THE LONG DIM TRAIL By FORRESTINE C. HOOKER

7/31/2019 THE LONG DIM TRAIL By FORRESTINE C. HOOKER

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-long-dim-trail-by-forrestine-c-hooker 1/209

THELONGDIMTRAIL

ByFORRESTINEC.HOOKER

A.L.BURTCOMPANYPublishersNewYor

PublishedbyarrangementwithAlfredA.Knopf

COPYRIGHT,1920,BYFORRESTINECOOPERHOOKER

PRINTEDINTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA

LOVINGLYDEDICATEDTOMYFATHER,BRIGADIER-GENERALCHARLESL.COOPER,U.S.A.MYBROTHER,MAJORHARRYL.COOPER,U.S.A.AND

MYUNCLE,CAPTAINLOUISR.CHESTER.U.S.N.OFFICERSANDGENTLEMEN.WITHOUTFEARANDWITHOUTREPROACH

F.C.H.

PARTONE

CHAPTERONE

"Everythingallright,Limber?"as edAllanTraynor,bossoftheDiamondHranch,asacowboywithjinglingspursreinedhisponybeforetheclosedgatesofthecorral.

DoctorPowell,standingbesideTraynor,scrutinizedtherider,whosebroad-brimmedStetson,caughtbythewind,flappedfromhisface,exposingthesun-browns in,firmchinandgreyeyes.ItneedednostudentofpsychologytodecidethatLimberwasnotamanwhowouldflinchwhenfacingasix-shooterheldbyarustler.

ThecowboynoddedanswertoTraynor'squery.Limber'seyesscannedtheherd,then,satisfied,heleanedacrossthenec ofhispintopony,andsaid,"PaddyLaffertywantstosellout."

"Whotoldyou?"Traynorspo ewithundisguisedsurprise.

"Dillon.Paddytol'himhewasgettin'tooold,thattherheumatizisbotherin'again,an'he'sgoin'toquitbecausehewon'ttrustnoonetorunhisherdwhenhecan'tget'roundtoithisself."



"DidPaddysayhowmuchhewanted?"

"Nope,"wasthelaconicreply."I'llfindout.It'samightygoodbunchofstuff.Lotsofthree-yearsteers,an'tharain'tmanythree-year-oldsleftintheseparts,now."

"It'sworthloo ingup,"commentedTraynor."I'mgladyouspo eofit.Howsoonwillyoubereadytohitthetrail?"

"'Bouttenminutes."

"Keeptheboysoutofmischiefthistrip,ifyoucan."

Therewasatwin leinTraynor'seyesthatwasreflectedinthegreyonesofthecowboy,whosaidsoberly,"I'lldomybest.Butwhentheygettomixin'inthingsthey'reslipperierthanabunchofquic silver.Youthin yougotholdofitandyoufindyouain't."

Limberturnedhisponytowardthecorrals,twistinginhissaddleasTraynorcalledafterhim,"TellsomeonetosaddlemyponyandDoctorPowell's.We'llrideoutwithyou."

Asthecowboydisappeared,Traynorsaid,"Itwillgiveyouafaintidea

ofthewor .You'llfinditmightydifferentfromthecowpuncher'slifeofmovingpictures."

Thedoctorlaughed."Ifeelli easmallboyabouttowriggleunderthecanvasofacircustent.IneverdreamedthatArizonawassuchawonderland."

TheeyesofthetwomensweptacrosstheSulphurSpringValleythatundulatedtwentymilesfromtheGaliuroMountainsonthewesttotheGrahamsontheeast;startingsixtymilesnorthoftheDiamondHinthenarrowAravaipaCaÃ±on,itgraduallybroadenedintoagreatplainthatterminatedattheMexicanborder.

"Ofcourse,"continuedthedoctor,"Ihadavagueideaofitsmineralwealthandcattleinterests,butImustconfessthatuntilIreachedherethenameofArizonaconjuredvisionsofburningdesert,Gilamonsters,rattlesna es,horn-toadsandApaches.EvenwhenIsteppedfromthetrainandmetyou,theimpressionofa'No-Man'sLand'wasstronguponme.YetnowthatIhavebeenhereamonthIfeelasthoughIshallneverwanttoleaveit."

"Youcanma esureofthat,"retortedTraynor,"ifyouwillgototheHasayampaRiver, neelonthebrin anddrin ofthewater.Youmustbeverycareful,though,to neelabovethecrossing.Thiswill eepyoufromeverwishingtoleaveArizonaandyouwillreceivethegiftofabsolutetruthfulness;but,shouldyoudrin while neelingbelowthe

crossing,truthandyouwillbedivorcedthebalanceofyourlife."

"Didyoudrin belowthecrossingorabove?"challengedthedoctorwithanamusedsmile.

"Thereisonlyonecaseonrecordwhereamanac nowledgedthathedranthewaterbelowthecrossing.HisnamewasHasayampaBill.Hediedayearago.HasayampaBillwasavictimofcircumstances,notintention.Hesaidthathewasdrin ingabovethecrossingwhenhelosthisbalanceandfellintothestreamwhichcarriedhimfarbelow.ThoughHasayampa



sworesolemnlythathe epthismouthshut--forthefirsttimeonrecord--hisreputationwasthoroughlyestablished.Aletteraddressedtothe'BiggestLiarinArizona'wasaccordedhimbypopularvote."

Thedoctorwasabouttoreply,whentheairwasfilledwithear-splittingwhistlesandstaccatocries.Thenthebiggatesofthecorralswungopen,andanavalancheofcattletumbledmadlythroughandheadedinawildrushdowntheroadthatledsouthtowardWillcox--excitedbellowsandplaintivelowingofcalvessee ingtheirmothers,mingledwiththevoicesofinvisiblemen,completelyobliteratedbythecloudsofal alidust.

Traynorledthewayintothestablewheretwosaddledponiestwistednervously.Themenloo edateachotherandsmiledasthedoctorapproachedthepintopony.Itseyesshowedwhites,itsearswentbac .Itsheerednervously,butPowellgainedthesaddleand,withTraynorclosebesidehim,theyreachedthemovingherd.

Throughthehazeofdustashadowyriderwouldloommomentarily,thendisappear.Traynorrodeontheouteredgeoftheherd.DoctorPowellbecameawarethatLimberhadmaterializedathisside,andforgoteverythingelseinhisadmirationofthecowpuncher'sunconsciousgraceashislithe,swayingfigureadjusteditselftoeachmovementofthewiry,dancingpony.

"Headoffthatbuc s in,"shoutedLimber,risinginhisstirrupsandwavinghisquirtatacowthatwasma ingawilddashforfreedom.

Bronco'sponyemergedfromthehazeandtoremadlyafterthecow,reachinghersidejustasshemadeupherbovinemindthatshehadnointentionofdeserting.Herexpressionofinjuredinnocenceassheambledquietlybac rousedDoctorPowell'smirthandBronco'sire.

ThecowpuncherreinedhisponybesidePowell's,mutteringimprecationsthatfinallyendedinaverbalexplosion.

"Durnher!Wheneveryouturnanoldbuc s incowli ethatlooseinthe

herdit'sasbadassic in'amother-in-lawonahappyfamily.Shewon'tresttillshegets'emmillin'andstampedeseverythinginsight,andthenshepic supher nittin'andloo sinnercentandsayssheneverallowedtostartnothin'noways!Gee!IwishIcouldstri earanchwheretherewarn'tnothin'butsteers.Theminuteyoumixupwithafemalecritter,coworpetticoats,you'reroundin'uptroubleforyourselfandlotsofothers."

Hepausedlongenough,tojer outasac oftobaccoandcigarettepapers,lettingthereinsfallonhispony'snec asheglaredatthecow.Shewasslowlydroppingtotherearoftheherd,butBroncoandhisponydidnotrelaxtheirvigilance.

"MebbeyouthoughtIdidn't nowyou,youoldbuc s inbago'bones,"apostrophizedBronco."I'd nowthatdernedtwistedhornifIwasdeadtwentyyears!"

HolyDic gallopedup,grinningbroadly.

"Hello,Bronc!Ain'tthatyourol'buc s infriend?"

Broncosnorted."Yep!An'youbetshe'sgoin'to eepmovin'untilshe'sloadedinthecarandheadedfortroublesomewharelse.Arizonaain't



bigenoughtoholdheran'me."

Holyrodeoff,turninginhissaddleandscreaminginashrillnasalwhinethathefondlyimaginedwassinging:

"'Tisye-a-a-rssincelas-s-s-stwe-e-eemetAn'wema-a-aa-aynotme-ee-etagin.Istru-ug-gleto-o-ooforgitButIstru-ug-g-g-gg-g-ll-l-ll-leaa-aalinva-aaa-in."

Holy'sponycontributedtothetremoloeffectbyitsshort,nervoustrot.

"I'mgladshe'sagittin'offentherange,"soliloquizedBronco,"butI'llalwaysbesorrywedidn'tbutcherherontheranchso'sIcouldhelpchawherup.IfeverIgettoHeavenallI'llas istoeatbuc s incowsforeverlastin'."

AsheutteredthelastwordsBroncoracedahead,leavingDoctorPowellatlibertytolaughandwonderwhatthemysteryofthebuc s inhoodoomightbe.Thenhiseyeswanderedfromthedust-cloudaheadofhimtothepurple-bluepea sthatreachedthousandsoffeetupwardasifstrivingtopiercethebrilliants y;acrossthevalleyclumpsofgreyishbrownsaccatongrass,slendertuftsofwavinggiettainterspersedbytall

spi esofSpanishDaggerformedatypicalArizonalandscape."Well,whatdoyouthin ofit?"as edTraynor,ridinguptohim.

Powell'seyesspar ledwithenthusiasm."It'sawonderfulcountry!HowfarawayisHasayampaRiver?I'mreadytostartnowforthatdrin !"

Theylaughedtogetherastheirponies'headswerereinedtowardtheranch,butPowellcouldnotresistabac wardglanceattheherdwhichhadnowsettleddowntoasteadyamble.Thesunlightfilteringthroughthedustformedagoldenmistinwhichthecowpunchersandtheirponiesweredimlysilhouetted.

"Ofcoursethereareannoyances,unpleasantpeopletoencounterattimes,badseasonstooffsetthegoodones,"--Traynordeftlyrolledacigarettewithhisrighthandashespo e,hisleftrestinglightlyonthehighpommelofhissaddle."Ta ingitallinall,though,whenIrideacrossthevalleyorreachahighpea andloo downwherethousandsofcattlegrazeundisturbedbythein-roadsofcivilization,Ifeelitisaroyalheritage.Doyouthin Iwouldbarterit,li eEsau,eventhoughmymenumightread,'Pottagealachampagneandtruffles'?"

"IstheroleofProdigalSonnecessarytoqualifyforafattedcalfinArizona?"queriedPowell."I'mashungryastheproverbialbear.Oh,thatremindsme.Broncowasbewailingthefactthatacertainbuc s incowhadnotbeenbutcheredattheranch.Heseemsabitsensitive

regardingbuc s ins.What'sthetrouble?"

Traynor'smouthtwitchedasheanswered,"As him.It'stoogoodastoryforanyoneelsetospoilinthetelling."

TheyreachedthestablesandlefttheponieswiththeMexicanstableman.Astheyenteredthelargecourt-yardwhichformedthecenterofthehouse,theyweregreetedbythewelcomesoundofthelunchbellandFong,inimmaculatewhiteandwithneatlycoiledqueue,smiledamiablyfromthediningroomdoor.



Afterlunchthetwomensatsmo ingandchattinginthedeepporchbetweenthediningroomandlivingroom,whereeasychairs,ahammoc ,atablelitteredwithnewspapersandmagazines,temptedonetoloiter.Thestableboyinterruptedthem,spea inginMexican,andTraynorexplainedthattherewassometroublewiththeacetelynplant.

"Ialwaysta ecareofthatmyself,andunlessIdosowewillhavetoresorttocoal-oillamps.I'llbebac shortly.Ma eyourselfcomfortable."

Powellleanedbac lazilyinhischair,tryingtoreconcileTraynorwhohadjustspo enwiththeTraynorheonce new;ayoungchapfreshfromcollege,unluc yenoughtolosehislastremainingrelativeatthesametimeheinheritedafairlygood-sizedfortune.

Ithadbeentheusualstoryof"wildoats."ThenTraynor'srevulsionhadbeencomplete,thoughnotintimetoavoidaquarrelwiththegirltowhomhewasengaged.Exaggeratedstoriesofvariousepisodes,exploitedbyaSundaypaper,causedhertoreturnhisringandrefuseabsolutelytoseehimorlistentohisexplanations.

Traynorthrashedthereporter,paidaheavyfineforthatprivilegeandstartedonatripWestwithnodefiniteideaexcepttogetasfaras

possiblefromaplacefilledwithbittermemories.Duringthejourneyhemetayoungarmyofficerreturningfromleaveofabsence,andthelieutenant'sinvitationtovisitFortGranthadbeenacceptedbyTraynor.SomemonthslaterTraynor,disposingofallhisEasterninterests,hadpurchasedtheDiamondHranch,theownerofwhichhadrecentlydied.

Inthesevenyearsafterthispurchase,CuthbertPowellwastheonlyoneofTraynor'sformeracquaintanceswhoeverheardfromtheyoungrancher.Powellhadpromisedtovisittheranch,butnotuntilnowhadthatpromisebeenfulfilled.Itwasnoteasytorecognizethetanned,alertchapwhograspedhishandsashealightedfromthePullman.Asdayswent

by,itwasaconstantsourceofsurprisetothedoctortonotethatthementalchangeinhisfriendwasmoremar edthanthephysical.Itwasasthoughthebreadthandstrengthofthecountryhadbeenabsorbedbytheownerofthe"DiamondH."

Traynorreturnedandslippedintothechairhehadvacated.

"Yousee,onaranchonebecomesblac smith,veterinarian,doctor,cowpuncher,carpenter,farmer--.Infact,averitablejac ofalltrades.Noonecareswhatyourfamilyis,howmuchmoneyyouownorwhatyoursocialstatuselsewhere,past,presentorfuture,maybe.Itisyourselfthatisjudged.Thereisnocourtofappealifyouarecondemned.You'vegottoloo amanintheeyes,griphishandasa

comrade,shootasquic lyastheotherchap,rollinyourblan etandta eanyweatherthatcomes,withoutgrowling.Ifyoucandothesethingsthelifewillsuityouandthevastnessoftheplacesin sintoyoursoul.Itmendsone'sbro enfaithinhumanity."

Powell,watchinghisfriend,sawthelinesabouthismouthhardenandnewthatthememoryofthepastwasburningli eacorrodingacid.ThenthemoodpassedandTraynorturnedwithahalf-smile.

"Well,whatdoyouthin ofyourfirstexperienceasacowhand?"



"I'mthan fulthatI newhowtoridebeforeIcamehere,"laughedPowell."ThatwasratheragaylittlenagIhadthismorning."

"Thatanimal'snameisHotTamale.Theboyswantedtotryyououtabit.I newyoucouldta ecareofyourself,sodidnotsayanything.Thejo eisonthemnow;butyouhavewontheirrespectandwillbefreefromotherpran s."

"Ithin I'llinsistonridingHotTamalehereafter,"assertedPowell."Bytheway,whenLimberspo etoyouaboutthatbunchofcattle,IthoughtIwouldli etobuythem,providedyou,yourself,didnotintendtodoso.Ofcourse,IrealizethatIamatenderfoot,ignorantofthefirstrudimentsofthecattlebusiness,butwhatwouldyouadviseaboutmylocatinginthissection?"

"Itwouldbeagoodmove,"respondedTraynor."Paddy'srangeliesbetweenmyownandtheHotSpringscountryacrosstheGaliuros.Hehaspermanentwater,whichisagoldmine,especiallyduringadryseason.ThemountainsbetweenhereandHotSpringsarerichinfeed,soPaddy'scattlewor thatway."Hepuffedsilentlyonhiscigarforafewseconds,thenturnedsuddenlytoPowell."Loo here,Cuthbert,ifyouarereallyseriousaboutlocatinginthissection,whydon'tyougetintouchwithDoctorKingwhoownstheHotSprings?Theplacewould

interestyouprofessionally,forthewatercomesoutofsolidroc atatemperatureof140degreesandisthepurestwaterIhaveevertasted.ItisnotedintheTerritoryasacureforvariouscomplaints."

"Iwouldcertainlyli etoseeit,"answeredthedoctorenthusiastically,"ifyoucanarrangeitforme."

"KingonlyheldSquatter'sRightuntilrecently.Underthat,thepossessorlosestitleunlesshestaysontheground.Itisnotundergovernmentsurveyyet,socouldnotbepatentedli esurveyedland.IadvisedKingtopatentitunderIndianScriptandma ehistitlesecure.Hehasjustdonethis.KinghasbeenhopingtoerectasanitariumattheSprings,butlac offunds,andhisflatrefusalto

consideranyoneasapartnerexceptaresidentphysicianabletofinancetheplans,hasbloc edhisscheme."

"ItmightappealtohimtoletmecarryoutmyownideaofestablishingasanitariumfortubercularchildreninArizona.Idon'tmeanwealthyinvalids,attendedbyaretinueofnursesandotherimpedimenta,butpoorchildrenwhootherwisewouldhavenohopeofhealth.Theclimate,altitudeandallconditionswouldbesimplyideal.Ishouldli etotaltohimmyself."

"Doyou nowthatyouaresettingforththeveryideasthatKingdiscussedwithmethelasttimeIsawhim?Thatwas,aplaceforpoor,tubercularchildren.Heloveseverychildthathesees.Hisownboydied

attheageofsix.Themotherdiedsoonafter.Kinggavemenodetails,andIdoubtwhetheranyoneelsebesidesmyself, nowsthismuch.Ifancyhisthoughtwastoma etheplaceamemorialtotheboyhelost."

"Itwouldbeasplendidideatocarryoutwithsuchaman!"exclaimedPowell,deeplymoved."Howsoondoyouthin itcouldbearrangedformetomeethim?"

"It'sawasteoftimetowrite.NoonebutKingandafamilynamedGlendonliveinthatsection.MailliesattheWillcoxpost-officeuntil



oneortheotherhappenstobeintown.It'sthirty-fivemilesfromWillcoxtoHotSprings,andtwenty-fouracrosstheGaliurotrailfromhere.WhenLimbergetsbac ,youandhecouldrideoverthemountains,havealoo attheSpringsandtal itoverwithDoctorKing.Ifeelveryconfidentthatyoumightjoinforces."

"Fine!"ejaculatedPowell."Now,whataboutthatcattledeal?"

"Youaredeterminedto'jumpinwithbothfeet'astheboyswouldsay,"laughedTraynor."However,itwouldbewisetota ethatmatterupassoonaspossible.Paddyisaqueercharacter,soyouhadbetterstayoutofthedealuntilIgetitarrangedwithhim.Ifyouma ethebuyandatanytimewishtosellout,Iwillta etheherdandranchatthesamepriceyoupayforit,soyouwillnotrunanyris ofbeingtieduphereifyouwishtoleave."

