoulofhonor.I'llhavethoselinescarvedonhistombstone."

"Yousee!Heisalreadybraggingthathemeanstokillyou,"saidthe

girl.

"Ishallgoarmed,"thesheepmananswered.

"Yes,buthewilltakeyouintothemountainfastnesses,wherethementhatservehimwilldohisbidding.Whatisonemanamongsomany?"

"Twomen,ma'am,"correctedtheforeman.

"What'sthat?"Theoutlawbrokeoffthesnatchofoperahewassinging

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toslewhisheadroundatMcWilliams.

"Isaidtwo.Anyobjections,seh?"

"Yes.Thatwasn'tinthecontract."

"We'regivingy'usurplusage,that'sall.Y'uwantedoneofus,andy'ugettwo.Wedon'tchargeanythingfortheextraweight,"grinnedMac.

"Oh,Mac,willyougowithhim?"criedHelen,withshiningeyes.

"Thosearemypresentintentions,MissHelen,"laughedherforeman.

WhereatNoraemergedfromthebackgroundandflungherselfonhim."Y'ucan'tgo,Jim!Iwon'thaveyougo!"shecried.

Theyoungmanblushedabeautifulpink,andacceptedgladlythisovertevidenceofareconciliation."It'sallright,honey.Don'ty'uthinktwobig,grown-upmenaregoodtohandlethatscalawag?Sho!Don'ty'uworry."

"MissNoracancome,too,ifshelikes,"suggestedheoftheShoshones."Lookslikewewouldhavequiteaparty.Won'ty'ujoinus,too,MissMessiter,accordingtotheoriginalplan?"hesaid,extendingan

ironicalinvitation.

"Ithinkwehadbettercutitdowntomealone.We'llnotburdenyourhospitality,sir,"saidthesheepman.

"No,sir,I'minonthis.Whyforcan'tIgo?"demandedJim.

Bannister,theoutlaw,eyedhimunpleasantly."Y'ucertainlycansofarasIamconcerned.Iowey'uone,too,Mr.McWilliams.Onlyify'ucomeofyourownfreewill,asy'uaresurelywelcometodo,don'thollerify'u'renotsowelcometoleavewhenevery'utakeanotion."

"I'lltryandlookoutforthat.It'ssettled,then,thatweride

together.Whendoy'uwanttostart?"

"Wecan'tgoanysoonerthanrightnow.Ihatetotaketheseyoungmenfromy'u,lady,but,asIsaid,I'llsendthembackingoodshape.Adios,senorita.Don'tforgettowhomy'ubelong."Heswaggeredtothedoorandturned,leaningagainstthejambwithonehandagainit."Iexpecty'ucansaythoselovey-dovgood-byeswithoutmyhelp.I'mgoingintotheyard.Ify'uwanttoy'ucanplugmeinthebackthroughthewindow,"hesuggested,withasneer.

"Asy'uwouldusundersimilarcircumstances,"retortedhiscousin.

"Bewithy'uinfiveminutes,"saidtheforeman.

"Don'thurry.It'salonggood-byey'u'resaying,"returnedhisenemyplacidly.

Noraandtheyoungmanwhobelongedtoherfollowedhimfromtheroom,leavingBannisterandhishostessalone.

"ShallIeverseeyouagain?"Helenmurmured.

"Ithinkso,"thesheepmananswered."Thetruthisthatthisopportunity

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fallspat.Jimandhavebeenwantingtomeetthosemenwhoareundermycousin'sinfluenceandhaveatalkwiththem.Thereisnoquestionbutthatthegangisdisintegrating,andIbelievethatifweoffertomediatebetweenitsmembersandtheGovernmentsomethingmightbedonetostoptheoutragesthathavebeenterrorizingthiscountry.Mycousincan'tbereached,butIbelievetherestofthem,or,atleastapart,canbeinducedeithertosurrenderortofleethecountry.Anyhow,wewanttotryit."

"Butthedanger?"shebreathed.

"Islessthany'uthink.Theirleaderhasnotanywherenearlytheabsolutepowerhehadafewmonthsago.Theywouldhardlydaredoviolencetoapeaceenvoy."

"Yourcousinwould.Idon'tbelievehehasanyscruples."

"Weshallkeepaneyeonhim.Bothofuswillnotsleepatthesametime.Y'umaydependonmetobringyourforemansafelybacktoy'u,"hesmiled.

"Oh,myforeman!"

"Andyourforeman'sfriend,"headded."Ihavethebestofreasonsfor

wantingtoreturnalive.Ithinky'uknowthem.Theyhavetodowithy'u,MissHelen."

Ithadcomeatlast,but,womanlike,sheevadedtheissueherhearthadsought."Yes,Iknow.YouthinkitwouldnotbefairtothrowawayyourlifeinthisfoolishmannerafterIhavesaveditforyou--howmanytimeswasityousaid?"Theblueeyesliftedwithdeceptivefranknesstothegrayones.

"No,thatisn'tmyreason.Ihaveabetteronethanthat.Ilovey'u,girl,morethananythinginthisworld."

"Andsoyoutrytoproveittomebyrunningintoatrapsetforyouto

takeyourlife.That'saselfishkindoflove,isn'tit?OritwouldbeifIlovedyou."

"Doy'uloveme,Helen?"

"WhyshouldItellyou,sinceyoudon'tlovemeenoughtogiveupthisquixoticmadness?"

"Don'ty'usee,dear,Ican'tgiveitup?"

"Iseeyouwon't.Youcaremoreforyourpridethanforme."

"No,itisn'tthat.I'vegottogo.Itisn'tthatIwanttoleavey'u,

Godknows.ButI'vegivenmyword,andImustkeepit.Doy'uwantmetobeaquitter,andy'usogameyourself?Doy'uwantittogoalloverthiscattlecountrythatIgavemywordandtookitbackbecauseIlostmynerve?"

"Theboythattakesadareisn'tahero,ishe!There'sahighercouragethatrefusestobedrawnintosuchfoolishness,thatdoesn'tgivewaytothejeersoftheemptyheaded."

"Idon'tthinkthatisaparallelcase.I'msorry,wecan'tseethis

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alike,butI'vegottogoaheadthewaythatseemstomeright."

"You'regoingtoleaveme,then,togowiththatman?"

"Yes,ifthat'sthewayy'uhavetoputit."Helookedathersorrowfully,andaddedgently:"Ithoughtyouwouldseeit.Ithoughtsureyouwould."

Butshecouldnotbearthatheshouldleaveherso,andshecriedoutafterhim."Oh,Iseeit.Iknowyoumustgo;butIcan'tbearit."Herheadburieditselfinhiscoat."Itisn'tright--itisn'ta--asquaredealthatyoushouldgoawaynow,theveryminuteyoubelongtome."

Ahappysmileshoneinhiseyes."Ibelongtoyou,doI?That'sgoodhearing,girlo'mine."Hisarmwentroundherandhestrokedtheblackheadsoftly."I'llnotbegonelong,dear.Don'ty'uworryaboutme.I'llbebackwithy'usoon;justassoonasIhavefinishedthispieceofworkIhavetodo."

"Butifyoushouldget--ifanythingshouldhappentoyou?"

"Nothingisgoingtohappentome.Thereisaspecialprovidencelooksafterlovers,y'uknow."

"Becareful,Ned,ofyourself.Formysake,dear."

"I'lldrymysockseverytimeIgetmyfeetwetforfearoftakingcold,"helaughed.

"Butyouwill,won'tyou?"

"I'llbeverycareful,Helen,"hepromisedmoregravely.

Eventhenshecouldhardlylethimgo,clingingtohimwithareluctancetoseparatethatwasanewexperiencetoherindependent,vigorousyouth.Intheendheunloosenedherarm,kissedheronce,andhurried

outoftheroom.InthehallwayhemetMcWilliams,alsohurryinoutfromatearfulfarewellonthepartofNora.

Bannister,theoutlaw,alreadymounted,waswaitingforthem."Y'udidgetthroughatlast,"hedrawledinsolently."Well,ify'u'llkindlygiveorderstoyourseven-footdwarftopointtheWinchesteranotherwayI'llcollectmymenanwe'llbemoving."

For,thoughtheoutlawhadlefthismenincommandoftheranchwhenhewentintothehouse,hefoundthesituationreversedonhisreturn.Withthearrivalofreinforcements,inthepersonsofMcWilliamsandhisfriend,ithadbeentheturnoftheraiderstoturnovertheirweapons.

"Allright,Denver,"noddedtheforeman.

Theoutlawchiefwhistledforhismen,andwiththeirgueststheyrodeintothesilent,desertnight.

CHAPTER22.EXITTHE"KING"

Theybeddedthatnightunderthegreatvault-roofwheretwinklea

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millionstars.

Therewerethreeoftheoutlaw'smenwithhim,andbothMcwilliamsandhisfriendnoticedthattheysleptalittleapartfromtheirchief.Therewereotherindicationsamongtherustlersofacampdividedagainstitself.Bannister'sorderstothemhecontrivedtomakeaninsult,andtheirobediencewasassurlyaspossiblecompatiblewithsafety.Forallofthemenknewthathewouldnothesitatetoshootthemdowninoneofhisviolentragesshouldtheyangerhimsufficiently.

Throughoutthenighttherewasnotimethatatleasttwomenwerenotawakeinthecamp.Theforemanandthesheepmantookturnskeepingvigil;andontheothersideofthefiresatoneoftherustlersinsilentwatchfulness.Tothemanoppositehimeachofthesentinelswereoutpostsoftheenemy,buttheyfraternizedafterthemannerofarmysentries,exchangingtobaccoandoccasionalcasualconversation.

Theforemantookthefirstturn,andoppositehimsataone-eyedoldscoundrelwhohadrustlecalvesfrombigoutfitseversinceWyomingwasaterritoryandlongbefore.ChalkeyeDave,hewascalled,andsometimesmerelyChalkeye.Whathisrealnamewasnomanknew.Norwashispastasubjectforconversationinhispresence.ItwasknownthathehadbeenintheNevadapenitentiary,andthathehadkilledamaninArizona,butthesedetailsofanactivelifewererarelyresurrected.ForChalkeye

wasdeadlyontheshoot,andwasreadyforitatthedropofthehat,thoughhehadhisgoodpointstoo.Oneofthesewasaremarkablefondnessforanothermemberoftheparty,amerelad,calledbyhiscompanionsHughie.Generallysurlyandmorose,tosuchadegreethatevenhischiefwascarefultohumorhimasarule,whenwithHughieallthesofterelementsofhischaractercametothesurface.Inhisroughwayhewaseverhumorousandgenial.