"Ias edyoutotellmehowfaritistotheHasayampaRiver?"remindedthedoctor."EvenifIdonotindulgeinadrin fromthathistoricstream,Iamheretostay."

"You'llma egood,"assertedTraynor,heartily."Themanwhoisarealmanwinsouthereintheend,ifheletswhis eyandcardsalone.Livingonranches,milesawayfromcivilization,onedoesnothavetheproblemofwomen.'Cherchezlafemme'doesnotapplytothissectionofthe

country,than thegoodLord!That'swhythisplaceappealedmoststronglytome.UnlessIgotoWillcoxIcanforgetthereissuchacreatureaswomanintheuniverse."

"Allwomenarenotthesame,Allan,"protestedPowell,placinghishandonTraynor'sarmandloo ingathimearnestly."Ihopetherightonewillcomeintoyourlifesomeday.Onewhocanappreciateyouasyoudeserve,andwhowillbebigenoughandfineenoughtobeawifeinthebestsenseoftheword.Why,man!Thin oftheprideandpleasureyouwouldhaveinthisplace, nowingthatitwastheheritageofyourson!"

Traynorrosehastily,turnedabruptlyfromhisfriendandstoodstaring

throughtheopendooroftheporchacrossthewidepastures.HisfacewaswhitewhenheconfrontedPowell.

"Whatwouldyoudoifyoufoundthatthepatientuponwhomyouareoperatinghasnotsuccumbedtotheanaesthetic,Cuthbert?Cutwithoutpity?"

"Yes,"answeredPowell,"ifitmeantlifeordeathtowaverorhesitateasecond."

"IthoughtIwasnumb;thatitwouldnothurtanymore;butwhenyouspo eof--ason--itcutintomyheart.I'vetriedtoforget--it'sli eburyingsomethingthatisalive.InthenightIhearitsvoice;Isee

itsshadoweveninthedar ness."

Heroseandmovedrestlessly;hisfacewhite."Noone nowswhatitmeanttogiveherup.Shebelievedthosedamnedreportsandgavemenochancetoprovethetruth,andI--,why--itwouldnothavematteredofwhatshewasaccused;theblac estchargesprovedagainsther,--Iwouldhaveheldherandfoughttheworldforher,innocentorguilty.IbelievedshelovedmeasIlovedher--sherefusedtohearmystory."

"Didshenever nowthetruth?"as edPowell.



"Returnedmyring,as edmetospareherthehumiliationoftal ingtome.Yet,afterIcamehere,Iwrotetellingherthatthemaninmyautomobilewiththatwoman,wasnotmyself.Yourememberthenewspaperssparedthewoman'sname.Shehadahusbandandchild--elopingwiththatcad,Brunton.Cheapmachinebro edownattwoo'cloc inthenight.Irecognizedthem.Put'eminmymachineandtoldhertogetbac homebeforeitwastoolate.Oh,shewasreadyenoughthentobedecent.Bruntontoo hertoherdoor,thenhewenttohisplace,butthatfoolreportersawthenumberofthemachine,andwrotethestory.You nowit.Woman'sname eptout,mynamenotmentionedoutright,butdescriptionsufficienttoidentifymebeyonddoubt.Couldn'tsuethepaper,mylawyersaid,andBruntonlitoutforEurope.Rottenmessallaround.

"IwrotethefulltruthtoNell,beggedawordfromherasamandyingofthirstbegsforadropofwater.Sheneveransweredtheletter.AyearlaterIwroteagain,andthatonewasreturnedunclaimed."

"Yousaythatthesecondlettercamebac unclaimed,"spo ePowell,"but,youhavenoproofthatthefirstoneeverreachedher.Hadyouthoughtofthat?"

"Yes.BothlettershadmyArizonaaddressontheenvelopeaswellas

inside.WhenIdidnothearinreplytothefirstletter,anditwasnotreturnedtome,IcommunicatedwiththeDeadLetterOffice,butnosuchletterhadbeenturnedovertothatdepartment.Theonlylogicalconclusionwasthatshedidnotwishtoanswer."

Thedoctormadenocomment.Traynor'sreasoningwastooconvincingforsuggestions.

"Yet,Imadeasecondeffort,"wentonthebossoftheDiamondH."Afterthat,therewasnothingmoretodobutacceptthesituation.Nowyounowthetruth,Cuthbert.Nootherwomanwilleverfillherplaceinmylife,--but,Icannot eepheroutofmythoughts,dayornight."

"I'msorryIspo e,oldman,"answeredthedoctor.

"I'mgladyoudid,"repliedTraynor."Now,youunderstand."

Astheshadowslengthenedontheprairiethetwofriendssmo edandspo eofotherthings.Andyet--bothTraynorandPowell--andmanyanother--hadreadwiththecarelessglanceoftheunscathed,theaccountofatrainwrec inKansas,inwhichthelossoflifehadbeenappalling,andthelossofmailhadnotbeenmentioned.

CHAPTERTWO

ThecattlethatPowellandTraynorhadwatchedstartingfromtheDiamondH,constitutedthefirstshipmentoftheseason,contractedtoanEasternbuyer.OfficialinspectionbytheLiveStoc SanitaryBoardwasexacted,notonlyregardingthehealthofshippedcattle,butalsotoprotectcattlemenfromrustlersonthemilesofopenrange.

AfterreachingWillcox,theboysoftheDiamondHdrovetheherdinto



theshippingpensbesidetherailroadtrac ,loc edthegatesandturnedwithjoyousexpectationtowardthemainstreetoftown.Limberpartedfromtheothersashortdistancefromthecorrals.

"I'lltelltheinspectorwe'llbereadytomorrowmornin'soonasthecarsgetin,"hesaid,andwithoutwaitingreplyrodetowardthepartoftownwherethemorepretentioushouseswerebunched.

Li eschoolboysoutforaholiday,Bronco,HolyandRoarerracedtheirponiestotheCowboys'RestCorral.HeretheyweregreetedvociferouslybyBuc boardBill,whohadretiredfromdrivingas eletonstageandestablishedtheonlyplacewherehorsesorvehiclesmightbehired.

Afewminuteselapsedbeforethethreecowpunchers,afoot,madetheirwayalongthestreet.Poniesstandingwithdanglingreinsandhoofsburiedfetloc deepinthefine,whiteal alisandinfrontofthestores,toldthatmanyothercowpunchersfromotherrancheswereintown.TheDiamondHboysquic lyidentifiedtheownerofeachponybyitsbrand.

Arowofirregularbuildings,consistingofthreestores,aChineserestaurant,severalsaloonsandahotel,formedtheprincipalstreetofWillcox.Facingthestoresacrossthedustyexpanse,laytheSouthernPacificdepotwhichwastheheartofthetown,whileradiatingfromit

eastandwest,li egreatarteries,ranthesteeltrac softherailroad.Pac burros,loadedwithminers'supplies,shuffledoutontheroadtoDosCabezas.Manyofthesetinyanimalswereanimatedwoodpiles--onlylegsandwaggingearsvisiblefrombeneathacanopyofsplitwooddestinedforacampwherefuelwasnotprocurable,otherwise.Theonlybrea inthegreymonotoneofthelandscapewasthefewcottonwoodtrees,plantedbyoptimisticsoulsaroundtheirdwellingplaces.

Itwasatypicalfrontiertownofthreehundredpeople,two-thirdsofwhomwereMexicansspea ingnoEnglish.If,bychance,astrangeralightedfromthe"passenger"train,thearrivalofwhichwasthemostimportanteventofeachday,thetown,li eanaughtychildwithdirty

faceandtornclothes,loo edthenew-comerovercritically.Ifhemettheinspectionsquarely,itheldoutafriendlyhand,andaslongashe"playedfair"thathandwasreadytofightforhimandhis.

TheboysfromtheDiamondHsaunteredleisurelyalongthestreet,exchanginggreetingswiththosethey new,until,undertheirusualpretextofexpectingmail,theyreachedthecombinationstoreandpost-office.ItwasanimportantdutytoascertainbeyonddoubtwhetheranyletterswerewaitingtobeclaimedbyPeterN.Hewland,DicReynoldsandHenryJac son,whowerethusableto eeptheirlegalidentification.Atallothertimestheywere nownasBroncoPete,HolyDic ,whosevocabularyofcuss-wordsheldtheArizonarecord,andHell-roarerJac ,withagentlefalsettovoicewhichunderstressof

emotionbecameatinysquea .ConveniencehadcurtailedthesenamestoBronc,HolyandRoarer.

Havingdigestedtheinformationthatnomailawaitedthem,theyenteredintoconversation.Onecouldlearnthenewsofterritory,countyandnationinthepost-office,besidesascertainingwhatoutfitswereintown.Additionalattractionswerefoundintheposterstoberead,noticesofround-upwor ,advertisementsofstolenhorsesorstraycattle.



ItwaswhilebrowsingonsuchliteraturethatBroncohaltedwithmouthhalf-openanddisbelievingeyes.Hereadthehand-writtennoticedeliberatelytotheendtwicebeforeheturnedtowhereRoarerandHolywereinspectingsilver-mountedspurs--whichtheydidnotneed,butintendedtobuybecausetheyhadtospendtheirmoneysomeway.

"Say,boys,thar'sgoin'tobeaice-creamfestivaltonight!"

"Shuc s!"squea edRoarer."Trysomethingelse,Bronc.Youall nowthattharain'tnoiceanynearerthanTucson.Andnobody'sfoolenoughtosendninetymilesandpaycut-throatratesforicejusttoma eice-cream,exceptaregularijit."

ThegrinonRoarer'sfaceandthefacesofotherby-standersrecalledBronco'sexploitoforderingicefromTucson,andreachingtheDiamondHwithnothingbutawetblan etinthewagon.

Succumbingtothealluringdisplayinamailordercatalogue,Broncohadboughtanice-creamfreezer,declaringhewasgoingtogetfilleduponthatdelicacyforonceinhislife--ifittoo threemonths'pay.Theepisodebecamehistoric,andthefreezer indlingwood.

"Ifyoudon'tbelieveme,"challengedBronco,"comeandseeforyourself!What'smore,itsayshere,it'sgoin'tobefreewithca e

throwedin,"hefinishedtriumphantly.HolyedgedbesideBroncoandpeeredoverhisshoulder."Dernedifitain'tso,"heac nowledgedatlast."But,mebbethatairpaper'slyin'."

"Whatdoyouthin ofthat?"ruminatedBronco,hismouthwateringinanticipation."Ice-cream--andca ethrowedinfreegratisfornothin'.Loo sli esomeone'sstruc itrich--turnin'allthatlooseontherangeforeverybodytocorral."

"Idon'tbelieveit,"gloomilyassertedHoly,whohadactedasescortforBroncoandtheicethatfailed."Youcan'tgeticefromTucsonso'sthar'dbeanythingleftunlessyouorderawholecarloadatonct."

"Well,"retortedBroncoinself-defence,"itdependsonwho'scartin'theice.Youwould eeponcussin'allthewaytotheranchthattime,Holy,anit'snowondertheicewasallmeltedup.But,thisyericeisgoin'tobeinthechurchandwon'thaveitsconstitutiontriedsohard."

HolyandRoarerloo edateachotheruncertainly.Theyhungeredforthatice-creamandca e;butthenecessityoftreadingconsecratedboardfloorsmadethematterserious.

"Iwonderifyou'vegottohave'emdealyouatic etifyoudon'tbelonginthepasture?"speculatedBronco,unabletotearhimselffrom

thevicinityoftheposter."Say,Larry,"hecalledtothestore- eeper,"howaboutthishereice-screamlayout?Isitabluff,orsureenoughfree-for-all?"

"Sureenough,"answeredLarry."There'sanewministercometotownandthewomen-fol shavepitchedinandfixedthisupsohecangetacquaintedwithpeople.Youboyshadbetterta eitin.Everyone'sgoingtobethere.We'reshuttingupthestoresatseveno'cloctonight,soeverybodycango."



"Say,Larry,didtheysureenoughgettheicehereallright?"questionedHolydoubtfully.

"Theysuredid!Andthatice-creamandca eiswayupinG.Home-made,everybitofit.What'smore,theladieswenttothesaloon- eepersandgotthemalltopromisetoshutupthesaloonsfromseventilleleventonight.Soeveryone'sgottogototheFestivalorelsegohometobed."

"Iguesswe'reheadedfortheice-scream,boys;"announcedBronco,andtheothersnoddedacquiescence.

Theyfiledoutofthestoreand,afterregisteringontheemptypageofthehotelboo ,receiveda eyandmountedtheprotestingstairsthatascendedoutsidethehoteltotheupperrooms.

Whiletheywereengagedinsplashingsoapywateroverfacesandhands,brushingdustycoatsandplasteringdownanarchisticloc s,Limberjoinedthemandwasinformedoftheeveningplans.

"Well,I'llseeyouoverthere,"hepromised."I'mgoin'tosuppernow.ThenI'vegottohaveatal withPaddyLaffertyandfindoutwhathe'sholdin'hisherdat."

Hereachedthedoor,pausedandloo edbac quizzically."Irec onyouboys'llbeallrighttonight,seein'ashowyou'llallbeinchurch.Solong."

Aftersupperthethreecowboysjoinedastreamofpeoplemovingtowardthechurch,whereopendoorsemittedraysofwelcominglight.Itwasamedleyofhumanitypossibleonlyinafrontiertown.Womenhadresurrecteddressesmoreorlessoldinstyle,fromthedepthsofswaddlingsheetsnecessaryto eepthemfromthedustofsandstormspenetratingchestsandtrun s.Husbands,whose"bestsuits"smelledofcamphor,helpedshoosmallgirlsinstifflystarchedwhitedresses,tiedwithvaried-colouredsashes,andboyswhotwistedandsquirmeduneasilyunderthegallingyo eofwhitecollarsandshirts.

Fortifiedwithpromisesofice-creamandca e,theyoungstersweredistributedonadoublerowofchairsbac oftheministerandfacingtheaudience,wheretheyhadafullviewoftheothervictims.ManyminershadwanderedintotownfortheirusualSaturday-nightandSundayrecreation,onlytofacetheunprecedentedsituationoftheclosedstoresandsaloons--learningthattherewasno"balminGilead"fromseventilleleven,forthefirsttimeonrecordintheTerritory,theyheadedvoluntarilyforthechurch.Mexicans,whoseownCatholicchurchwasonlyopenedtwiceayear,whenthePadrecametomarryandbaptizewholesale--andfrequentlymarriedtheparentswhenhebaptizedtheinfant--rubbedelbowswithcler sfromthestores,bartendersandprospectors.

Holy,BroncoandRoarer,withamiable,thoughuneasygrins,facedtheprettyschool-teacher,MissGordon,arecentimportationfromSanFrancisco.Shesmiledsweetlyatthemandheldoutasmall,whitehand,whichBroncotoo holdofasgingerlyasthoughitwereahotbranding-iron,andletitdropasquic ly.Holy,nottobeoutdone,extendedhisownhornyhand,butMissGordonsaid,"Ihavetoas foryourpistols,please,untilyouarereadytogo.Therearesomanypeopleheretonightwehadtoma ethisrule."



Inconsternationthatwasalmostparalysis,theystaredatheroutstretchedhand,thenloo edatherwheedlingsmile.Reluctantly,half-bewildered,eachmanslowlydrewhisbelovedgunfromtheholsterinwhichitreposed,andhelpless,watchedheraddittothestac onatablebehindher.Thentheyloo edateachotherforlornly.Stillundertheinfluenceofthatdazzlingsmile,theymadenoresistanceasMissGordondrovethemforward.Theywereasembarrassedasthoughstrippedofmoreconventionalapparelthansix-shooters,buttheyhopedthecontortionsoftheirfacesmightbeclassedashappysmileswhentheysawtheywereexpectedtosha ehandswiththelong,rigidlineoftheCommitteeofLadieswhichflan edtheminister.

AsLimberenteredthechurch,hesawhisoutfitrunthegauntletofintroductions,thentheyturnedprecipitatelywithrelievedcountenancesandslippedintochairsatthecentreoftheroom.Broncoadvisedthislocation."Ice-creammightgiveoutifwegettoofurbac .Thar'salotofpeopleheretonight."

Aprogramfollowedinwhichtheschoolchildrensangasong,pitchedinasmany eysastherewerevoices.Arecitationbyaboyoffourteen,startinginamegaphonevoice,andafterthefifthlinelapsingintoawhisper,agasp,silence--abobbinghead--andendinginhastyexit.

Nextafive-yearoldcarefullystarchedyoungstergallopedbreathlessly

withoutapausethroughacoupleofverses,exploitingher nowledgethatshe newtheaudiencewouldbesurprisedthat"onemyageshouldspea inpubliconthestage."Theapplausehadhardlydiedwhenabuxomladywithwhite idslippersthreesizestoosmall,appropriatedthepiano.Shearrangedhertoesonthepedals,thenwiggledherfeetuntiltheheelsslidout.Anexpressionofbeatitudeadornedherface,herchubbyhandswereliftedandcamedownonthetin ling eys.

Theassaulted,helplesspianorespondedwiththefamiliar"Maiden'sPrayer,"whileanapparitioninawhitelacecurtainmaterializedatthebac dooroftheroom,floppingandtwistingtowardthespell-boundspectators.Thenumberhadbeenannouncedasan"Interpretativedance,"andHolywhisperedcautiouslytoBronco,"IsitanApachedance,orhas

shejusttoo encarbolicacid?"

"Searchme,"wastheresponse."Loo sli eamixtureofbothof'em."

Thedancerwasagileandangular.Shehadthedistinctionofbeingtheonlyoldmaidinthecounty.Herbare,thinarmswaved,gyrated,supplicated;her neescrac edaudiblyseveraltimes,buthermindwasfaraway.Shewasmentallyrepeatingtheinstructionsshehadstudiedsocarefullyfromaboo entitled,"TheArtofClassicDancingwithoutaTeacher."Thenwithalastsquirm,aconvulsiveshudder,shefloppedtothefloor,andendedtheagonywithoneortwofeeble ic s.

"Itwasafit!"decidedBronco."Butit'sthewustoneIeverseed

anythinghave."

Thelastnumberontheprogramwasalittle,weazenedmanwithbrilliantredhair,lighterredbeard,fadedblueeyes,whohadbroughtasmalltal ingmachine.Withstupendousdignityhewounditup,thenstoodwithanewrecordreadytoimmediatelyreplacetheonebeingscratchedoutbytheneedle.Thepileofrecordswasformidableandhewasapparentlydeterminedtos ipnone,untiltheheadcommitteeladygently,butfirmlyanddiplomatically,cametotherescue.