JimMcWilliamsfoundhimneither,however.Hedeclinedtoengageinconversation,acceptedaprofferoftobaccowithasilent,hostilegruntandrelapsedintoalongsilencethatlastedtillhisshiftwasended.

"Hatetohavey'uleave,oldman.Y'u'resodarnedgoodcompanyI'll

ce'tainlypineforyou,"theforemansuggested,withsarcasm,whentheoldmanrolledupinhisblanketspreparatorytofallingasleepimmediately.

Chalkeye'ssuccessorwasablatantyouthmuchimpressedwithhisownimportance.Hewasbothfoul-mouthedandfoul-minded,sothatJimwasconstrainedtointerrupthisevilboastingsbypretendingtofallasleep.

Itwasnearlytwoo'clockwhentheforemanarousedhisfriendtotakehisturn.ShortlyafterthistheladHughierelievedthebragging,would-bebadman.

Hughiewasaflaxen-haired,rathergood-lookingboyofnineteen.Inhissmall,wistfulfacewasnotalineofwickedness,thoughitwasplainthathewasweak.Heseemedsounfitforthelifehewasleadingthatthesheepman'sinterestwasaroused.Foronthefrontierittakesastrong,competentmiscreanttobeabadmanandsurvive.Ineffectivesandweaklingsarequicklyweededouttotheirgravesorthepenitentiaries.

Theboywasmanifestlyundergreatfearofhischief,butthecurlyhairedyoungHermeswhokeptwatchwithhimhadaverywinningsmileand

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acharmingmannerwhenhecaredtoexertit.Almostinspiteofhimselftheyoungsterwasledtotalk.ItseemedthathehadbutlatelyjoinedtheTeton-Shoshonesoutfitofdesperadoes,andbetweenthelinesBannistereasilyreadthathiscousin'smasterfulcompulsionhadcoercedtheyoungfellow.Allhewantedwasanopportunitytowithdrawinsafety,butheknewhecouldneverdothissolongasthe"King"wasaliveandatliberty.

Underthestar-roofinthechill,breakingdayNedBannistertalkedtohimlongandgently.Itwaseasytobringtheboytotears,butitwasharderthingtostiffenawillthatwasofputtyandtoheartenasoulinmortalfear.Buthesethimselfwithallthepowerinhimtocombattheinfluenceofhiscousinoverthisboy;andbeforethecampstirredtolifeagainheknewthathehadmeasurablysucceeded.

Theyatebreakfastinthegraydawnunderthestars,andaftertheyhadfinishedtheircoffeeandbaconhorsesweresaddledandthetrailtakenupagain.Itledinandoutamongthefoot-hillssloppingupwardgraduallytowardthefirstlongbluelineoftheShoshonesthatstretchedbeforetheminthedistance.TheirnooningwasatrunningstreamcalledSmith'sCreek,andbynightfallthepartywaswellupinthehigherfoothills.

Inthecourseofthedayandthesecondnightboththesheepmanand

hisfriendmadeattempttoestablishamorecordialrelationshipwithChalkeye,butsofarasanyapparentresultswenttheireffortswerevain.Herefusedgrimlytomeettheirovertureshalfway,eventhoughitwasplainfromhismannerthatabreakbetweenhimandhischiefcouldnotlongbeavoided.

Alldaybycrookedtrailstheypushedforward,andasthepartyadvancedintothemountainsthegloomofthemournfulpinesandfrowningpeaksinvadeditsspirits.Suspicionanddistrustwentwithit,campedatnightbytherushingmountainstream,laydowntosleepintheshadowsateveryman'sshoulder.Foreachmanlookedwithanominouseyeonhisneighbor,watchfulofeverysuddenmove,ofeverycarelesswordthatmightconveyasuddenmeaning.

Alonganarrowrock-rimtrailfaraboveasteepcanon,whosewallsshotprecipitouslydown,theywereridinginsinglefile,whentheoutlawchiefpushedhishorseforwardbetweentheroadwallandhiscousin'sbronco.Thesheepmanimmediatelyfellback.

"Ireckonthistrailisn'twideenoughfortwo--unlessy'utaketheoutside,"heexplainedquietly.

Theoutlaw,whohadbeendrinkingsteadilyeversinceleavingtheLazyD,laughedhislow,sinistercackle."Afraidofme,arey'u?AfraidI'llpushy'uoff?"

"NotwhenI'minsideandyoudon'thavechance."

"'TwasaplaceaboutlikethisIdroveforthousandofyoursheepoverlastweek.WithsheepworthwhattheyareI'mafraiditmusthavecosty'uquiteabit.Notthaty'u'llmissitwhereyouaregoing,"hehastenedtoadd.

"Itwasverylikeyoutorevengeyourselfondumbanimals."

"Thinkso?"The"King's"blackgazerestedonhim."Y'u'llsinga

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differentsongsoonMr.Bannister.It'shumansI'lldrivenexttimeanddon'ty'uforgetit."

"Ifyougetthechance,"amendedhiscousingently.

"I'llgetthechance.I'mnotworryingaboutthat.Andaboutthosesheep--anymanthathasn'tgotmoresensethantorunsheepinacowcountryoughttolosethemforhispig-headedness.

"Thosesheepwereontherightsideofthedead-line.Youhadtocrossittoreachthem."Theirowner'ssteadyeyeschallengedadenial.

"Isthatso?Nowhowdoy'uknowthat?Wedidn'tleavetheherderalivetoexplainthattoy'u,didwe?"

"Youadmitmurderinghim?"

"Toy'u,dearcousin.Y'usee,Ihaveahunchthatmaybey'u'llgojoinyourherderrightsoon.Y'u'llnotdomuchtalking."

Thesheepmanfellback."IthinkI'llridealone."

Rageflaredintheother'seye."Toogoodforme,arey'u,mymealy-mouthedcousin?Y'ualwaysthoughtyourselfbetterthanme.When

y'uwereaboyyouusedtogosneakingtothatoldhypocrite,yourgrandfather--"

"Youhavesaidenough,"interruptedtheothersternly."I'llnothearanotherword.Keepyourfoultongueoffhim."

Theireyessilentlymeasuredstrength.

"Y'u'llnothearaword!"sneeredthechiefoftherustlers."Whatwilly'udo,dearcousin?

"Standupandfightlikeamanandsettlethisthingonceforall."

Stilltheirsteelyeyescrossedaswiththethrustofrapiers.Thechallengedmancrouchedtenselywithamightylongingforthetest,buthehadplannedamoreelaboraterevengeandasureronethanthis.Reluctantlyheshookhishead.

"WhyshouldI?Y'u'remine.We'refourtotwo,andsoonwe'llbeadozentotwo.I'dlikeaheaptoobligey'u,butIreckonIcan'taffordtojustnow.Y'uwillhavetowaitalittleforthatbumpingoffthat'scomingtoy'u."

"InthateventI'lltroubleyounottoinflictyoursocietyonmeanymorethanisnecessary."

"That'sallright,too.Ify'uthinkIenjoyyourconversationy'uhavegotanotherguesscoming."

SobymutualconsentthesheepmanfellinbehindtheblatantyouthwhohadweariedMcWilliamssoandrodeinsilence.

Itwasagaingettingclosetonightfall.Theslantsunwasthrowingitsraysonlessandlessofthetrail.Theycouldseetheshadowsgrowandthecoolnessofnightsiftintotheair.Theywerepushingontopasstherimofagreatvalleybasinthatlaylikeasaucerinthemountains

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inorderthattheymightcampinthevalleybyastreamallofthemknew.Duskwasbeginningtofallwhentheyatlastreachedthesauceredgeandonlytheoppositepeakswerestilltippedwiththesunrays.This,too,disappearedbeforetheyhaddescendedfar,andthegloomofthegreatmountainsthatgirtthevalleywasonalltheirspirits,evenMcWilliamsbeingaffectedbyit.

Theyweretiredwithtravel,andthelongnightwatchesdidnotimprovetempersalreadyoverstrainedwiththeexpectationofacrisistoolongdraggedout.Rainfellduringthenight,andcontinuedgentlyinamistydrizzleafterdaybroke.Itwasasituationandanatmosphereripefortragedy,anditfellonthemlikeaclapofthunderoutofasoddensky.

Hughiewascookfortheday,andhecamechillandstiff-fingeredtohistask.Summerasitwas,therelayathincoatingoficeroundtheedgesofthestream,fortheyhadcampedinanaltitudeofaboutninethousandfeet.The"King"hadwakenedinavilehumor.Hehadasplittingheadache,aswasnaturalunderthecircumstancesandhehadnotleftinhisbottleasingledrinktotidehimoverit.Hecamecursingtothestrugglingfire,whichwasmakingonlyfitfulheadwayagainsttherainwhichbeatdownuponit.

"Whydidn'ty'ubuildyourfireonthesideofthetree?"hegrowledatHughie.

Now,Hughiewasatenderfoot,andinhisknowledgeofoutdoorlifehewasstillaninfant."Ididn'tknow--"hewasbeginning,whenhismastercuthimshortwithafurioustonguelashingoutofallproportiontotheoffense.

Thelad'sfaceblanchedwithfear,andhisterrorwassomanifestthatthebully,whowasthreateninghimwithallmannerofevils,begantoenjoyhimself.Chalkeye,returningfromwateringthehorses,gotbackintimetoheartheintemperatefag-endofthescolding.HeglancedatHughie,whosehandsweretremblinginspiteofhim,andthendarklyatthebrutewhowasattackinghim.Buthesaidnotaword.

Themealproceededinsilenceexceptforjeersandtauntsofthe"King."Fornobodycaredtoventureconversationwhichmightproveamatchtoapowdermagazine.Whateverthoughtsmightbeeachmankeptthemtohimself.

"Coffee,"snappedthesingletalker,towardendofbreakfast.

Hughiejumpedup,filledthecupthatwashandedhimandsetthecoffeepotbackonfire.Ashehandedthetincupwiththecoffeetotheoutlawthelad'sfootslippedonapiecewetwood,andthehotliquidsplashedoverhischief'sleg.Themanjumpedtohisfeetinarageandstrucktheboyacrossthefacewithhiswhiponce,andthenagain.

"ByGod,that'lldoforyou!"criedChalkeyefromtheothersideofthefire,springingrevolverinhand."Draw,youcoyote!Icomea-shooting."

The"King"wheeled,findinghisweaponheturned.Twoshotsrangoutalmostsimultaneously,andChalkeyepitchedforward.Theoutlawchiefsanktohisknees,and,withonehandrestingonthegroundtosteadyhimselffiredtwomoreshotsintothetwitchingbodyontheothersideofthefire.Thenhe,too,lurchedforwardandrolledover.