Hebowedhisappreciationofthetumulutousapplause,assumingitwasintendedforhim.Itcontinuedunabated.Heopenedhismouthwide,toexpresshisgratificationattheovationaccorded.Themusclesofhisfacetwitched,hiseyesstaredwildlyandastheaudienceleanedforwardanxiously,aterrificsneezesmotetheairandasetoffalseteethcatapultedli eameteorinthemidstoftheaudience.

Asuppressedtitter,abobbingofbodiesinthevicinityoftheteeth,andthenoneofthechildren,gropingonthefloor,locatedthelostpropertyandrosewithatriumphantsqueal.

"Igot'em!"

Thered-hairedindividualgraspedtherescuedpropertywithasmilethatprovedNaturemayabhoravacuumbutsometimespermitsittoexist.Theownerofthetouringteethsurveyedthem,thennonchalantlypoppedthemintotheiraccustomedplacebeforehegathereduphisrecords,machine,andresumedhisseatinthefrontrowoftheaudience,whichdirecteditsattentiontotheminister.

Hewasatall,raw-bonedmaninlong-tailedcoatandthewhitemuslintieneededawoman'stouch,foroneendhadescapedandhungli ethetailofa ite,asheadvancedtothetableonwhichstoodawhitepitcher,decoratedwithbrilliantlycolouredflowers;apartofthe

chinasetloanedbyoneoftheladies,whoseartisticsoulscornedsuchtriflesasproportion,perspectiveorthemere"holdingthemirroruptoNature."

Inafewwordstheministerexpressedhisdelightatthislargegatheringwhenhehadexpectedasmallone,andthan edthedearladieswhohadarrangedthebeautifulprogram.Thenhebeamedgraciouslyatthewigglingchildren.

"I nowtheselittleonesaregrowingimpatient,sowillonlyholdyoulongenoughtorelateanincidentthatreturnedtomymemoryasIsatheretonight.

"ManyyearsagoIwastravellingthroughanunsettledSoutherndistrict,andpassingahigh,boardfenceheardachild'svoicepraying.Istoodupinmybuggyandloo edover.Isawalittlegirl,adog,acatandasmallJerseycalf.Iwaitedtillherprayerended,thenas ed,'Mydear,whatareyoudoing?'

"'I'mplayingSundayschool,'shereplied.'KittyandPontoandthecalfaremySunday-schoolscholars,andI'mthepreacher.'

"AfewmorewordsandIwentonmyway,meditatinguponthebeautyofthechild'sdevotion.Ididnothappentoreturnfornearlyayear,butwhenIapproachedthefenceIpausedandpeeredover.Thechildwastherealone.

"'HowisyourSunday-schoolgettingalong?'Ias ed.Shebro eintosobs.

"'KittyandPontogottofightingsomethingawful,'sheanswered,'and--'

"'Andwhereisthecalf?'Isaid.

"'Hegottoobigtocome--unlessIhadaboxofgrainforhimtoeat!'



"Thestorycamebac tomeandIwonderedhowmanyofyouwhoareheretonightwillget'toobigtocome'toservicestomorrowmorning?"

Therewereamusedtittersfrommany,guiltyfacesandsidelongglances,butthetensionwasrelievedbythenextwordsoftheminister;"Now,wewillenjoytherefreshmentssogenerouslyprovidedbyourdearsisters!"

Atthebac oftheroomwerethreeimmenseice-creamfreezers.Thecommittee,armedwithheapingplatesofthefrozendelicacy,flan edbygenerousslicesofchocolatelayerca e,movedswiftlyamongtheaudience.MissJen inscarriedalargetraytothegroupformedbyHoly,BroncoandRoarer.

Theireyesappraisedthehugeheapsoftri-colouredcream--chocolate,vanillaandstrawberry,withoutadoubt.TheirhandswerereachingtoappropriatetheplateswhenMissJen ins,whohaddancedtheMaiden'sPrayer,lispedaffectedly,"Won'tyouboyshelpmeatiny,tinybit,peath?"

Sheheldoutthetrayandrolledhereyespathetically."It'sawfullyheavyforpoorlittleme,andtherearesomanypeopletowaiton.Won'tyou,peath,pathitaroundandwhenit'sallgoneI'llhavesomemorereadyforyoutotherve."

Appalledtheystaredather,asshecontinuedherbabyappealand eptthetrayinfrontofthemsotherewasnopossibleretreat.Thethreereachedoutsimultaneously.BysomeslipthetrayloweredabitandHoly'shandwentintoacold,wetmess.Withahalf-cho edoathhejer edbac --andthetraycrashedtothefloor.Ascreamrosefromtheladywhohadlentherhand-paintedplates,andintheconfusionthatfollowedthethreecowpunchersslippedoutofthechurchobsessedwithvisionsofatri-colouredmil ywaythatwendedbetweengobsofsquashedchocolateca eandhand-paintedflowers.

Downthestreettheymoved.Itwasnotimeformerewords.EvenHoly'svocabularywasinadequatetoexpresstheirfeelings.Everythingwas

dar ,everyplacewasclosed.Itwasnotlaterthaneighto'cloc andtherewasnoplacetogoexcepttotheirroominthehotel.

Ingloomysilencetheymountedthestairsandsoughtrefugeinthelittleroom.Throughthewindowtheyhadaviewofthechurchandthemovingsilhouetteswithin.Theironenteredmoredeeply.

Roarerwenttothewindow,andli etheprophetofoldcontemplatedthePromisedLandthathisfeetwerenottotread.Suddenlyhisgentle,falsettovoicepiercedthesilence.

"Ihopethatice-screamwillcho ethatoutfit,especiallythatlace-curtainfemalecritter!Whydidn'tsheletusalone,anyhow?Wewas

gettin'alongallrightuntilshewentandbuttedin!"

Therewasnoresponse,andhecontinuedforlornly,"Gosh!Therewasstrawberryandchocolateandvanillyallonthesameplate,andthathun ofca ewasasbigasmyfists!Andeveryoneintown'seatin'itexceptin'us!"

Theylightedthetinycoaloillampandtriedtoreconcilethemselvestotheinevitable.Asthesmo efromtheircigarettesfilledtheroomtheireffervescentspiritsreassertedthemselves.Holymincedovertooneof



thenarrowbedsandrobbeditofasheetwhichheproceededtopulloverhisshouldersandtwistabouthiswristswhiletheothertwowatchedhimcuriously.ThentheemptycorridorsandroomsrangwithshoutsoflaughterasHolytwisted,cavortedandgyrated,wavedhislongarmsandextendedsupplicatinghandsinanamusinglyaccurateimitationofthedanceoftheMaiden'sPrayer.Itwastheirrevengeforthelossofthecream.

AnunexpectedclimaxwasreachedwhenthesheetslippedandprecipitatedHolyfull-lengthonthefloor,butthesoundsthatroseontheaircouldneverbeconfusedwiththewordsofanyMaiden'sPrayer.

Broncoleanedforwardlisteningintently,andassilencereignedoncemore,heannounced,"Say,Holy,thatwasthebestyoueverdoneyet.IcountedsixteennewcusswordsthatIneverheerdyouusebefore.ThatwasthebestMaiden'sSwearIeverlistenedto!"

Roarerloo edupsuddenly."Say,didyounoticethemfreezerswasrightalongsidethebac door?Mebbewe inslipoverandcorraloneof'emwithoutbeingcotched.I'mpowerfulthirstyandthereain'tnoplacetogetnothin'tilleleveno'cloc exceptthechurch."

"Wecouldma eatryatit,"respondedtheothershopefully.

Theyslippeddownthestairs.Atthebottom,Broncosuggestedtheygetspoonsfromthehotel itchen.ItwasamatterofgeneralshiptoboostRoarerthroughthewindow,wherehiscollisionwithpotsandpanswasnoimpedimenttohistriumphalreturnwithasoupladleandtwolargespoons.Inthedar nessRoarerwasabletoretaintheladleforhimself,handingthespoonstotheotherboys.Thusequippedtheysnea edtotherearofthechurchandcrawledcautiouslytotheopendoor.Oneofthecanswaswithineasyreach--theothertwosomedistancefromthedoor.Conversationwasinfullswingandeveryone'sattentionwasdirectedtowardtheministeratthefrontpartoftheroom.

"Slipherquic ,"whisperedBronco,"andthenwe inpac heroutontheprairieandeatallwewant."

Theplanwascarriedoutsuccessfully.RoarerandBroncoslidthefreezeruntilitwasoutsidethedoor.Swiftlytheyliftedthetincanfromthetuboficeandhastenedawaywiththeirprize,whileHoly eptpacewiththem.

Atasafedistancefromthechurch,theypausedandremovedthecover.Roarerthrusthisdipperdown,buthadtoreachfurtherthanheexpected.Deeperhescoopedwithoutreward.Oncemorehetried.Itwastoodar toseeinsideofthecan.

"Say,areyoutryin'tohogitallyourself?"protestedBronco.

"Nope,Ta eyourturnnow."

Broncowastednotime,andtheothertwolistenedtotheclic ofhisspoonagainstthetincan.Afterafewseconds,heraisedup,saying,"Allright,Holy.You'renext!"

"Howisit?"as edHolyasheleanedoverthecan.

"Fineassil ,"wasBronco'srecommendation.



"Bestice-screamIeveret,"assertedRoarer.

Holy'sspoontattooedonthetin;itscrapedforlornly,thentherewasbreathlesssilence,agrunt,followedbythesoundofanemptyice-creamfreezerreceivingseveralvigorous ic saccompaniedbyaterrificvolleyofcuss-words.

"Youdarnchumps,"hegaspedatlast,"whatmadeyougoandta etheonethathadn'tnorthin'init!"

"Oh,darnitall.What'stheuse,"pipedRoarer'sgentlevoice."Let'sgobac andgotobed.Tharain'tnothin'elsetodointhisyeretown."

TheyweresettledintheirbedswhenLimberopenedthedoorandpeeredintotheroom.

"Hello!Ibeenloo in'alloverforyou,"heannounced."Whendidyougetbac ?Iwasuphereawhileagoandnoneofyouwasin."

"Oh,wewasjustwal in'aroundtownapiece,"wasBronco'sanswer.

"Well,Igotyourgunsforyou.Youallwentoffinsechahurryfromthechurchthatyouforgot'em.It'stoobadyouboysdidn'tstayforthefeed.Itwasfine."

"Oh,we nowedwehadahardday'swor aheadofus,"drawledBronco,"sowefiguredwe'dbettercomehomeandgittobed."

"Someonestoleoneofthefreezers,"continuedLimber,soberly."Butwhoeverdoneitgottheemptyone."

"Servedthedernedgalootsright,"pronouncedBroncovirtuously.

"That'swhatIsay,"endorsedRoarer,whileHolyexpressedhissentimentsmoreforcibly.

Limberstruc amatchwhichheheldtohiscigarette,buthiseyes

regardedthegravefacesoftheboys.Thematchflic eredoutandtheroomwasagainindar ness,butnotbeforetheyhadseentheghostofatwin leinLimber'sgreyeyes.

"Theygotthefreezerallright,"hecontinuedinthedar ness.

"Whofoundit?"as edBroncocarelessly,pretendingtosmotherayawn.

"Idoneit,"saidLimber."Iwasjustawal in'aroundtownapiece,li eyouallwasdoin',andIcomeacrossitaccidentalli e."

Silencewastheonlycomment.

"TheInspectorwillbereadyforusateleveno'cloc .Agentsaysthecarswillbeherebythattime,sowecanloadoutandgetbac totheranchbysupper."

"Allright,"chorusedthreevoicesinthedar ,andLimberwenttohisownroom.Ashelightedthelamptherewasabroadgrinonhisface,andhiseyesdancedwithlaughter,whilehereiteratedBronco'sdenunciation,"Servedthedarnedgalootsright!"

WillcoxsleptlateSundaymorning,sonoonenoticedshadowyfigures



dismountfromthreecowponiestwohoursbeforedaylight.Astrugglingcalfwasma ingaheroicfightforfreedom,butfounditselfpropelledtowardthepic etfencesurroundingthechurchandthrustthroughthegate.Themysteriousmenhitchedtheanimalfirmlyinsidethefence,thentwoplacardsofpasteboard,tiedlooselytogether,werethrownacrossthecalf'sbac andsecuredli eapac -saddlebystrongcord.Thisaccomplished,thethreemenmountedtheirponiesanddisappearedinthestarlight.

Willcoxwo e,rubbeditseyesandrememberedaministerwastoholdDivineServicesthatdayoftheyear.Teno'cloc arrived.Thefirstyoungstersandtheiradultfamilyconnectionsapproachedthechurchgate.Theycongregatedinanimatedgroups,werejoinedbyothers,andfinallyspectatorsacrossthestreet,realizingthatsomethinginterestingwasdetainingthecongregationfromenteringthechurch,saunteredover.Theseinquirershastenedbac totownandcirculatednewsthatcausedaveritablestampede.

Bythetimetheministerreachedthescenethecrowdcomposedtheentirepopulationofthetown--men,women,childrenanddogs,severalofthelatteraddingtotheexcitementbyproceedingtosettlefeudsoflongstanding.

TheReverendSilasHunterpassedthroughthegateandhiseyessweptthe

crowd,thenrestedonthecentreofattraction--ahus y,white-facedcalftetheredtothefencebyarope.Theanimalhadbeenlyingdown,innowaydisturbedbythepeopleordog-fights,butastheDominiescrutinizedit,itroseandbellowedloudlyintohisfaceamidshoutsoflaughter.Acrossthecalf'sbac swungtheplacardsonwhich,printedinirregularletters,werethewords;

IAMNOTTOBIGTOKUMBUTFORGODSSAKEHEADOFTHEPROJIGULSON.

"Oh!"ejaculatedtheReverendHunter,beamingupontheassemblage."Iseewehaveadonation.Wewill eepthecalf,sellitandapplythe

proceedstoourChurchFunds.Now,"headdressedtwohalf-grownlads,"youboyssitclosetothedoorduringservicesandseethatthecalfdoesnotgetaway.Someunprincipledpersonmighttrytostealit,younow.Wewillfindaplacetocareforitafterservices."

AcrossthestreetBronco,RoarerandHolystoodinconsultation.Theyhadhoveredontheedgeofthecrowdwhentheministermadehisannouncement,andtheyrealizedtherewastobenoopportunitytogetpossessionofthatcalfinordertoturnitloose--astheyhadplanned.

"Say,hesurecalledourhands,"saidHolydespondently."He'stoodernedsmarttobeaminister.Whatthedevilarewegoin'todoaboutit?"

"Lethim eepthedoggonecalfandwe'llhavetoputupajac potforthefellerthatownsit,"advisedBronco.

"Itain'tmar ed,"squea edRoarerexcitedly."Didanyofyouseethebrandonthecowitwaswith?"

Noneofthemhadnoticedsuchatrifleintheirdesiretocapturethecalfandaccomplishthetric withoutdiscovery.



"Well,Iguesswe'llhavetoownup,"assertedHoly,astheydroppedsidebysideonthewoodenbenchinfrontofthehotel,andstaredhopelesslyacrossatthecalfandthewidely-openedchurchdoor.

"Wesuregotahoodooonusthistrip,"saidBronco."Firstwegotbuncoedoutoftheice-screambythatfemalewindow-curtain,thenwegoesandstealsanemptyice-creamfreezerandnowwe'restuc aboutthataircalf.It'dbeeasyenough,topayforitifwe nowedthemother'sbrand,butseein'aswedidn'tpayattentiontothat,we'vejustgottobuc upandgotothatgospel-shar andtellhimwedoneit.There'snotellin'whathe'lldoaboutit,letalonethefellerthatownsthecalf.Darnitall,whydidn'tLimberstic alongwithusallthetimeand eepusfromgettin'intothismix-up?"

"Loo stomeli eLimbercan'tdonothin'more'nhe'sdone,excepthechloroformsusthenexttimewegetintown,"repliedHolyemphatically.

Thentheunexpectedhappened.Therestlesscalf,wor ingagainstthestiff,newrope,untiedit.Beforeanyoneinthechurchhadobservedit,theanimalwasdowntherailroadtrac andpushingitswayamongnumbersofcattlethatalwayscongregatedneartheinspectionchutes.Itmovedtoandfro,searchingforitsmother.Thewatchingcowboyscouldseethetwoplacardsstillfirmlyinplace.

"Gee!Ifwecouldjustgetthempasteboardsoff'nher,nobodywould nowwhatcalfitis";Broncosaidbreathlessly.

"Comealong!"

ItwasHolywhospo eandledthewaytowheretheirponiesstoodtiedandsaddledreadyforwor whenLimberandtheInspectorarrived.

"We inridedownthereandscoopitoffinnotime."

Theponiesdashedforwardinacloudofdust,butastheynearedthegroup,along-hornedbuc s incowturnedangrilyasthecalfpushedagainstit,andwithasidesweepofherhornshecaughtthestringthat

heldtheplacards.Thestringbro e,buttheplacardssnappedoverthecow'seyes,twistedlightlytoherhorn,andwithafrightenedbellowshedasheddowntherailroadtrac ,pasttheemergingcongregation,withthepasteboardsbangingandflappingacrossherfaceuntilshedisappeared.

"That'sthefustdecentbuc s incowIeverseed,"saidBronco."Shemayhaveayellerhidebutshe'sathoroughbredHerefordinside,youbet!"

ThenLimberandtheInspectorcametowardthem,andjoinedintheridetothecorrals.Astheypassedthegroupofcattletheysawthecalfcontentedlyta ingnourishmentfromacowthatwasevidentlyitsmother.

Bronco,HolyandRoarercastsurreptitiousglancesattheear-mar sandbrandofthecow.Theireyesmet.Idioticgrinsspreadovereachface.ThecowwasbrandedDiamondH.Noneofthemspo e.

Thecattlewereinspectedandloadedwithoutanyuntowardincident,andLimberbreathedmoreeasilyasthetimeapproachedforhimtoheadhismentowardtheranch.Itwasonlyduringleisurehoursintownthatmischiefhatched,andtheforemancouldnevertellwhatmightdevelopeinaveryshorttime.



ItwaswithafeelingofrelieffromresponsibilitythatLimbertuc edthecertifiedchec inhispoc et,butastheystartedhomewardtheboyswereasgladashe.Bronco'sear-splittingwhistles,"Home,sweethome,"foundsympatheticresponseinthebreastsoftheothermen.Ithadbeenastrenuoustrip.Theranchloomedli eahavenofrest.

ThenextmorningPowellandTraynordiscussedPaddy'spropositionwithLimber,astheysatinthecourt-yardoftheranch,afterLimberhadstartedthemenfortheirday'swor .

"Thirty-fivethousandingoldcoiniswhathewants,"saidtheforeman,"andhisbunchofstuffiswortheverycentofitwiththeranchthrowedin.Hewon'tcountanythingundersixmonthsold,ifyouwanttotallytheherdout,andtail'em."