Ithadcometoclimaxsoswiftlythatnotoneofthemhadmovedexcept

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thecombatants.Bannisterroseandwalkedovertotheplacewherethebodyofhiscousinlay.Hekneltdownandexaminedhim.Whenheroseitwaswithaverygraveface.

"Heisdead,"hesaidquietly.

McWilliams,whohadbeenbendingoverChalkeye,lookedup."Here,too.Anyoneoftheshotswouldhavefinishedhim."

Bannisternodded."Yes.Thatfirstexchangekilledthemboth."Helookeddownatthelimpbodyofhiscousin,butaminutebeforesofullofsupple,virilelife."Buthishatehadtoreachoutandmakesure,eventhoughhewasasgoodasdeadhimself.Hewasgame."Thensharplytotheyoungbraggart,whohadrisenandwasedgingawaywithafaceofchalk:"Sitdown,y'u!Whatdoy'utakeusfor?Thinkthisistobeamassacre?"

Themancamebackwithpalpablehesitancy."Iwasaimingtogoandgettheboystoburythem.MyGod,didyoueverseeanythingsoquick?Theydrilledthrougheachotherlikelightning."

Maclookedhimoverwithdrycontempt."Myfriend,y'u'retootenderforagenuwineA1badman.IfIwashandingy'uabunchofadviceitwouldbetogetbacktotheprosaicpathsofpeacerightprompt.Andwhile

we'reonthesubjectI'llborrowyourguns.Y'u'rescaredstiffanditmightgetintoyourfoolcoconuttoplugoneofusandlightout.I'dhatetoseey'ucommitsuiciderightbeforeus,soI'lljustnatcherallyunloady'u."

Hewastalkingtoliftthestrain,anditwasforthesamepurposethatBannistermovedovertoHughie,whosatwithhisfaceinhishands,tryingtoshutoutthehorrorofwhathehadseen.

Thesheepmandroppedahandonhisshouldergently."Braceup,boy!Don'tyouseethattheverybestthingthatcouldhavehappenedisthis.It'sbestfory'u,bestfortherestofthegangandbestforthewholecattlecountry.We'llhavepeacehereatlast.Nowhe'sgone,honestmen

aregoingtobreatheeasy.I'lltakey'uinhandandsety'uatworkononeofmystations,ify'ulike.Anyhow,you'llhaveachancetobeginlifeagaininabetterway."

"That'sright,"agreedtheblatantyouth."I'msickofrustlingthemailsandotherfolks'calves.I'mgladhegotwhatwascomingtohim,"heconcludedvindictively,withaglanceathisdeadchiefandasuddenraucousoath.

McWilliams'scoldblueeyetransfixedhim"Hadn'tyoubetterbealittlecarefulhowyourmouthgoesoff?Foronething,he'sdaidnow;andforanother,hehappenstobeMr.Bannister'scousin."

"But--weren'ttheyenemies?"

"That'showIunderstandit.Butthisman'spassedovertherange.AMANdoesn'tunloadhishatredondeadfolks--andIexpectify'u'llstudyhim,eveny'uwillbeabletofigureoutthatmyfriendmeasuresuptothesizeofarealman."

"Idon'tseewhyif--"

"No,Idon'tsupposey'udo,"interruptedtheforeman,turningonhis

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heel.ThentoBannister,whowaslookingdownathiscousinwithastonyface:"Ireckon,Bann,webettermakearrangementstohavethebodiesburiedrighthereinthevalley,"hesaidgently.

Bannisterwasthinkingofearlydays,ofthetimewhenthismiscreant,whoselighthadjustbeenputoutsoinstantaneously,hadplayedwithhimdayinanddayout.Theyhadattendedtheirfirstschooltogether,hadplayedmarblesandprisoners'baseahundredtimesagainsteachother.Hecouldrememberhowtheyusedtogetupearlyinthemorningtogofishingwitheachother.Andlater,wheneachbegan,unconsciously,tochoosethepathhewouldfollowinalreadybeginningtosettleintoanestablishedfact.Hecouldseenow,bylookingbackontriflesoftheirchildhood,thathiscousinhadbeenbadlyhandicappedinhisfightwithhimselfagainsttheevilinhim.Hehadinheriteddepravedinstinctsandtastes,andwiththemsomewhereinhimastrandofweaknessthatpreventedhimfromslayingthegiantshehadtoopposeinthemakingofagoodcharacter.Frombadtoworsehehadgone,andherehelaywiththedrizzlingrainonhiswhiteface,awarningandalessontowaywardyouthsjustsettingtheirfeetinthewrongdirection.Surelyitwaskismet.

NedBannisteruntiedthehandkerchieffromhisneckandlaiditacrossthefaceofhiskinsman.Amomentlongerhelookeddown,thenpassedhishandsacrosshiseyesandseemedtobrushawaythememoriesthat

throngedhim.Hesteppedforwardtothefireandwarmedhishands.

"We'llgoon,Mac,totherendezvoushehadappointedwithhisoutfit.Weoughttoreachtherebynoon,andtheboyscansendawagonbacktogetthebodies."

CHAPTER23.JOURNEYSENDINLOVERS'MEETING

IthadbeensixdayssincethetwoNedBannistershadriddenawaytogetherintothemountains,andeverywakinghoursincethattimehadbeenforHelenoneofharassinganxiety.Nowordhadyetreachedherof

theissueofthatdubiousundertaking,andshebothlongedanddreadedtohear.Hehadpromisedtosendamessengerassoonashehadanythingdefinitetotell,butsheknewitwouldbelikehiscousin,too,tosendhersometriumphantwordshouldheprovethevictorinthestrugglebetweenthem.Sothateverystrangersheglimpsedbroughttoherasuddenbeatingoftheheart.

ButitwasnotthenatureofHelenMessitertositdownandgiveherselfupapreytoforeboding.Heractivenaturecriedoutforworktooccupyheranddistractherattention.Fortunatelythiswastobehadinabundancejustnow.Fortheautumnround-upwason,andsinceherforemanwasawaythemistressoftheLazyDfoundplentyofworkreadytoherhand.

Themeetingplacefortheround-upriderswasatBoomCreek,fivemilesfromtheranch,andHelenrodeouttheretotakechargeofherowninterestsinperson.Withherweresixriders,andfortheuseofeachoftheminadditiontohispresentmountthreeextraponieswerebroughtintheremuda.Fortheridingissohardduringtheround-upthatahorsecanstandonlyonedayinfourofit.Attheappointedrendezvousascoreofothercowboysandownersmetthem.Withoutanydelaytheyproceededtobusiness.Mr.BobAustin,betterknownas"Texas,"waselectedbossoftheround-up,andheimmediatelyassignedthemento

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theirplacesandannouncedthattheywouldworkSquawCreek.Theymovedcampatonce,Helenreturningtotheranch.

Itwasthreeo'clockinthemorningwhenthemenwererousedbythecook'strianglecallingthemtothe"chuckwagon"forbreakfast.Itwasstillcoldanddarkastheboyscrawledfromundertheirblanketsandsquattedroundthefiretoeatjerky,biscuitsandgravy,andtodrinkcupfulsofhot,blackcoffee.BeforesunroseeverymanwasathispostfarupontheSquawCreekridgesreadytobeginthedrive.

LaterinthedayHelenrodetotheparadegrounds,towardwhichastreamofcattlewaspouringdownthecanyonofthecreek.Everygulchtributarytothecreekcontributeditsquotaofwildcowsandcalves.Thesecamerompingdownthecanyonmouth,wherefourpickedmen,withabunchoftamecowsinfrontofthem,stoppedtherushofflyingcattle.Lunchwasomitted,andbrandingbeganatonce.EverycalfbelongingtoaLazyDcow,afterbeingropedandtied,wasflankedwiththegreatDwhichindicateditsownershipbyMissMessiter,andonaccountoftherecumbentpositionofwhichlettertheranchhaditsname.

ItwasduringthebrandingthataboyishyoungfellowrodeupandhandedHelenanote.Herheartpumpedrapidlywithrelief,foroneglancetoldherthatitwasinthehandwritingoftheNedBannistersheloved.Shetoreitopenandglancedswiftlythroughit.

DEARFRIEND:Twohoursagomycousinwaskilledbyoneofhisownmen.Iamsendingbacktoyouaboywhohadbeenledastraybyhim,anditwouldbeagreatservicetomeifyouwouldgivehimsomethingtodotillIreturn.HisnameisHughRogers.Ithinkifyoutrusthimhewillproveworthyofit.

JimandIaregoingtostayhereafewdayslongertofinishtheworkthatisbegun.Wehopetomeetandtalkwithasmanyofthemenimplicatedinmycousin'slawlessnessasispossible.WhattheresultwillbeIcannotsay.Wedonotconsiderourselvesinanydangerwhatever,thoughwearenottakingchances.Ifallgoeswellweshallbebackwithinafewdays.

IhopeyouarenotmissingJimtoomuchattheroundup.Sincerely,

NEDBANNISTER

Shelikedtheletterbecausetherewasnotahintoftherelationshipbetweenthemtobereadinit.Hehadguardedheragainstthechanceofitsfallingintothewronghandsandcreatingtalkaboutthem.

SheturnedtoHughie."Canyouride?"

"Inaway,ma'am.Ican'tridelikethesemen."Hisglanceindicatedacow-puncherpoundingpastafterawildsteerthathadbrokenthroughthe

cordonofridersandwastryingtogetaway.

"Doyouwanttolearn?"

"I'dliketoifIhadachance,"heansweredwistfully.

"Allright.Youhaveyourchance.I'llseethatMr.Austinfindssomethingforyoutodo.Fromto-dayyouareinmyemploy."

Sherodebacktotheranchinthelateafternoon,whilethesunwas

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settinginagreatsplashofcrimson.Theround-upbosshadhintedthatifshewerenervousaboutridingalonehecouldfinditconvenienttoaccompanyher.Butthegirlwantedtobealonewithherownthoughts,andshehadslippedawaywhilehewasbusycuttingoutcalvesfromtheherd.IthadbeenawonderfulrelieftohertofindthatHERNedBannisterwastheonethathadsurvivedintheconflict,andherheartsangapaeanofjoyassherodeintothegoldenglowofthewesteringsun.Hewasalive--toloveandbeloved.Theunlivedyearsofherfutureseemedtounrollbeforeherasavision.Sheglowedwitharesurgenthappinessthatwasalmostanecstasy.Thewordsofabitofverseshehadonceseen--amerescrapfromamagazinethathadstuckinanobscurecornerofhermemory--sangagainandagaininherheart:

LifeandloveAndabrightskyo'erus,And--GodtakecareOfthewaybeforeus!

Ah,thewaybeforethem,beforeherandherromance-radiatinghero!Itmightberoughandhilly,butiftheytrodittogether--Hertangledthoughtswereoffagaininanothergladleapofimagination.