"It'sagoodbuy,"Traynorreplied.ThenturnedtoPowell."Paddyisunique.Heisseventy-sixyearsoldandhastoiledmanyyearstoaccumulateaherd.Hecannotreadorwriteaword,andcarrieseveryitemofhisaccountsinhismemory.Thestore eeperssaythatPaddyneverma esanerrorwhentheirstatementsforsixmonthsarereadtohim,nomatterwhetherthemista eistohisadvantageornot.Helivesalone.Refusestoacceptsilverorpapermoneyandinsistsongoldforallsales.Heburieshismoneysecretly,ashehasnofaithinban s.Heisajo einthecorrals,butnojo e,however,whenheisroused.A

bunchofrustlersfoundthatouttotheirsorrow."Limber'seyestwin led,asTraynoradded,"Tellthedoctorwhathappened.Youwerethere,Iwasn't."

"Well,therustlersroundedupabandoffinehorsesandcattleandwasma in'fortheMexicanborder.Prettyneargottharwhenol'Paddyrunintothemalone.Himandmehadjustpartedtrails,andwhenIheerdshootin'Ihurriedtohim.Therustlerswasbac ofsomeroc sonthehill-slope,Paddyalyin'downinbac ofabitofbrushnotbigenoughtohideagood-sizedjac -rabbit.Hisheadwashidandalltherestofhiminplainsight,andthoserustlerswaspumpin'leadasfastastheycould.SowasPaddy,buttheyhadtheadvantageofhimeveryway.Four

of'embac oftheroc s.Paddyhadshottwooftheirhorsesfromunderthem,andtheyletthestolenstoc runwhilsttheyhuntedshelterafoot.JestasIgotnearenoughtohelphim,hegotacartridgejammedinhisWinchester,andcouldn'tgetitout.Hewor edandcussedaround,thengotrightuponhisfeetandwal edaroundthathillside,asifhewasprospectin'foramine,ta in'histimetofindsomethingtopryoutthatcartridge.Andthoserustlers eptpoppingawayathim.Everytimethedust ic edupclose,Paddy'dsquintattheroc sandcussharder.ThenjestasIgotintothegame,hegotthatgunfixed,anddernedifhedidn'tjestwal slowupthehill,andfustthing,therustlerscomeahumpingoutfromtheroc sineverydirection,andallof'em--fourmen--withtheirhandsheltupovertheirheads,andPaddybac of'em."

"ThatwasoneofthetimesPaddydidnotwhisper,"laughedTraynor."Well,I'llseePaddyforyou,andnow,Limber,DoctorPowellwantstogoseetheHotSpringsandtal withDoctorKing."

"DoctorPowellcouldcutacrosstheGaliurosthedaytheboysstartfromherewiththeherd,"saidLimber,"or,ifDoctorPowellwantedtostayattheSpringsacoupleofdayswithKing,Icouldta ehimthereandthengoontoWillcoxtoattendtotheloadin',andgobac totheSprings.Anywaysuitsmethatsuitshimandyou."



"Thatwouldbethebest,"commentedTraynor."YouandDoctorPowellcanleaveherethesamedaythattheherdstartstoWillcox.ThenletthedoctorwaitatHotSpringsuntilyougetbac thereaftertheshipment."

"Itwouldsuitmeperfectly,"wasPowell'sheartyreply."ThatisifIwillnotbeimposingunwarrantedlyonDoctorKing'shospitality."

"Ifyou newhimyouwouldnotsaythat,"Traynorspo eearnestly."Heisoneofthebiggest-heartedmenIhaveever nown.Youandhewillfindmanytopicsofmutualinterestapartfromyourprofession.Iamprettysurehewillbedelightedwithyourideaofsanitariumforchildrenasheloveschildrendearly.HehasnotanenemyinArizona.Everyoneli eshim."

Sothematterwassettled,andfourdayslaterLimberandDoctorPowellstartedjustafterdaylightbrea fastfortheirrideoftwenty-sixmilesacrosstheGaliuroMountainstotheHotSprings.

CHAPTERTHREE

KatherineGlendonstoodoutsidethedooroftheCircleCrossranchhouse.Oneverysidetheviewwasbloc edbythetallGaliuroMountainsabovewhichloomedas yofintense,glaringbluewithoutacloudtosoftenit--as yashardanddefiantasthemountainsthatstaredbacatit;amasculines y--amasculinecountry.

Foreightyearsshehadcalledfourcrudeadoberoomshome.OtherwomenhadattemptedtoliveintheHotSpringsCaÃ±on.Buttheisolationwastoooppressive,andonebyonethesquattersdriftedaway,leavingdesertedranchestotestifytotheirdefeat,untilonlytheGlendonsandoldDoctorKing,threemilesdistant,remained.

Themorningmealwasover,andJuanledasaddledponyfromthestable

toahitching-postinfrontofthehouse.Atall,heavilysetmanslouchedout,andtheMexicanpausedtoas ;"ShallIsaddlemypony,seÃ±or?"

"Notnow,"Glendonreplied."Iwantyoutomendthefenceinthelowerpasture.Whenyougetdoneyoucanfollowme."

"Bueno,seÃ±or!"Themantiedtheponyandwentbac tothebarn,andGlendondroppedonthestepsoftheporch,scowlingattheground.Accustomedtothesespellsofmoodiness,hiswifemadenoattempttorousehim, nowingitwouldonlyincreasehissurliness.

Achildappearedatthesideofthehouse;glancedquic lyfromtheman

tothewomanandthen,seeinghismothersmile,madehiswayquietlytohersideassheseatedherselfonthesteps.Heheldaboo inhishand,andasheleanedagainsther nee,withherarmabouthisshoulder,turnedthepagesslowly,loo ingatheroccasionallybututteringnoword.

Thesoundofhoofsontheroadcausedthethreetostartcuriously,foritwasnotveryoftenthatavisitorpassedtheCircleCross.Onlyonafewoccasionsduringthepasteightyearshadanyoneexceptacowboyoraprospectorenteredthehouse.OnceDoctorKinghadriddendownat



intervals,butGlendon'saggressivedispositionmadethesecallsunpleasantforallofthem.

Katherine, nowingherhusbandwasinoneofhisugliesttempers,wassorrywhensherecognizedthewhite-hairedolddoctor,wholopedhisgreyponyuptothegate,smilingashedismountedandslippedhisreinsoverthepost.

"Hello,everybody!"hecalledcheerily."Adayli ethisma esamangladtobealive,evenifheisoldenoughtodie."

Glendonstaredattheground,ma ingnoresponse.DoctorKing,withacomprehensiveloo ,passedhimbyandsmilinglyheldouthishandtoKatherine,whocamedownthestepswhileDonnieranaheadofher,holdinguphisboo .

"It'saboutSirGalahadandtheHolyGrail,"thechildbeganeagerly,"andthere'sapicture--"

"Hismotherisalwaysfillinghisheadwithalotoftrash,"growledGlendon,andtheboyshran bac ,thehappylightdyingfromhislittleface;butthedoctorsmileddownathimashetoo theboo andturnedoverthepages.

"It'sjusttheright indofastoryforDonnietoread,"assertedtheoldmanwarmly."Thisworldwouldbeahappier,betterplaceitweallhadthestrengthtoliveuptoourVision."

TurningtoMrs.Glendon,hecontinued:"Icanonlysay'howdyandgood-bye'today.I'monmywaytoseeacoupleofsic peopleontheSanPedroRiver,butwillstopwhenIcomebac inthreeorfourdays.Bytheway,"hesaidtoGlendon,"whenIwasintownlastwee ,therewasatelegramfromFortApachetoFortGrantsayingthatoldGeronimoandaboutahundredandtwenty-fiveChiricahuaApacheshavejumpedthereservationandthetroopsareoutafterthem."

"Doyousupposethereisanyrealdanger?"as edKatherine,whohad

livedtoolonginArizonatobefrightenedatrumors.

"NoonecancountonanApache.He'satwin-brothertoMar Twain'sjac -rabbit--'Herehecomes--therehegoes!'He nowsthatArmyofficersaretangledwithredtapeandunabletousetheirownjudgmentinpursuinghimandta esadvantageofthatfact.However,you nowthereisonesafeplaceinArizonaandthatistheHotSprings;becausetheApachesaresuperstitiousaboutthewater.Thehouseissaferthananyfortressforthatreason.I'velivedtheretwenty-fiveyearsandneverbeenbotheredbythem.EvenIndiansemployedasGovernmentscoutshavethefear,andwillnotcampwithinamileoftheSprings,I'vebeentoldbyofficersandinterpreters.Iwishyoufol slivedabitclosertome."

Heroseashespo e."Well,I'llstoponmywaybac ,Mrs.Glendon.It'shardlyneighbourly,rushingoffthisway,butyou nowadoctorisnothisownmaster.Ta emyadvice,youngman,"headdedtoDonnie,"neverbeadoctor,whateveryoumaydo.Why,justthin howungratefulpeopleare!Yougetthemwell,ortrytohelpthem,andwhentheyseeyoutheystic outtheirtonguesatyou!"

Donnielaughed,andKingcontinued:"Idon'tbelievethosepeopleontheSanPedrowouldmindifItoo timetogiveyouaride.Yousee,a



littlebirdtoldmethattodaywasyourbirthday,andwehaven'thadarideforalongtime."

Placingtheboo inhismother'shand,theboyhastenedtotheoldgreyhorseandwasliftedupinfrontofthesaddle.DoctorKingmountedandslippedhisarmaboutthelittlefellowastheponystartedataneasylopedowntheroadtowardsHotSpringslyingsouthoftheCircleCrossintheoppositedirectionfromtheSanPedroRiver.

"Soyouaresixyearsoldtoday?"quizzedtheDoctor."Gettingabigboynow,anditwon'tta emanybirthdaysforyoutobeaman."

"Marmeegavemeaboo ."Donniespo efreely,nowthathewasnotinthevicinityofhisfather."Shemadeaca eformewithwhiteicingandsixlittleredcandles;andJuanboughtamouthorganformewhenhewasinWillcox,andheisgoingtoshowmehowtoplayonitwhenDaddyisn'thome,sothenoisewon'tma ehimnervous.DaddyisgoingtoJac sonFlats,andMarmeeandIaregoingtoreadtheboo tonight.Welitthecandlesandcuttheca ethismorning,soDaddyandJuancouldseeitandhavesomeintheirlunch.I'llgiveyouapieceofitwhenwegetbac home.Itwasawfulpretty."

Thedoctor'shandreachedovertheboy'sshoulder."Youcan'tguesswhatIhaveinit,"hechallenged,andDonnieshoo hisheadslowly.

"Openmyhand,andfindingsshallbe eepings,"badetheoldman.

Afterseveralfutileattempts,thefingersrelaxedandDonniegaveacryofdelight.Itwasapen nifewithfourbrightblades--arealpen nifeli ethosemencarried--thefirst nifehehadeverownedinhislife.

"Oh!"thechild'ssurprisecouldfindnootherwordforafewseconds,ashesurveyedhistreasure;thenheliftedhishappyface."IalwaysissMarmeewhenshe'sprisesme,"hesaidshyly,"butDaddysaysmendon'tslobber."

Thegreyhorsecametoahaltandbegannibblingcontentedlyatthe

bunchgrassbetweentheroc s.HewasaccustomedtothesehaltswhenDonnieandthedoctorrodeandtal edofmanythings.Whenoneisyoungintheworlditiseasytoclasphandswiththosewhoarenearingtheborderofanotherworld.Togethertheyseelifeinthesamelight.Youthhasnotlearnedtoplaceafalsevalueonimitationsandagehasturnedfromthemindisgust.Sothechildandtheoldmanunderstoodeachother.

"Onceuponatime,Donnie,manyyearsago,Ihadalittleboy,andwhenhewassixyearsoldIgavehimthat nife,andwhenIgaveittohim,he issedme.Then,afterward,wemadeawonderfulboatwithsails.WhenIcomebac fromtheRiver,youandIwillma eaboatli eittosailinthebigpondattheSprings."

Thechildloo edup,thenhisarmswentaboutthenec oftheoldmanandtheirlipsmet.

Asthegreyhorseturnedbac towardtheCircleCross,Donniewassilentforafewminutes,thenas ed,"Whereisyourlittleboy,now?"

King'sfacebentoverthechild'scurls,hischinrestedonhischest,hiseyesweredimwithrecollection,asheansweredgently,"Hewentawayfromme,Donnie."



"Didhedie?"

"Yes;andthatwaswhenhegavehis nifeforthemtogivetomewhenIgotbac home."

TheynearedtheporchwhereKatherinestoodtal ingearnestlytoherhusband.DoctorKingletthechildslipfromthesaddlewithouthimselfdismounting.Donnierantoshowhisnewgift.

"Whataperfectlysplendid nife!"exclaimedhismother,openingtheblades."Why!Ithasfourblades!"

Gratified,thechildturneduncertainlytohisfather,holdingoutthenifeforhisinspectionandapproval."See,Daddy!"

Glendonimpatientlybrushedawaythehandand nife.Katherine'seyesdimmedwithsuddentearsatthecrestfallenfaceoftheboyandsheheldoutherhandagainforthe nife.King'seyesflashedangrily,andhechec edthehorsehewasridingaway.

"Marmee,can'tIgivedoctorapieceofmybirthdayca e?"beggedthechild,andKatherinewithheartyassentwentintothehouse,followedbytheboy.Inafewsecondstheyemerged,Donnieproudlybearingabitof

ca ecrudelydecoratedwithwhiteicingandatinyredcandlethathadburntlow.Nowordshadbeenexchangedbetweenthetwomenintheinterval.

DoctorKingregardedtheca ewithadmiration;ateitandwasloudinhispraiseasthefinestbirthdayca ehehadevertasted,andDonnie'sfacelighteduponcemore.

Glendonpaidnoattentiontothisepisodeandmovedtothehitching-postwherehisponywaited.Heunfastenedthetie-ropewithoututteringaword.DoctorKingstudiedthesullenface.

"Whichwayareyougoing?"heas edpleasantlyasGlendonswungonthe

ponyanddugspursintotheanimal'ssides,yan ingviciouslyatthecruelSpanishbitastheponystarted.

"Jac sonFlats,"wasthecurtanswer.

"Doyouthin itwise?Thisreportisreliable."

"Bac tomorrowafternoon."

"I'llrideasfarasthefor softhetrailwithyou,"saidKing,ignoringthesurlinessoftheothermanandcongratulatinghimselfuponhavinganopportunitytobroachatopicthathadoccupiedhisthoughtsformanymonths.

Glendon'sloo wasnotinviting,butsidebyside,thetwomenrodeintotheHotSpringsCaÃ±ontowardtheSanPedroRiver.ThewagonroadterminatedatthestableoftheCircleCross,andfromtheremergedintoanarrow,roc ytrailwhichtwistedzig-zagatthebottomofthecaÃ±onforfivemiles,thendivided.Onefor ofthetrailstruc upthesideofthemountainandledtoJac sonFlats,twentyoddmilesdistant;theotherfollowedthebedofthedrycree totheSanPedroRiver,fifteenmilesaway.IntherainyseasonthesandycaÃ±onbecamearagingmountainstreamthatwasimpassable.



Thetwomencarriedonaperfunctoryconversationatintervals,thedoctortryingtofindasuitableopeningthathemightnotantagonizetheotherandsodefeathispurpose;whileGlendon,submergedinhismood,repliedinmonosyllables.Kingloo edattheyoungermanindisgustedanger;butrememberingthewomanandchild,restrainedthebitterwordsthatburnedonhistongue.

"Iwishitwerenotnecessaryformetoma ethistripjustnow,"thedoctorsaid,assumingacasualtone,"butIcannotputitoffanylonger.Iwasthin ingthismorning,Glendon,thatitmightbewisetohaveMrs.GlendonandDonniestayinWillcoxuntilthingsaremoresettled."

"IfI eptthemtheretillrumoursofApachesaresettled,theywouldnevercomehomeatall,"retortedGlendon."You nowaswellasIdothereislessdangerwhentheIndiansarereportedoffthereservationthanwhenitissupposedtheyarequiet.Besides,theywillbeintoomuchofahurryjustnow,tryingtogetacrosstheMexicanborderbeforetheTenthCavalrycatchesthem.Theywon'tbeuptoanydeviltryforawhile."

Kingcouldnothelpac nowledgingthetruthinGlendon'swords,butasenseofuneasinessoppressedhim.

Theyreachedthepartingofthetrails."Solong!"mutteredGlendon,butKinglaidadetaininghandonhisshoulder.Glendonturnedhisbloodshoteyesontheoldmanandhitchedhisshoulderfromthewrin ledhand.

"Glendon,there'ssomethingIhavewantedtosaytoyouforalongtime.I'manoldman,andbeingadoctorgivesmemanyprivileges,you now."

Glendon'slipstightened.Hemadenoreplyasheslouchedinhissaddle,slappinghisleather'chaps'withhisquirt.Kinghesitatedasecondandthenwentonspea inginhis indlyvoice.

"Mylifehasbeenlong,Glendon,andmytrailhasledovermanyrough

places.I'malmostattheendofitnow.Whenoneloo sbac ,onecanseemoreclearly.Youarejuststartinglife.Itiseasytoavoidtheplaceswhereothershavestumbled,ifsomeonepointsthemout.Youhaveasplendidwifeandafineboy;thefutureholdsmanypossibilitiesforyou--possibilitiesthatIandmanyothermenenvy.Glendon,don'tsellyourbirthrightforamessofpottage."

Theothermanscowled,butwassilent,andKinghopedthathiswordswerereachingtheman'sheart.

"Letmehelpyou,"pleadedthedoctoreagerly."Iunderstandwhatastruggleitistoovercomeone'sself.YearsagoIthrewawaymychances,andI nowthecost.Isawfriendsavoidme,andIdidnot

care.Mypatientsdesertedme,becauseIwasnottobereliedupon;mywifeandboywereta enfrommewhileIwastoodrun to nowtheyweredead.MyfatherpleadedwithmeandIcursedhim.ThenIbecameatramp,driftingfromplacetoplace,myonlyambitioninlifetogetwhis ey.ThetraincrewthrewmeoffafreightcaronedayandIwanderedaroundinArizona,pennilessandfriendless,untilIwasabletoconquermyselfandfindmylostmanhood.Thirtyyearsago!"Hisheadsun andhisvoicetrembledasheadded,"Nothingcanevergivebac thethingsIthrewaway,norcanIundothesufferingIcausedthosewholovedmebest.IsawtheVision,buthadnotthestrengthtofollowit."



Glendonlaughedsneeringly;"So,li emostreformedcharacters,whohavehadtheirownflingtotheirheart'scontent,youwanttodrageveryonebythehairoftheheadintotheparticularstraightandnarrowpathyouselectforhim.Than youforyourinterestingsermon,King.Ipreferstumblingalone.I'mperfectlyabletoloo outformyself.ByyourownadmissionIcouldn'tplacemuchconfidenceinyourassistance.Hereafter,mindyourownbusinessand eepawayfrommeandmyfamily!"Hejer edhisponytowardtheuppertrail,and ic editwithhisspurredheels.Asitsnortedandjumped,Glendonsaweditsmouthwiththereins.

DoctorKingwatchedthisunnecessarybrutality,thenmovedhisponybesideGlendon's.Theman'seyesgleamedwithfury,buttheoldmanmadeonemoreappeal.

"Glendon,thin ofyourwifeandboy,justamoment!Youarecrushingallthehappinessfromtheirlives.Itista ingadvantageoftheirhelplessness.Onlyacowardwoulddothat!"

Kinghadsaidmorethanheintended;butnowthathehadspo enhistruethoughtshegazedsteadilyintoGlendon'sbloodshoteyes.HedidnotflinchasGlendonwheeledhishorseagainstthegreypony.Leaningoverthedoctor,theothermanvolleyedastreamofoaths.Thedoctor'sface

expressedonlypity.Glendonrealizedit,andhisfurybro eallbounds.HeliftedtheheavyleatherwhipthathungonhiswristandstrucviciouslyatKing'sface.Thegreyponyleapedinfright,sotheblowglancedtotheoldman'sshoulder.Glendonraisedthewhipasecondtime,thenletitfallbyhisside.Therewasnoresentmentinthedoctor'sface,onlyinfinitepityasheheldouthishand.

"Glendon,Iunderstand.Istruc andcursedthemanwhotriedtowa eme.Itwasmyownfather."

"Youmindyourownbusinessafterthis,"snarledGlendon."I'msic ofyourmeddling,posingandpreaching.Iwon'tletyou,Katherine,oranyoneelsedictatetomeaboutwhatIshalldo.Damnthewholebunchof

you,anyhow!"

HisponyscrambledupthesteeptrailunderthesharpprodsofthespursandthelashingofGlendon'swhip.DoctorKingloo edafterhim,sadly.

"Thesameoldroad--eachonestumblingoverthesameroughplaces--learningonlyfromhisownbruisesandwounds.Godpitythebro enheartsofthosewhocommitnosinsaveloving."

Thepeculiarforebodingthathadoppressedhimallday,returnedmorestrongly.Kingwonderedwhetherhehadbetterretracethetrailandputoffhistriptilltomorrow.Then,recallingthatJuanwasattheCircleCrosswithKatherineandDonnie,andthatGlendonwouldreturnthenext

evening,whileLeon'ssic babyneededsorelythedoctor'scare,hefinallyheadedthegreyponytowardtheSanPedrodeterminedtoma ethetripasquic lyaspossible.

CHAPTERFOUR



TheshadowsonthegroundtoldKatherine'spractisedeyesthatitwasnearlyteno'cloc whensheclosedtheboo shehadbeenreadingtoDonnie.

"We'llfinishitthisafternoon,"shesaid,"andnowthebreadhastobewor ed,you now."

"IwishIcouldbeli eSirGalahad,Marmee,"answeredthechildwistfully."Do nightshuntfortheSangrealanymore?"

"Notinsuitsofarmour,mydear;butweallcanbeli eSirGalahad,eventoday.TheVisionofRightandWrongcomestoeveryone.Thenthetrue nightputsonhisinvisiblearmourandta estheoathoftheRoundTable;--nevertowrongrichorpoor;nevertobecruel;toshowmercytothosethatas it;alwaystobetrue;tota enopartinwrongfulquarrel,buttohelpthewea andhelplessandservetheKingloyally."

"Can'tIbea night?I'msixyearsoldandDoctorKingsaidIwouldsoonbearealman."

Hismotherloo eddownattheeagerface,thensaidtenderly,"Yes,dear.Youcanbemother'slittleKnight.Kneeldown,li eSirGalahadandta etheoath."

SlowlyandsolemnlythechildishvoicerepeatedthewordsoftheRoundTableoath,whilethedistantyelpofacoyotequiveredfaintlyintheairandthehootingofanowlsoundedli ederisivelaughterforthewomanandchildaloneinthewildcaÃ±on.Neitherofthemheardthesounds.Lightlythechild'smothertouchedhimontheshoulder.Hereyesweremistyasshegazeddownatthelittle nightwhomustsomedaygooutaloneagainstthehordesofinvisiblefoes.WouldhehavethestrengthtoliveuptotheVision?Aleeringfacewithbloodshoteyesseemedtoconfronther,andthechild'sfatherdrewtheboyaway,saying,"Heismineaswellasyours."Sheputthethoughtfromher.

"Rise,SirKnight!Defenderofthewea andhelpless!"shesaid,whileherhandrestedontheboy'sshoulder.

Thechildrosewithseriouseyes,thenrememberingwhattheboo hadsaid,he neltand issedhismother'shand,loo ingupashesaid,"Marmee,nowI'myour nightreallyandtrulyandI'mgoingtota ecareofyouallthetime."

Katherinecaughthiminherarms,andthenewly-made nightforgotthedignityjustconferred,tonestleagainstherbreastandtal ofthewonderfulthingshewasgoingtodoforherwhenhewasabigman;butnotoncedidhespea thenameofhisfather.

Astheytal ed,Katherine'seyesglancedatthehighedgeofthecaÃ±on,wherethetrailledtoJac sonFlats;shewassurprisedatseeing

somethingthatmovedalongthetrailtowardthehouse.Twohorsemenweredistinctlysilhouettedagainstthes y,thenaturninthetrailhidthemfromview.

Sherosehastily,spea ingtothechild."YourfatherandJuanarecomingbac ,"shesaid."So,ifyouwillrunandgetsomedrywood,I'llstartthestove."

Donnielaidhisboo onthefrontroomtableandhurriedoutthebacdoor,butKatherine, nowingtheriderswouldreappearatanotherturn



ofthetrail,too apairoffieldglassesfromanail,andfocusedthemonthepoint.Shewonderedifherimaginationtric edherwhenshesawseveralotherfiguresinthegapwherethefirsttwohadappeared.Three,thistime;thenmorefollowed,afourthgrouploomedforafewminutes,thenthey,too,vanishedli ewraiths.

Herbreathfluttered,herheartpoundedheavily,forshe newtoowellwhatthatlineofridersmeant.Theglassescrashedfromhernervelesshands,andDonniecamerunningtoherside.Sheloo edathim,paralyzedbythe nowledgethatthosecomingdownthetrailtowardthelittlehome,wereGeronimo,thegrim,blood-thirstyMedicineManoftheApaches,andhisbandofbroncoIndians.

StoriesofthehideousfatesthathadbefallenwomenandchildrenatvarioustimesoftheApacheoutbrea s,flashedacrossherbrain.ThensherecalledDoctorKing'swords,"Youcan'tgetanIndianwithinamileofmyplace."Toremaininherhomeandbarricadeherselfwashopeless,butshecouldtrytoreachtheprotectionoftheHotSpringswithherboy.

Donnieas ednoquestionswhenshewentintothehouseandreturnedatonce,buc lingabeltofcartridgesaboutherwaist.Apistolswungintheholster.Thefieldglasseshadnotbeenbro eninthefall;sheliftedthemandloo edoncemoreatthegapofthetrail.Therewas

nothingtobeseen.TheIndianscouldnotma efasttimedownfromthatpoint,she new,norcouldtheyseetheranchorcaÃ±onuntilalmostuponthelittlecorralbac ofthehouse.

"Come,dear,"shesaid,assheseizedthechild'shand,andtogethertheyhurrieddownthestepsthroughthedensemesquiteandshrubbery,ontheroadtoHotSprings.

Thechildcouldnot eeppacewithhernerve-drivenfeet.Shefelthimlag,andloo eddownintohiswhitefaceandtear-filledeyes,andrealizedthatheunderstoodtheirdanger.Shestoppedandclaspedhiminherarms.

"Don'tbeafraid,dear.Theywon'tfindus."

Hetriedtosmile,buthislipsquivered.Inherdesperationathoughtwasborn.ItwouldbeimpossibletoreachtheSprings,butuponthesideofthecaÃ±onwasalargecave.Sheandthechildhadoftengonetherepretendingtheywereexplorers.Theentrancewasconcealedbyheavybrushandsurroundedbyhugeboulders.Ithadbeenaplaceofrefugemanytimesforthechildwhenhisfather'sirascibletemperawa ened.

"We'llgotoourcave,"shesaid,"andyou nowwe'retheonlyoneswhocanfindit."

Donnie'shandgrippedherstightly,andwithasharpsurveyofthetrailtoJac son,shestartedtheclimbupthesteepcaÃ±onside,alwayseepinginthethic estpartofthemesquite.DownthecaÃ±ontheyhadtocrossthebedofthedrycree ,butoncethatwaspassedthebouldersstoodthic ly.Slowlytheymadetheirway,fortherarefiedArizonaair,thesharppitchoftheincline,thealmostdeadweightofthestumblingchild,thefearofthosewhorodebac ofthemmadetheclimbdoublyhard.

Atlasttheyreachedtheentranceofthecave,andsin ingtoher nees,



shehalf-pushed,half-draggedtheterrifiedchildintotheirplaceofrefuge.Withherarmabouttheboy,shesathuddledagainstthesideofthecave,butthroughthebrushatthemouth,shecoulddiscerntheIndiansridingdownthetrailthatendedatthecorral.Theycircledcautiouslyabouttheranch,thengrowingbolderbro eintothreebunches.Twogroupsapproachedthehousefromfrontandrear,whilethethirdpartydashedintothecorralwherethemil calfwas ept,andinafewminutesitwasdead.TheApaches,apparentlyinfrenziedhaste,slaughteredandquarteredthecalf,notta ingtimetos inthecarcasswhichwastiedinsectionstotheponies.Otherschasedandcapturedallthechic enspossible,wringingtheirnec sandaddingthemtootherplunder,untiltheleader,whomKatherinerecognizedasGeronimo,gaveacommandwhichwasreluctantlyobeyed.TheentirecavalcademountedanddasheddownthecaÃ±on,followingtheroadtowardtheHotSpringsranch.

Katherine newthattherealdangernowconfrontedher.ThoughthecaÃ±onwasamassofroc s,theroadbedwhereshehadcrossedwassandy,ma ingitpossiblethatherfootprintsmightbediscoveredbythesharp-eyedhostiles,whowereconstantlyonthealertforsigns.Ashortdistancefromthespotwhichmightbetrayhersteps,severaloftheIndianshaltedsuddenly,whirlingtheirponiesandgesticulatingtotheothers.Thewomaninthecavegrippedtherevolvermoretightly.

"Theywillhavetocomeupsinglefile,"shethought,thenwonderedwhy

shenolongerfeared.Carefullyshecalculatedherchances,gratefulfortheobstructingbrush,thegloomofthecaveanditsprojectingsideswhichwouldprotecthersolongasherammunitionheldout.Onebyone,shecountedthecartridgesinthebelt,withoutta inghereyesfromthefiguresinthecaÃ±onbelow.ThedistanceacrossthecaÃ±onwassonarrow,thatthecallofaquailontheothersideoftheApachescouldbedistinctlyheardbythewoman.

"Six,seven,eight,"thepitifullyfewcartridgesslippedthroughherhandsuntilthelasttwolayinherupturnedpalm.

Sheloo edatthem,thenhereyestravelledtothechild,andshe newthatshewouldnotflinchatthelastmoment.ItwastheonlythingforamothertodoinArizona,milesawayfromanylivingbeingexcept'bronco'Apaches.

Donnie'seyesmethers,butheas ednoquestionwithhislips.TheIndianswerebecomingmoreexcited.Theirvoicesreachedtheplacewherethemotherandboyhadfoundrefuge.Katherinepeeredthroughthebushes.Geronimowasspea ing,theotherslistened,andinobediencetohisgesture,wheeledtheirponiesandrodeupthesideofthecaÃ±onoppositethecave.Theyreachedtheridge,haltedafewminutesinconsultation,thenturnedtheirponies'south-eastalongthebac boneoftheelevationuntiltheyvanishedli eahideousnightmare.

"Theyaregone,"shespo ewithwhite-lippedtenseness,assheheldthetremblingboyinherarms,andthefullrealizationoftheirnarrowescapesweptoverher.

Immediatedangerwaspast,butitwouldnotbesafetoventurefromthecave.Stragglersmightarriveatanymoment.FamiliarwithApachesuperstitionwhichpreventsraidsorfightingduringnight,shedecidedtoremaininthecaveuntilitwasdar ,thencreeptothehouseandobtainfoodandwater.SunrisewasthefavouritetimewithApachesin



ma ingattac s.ShedarednotfurtherattempttoreachtheHotSprings.ThenshewonderedifherhusbandandJuanhadescapedtheIndiansornot.

CHAPTERFIVE

ItwasalmostnoonwhenKatherinesawtwohorsemencomingalongtheroadthatledfromHotSprings,andherfearsreturned.Butastheridersapproachedmoreclosely,aloo ofalmostincredulousreliefshowedonherpaleface.Hasteningfromthecave,shestoodontheslopeofthecaÃ±on,holdingoutherarms.

"Limber!Limber!"shecalled,half-laughing,half-sobbing.

Themenjer edtheirponiessuddenly,staredupandexchangedafewhastywords,thensprangfromtheirsaddlesandhurriedtowardher.

"Whatisthematter,Mrs.Glendon?"Limberwasthefirsttoreachher,andhisfacewasalmostaswhiteashers,assheswayedslightly.Heroutstretchedhandswerecaughtinhisfirmgraspandthetouchsteadied

her.Shetriedtosmileintohiseyes."I'mallrightnow,"shesaid,ma ingabraveefforttocontrolherfalteringvoice,"but,yousee,theIndianspassedherethismorning.DonnieandIhidinthecave.Ithoughttheywerecomingbac whenIsawyou."

"Whar'sGlendon?"demandedLimbersharply,hiseyesnarrowingashespo e.

"AtJac sonFlatswithJuan.Theywillbehometonight."

"Hehadnobusinessleavin'youalone;"thecowboy'svoicewasangry.

"He nowedtheIndianswasrestless.Iwarnedhimlastwee whenIseenhimdownintown,andhepromisedmehewouldn'tta enochanceswithyouandDonnie."

"DoctorKingtoldusthismorning,butwedidnotthin therewasanyimmediatedanger,Limber,"shesaid.Themanunderstoodthegentlereproof.

"Ididn'tmeanto noc Glendon,butitwasta in'aheapofchances,jestthesame,andGlenhadn'torterdoneitwhenhe nowedGeronimohadjumpedtheReservationan'yourranchrightontheoldIndiantrailtoMexico."

HeturnedtoPowellwhohadbeenobservingthewoman.

"ThisisDoctorPowell,Mrs.Glendon.WeridacrossfromtheDiamondHtoseeDoctorKing.Heain'thometoday,though."

Powellclaspedtheextendedhandandfeltthequiveringnerves,butbeforehecouldspea ,Donnieappearedattheentranceofthecave,hisdar ly-circledeyestellingthehoursoffear.

"Hello,Donnie!"calledLimbercheerfully,placingacallousedhand



gentlyonthelad'sshoulder."Youfooledol'Geronimothattime,allright.We'vegotthelaughonhim,haven'twe?"

Afaintsmiledrewardedthecowboy,whoseglancenowrestedonthelittlepileofcartridgesandthepistol.Limbersaidnothing,butstoopedforthegunandammunition,thenhesawthetwocartridgeslyingapartfromtheothers.Themusclesofhisjawstwitched.Ashepic edupthelasttwo,hehesitatedandloo edcloselyattheground.Hiseyestravelledtowardtherearofthecavethenpastthebrushyentrance.KatherineandPowellwerema ingtheirwaydownthesideofthecaÃ±onandDonnie'shandwasheldbythedoctor.Limberfollowedthem,liftedthechildtoPeanut'sbac ,andwithanodatPowell,mountedtheotherponyandrodeslowlytowardtheranchhouse,whilethedoctorandKatherinetal ingearnestlytogether,too ashortercut.

Theyfoundthe itchenoftheranchinchaos.Ithadbeenrifledofallprovisions,butowingtothehasteofGeronimonothingbutblan etsandsomeNavajorugshadbeenta enfromtherestofthehouse.Limber,hearingthemil cowbawlingatthecorral,leftPowell,DonnieandKatherineinthehouseta inginventorywhileheannouncedhisintentionofmil ingthecow.

Whenthecowboyopenedthecorralgate,Beauty,thecow,rushedintothecorralandsniffedthegroundsuspiciously.Shecaughtthescentof

freshbloodandliftedherhead,hereyesrollingwildlyasshebellowedrapidlyandshrilly,suc ingherbreathaudiblybetweenhercries,li eterriblesobs.

"Youmaybeonlyacow,butyou nowenoughtohaveithurtyoujestli ehumans,"saidLimberpityingly,asheofferedfeedwhichsherefusedtotouch.Gentlyhestro edherheavingsides,andshepausedinhercries,loo ingathimwitheager,appealingeyes.Then,asthoughunderstandinghecouldnothelpher,sheresumedhershrillgrief.

Limbertiedhertothefence,mil edherandcarriedthebuc ettotheitchen.Heputitonthetable,glancedattheemptywood-boxandlefttheroom.Inafewminutesthesoundofsplittingwoodmingledwith

Donnie'schatterandPowell'soccasionalremar stoLimber.Fromtheitchentheyheardthecheerfulclatterofpansandthehumofanegg-beater.

Thelittledining-roomintowhichPowellwassummonedhalfanhourlater,showednotracesofthehurriedvisitoftheApaches.Thetablewasspreadwithfreshlinenanddecoratedwithabowlofwildflowers.Despitetheraidonherlarder,Katherinehadmanagedtoprovidealuncheontotemptevenajadedpalate.

"YoumusthaveAladdin'slamphiddensomewhere,"Powellremar edadmiringlyashetoo theplaceoppositeLimber.

Katherineglancedupsmiling,assheservedadaintyomelette.

"Nothingsomagicalasthat,"shesaid."ThetruthisthattheIndiansoverloo edthespringhousewherewe eepsurplusstores.LimberhelpedmorethanAladdin,forhemil edthecow,foundafeweggsandchoppedthewood.Withthatmuchaccomplished,anywomancouldmanageameal."

"Wemustagreetodisagree,"dissentedPowell,buttheconventionalcomplimentwassincere.Hewasfilledwithadmirationforthewoman,whowithintwenty-fourhourshadgonethroughsuchexperiences,yetretained



herpoise."Iwishsomeofmyhystericalwomenpatientscouldmeetyou,Mrs.Glendon."

Hersurprisewasnotassumed."Don'tgivemecreditthatIdonotdeserve,"sheansweredsimply."Whencircumstancesconspireagainstone,thereisnotimetoplanorthin .Youjustdothingsinstinctively.Then,too,womenlivingonrancheslearntoadaptthemselvestomanythingsthatwouldseemhardshipstootherwomen.Beside,youandLimberreachedmejustasIwasbeginningtoqua e.SoIdon'tfeelentitledtoanypraise."