Thedayspassedsomehow.Shebusiedherselfwiththeaffairsoftheranch,rodeoutoftentothescenesofthecattledrivesandwatchedtheround-up,andeverytwenty-fourhoursbroughtheronedaynearertohisreturn,shetoldherself.Nora,too,wasonthelookoutunderher

longlashed,roguisheyelids;andthetwoyoungwomendiscussedthesubjectoftheirlovers'returninthatelusive,ellipticalwaycommontotheirsex.

Nodoubteachoftheseyoungwomenhadconjecturedastothemannerofthathomecomingandthemeetingthatwouldaccompanyit;butitissafetosaythatneitherofthemguessedinherday-dreamshowitactuallywastooccur.

Norahadbeeneagertoseesomethingoftheround-up,andasshewasnohorsewomanhermistresstookheroutonedayinhermotor.ThedrivehadbeenthatdayonBroncoMesa,andhadfinishedinthenaturalcorralmadebyBearCanon,fencedwithacordonofridersattheendopening

totheplainsbelow.Afterwatchingfortwohoursthebusyscenesofcuttingout,ropingandbranding,Helenwheeledhercarandstarteddownthecanyonontheirreturn.

Now,aherdofwildcattleisuncertainasanAprilday'sbehavior.Undertheinfluenceofthetamevalleycattleamongwhichtheyaredriven,afteralittlemillingaround,thewholebunchmaygentlealmostimmediately,or,ontheotherhand,itmaybreakthroughandgocrashingawayonawildstampedeatamoment'snotice.Everyexperiencedcowmanknowsenoughtoexpecttheunexpected.

AtBroncoMesatheround-uphadproceededwithunusualfacility.Scoresofwiry,long-leggedsteershaddrifteddowntheridgesorgulchesthat

ledtothecanon;andmanyacow,followedbyitscalf,hadstumbledforwardtotheherdandapparentlyacceptedtheinevitable.ButbeforeHelenMessiterhadwellstartedoutofthecanyon'smouththesituationchangedabsolutely.

Abighillsteer,whichhadnotseenamanforayear,brokethroughthehumancorralwithabellownearapointwhereReddykeptguard.Thepuncherwheeledandgavechase,Beforetheothermencouldclosetheopeningacoupleoftwo-year-oldsseizedtheopportunityandfolloweditslead.Asecondridergavechase,andatonce,asifsomeimpof

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mischiefhadstirredthem,fiftytailswentupinwildflight.Anotherminuteandthewholeherdwasinstampede.

Downthegulchthefivehundredcattlethunderedtowardthemotorcar,whichlaydirectlyintheirpath.Helenturned,appreciatedthedanger,andputthemachineatitsfullspeed.Theroadbranchedforaspaceofaboutfiftyyards,andinherexcitementshemadethemistakeofchoosingthelower,morelevel,one.Intoadeepsandbedtheyplowed,thewheelssinkingateveryturn.Slowerandslowerwentthecar;finallycametoafullstop.

Noraglancedbackinaffrightatthetwohundredandfiftytonsofbeefthatwaschargingwildlytowardthem."Whatshallwedo?"shegasped,andclamberedtotheground.

"Run!"criedHelen,followingherexampleandscuddingforthesidesofthecanyon,whichhereslopeddownlessprecipitatelythanatotherpoints.Butbeforetheyhadrunadozenstepseachofthemwasawarethattheycouldnotreachsafetyintimetoescapethehoofsrushingtowardthemsoheavilythatthegroundquaked.

"Lookout!"Aresonantcryrangoutabovethedullthudofthestampedingcattlethatwerealmostuponthem.Downthesteepsidesofthegorgetworidersweregallopingrecklessly.Itwasaraceforlife

betweenthemandthefirstoftheherd,andtheywonbyscarcemorethanalength.Acrossthesandthehorsesplowed,andastheysweptpastthetwotremblingyoungwomeneachriderbentfromthesaddlewithoutslackeningspeed,andsnatchedonealmostfromundertheveryhoofsoftheleaders.

Thedangerwasnotpast.AsthehorsesswervedandwentforwardwiththerushHelenknewthatastumblewouldflingnotonlyherandthemanwhohadsavedher,butalsothehorsedowntodeath.Theymustcontrivetoholdtheirowninthatdeadlyrushuntilawaycouldbefoundofescapingfromthepathofthelivingcyclonethattrodattheirheels,gallopedbesidethem,infront,behind.

Foritcametoherthatthehorsewastiringinthatrushthroughthesandwithdoubleweightuponitsback.

"Courage!"criedthemanbehindherasherfearfuleyesmethis.

Ashespoketheyreachedtheendofthecanyonandfirmgroundsimultaneously.Helensawthatherrescuerhadnowarevolverinhishand,andthathewasfiringinsuchawayastodeflecttheleaderstotheleft.Atfirstthechangeincoursewashardlyperceptible,butpresentlyshenoticedthattheyweregettingclosertotheoutskirtsoftheherd,workinggraduallytotheextremeright,edginginchbyinch,eversowarily,towardsafety.Goingparalleltotheircourse,runningneckandneckwiththecowpony,lumberedagreatdunsteer.