"Iamthan fulthatwehappenedtocomewhenyouneededusmost,"thedoctorrespondedheartily."WewantedtoseeDoctorKing;but,findinghimawayfromtheranch,Limbersuggestedthatweridedownhereandpossiblyfindoutwhenhemightreturn."

"Leon'sbabywassic ,"sheexplained,andLimbernodded."He'llbebacinacoupleofdays,hesaid."

"IwanttofindoutwhetherthedoctorwillconsiderapropositionofmineregardingbuildingasanitariumattheSprings,"Powellwenton."Mr.TraynorsaidKinghadsuchanidea,himself,andneededapartner-physician.ThatwashowLimberandIcamethiswaytoday."

"You nowourArizonacustom--ourhomesarethehomesofourfriends.YouareroyallywelcometothebestwehaveuntilDoctorKingreturns."

Thetwomenexchangedsuddenglances,andLimberhastenedtosay,"I'vegottogettoWillcoxthisevening,fortheboysareontheroadwithashipmentofstoc .But,DoctorPowellcouldwaitheretillKinggetsbac .Iwasthin in'IhadbetterridedowntoLeon'sandheadKingbacthisway.ThenheandDoctorPowellcouldtal together,whilstI ingotoWillcoxbytheSanPedroroadinsteadofcomin'bac here."

"Don'tchangeanyplansonmyaccount,"thewomansaidquic ly,sensingtheirthoughts."MyhusbandandJuanwillbehometonight,sothereisnooccasionforanxiety."

"We'llwaittilltheycome,"Powell'svoicewasdecided."Aftertheyreachhere,LimberandIcanfollowDoctorKing.WehaveanewmoontonightandLimbersaysthetrailisplain."ThenPowellchangedtheconversationbyas ingDonnieifhespo eSpanish,andthechildnoddedassent.

"MarmeeandItal withJuaninSpanishallthetime."

Thedoctorcontinued,"IusedtoliveinSouthAmerica,soIlearneditdownthere.Itvariesabit,butIhavebeenabletounderstandandma emyselfunderstood,sofar."

Luncheonover,thedoctorwentontheporchwithmotherandchild,andLimbersaunteredbac tothestablestowatertheirponies.Hewasholdingthehalter-ropesoftheanimalswhiletheystoodbythewater-trough,whenhesawGlendonandJuanridingdownthetrailbac ofthehouse.

"Hello,Limber!"calledGlendonasheswungfromhissaddle.

Limberregardedhimwithangryeyes."Well,Glen,yousure eptyourwordtomeinfineshape,"hesaidinopendisgust.



Theothermanshruggedhisshoulders."There'snodanger.Ican'tsitaroundtheplaceallthetimeholdingagunbecausesomefoolrumourisstartedabouttheIndians."

Hewasunfasteningthedoublecinchesofhissaddle,buttheleatherstrapsfellfromhisfingerswhenLimbersaidslowlyandmeaningly;"No.Tharain'tnodangernow!Thewholebunchheadedbyol'Geronimopassedheretoday.That'sall!"

Glendon'sfacepaled;"Katherine--"

Limberrelented."Mrs.Glendonseen'emintimetogetaway,orelsetheApacheswouldofgotherandDonnie.Shehidinacave,andwhenwefoundhertharwastwocartridgesputoneside.You nowwhatthatmeans.'Tain'tapleasantthingforanywomantobealoneandgettoapointwhereshehastosavetwocartridges.Nomanhasanyrighttoasthertota esuchchances--andifheiss un enoughtoexpectit,heain'twuthdoin'itfor."

"Howdidyouhappentofindher?"as edGlendon,fingeringthehangingstrapofthecinch,andavoidingtheotherman'seyes.

"IcomeoverwithDoctorPowell.He'safriendofMr.Traynor'sandbeen

attheDiamondHoveramonth.WecometoseeDocKingandriddownheretotrailhimup.Hewasn'tattheSprings.That'showwefoundMrs.Glendon,anditmademehotallthewaythrough."

"Oh,she'sabletota ecareofherself.Iguesstherewasn'tsomuchdanger.Katherinealwaysexaggeratesthings.She'stoomelodramatic.I'musedtoherways,youaren't."

Limber'seyesflashedandhegraspedGlendon'sarmroughly,compellingthemantofacehim.

"Loo here,Glen!I'vestoodbyyouwheneveryotherdecentmanhasthrowedyoudownforayellowcur.IdoneitbecauseIthoughtmebbe

tharwasawhitestrea inyouthatdidn'tshowontop,butthebunchyou'regettingmixedwithain'tgoin'todoyounogood,andyou'vegottopullupmightyquic .Bestthingyou indo,andwhatyou'doughterdonewithoutanyonetellingyou,isquitthiscountry.Ifyouain'tmanenoughtodoitforyourownsa e,doitfortheir'n;"Limber'sheadjer edtowardthehouse.

"You'vebeenatruefriend,Limber,orelseIwouldn'tletyoutal tomethatway.Ican'tleaveherenow,butIwillpulloutassoonasIcanarrangeit.Igiveyoumywordofhonour."

Limbergrippedtheoutstretchedhand,"I'mdurnedgladyoutoldme,"hesaidearnestly."I'lldoanythingI nowhowforyouandMrs.Glendon

anytimeyoucallonme."

JuanapproachedandremovedthebridlefromGlendon'spony,replacingahalteronithewasturningaway,whenLimberspo e,"Thar'sfreshliontrac sleadin'tothatcavewharMrs.GlendonandDonniehidthismornin'.Ididn'ttell'em,butthey'dbetter eepawayfromthecave. _Luc ythelionwasn'tthar._Youlayforit,Juan."

"Si,SeÃ±or,"theMexican'spromisewasemphatic,andGlendon,too,declaredhewould"runthebrutedown."



"I'vebeenhavingalotofbadluc lately,"GlendonsaidasheandLimberwal edtothehouse."Thisroughrangeishardtowor andcattlesowildyoucan'tround'emupwithoutrunningallthefatofftheirbones.Bythetimetheyaredriventhirty-fivemilestoWillcox,nobutcherwants'em.ThelongerIstayheretheworseoffIwillbe.I'vewrittentheoldmanandas edhimtogivemeachancesomewhereelse.Hemaynotanswermyletter,butitwon'tbeanyworsethannow,ifhedoesn't.Ididn'thaveenoughmoneywhenIstartedtopayexpenses."

TheyreachedthehousewhereGlendonwelcomedDoctorPowelleffusively.Somethingofthecharmthathadattractedfriendsinotherdays,stillwasapparentwhenGlendonwasnotdrin ing.Powell's eeneyesobservedthehandsomefacemarredbylinesofwea nessandself-indulgence.

"Gladtomeetyou,"Glendon'svoicesoundedsincereandhegraspedDoctorPowell'shandwarmly."Wedon'thaveverymanyvisitorsaroundhere,butfromwhatLimbertellsme,it'sbeenaregularreceptiondayattheranch.Iwouldn'thavegoneawayfromthehouseifIhadthoughttherewasanyrealdanger."

Powell,rememberingthatLimberhadwarnedGlendonpreviouslyabouttheIndians,andthatMrs.Glendonhadspo enofDoctorKing'swarningthem,newGlendonwaslying,andPowellhatedaliar.Glendon'seyesshifted

underthesteadygazeofthedoctor,andhehastenedtosay,"Idon'tsupposeKatherineofferedyouadrin .Luc yIdon't eepitintheclosetorGeronimowouldhaveitbythistime."

Hestartedtogettheliquor,butPowellpreventeditbyrisingfromhischairandholdingouthishandtoMrs.Glendon.

"Nowthatyouarenotalone,Ithin LimberandIhadbetterbeonourway,trailingDoctorKing.Iamanxioustomeethimassoonaspossible."

KatherineandDonniebadehimfarewell.Glendon epttal ingvolubly."I'mgladwe nowtheApacheshavepassedhere.Nodangerwhenyouhave

alineontheirwhereabouts,butwhenyoudon't now,theyalwaysbobup.Theyhi efortheMexicanborderwhenthesoldiersma eittoohotfor'eminArizona."Limbernowledtheponiestothegate,andGlendonheldouthishandtoPowell,saying,"Gladtohavemetyou,Doctor,andletme nowifthereisanywayinwhichIcanshowmyappreciationforwhatyouhavedoneforMrs.GlendonandDonnie."

Katherinesmiledhergratitude,thenPowellandLimberrodedownthetrailtotheSanPedroRiver,followedbytheeyesofhusbandandwifewhostoodontheporchoftheCircleCrossranch.

Astheturnofthetrailbac ofthestableshidtheridersfromview,Glendonsaidtohiswife,"IwonderwhattheywanttoseeKingabout.

Loo surgent,chasinghimthatway."

"DoctorPowellsaidthatheandDoctorKingmightformapartnershiptobuildaSanitariumattheSprings.You nowthathasbeenDoctorKing'sdreamformanyyears;butheneverhasfoundanyonewhocouldqualifyasphysicianandalsohavesufficientcapital.Ihopetheymaycarryouttheplan.Itissuchasplendididea!"

"Oh,youdo,eh?"Glendonsnarledthewordsashescowledathiswife."Well,youmaybeinterestedin nowingthatI'mfiguringongettingthe



Springsmyself.I'vewrittenfatherabouttheplace.Theonlyhitchwouldbethatitisonunsurveyedground,andnoonecangetatitleexceptSquatter'sRights."

"ButDoctorKingwon'tselltoanyoneexceptaphysicianwhowilllivetherewithhimandestablishaSanitarium,"Katherineasserted."I'veheardhimsaythatsomanytimes.HealsotoldmethatMr.Traynorhadmadeagoodofferfortheplace,butitwasrefusedforthosereasons.MaybeMr.TraynorwroteDoctorPowellaboutit.Yousee,DoctorPowellcouldqualifyasaphysician,andifhehasnotthemoneytofinancethebuildings,Mr.Traynorcouldsupplythat,orinterestothercapital."

Glendondidnotanswer,butsatonthelowerstepoftheporch,staringmoodilydownthecaÃ±ontrailtowardSanPedro.Hiswife,learningfromJuanthattheyhadnoteatenthelunchintheirsaddlebags,busiedherselfpreparinganearlydinner,forthehandsofthecloc announcedfour.Shearrangedthetablethencametothefrontdoorandspo equietly.Glendondidnothearher.

Shemovedtohissideandtouchedhimlightlyontheshoulder,saying,"Dinnerisready,Jim.Juansaidyouhadnoteatenlunch."

Heleapedviolentlytohisfeetutteringanoathandglaringather.

"Whatareyoudoing?Spyingonme?"hedemandedfuriously,andbrushedpasther, noc ingagainsthershoulderasshestoodinthedoorway.

Herfacepaled.Shemadenoanswer,butturnedtothedining-roomwhereJuanwasatthetable.Glendonfortifiedhisraggednerveswithagenerousdrin ofwhis eyandslumpedintohischair,onlytogrumbleateverythingbeforehimandfinallypushawayhisuntastedfood.Thenherosesosuddenlythathischairfellbac wardwithacrash.Hestarted,glancedatthechair,gaveita ic andwithanotheroath,flunghimselffromthehouse.ThroughthewindowKatherinesawhimagainmounthispony.

Shesatwithtremblinglips,tearsslowlyforcingthemselvesfromthe

droopingeyelidsandwettingherwhitechee s.Juan'sfacewasfilledwithpity,buthe newhecoulddonothing--saynothing,andherosesoftlyandslippedawaythatshemightbealonewithhermisery.Donnie'shandtouchedherchee ,andsheopenedhereyesandsmiledathim,than fulthatthechildwassafe.Nothingelsemattered,afterall.Sowhilesheremovedandwashedthedishes,shetal edcheerfullytoDonnie.

Bac inthefrontroomagain,theboymovedtoandfro,andatlastturnedhisanxiousfacetohismother.

"Ican'tfindmyboo ,Marmee.Doyouthin theIndianstoo it?"

"Why,no,dear,"shereplied,loo ingatthetable.Shehadnoticedtheboo whereDonniehadleftit.IthadbeentherewhenshecalledGlendonfromtheporchfordinner.NoonehadpassedthroughtheroomsincethenbutGlendon.

CarefullysheandDonniesearchedtheroom,butnotraceoftheboocouldbefound.Shestoodstaringdownthefrontwal tothegate,unwillingtoac nowledgehersuspicionsagainstthefatherofherchild.Thenonthewal shesawsomethingthatcausedhertohurryout.



Thewindcarriedatornpagetoherfeet.Shestoopedandpic edupthefluttering,tell-talebitofpaper,andasshehelditinhertremblinghand,thewordscaughthereyes,"andheshallbeabettermanthanhisfather."OntheupperpartofthepagerodeSirGalahad.

"Donnie,dear,"shecalledandtheboycamequic lytoherside."Comeandhelpmeloo outherefortheboo .Maybewecanfinditinthebushes,somewhere.See,hereisapage,andtherestofitmustbecloseby."

Theyfoundittorn,soiled,thecoversbro enandcrac ed,andthechild'ssobscameunchec edashismother'sarmswentabouthim;theacheinherheartwastoogreatfortears.

"Donnie,wecanmenditsoitwillbealmostasgoodasever,"shecheeredhim,andthechild'ssobswerecho edthoughthequiettearsrolleddownhischee s,ashewentbac tothehousewithhismother,themutilatedboo heldinhislittlehands.

CHAPTERSIX

InthemeantimePowellandLimberwereridingdownthecaÃ±on,immersedindeepthoughtuntilLimbersaid,"Tharwasfreshliontrac sleadin'intothatcave."

Powelljer edabout,"GoodLord!"heejaculated,realizingwhatitwouldhavemeanthadthebrutebeentherewhenthewomanandchildsoughttheplaceofrefuge.

"ItoldGlendonandJuan,andthey'relayin'forit,andJuan'lltellMrs.Glendonto eepawayfromthecave.Hewon'tforgetit."

"Well,"Powellcommented,"I'mgladyoutoldtheMexican.Thatfellow

Glendonthin sofnoonebuthimself.Iwaswatchingthechildwhenhisfathercameontheporch,andI'dhatetohaveanychildoranimallooatmewithsuchabjectfear.Itmademesic withfury.Howcanthatwomanstandsuchalife!"

"Glenreallydoesthin aheapofher,inhisownway,"Limberrepliedslowly,"Butwhenhegetsthesmellofthecor ofawhis eybottle,hegoesplumloco.That'swhatmadetherowbetweenhimandhisfol sbacEast.Hisfatherhasheapsofmoney,butwon'thavenothin'todowithGlen.Leastways,that'swhatGlentolemehisself,onct.Hesaidtodaythathe'sgoin'topullupsta esassoonashe infixittomove,andta ehisfamblywheretheApachescan'trun'emli etheydonetoday."

"I'llgivehimcreditforsomedecentinstinctswhenhemovesthemtoahalf-civilizedplace;butIwouldn'tta ehiswordforanything.He'sanaturalliar,Ithin .I'msorryforthatwifeofhis,andforthechild."

"She'soneofthefinestwomenthateverdrawedbreath,"answeredLimber."She'sstoodalot,andshe'llstandaheapmore."

Conversationceaseduntilthecowboypointedtoahighpea .



"Seethatpea upyonder?Anol'fellowlivedtharfifteenyearsprospectin'forgold.Stayedallalone.Hewasalwayscoc surehewasgoin'tofindabigminesomeday.SomeonecalledhimMontyCristy,andthenamestuc tohimli eacoc le-burrinahorse'smane.OnedayIwasdeer-huntin'andrunintohiscamp.Hehadadugoutinthesideofthemountainandatunnelwharhe'dbeenprospectin'.Iwentintothetunneltoloo attheore,andfoundhimsittin'tharagainstthesidewall.Hispic wasacrosshis neesandapieceoforeinhishand,buthehadbeendeadoverawee .Iburiedhimupthar."

"Wasthemineeverdeveloped?"

"Twarn'tnothin'todevelope.Thebitofroc inhishandwasli eallthestuffonthedumpoutsidethetunnel.Plumworthless.Choc fullofironpyrites--notworthadamn.'Fools'Gold'iswhattheminerscallsit."

Thecowboyleanedoverandpettedhispony'snec gently,thenstraightenedupinthesaddleandwenton;"I'veoftenwonderedwhetherol'Monty nowedatthelastthatitwasonly'Fools'Gold.'Thar'saheapofpeoplebesidesol'Montythat eepsondiggin',hopin'forastri eandgettin'nothin'but'Fools'Gold.'Tain'tnousetal in'tothem.It'stheluc yoneswhatdon'tfindoutthetruth,afterthey'veputinthebestoftheirliveswor in'onafalselead."

Powell'sthoughtswentbac tothewomanattheCircleCross,andheansweredsoberly,"Youareright,Limber."

AnumberofbuzzardscircledinthecaÃ±onashortdistanceaheadofthem,butnotdirectlyonthetrail.Limbercalledthedoctor'sattentiontothem,andadded,"We'dbettergooverandseewhatitisthatintereststhem.Maybeonlyadeadcow;butwhentheIndiansisout,younever nowwhatyou'rerunninginto.Youlearnnottopassanythin'bywhenyoufindbuzzards."

Theyleftthetrail,wor edthroughthedenseunderbrushthatwasmattedwithdeadgrassandotherdebrisfrompastheavyfloods.Buzzardsflew

upthic lyattheirapproach.Thentheysatloo ingdownatagreyhorsehuddledintheroc s.Saddleandbridleweregone.Afewfeetawaywasthebodyofanoldman,hiswhitehairclottedwithbloodfromabulletwoundinthelefttemple;hissightlessgreyeyesupturnedtotheblues ies,asthoughinmutequestioning.

"God!"ejaculatedLimber,asheleapedfromhishorse."It'sol'DoctorKing!DamnthemApaches!"

Powell'sshoc wasnotlessthanthecowboy's,andhe neltbesidethebodyofthemanwhomhehadhopedtowor withattheSprings.Hedidnotthin oftheannihilationofhisownplans,butthethingshehadheardofthe indlyoldman.Deathhadbeeninstantaneous.Thebullet

hadenteredthelefttemple,rangeddownwardandoutbehindtherightear.Thetwomenloo edateachother,thenPowell'seyeswentuptothebro ensideofthecaÃ±on.Frombac ofoneofthoseroc shadspedthemessengerofdeath,withnowarningtotheolddoctorwhowasonhiserrandofmercytoalittleMexicanbaby.

"Whydidn'ttheIndiansta ethehorse?"wasPowell'squestion.

"Becauseit'sgrey.Theyain'tgotnouseforagreyorwhitehorse,speciallywhenthey'reoutfortrouble."



Limberstudiedthegroundaboutthehorseanditsdeadowner.

"Tooroc ytoshowanytrail,"hecommentedatlast.

"He'sbeendeadovernight,"Powellassertedashefinishedexaminingthebody.

"TheApacheshavebeenhangin'aboutforseveralnightsintheGrahamrange.Thar'stwobunches.Iseen'emsignallingthreenightsagorightbac ofFortGrantwherethesoldierscouldn'tcatchsightoftheirfires.They eeploo outsonthehighpea sandholdablan etinfrontofthefire.Beatsatelegraphoffice.Tharain'tnothin'smarter'nanApache,unlessit'stwoApaches.Youcan'ttrustoneunlesshe'sdead.ChancesisthatthetwobunchesfiguretocometogetheratPointofMountains,sevenmilesnorthofWillcox.Thenwhenit'sdar they'lljumpacrossthevalleytoCochiseStrongholdandwor intoMexico."

"But,thesoldierscouldheadthemoff,"Powellinterposed.

Limbersnorted."Soundsthatwayallright.But,ifyoujestloo atthesemountainsandcaÃ±ons,you'llprettysoonseethatthesoldiershasjestasmuchchanctagainstthemApachesasanelephantwouldhaveifyousethiminahayfieldto illafleabytrompin'onit.Whenthey're

tiredof illin'peopleandwantavacationandnohardwor ,theycomeinandgivethemselvesupandgohometotheReservation."

"There'snothingtobedoneherenow,excepttonotifytheproperauthoritiesatWillcox,Isuppose,"Powellresumed."Wefoundhim--butit'sadifferentendingfromthewaywethought."

LimberunstrappedaNavajoblan etfromthebac ofhissaddle,andtogethertheywrappedthestiffenedformoftheolddoctor.

"Thar'sheapsofpeoplegoin'tomisshim,"thecowpunchersaidslowly,astheystoodloo ingdown."Nobodyevercalledhimthathedidn'tgo,rainorshine.Henevertoo onecentforwhathedone.Jesttol''emto

feedhiman'hisol'greyhorseandthatwasallthepayhewanted.Hewassureagoodman;"bothheadswereuncoveredinsilenthomage.

"I'llstayhere,"continuedLimber,"ifyou'llridebac toGlendon'sandgethisspringwagon,sowe inta ethebodytoWillcox.It'llbehardgettin'thewagoninthecaÃ±on,butIguesswe inma eit.We'llleadourponiesbehindthewagon."

Powellwasalreadymountinghishorse,asLimberadded,"'Twon'tta eaCoroner'sjurylongtobringinaverdict.I'mdoggoneglad,though,weain'tapac in'Mrs.GlendonandDonniealongwithDoctorKing.Theysurehadaclosecallthismornin'.IfGeronimohadn'tbeeninahurrytogetacrosstothatotherbunch,they'dsuretrailedMrs.Glendonto

thatcave."

"Itisnoplaceforanywomantolive,"Powell'svoicevibratedwithindignation."Ican'tunderstandhowanymancouldbringawomanli ehertosuchsurroundings.I'mgladheintendstomovehisfamilyaway.Anyplacewouldbebetterthanthis,forher."

Limberwatchedhiscompanionrideoff,thenbusiedhimselfwithasecondexaminationofthegroundinthevicinityofthedeadmanandhorse.Satisfiedatlastthathehadoverloo ednotrace,hedroppedona



boulderandrolledacigarette,butasheshoo thetobaccofromthesac intothebrownpaper,aportionofitfelltothegroundunnoticed.Limberwasstaringintospace,anexpressionofdoubtlur inginhisgreyeyes.

"DernedifI inunderstandwhytheytoo somuchtroublehidin'theirtrail,Peanut,"hespo etothelittlepintoponyathisside."Themainbunchmustofridhigherupandoneof'emcomedownforthebridleandsaddleafterKingwasshot;but,tharain'tamoccasinoranyothertrac nowhars.Itbeatsme."

WhenPowellreturnedhewasaccompaniedbyGlendon,whoclimbedintothedriver'sseatandpic edupthereinsaftertheyplacedKing'sbodyinthewagon.Limber,leadingPowell'spony,followedthewagon,mountedonPeanut.Thevehiclebumpedandjer edoverlargeroc sofatrailthatneverbeforehadbeentraversedbywagonwheels.

Powellwasnotinclinedtotal ,butGlendonforcedconversation,thoughitsavouredofamonologue.

"Kingtoldushehadnoonebelongingtohim,"Glendon'svoicebro ethesilenceofthecaÃ±on,whiletheteamheadedfortheCircleCross."KatherinesaidyouexpectedtoformapartnershipwithhimandestablishasanitariumattheSprings.Isupposehisdeathwillalter

yourplans.Allthispartofthecountry,you now,isunsurveyedgroundandtitleheldbypossessiononly.I'dhaveboughttheSpringsmyselfiftherehadbeenaregulartitle.HesitatedatitbecauseIonlycouldacquireSquatter'sRights,you now.However,Itoo thematteruprecentlywithmyfather,andamnowwaitinghisreply.Idon'tunderstandwhyKingdidn'tletyou nowIwasfiguringonit.Didhegiveyouanyoption?"

"No;"answeredtheDoctor,wonderingatthestatementwhichconflictedwithwhatLimberhadjustsaidregardingGlendon'splanstoleavethecaÃ±on.ThenherecalledthatTraynorhadassertedKingwouldnotselltoanyoneexceptaphysicianwhowouldco-operatewithhiminhisplans.He newthemanbesidehimwaslyingforsomereason,butwhatthat

reasonwas,Powellcouldnotdecide."IhavenotevenbroachedthemattertoDoctorKing.Icameovertodaytoloo attheplaceandifitsuitedme,toma eapropositiontohim.InevermethimandIdon'tbelieveheeverheardofme."

"Ofcourse,"Glendonwenton,asPowellstoppedabruptlywonderingifGlendonhadnosenseofdecencyto eeptal ingwhilethedeadmanlayinthewagontheyweredriving,"IhadnowrittenagreementwithKing.Outhere,averbalcontractisallweas ofaman.SoIoughttohavepriorrightbecauseofourunderstanding.Idon'tsupposehemadeanywill,ashehadnoheirs,andcouldnotwilltheSprings,anyway,withoutalegaltitletoithimself.Inthatcase,theestatewouldreverttotheTerritory.AGovernmentPatentwouldhavemadeless

complication."

HeglancedfurtivelyatPowell,whomadenoreply,astheyhadreachedthecorraloftheCircleCross.KatherineGlendonstoodontheporch,hereyesblindedwithtears,herlipsquivering.

Glendonclimbedheavilyfromthedriver'sseat,andPowellsawthathisstepswereuncertain.Limbertiedhispony,Peanut,andthedoctor'shorsetothebac axleofthewagon.Afewquietwordswerespo enbythetwomentoMrs.Glendon,thentheywentontheirwaywiththeir



tragicburden,andeachmanwasbusywithhisownthoughts.

ItwaspastsunsetwhentheyreachedWillcox.Afterreportingthetragedyandturningthebodyovertotheauthorities,therewasnothingmoretheycoulddo,andPowellwenttotheWillcoxHotelwhereheobtainedaroom.Limberpartedfromhimatthedoor.

"IguessI'dbetterhuntuptheboysandseehowthingsisgoin'alongwiththecattle."

Thoughneitherspo eofit,theuppermostthoughtsinthemindsofthetwomenwasthewomanattheCircleCross,alonewithamanwhoseindifferencetoherdangerhadalmostcostherlifeandthatofherboy's.

Bac inthelonelycaÃ±onacoyotes ul edpasttheemptyhouseattheHotSprings.Furtherdowntheroadawomanstoodatthedoorofherhomestaringintothedar ness.

WhenshehadmadeherfinalvisittoseeifDonniewereallrightforthenight,andleanedovertopressa issonthechild'schee ,somethingslippedfromhisrelaxedhand.Wonderingwhichofhistoyshehadsmuggledtobedwithhim,shestoopedandsawthepen- nifethatoldDoctorKinghadtreasuredthroughhislong,lonelyyears.Awaveof

realizationoverwhelmedher.Therewouldbenomorevisitsfromthisloyaloldfriend,now.Thefutureloomedaheadofherasblac asthenightthatwrappedthecaÃ±on.

CHAPTERSEVEN

ThesecondshipmentoftheDiamondHcattlehadreachedWillcoxalittleafternoon,andHolylingeredattheCowboys'RestwithBuc boardBill,whileBroncoandRoarerproceededupthestreet.Theywerenotvisible

whenHoly,hasteningthroughthecorralgate,encounteredMontgomeryWalton.Thelatter'smannerwassocordialthatHolyhaltedinsurprise.

MontgomeryWalton,themostunpopularmaninSouthernArizona,wasalmostseventyyearsold,thoughasalertasamanofforty.Hiswhite,flowinghairandpatriarchalbeardwerecontradictedemphaticallybyferret-li efaceandshiftyeyes,whilehisoilysmileexposedyellowedtus s.Heownedafairlygood-sizedherdofcattlethatwerepreternaturallyprolific,ashiscowswereveryoftenseenwithtwincalvesfollowingthem.Waltondiscouragedcallsfromothercattlemen,andlivedaloneexceptforahalf-wittedMexican--Loco.

TothedisgustaswellasamazementofHoly,Waltonambledalongathis

side,andfinally,tuggingatthecowboy'sblueflannelsleeve,drewhimtoabenchontheedgeofthesidewal .Thenheproducedaletter,extractedasmallphotographandhandedittoHoly.

"Whatdoyouthin abouther?"as edWaltonwithasmir ,ashepressedmoreconfidentiallytowardsthecowpuncher.

Holystudiedthepictureofasweet-facedgirl.

"Why!"heejaculatedenthusiastically,"She'saregularpeacherina.Who



isshe?"

Waltonreplacedthepictureashesaid,"She'scomingonthewest-boundtraintodayandwe'regoingtobemarriedatonce."

"Gee!Youslyolddog!"commentedHolyjocularly,whilehewonderedifthepicturereallyloo edli ethegirl,andifso,whyshewasgoingtomarryamanli eoldWalton.Thenaninspirationdawneduponhim,andheturnedtoWalton,clappinghimheartilyontheshoulder.

"Well!Whyshouldn'tyougetmarried,I'dli eto now?"hedemandedasthoughthatprivilegedhadbeenquestionedbysomeinvisibleindividual."Aman'sageain'ttoberec onedbyhisyears.No,sirree!I'veseedsomemenwhowasreadytodieofoldagewhentheywastwenty-five,andI'veseedothersthatwasyoungwhenthey'dpasteighty.Now,noonewouldeverthin youwasadayoverforty,Walton,ifitwasn'tforthatairwhitehairandbeardofyourn."

Waltonpreenedfoolishlyandtriedtoloo incredulous,ashereplied,"Doyoureallythin so,Holy?"

"Surething!"assertedtheother.

Heloo edcontemplativelyatWalton,thenleanedcloserandwhispered,

"Say,Walton,whydon'tyougetDunningtodyeyourhairandbeardbeforethegirlgetshere.It'llma eadifferenceofthirtyyearsinyourloo s."

Waltonhesitated."MaybeIwill,"hetemporized."Yousee,Isentherapictureofmyself,butitwasta enwhenIwasabouttwenty-five.SoIwasabitworriedhowshewouldactwhenshefoundIwasnotsoyoungassheexpected.Ihadn'tthoughtofgettingmyhairdyed,though.It'sagoodsuggestion,Ithin ."

"Youbetitis!"Holywaxedenthusiastic."Womenisqueercritters,an'ayoungandprettywomanli esthemanshemarriestobesomewharnearherownage.Shedon'twanttoris otherwomenthin in'thatshehadto

gotoanOl'Man'sHomeand idnapahusband.Youjestta emyadvice,Walton,an'haveahearttohearttal withDunningrightaway."

"I'llthin aboutit,"evadedWalton,asHolywithcongratulations,partedfromhim, nowingBroncoandRoarercouldbelocatedbehindtheswingingdoorsthatledtothebar-roomoftheWillcoxHotel.

Holy'ssmileexpandedtoabroadgrinasherecognizedhisfriendsattheendoftheroomandmadehiswaytothem.

"Thar'ssomethin'interestin'goin'tobecutlooseifyoufellowswillchipin,"heannouncedconfidentially."Now,don'twastetimetal in'oras in'foolquestions.YoujestcomealongwithmedowntoDunning'sand

fixitupwithhim.Weain'tgotnotimetolose."

Beforehehadfinishedspea ing,hewashalf-waytothedoor--theothertwocloseathisheels.Holyvouchsafednoexplanationsforhismysteriousactions.Hurryingdownthestreettheyenteredasmallbarber-shopwhichwasunoccupiedsavefortheowner.DunningwastheonlybarberinWillcox.Hewasanautocrat.

Achair,facingthewallonwhichwasafly-spec edmirror,arowofwoodenseats,andaconspicuousplacardbearingthepleasant,but



misleadingfiction,"Freshtowelforeachcustomer,"constitutedthefurnishingsoftheplace.Dunning'shairshoneglossybrown;hismoustachecurledtightlyasapugdog'stail,agorgeousredfour-inhand,tight,greytrouserswithbroadblac stripesmadehimbrilliantlyconspicuousamongthecitizensofWillcox.Betweenshavesandhaircutsthebarberdelvedintosentimentalfiction.

Withreluctanceheputasideayellow-bac ednovelandroseleisurelytohisfeet.HisspeculativesurveywasinterruptedbyHoly.

"Say,Dunning,you nowol'manWalton,"hebegan.

"Livedroundherefifteenyears,neverhadhishairnorbeardcutonct;"cataloguedDunning."Sodernedstingythathe'ds inafleatogetitshideandtallow!"

"Mebbeyou'llgitachanctathimtoday;"encouragedHoly."He'sgoin'togitmarried!"

Theotherssnortedinsurprise,andBroncoannouncedcontemptuously,"Thereain'tabunchofcalicoinArizonathatwouldlethimnearenoughtoropeher,letalonecarryhisbrand."

"Oh,youma emetired,"Holyretorted."Whosaidhewaswor in'any

Arizonarange?Thegirl'scomin'fromtheEastontoday'strain.Heshowedmeherpicture.Igivehimafillabouthiswhitehairma in'himloo old,andsaidhe'doughtergetDunningtofixhimup.Say!--heswallereditli earattlesna eswallersagopher."

"Shemustbelocoed,"growledBronco,suspiciously.

"IownIain'tbeendazzledbythecharmthatdrawsher,"ac nowledgedHoly,"butwhatinterestsmeisthattheDiamondHowesol'Waltonforaheapofthingsheain'tdone.Say,Dunning,there'stwenty-fivepesoesforyou,ifyoufixhimgoodandproper.Igotanidee--butyoumayhavetogooutoftownforafewdays."

"That'sallright.Businessain'tpressing.Ifiguredongoin'outprospectingforacoupleofwee s,anyhow.Ifanyoftheboyswantsahair-cuttheycanwaittillIgetbac ."

"SayDunning,stayawaythreewee s,"beggedBronco."I'llma eitthirtydollarsifyoudo."

ItwasnotsolicitudeforDunning'ssafetythatpromptedthisrequest,butBronco,rememberingthatDunningwastheonlybarber,hadavisionoftheentiremalepopulationofWillcoxsportingRipVanWin lishhair,unlesstheirflowingloc sweremutilatedbyconnubialscissorsduringDunning'sabsence.

"Thirtygoes,"agreedDunning."Now,whatisityouboyswantdone?"

Holyexplained,interruptedbyburstsoflaughterfromBroncoandRoarer,andfinally,Dunning,withagrin,endedtheconsultationbysaying,"YoufellersgethiminhereandI'llearnthatthirty."

CHAPTEREIGHT



WaltonleftSoto'sstoreaftergivingordersthathispurchasesbereadywhenhecamewithhiswagonatfouro'cloc ,thenhewal edslowlydownthestreet,weighingHoly'ssuggestion.Vanitystruggledwithparsimony.

HereachedDunning'sshopandpauseduncertainly,withoutsuspicioningthreepairsofeyesthatpeeredfromasmallwindowinthehotel.Dunning,insidetheshop,wasseeminglyoblivioustothemanonthesidewal butloo edupwithaprofessionalsmilewhenWaltonenteredthedoor.

"Well,Walton,"Dunning'sattitudewasalmostaffectionate,"WhatcanIdoforyou?Shave?Hairtrimmedaleetlebit?Idon'twonderyou eptawayfrommeallthistime,andI'mjustartistenoughtosayifyouwantmetocutoffyourbeardorhair,Iwon'tdoitforyouornobodyelse.Butaleetlebitoftrimmingwouldimproveitlots."

"I--Doyoueverdyehairorwhis ers,Dunning?"

"Sure;"wastheanswer."Iguaranteemywor andmixmyowndyes,andyou'dbesurprisedifItoldyouthenamesofpeopleI'vefixedup.But,mywor isconfidential.MycustomerstrustmeandIneverbetraythem."

"Well,doyouthin youcouldfixmine?"as edWaltonwithanuneasysmile.

"Betyourboots!Nothingwouldpleasemebetter.Now,Isupposeyou'dwantitdar ,wouldn'tyou?"

"Blac .That'swhatitusedtobe,"Waltonreplied."Buthowlongwillitta e?"

Thebarbercoc edhisheadsideways,squintedaneyecritically,thenwal edsolemnlyaroundWaltonseveraltimes,andfinallyslippedhisfingersthroughthebeardandhair.

"It'safinegrowth,"heannounced."Icanfinishitinanhour."

"Howmuchwillitcost?"WaltonpausedinfrontofthechairwhichDunningwasadjustingforhim.

"Well,Iusuallychargefifteendollarsforsuchajob,butI'mwillingtodoitforfive,ifyoupromisenottoletanyoneelse nowIcutthepricetoyou."

"Iwon'tgiveoverthree,"assertedWaltonfirmly,movingtothedoor.

Dunning,fearingflightandtheattendantlossofthethirtydollars,followedWaltonhumbly.

"Now,seehere,Walton,whycan'twesplitthedifference?IfIcomedownadollar,youcansureraiseone.I'lldoafirst-classjobforfourdollars.Myregularpriceisfifteen.Why,man!Itwillma eyouloo twentyyearsyounger!"

Impervioustoflattery,Walton eptedgingnearerthedoor.

"Threeandahalf,"compromisedDunningdesperately.



"Threedollars;"declaredWalton,reachingforthe nob,butwatchingDunningsharply.

"Allright,"consentedthebarber."Threedollars.Butdon'tyoufoolyourselfintobelievingyouaregoingtogetaneveryday,ordinarydye.It'smyowninvention.Guaranteedpermanentormoneycheerfullyrefunded.Resultsastonisheverybody."

"Sureyouwillgetitdonebytraintime?"as edWaltonanxiously,asDunningledhimtothechairanddeftlypinnedasheetabouthisnec .