Unconsciouslyitblockedeveryeffortofthehorsemantoescape.Hehadoneshotleftinhisrevolver,andthistimehedidnotfireintotheair.Itwasamightyrisk,fortheanimalinfallingmightstaggeragainstthehorseandhuntthemalldowntodeath.Butthemantookitwithoutapparenthesitation.Intotheearofthebullockhesenttheleadcrashing.Thebrutestumbledandwentdownheadoverheels.Itsflyinghoofsstrucktheflanksofthepony,butthebroncostucktoitsfeet,andnextmomentstaggeredoutfromamongtheherdstragglersandcametohalt.

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Themanslidfromitsbackandlifteddownthehalf-faintinggirl.Sheclungtohim,whiteatrembling."Oh,itwashorrible,Ned!"Shecouldstilllookdowninimaginationupontheseaofdunbacksthatswayedandsurgedaboutthemlikestorm-tossedwaves.

"Itwasanearthing,butwemadeit,girl.SodidJim.Hegotoutbeforewedid.It'sallpastnow.Youcanrememberitasthemostexcitingexperienceofyourlife."

Sheshuddered."Idon'twanttorememberitatall."Andsoshakenwasshethatshedidnotrealizethathisarmwasaboutherthewhileshesobbedonhisshoulder.

"Acattlestampedeisanastythingtogetinfrontof.Nevermind.It'sdonewithnowandeverybody'ssafe."

Shedrewalongbreath."Yes,everybody'ssafeandyouarebackhome.Whydidn'tyoucomeafteryourcousinwaskilled?"

"Ihadtofinishmywork."

"AndDIDyoufinishit?"

"Ithinkwedid.TherewillbenomoreShoshonegang.It'smembershave

scattedinalldirections."

"I'mgladyoustayed,then.Wecanliveatpeacenow."Andpresentlysheadded:"Iknewyouwouldnotcomebackuntilyouhaddonewhatyousetouttodo.You'reveryobstinate,sir.Doyouknowthat?"

"Perseverance,Icallit,"hesmiled,gladtoseethatshewasrecoveringherlightnessoftone.

"Youdon'talwaysinsistonputtingyouractionsinthemostfavorablelight.DoyourememberthefirstdayIeversawyou?"

"AmIlikelyevertoforgetit?"hesmiledfondly.

"Ididn'tmeanTHAT.WhatIwasgettingatwasthatyouletmegoawayfromyouthinkingyouwere'theking.'Ihaven'tforgivenyouentirelyforthat."

"Iexpecty'u'llalwayshavetobeforgivingmethings."

"IfyouvaluedmygoodopinionIdon'tseehowyoucouldletmegowithouttellingme.Wasitfairorkind?"

"Ify'ucometothat,wasitsofairandkindtoconvictmesopromptlyonsuspicion?"heretaliatedwithasmile.

"No,itwasn't.But--"Sheflushedwithadivineshyness."ButIlovedyouallthetime,evenwhentheysaidyouwereavillain."

"Evenwhiley'ubelievedmeone?"

"Ididn't.Ineverwouldbelieveyouone--notdeepinmyheart.Iwouldn'tletmyself.Imadeexcusesforyou--explainedeverythingtomyself."

"Yetyourreasontoldy'uIwasguilty."

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"Yes,Ithinkmymindhatedyouandmyheartlovedyou."

Headoredherforthefranksimplicityofherconfession,thatoutofthegreatnessofherloveshedaredtomakenosecretofittohim.Directasaboy,shewasyetaswhollysweetasthemostretiringgirlcouldbe.

"Y'ualwaysswampmyvocabulary,sweetheart.Ican'tevertelly'u--lifewouldn'tbelongenough--howmuchIcareforyou."

"I'mglad,"shesaidsimply.

Theystoodlookingateachother,palmspressedtopalmsinmeetinghands,supremelyhappyinthismiracleoflovethathadbefallenthem.Theywerealone--forNoraandJimhadgoneintotemporaryeclipsebehindahillandseemedinnohurrytoemerge--aloneinthesunshinewiththiswonderthatflowedfromonetoanotherbyshiningeyes,byfingertouch,andthenbymeetinglips.Heheldherclose,knewthesweetdelightofcontactwiththesupple,surrenderedfigure,thenreleasedherasshedrewawayinmaidenlyreserve.

"Whenshallwebemarried,Helen?Istheearlypartofnextweektoolate?"heasked.

Stillblushing,shestraightenedherhat."That'sridiculous,sir.Ihaven'tgotusedtothethoughtofyouyet."

"Plentyoftimeforthatafterward.Thenwe'llsaynextweekifthatsuitsy'u."

"Butitdoesn't.Don'tyouknowthatitisthelady'sprivilegetonametheday?Besides,IwanttimetochangemymindifIshoulddecideto."

"That'swhatI'mafraidof,"helaughedjoyfully."SoIhavetoinsistonanearlymarriage."

"Insist?"shedemurred.

"I'vebeentoldonthebestofauthoritythatI'mveryobstinate,"hegaylyanswered.

"Ihaveamindofmyownmyself.IfIevermarryyoubesureIshallnametheday,sir."

"Willy'umarrymethedayNoradoesJim?"

"We'llsee."Theeyesslantedathimunderthecurvedlashes,teasedhimdelightfully."DidNoratellyoushewasgoingtomarryJim?"

Bannisterlookedmildlyhurt."Mycommonsensehasbeentellingittomeamonth."

"Howlonghasyourcommonsensebeentellingyouaboutus?"

"Ididn'tuseitwhenIfellinlovewithy'u,"heboldlylaughed.

"Ofallthingstosay!"

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