Dunningglancedatthecloc ,"Justtimetodoitfine,"heassuredWalton,whostretchedoutluxuriously,determinedtogethisthreedollars'worthasfaraspossible.Dunningwasengagedinmixingvariousliquids.

"Goingonatrip?"heas ed,standingwithhisbac toWaltonwhilehestirredvigorously.

"Notexactly.I'mgoingtobemarried.Theyoungladywillarriveonthewestboundtrain,andwe'retobemarriedatonceandgoouttotheranch."

"Well,youdidtherightthingincomingtome,"announcedDunning,as

hefinishedmanipulatingtheconcoction."Thatwhitehairdidma eyouloo old,Walton,andIoftenwonderedwhyyoudidn'ttouchitupabit.IbetwhenIgetyoufixedup,thatshewon'tas howoldyouare.Say,I'llsta etendollarsonthatbet."

"Willitstayblac ,orhavetobedoneoveragain?"

"Guaranteedpermanent.Onlywaytoremoveorchangethecolourafteritisonceon,is eepthehairshavedclosetotherootsforsixmonths."

Waltontwistednervously."Iwishyou'ddrawdownthatshadeandlocthedoor.Idon'twantanyonehangingaroundwhileyouarebusy."

"That'swhatIfiguredondoing,"agreedthebarber,actingashespo e;butwin ingattheboysoftheDiamondHwhoweresaunteringpastastheshadewaslowered.

Waltonsan bac withasighofrelief.Thesilenceofthedimlylightedroomandthemovementofthebarber'shands,hadasoporificeffectonthecustomer,whoclosedhiseyesandsnoredpeacefully,whileDunningeptawaryeyeonthecloc untilheheardthewhistleoftheapproachingtrainfromtheEast.

"Betterhurry,Walton!Train'sprettynearthedepot,now.Ijustgotdoneintime."

Waltonwa edwithastartasthesheetwasjer edoff,andDunning'svoicesoundedjubilantlyinhisears,"Job'sdonefine.I'mproudofyou!"

Withahastyglanceatthesmallmirrorinthedimly-lightedroom,Walton'sblin ingeyessawadar flowingbeard,amassofdar hair.Thenoiseofthetrainwarnedthattimewaspreciousandfleeting.ThrustingthethreedollarsintoDunning'spalm,hegrabbedhishatandranacrossthestreettothedepot,wherethetrainwaspuffingtoastop.



Waltonscannedtherowsofwindowswithpassengersloo ingaimlesslyatthetown.Theirboredfacessuddenlybecameanimatedwithsmiles.Waltonfoundthetouristsleeper,wherehesawagirlinagreysuitontheplatformofthecardescendthesteps,whiletheporterhelpedadelicate-loo ingboy.

Thebridegroom-electmovedmoreswiftly,andreachedthegirljustastheportershoo handswiththechildandsaid,"You'llbeabigcowboybeforelong,Ahrec on;"thenthetrainwentonitsway,leavingthegirlloo ingaboutnervously.

Amongtheloiterersatthedepot,Bronco,HolyandRoarerglancedateachotherinconsternation.

"GoodLord!""Holy,thatain'tthegirl,isit?"

Holydidnotanswer.Theenjoyableflavourofthejo ehadevaporated,li eadoseofcastoroilinorange-juice,andadecidedlydisagreeabletasteremained.Holyac nowledgedtohimselfonly,thathispreconceivedideaofthepictureasafa e,senttooldmanWaltonbyanunattractive,elderlywoman,waswithoutanyfoundation.Thisgirlwasmuchprettierthanthephotograph.AnydoubtastotheidentitywasdispelledwhenWaltonsallieduptothegirlandtoo offhishatwith

anelaborateflourish.Shestartedbac ,herfrightenedeyestravellingslowlyoverWalton'shairandbeard.Meetingthatprolongedglance,heattributedittohisfascinatingappearance,andsmir edandpreenedconsciously.

"I'mMontgomeryWalton,"hesaidunctuously."Everythingisarrangedsowecanbemarriedwithoutdelayandgetouttotheranchtonight.TheJusticeofPeaceiswaitingforus."

Thegirl'sprettycolourfadedsuddenlyasshesawhimpic uphervalisewithanairofproprietorship.Sheloo edatthechild,too asteptowardWalton--stopped,thencriedout,"No!No!Ican'tdoit!"

Waltonscowled,butcontrolledhimselfandsaid,"Youaretiredfromyourlongtripjustnow,I now.Itwon'tta elongtogetstartedfortheranchafterwearemarried."

Hebeamedonthechild,"Comealong,Sonny."

Theboyshran bac ,clungtothegirl,whoclutchedthethinlittlehandandloo edaboutherdesperately.Hereyessweptoverstrangefaces,rough-loo ingmen,then,li eananimalatbay,sherantothewaiting-roomwiththechild,andslammedthedoorviolently.Waltonstaredatthecloseddoor,thenatthevaliseinhishand.

Thelistenersoutsideheardhystericalsobs,andthesoothingvoiceofMrs.Green,theagent'swife.Walton,palewithrage,glaredatthegrinningfacesabouthim,drewhimselfup,enteredthewaiting-roomandclosedthedoorbehindhimwithabang.Themingledsoundsofagirl'ssobs,awoman'sangrytones,Walton'svoicein_Ã§rescendo_notes,thenthedooropenedandhedashedout,scatteringthosewhoobstructedhiswildlywavingarms,andstoppingatthedoorofDunning'sshop.Itwasclosed.Anoticehungonthedoor."OUTOFTOWN."

Waltonhurriedtothebar-roomoftheWillcoxHotel.Hisfacewasaflame



withrage;thehandherestedonthebarwassha ingasthoughwithpalsy.Theoccupantsoftheroomgrinnedathim.

"Themthelateststyleinwhis ers?"jo edthebartender,win ingatanotherman.

"Mindyourownaffairsandgivemeaglass,"orderedWalton.

Purposelymisunderstandinghim,thebar eeperheldoutaglassofliquorandsaid,"Youseemaleetlenervous,Walton."

Theglasswasstruc tothecounter.Waltonscreamedinmaniacalfury,"Aloo ing-glassiswhatIwant,youdoggoneidiot!Iwanttogazeonmy'seraphiccountenance'thatseemstoparalyzeeverybody.Loo li ethe'greenfieldsofVirginia,'doI?'Rentmeoutduringadrouth,'willthey?Where'saglass?"

"Keepcalm,Walton,here'sone;"thebartenderhandedoutasmallmirror.

SilentlyWaltongazedathairandbeardofvividemeraldgreen.Thevenomousglitterofhiseyeswasli ethatofanangryrattlesna e.Helaidtheglassdownandspo ewithavoicethatwasquiet,butdeadly.

"SomeoneputDunninguptothis,andI'llfindoutwhoitwas,beforeIgetthrough."Heflungoutoftheplaceandthemenintheroomglancedatoneanother.They newthatsomeday,somebodywouldpay.Waltonwasamanwhosedebtsofpersonalanimus,neveroutlawedbytime,weresuretobesettledinfullwithcompoundinterest.

CHAPTERNINE

"Theboysdon'tmeannoharm,butitjestseemstheycan'tcometotown

withoutthingshappenin'whentheymixin,"LimberhadsaidwhenhepartedfromPowell.

Thecowpuncherwenttothecorral,mountedhisponyandrodedowntherailroadtrac totheshippingpens.Thecattlewereingoodshape,gatesfastenedsecurely.Nomatterwhattheshort-comingsoftheboysoftheDiamondH,theyneverslightedanydetailofthewor ;butLimberfelttheresponsibilityofitall.

WhenPeanutwasproperlycaredfor,hismasterambledcarelesslyalongthestreetuntilhereachedtheswingingdoorsofthebar-roomoftheWillcoxHotel.

"Anyofmyoutfithere?"heas edthemanbehindthebar."IjestgotinfromHotSpringswithDoctorPowell."

Anumberofmenintheplacecalledtohim,otherscamenearerLimberandheldouthands,andhewasthecentreofasmallgroupwhenheutteredhisnextwords.

"TheApaches illedol'DoctorKinglastnightintheHotSpringsCaÃ±onbelowtheCircleCross.WejestbrunginhisbodyfortheCoroner."



Exclamationsofsincereregretwerevoicedbyhishearers,foreachofthemcouldrecalllittleactsof indlinesstohimselfortosomeonehenew.Limberwaspliedwithquestions,andgavethemeagredetails,buthedidnotspea ofthenarrowescapeofMrs.Glendonandherchild.

Commentswereinterruptedasthedoorsswungbac oncemore.Bronco,HolyandRoarerstoodbunchedtogetherandsurveyedtheassemblagewithbroodingeyes.Then,theysawLimber.Theirsolemncountenanceslightened,andBroncograspedtheforeman'sarm,leadinghimtoatableattherearoftheroom,wheretheyallslumpedintochairs.Limberstudiedeachface.

"Well,whathaveyoudonethistime?"heas edinaresignedvoice.

"Say,Limber,we'reinahellofamess,"confessedBroncoabjectly.Theothertwopunchersconfirmedtheassertionbysilence."Wewaswaitin'foryoutogetusstraightenedout,someway."

Limbermadenocommentuntilthesituationhadbeenfullyexplained,buthiseyeswereanxiousandhislipsharbourednosmile.

"Itain'taquestionnowofhowwegotintoit,"hefinallysaid,assumingtheonusoftheepisodewiththeculprits,asamatterofcourse.

Theyhadsleptsidebysideintheirblan ets,bun houseandrange;hadsharedchuc andtobacco,stormsandfairweather,and,ifnecessary,eachwouldhaveusedhislastcartridgeindefenseoftheothers."ThewustofitwasthatweallpromisedtheBossnottostiruptroublethistime.It'sallrightaboutWalton;hedon'tcountinthisdeal,butit'sdamntoughonthewoman.Idon't nowwhattodoaboutit."

"Gosh!Limber,we'vegottofixitup--someway,"Bronco'stonesweredesperate."Ifwedon't,thewholebunchofwomeninthisyertownwillbeonthewar-pathafterourscalps,andtheDiamondHoutfitwillbehuntin'newranges.You inlic amanifhegitsfreshandsassy,butwhenapetticoatgoesontherampage,theonlythingafeller indois

cutandrun."

"It'sbecauseawomanismixedinitthatI'mbothered,"Limberwenton."Youboys nowtheBosswillstandforprettynearanythin',solong'stharain'twomeninit.He'sbeenprettyplainaboutthat,andit'stheonethinghe'llfirethewholebunchfor.It'stheworstmix-upweevergotinto."

Theforemanloo edatthefloor,andtheothermenloo edathim.LimbernewhemusteithertellthetruthandclearhimselfintheeyesofTraynor,orremainsilentandta etheblamewiththeothers;eventhoughthismightmeanlosinghisjobasforemanoftheDiamondH.HisadmirationforTraynorwasdeepandsincere.IthurttoloseTraynor's

faithinhim.

"We'resurealldownandout,"Holy'svoicewaslugubrious,andheletthecigarettehehadmade,fallunlightedonthetable.

"Ijestfeltthatifyouwereturnedlooseontherangetodaythatyouwouldstampede.Ididn'tfigureyou'dgetheresoquic withthecattle,and,thetroubleaboutKing eptmebac .IwishtI'dgotheresooner,so'storoundyouupbeforeanydamagewasdone.Whatstartedyou,anyway,Holy?"



"Ithoughtitwasafa epicterWaltonshowedme,untilIseenthewomangetoff'nthetrain,"respondedHolyfeebly."Thar'saKid,too.'Boutfiveorsixyearsold.Kinderpea edandsic lyandscarey."

Along,lowwhistlewasLimber'sonlycommentonthisadditionalcomplication.

"Sheloo syoungtohaveaKidthatbig,"Broncoputin,"But,thenyoucan'tloo interawoman'smouthtotellherage,li eitwasahorse."

Limber'smeditationscoveredmanymoments,butneitherBronco,RoarernorHolyinterruptedhisthoughts.Atlastheloo edup,andtheyleanedacrossthetablehopefully.

"Thardon'tseemanythin'todoexceptin'as Mrs.Greentohelpusfigureitout,"washisdecision.

"Gee!That'sjustthemedicine!"agreedtherestwithalacrity,noddingateachotherinhappyapproval."You insurefixitupwithher,Limber,"wasHoly'sverdict.Limber'sgreyeyesweresombreashecontemplatedtherelievedfaces.

"Yep!"hesaidpositively,risingashespo e,"It'stheonlythingto

do.Comealong."Consternationeclipsedthesmiles;noneofthemgotupfromtheirchairs.Limberloo edatthem,thensaid,"Comealong."

Slowlythechairswerepushedbac withaloudraspingnoise;slowlythesombrerosweretransferredfromwoodenpegsabovethetabletotheheadsofthethreecowpunchers;slowlythespurredfeetmovedtowardthedoor,passeddragginglythroughit,andtrailedmee lybehindLimberuntilhereachedtheroomsabovethedepot,occupiedbytheAgentandhiswife.Limber noc ed.Thecowboys'heartswerethumpingmoreloudlythanLimber's nuc les,itseemedtothem.

Thedooropened,theydidnotloo up,butthefemininevoicethatbadethementer,soundedominous.Witheyesstilldowncast,andhatsinhands,theyfollowedLimber'sheels.Theysawnothingelseinthatroomexcepttherugsonthefloor.ThenLimber'svoicebro ethedeadlysilence.

"Theboyssaythey'vegotintomoretroubleontherange,Mrs.Green,"Limbersaidsoberly.

"Ishouldsaytheyhave,"sheretortedvehemently."Theyoughttobeashamedofthemselves,puttingawomaninsuchapositioninastrangeplace!Ma ingherthelaughingstoc ofthewholecountry!She'sbeencryinghereyesout,eversinceshegothere.And,youalmostfrightened

theboytodeathwithyouridiotideasoffun!Itta esabigbraintodothosethings!"shepausedbreathlesslytoloo atthemwithflashingeyes.

NotoneoftheDiamondHboyswouldhavehesitatedatanydanger,butnow,theironedesirewastoscurryignominiouslydownstairsandhitthehometrailwithoutdelay.Theycastlongingeyesatthedoorthatledtofreedomandsafety.Itwasclosed.Betweenthemanditstoodanangrywoman.



"Wecametoyoubecauseweallarestampeded,Mrs.Green,"pleadedLimber,andthemen,hearingtheincriminatingpronoun,sworeallegiancetoLimberfortherestoftheirlives."Can'tyougetusheadedright,somehow?"

Mollified,sheanswered,"Whathadyouthoughtofdoing?"

Noonehadthoughtofanything,buttheywereallloathetoadmitit,soeachonecudgelledhisbrainsvigorously.

"Say,solongaswebusteduptheweddin',"gaspedBronco,"we'llchipinandrefundherfare--shipherbac inaboxcar--Imean--payherwaytowharshecomefrom.Won'twe,boys?"

"Sure!"wasthechorus.

Nowthattheicehadbeenbro en,thesituationwaslessstrained.

"Derned--hanged--!Oh,say,Mrs.Green!We'lldoanydamnedthingyousay,toputanendtothisyerdoggonemillin';"flounderedHoly,strugglingtobeintelligiblewithoutprofanity."Weneverfiggereditwouldbuffalonoonebutol'Walton,andtoHell--Oh,shuc s!Imeanhedon'tcountnoways!"

Holypausedandwipedhisperspiringfacewitharedcottonhand erchiefthatwasnotmorevividthanhisowncomplexion.Hisefforthadbeenheroic.Mrs.Greenrecognizedit,andhersmilerefusedtobesuppressedlonger.Adimplesnea edintoherchee .Theboysbreathedmorefreely.Dimplesdidn'tfrightenthemverybadly,unlessoneofthemwasalonewithit.

"Sitdown,"suggestedMrs.Green,"andlet'stal itovertogether.Maybewecanwor outthetrouble."Roarer,BroncoandHolydepositedthemselvescautiouslyonedgesofchairs,theirhugehandshangingpatheticallyhelplessbetweentheirleather-clad nees.Theirhatsdecoratedthefloorandtheywereconsciousoftousledheads.

"Youseeitallcamethroughthechildbeingdelicate.Lungtrouble,thedoctorsaid,andArizonatheonlyhope."

"Hesuredoesloo pea ed,"Broncohastenedtoagree.IfMrs.GreenhadsaidtheKingofEnglandwashidinginthe itchenpantryatthatmoment,Broncowouldhavebac edthatstatementwithhisverylife.

"Herfol sarealldead,"continuedtheAgent'swife,"andshehasbeensupportingthechild.Ittoo allthemoneyshehadsaved,togethere."

"That'stoughluc ,"commentedRoarerwithasquea ofemotion.Thenstartledatthesoundofhisownvoice,hesubsided.

"ShehasgottostayinArizonaonaccountofthechild'shealth,"Mrs.Greenexplained."Waltonansweredheradvertisementas ingforaplacewhereshecouldwor inreturnforboardforherselfandthechild.Nobodyelseansweredher.Thenheproposedmarriage,andsheagreed.Shesaystheboymeansmoretoherthanherownlife."

"Well,ifshewantstomarryWalton,"Limbervolunteered,"we'llropehimandgetherbrandonhimbeforeyoucanwin ,andyoutellhersoforus.But,Idon't nowbutwe'dbehandin'heraworsedealthanthefusttime."



"Itoldherwhat indofamanhewas.Sheneverwantstoseehimagain."Mrs.Green'svoicewassharp,hopeseemedtodieinthebreastsofthefourmen.

"Well,"Roarer'stonesroseshrillyinhisexcitementandnervousness,"Doyouthin anyofus'ddoinplaceofol'Walton?Seemstobeuptooneofustoma egood.Ofcourse,Limberain'tinonthisdeal;buttherestofusis,ain'twe,boys?"

Wea lytherestassented.WithdeliberatecrueltyMrs.Greencriticallysurveyedeachcandidateformatrimonialhonours.Hereyesrovedslowlyfromtheirheadstotheirboots,whiletheirearsgrewred,feetshuffleduneasilyandmouthswerecompressedgrimly.Costwhatitmight,theboysoftheDiamondHweregoingtoseethetroublestraightenedout.Thecloc measuredtwominutes,butitseemedtwohourstothoseunderinspection.

"Idon'tbelievethatwouldbetheremedy,"sheconcluded.Themensighedwithunconcealedrelief,andeachregisteredavowtogetevenwithRoarerlateron.Ithadbeenacloseshave.Theagonywouldneverbeforgotten.

"Ithin shehadbetterstaywithmeuntilshefindswor ,"offeredthe

Agent'swife."Shecanhelpmeabouttheplace,andI'vegotsomesewingIwanttofinishup.Then,you now,IhavetohelpJac agoodbitdownintheoffice.Meantime,shecouldbeprospectingforaplacethatwouldsuither.Sheunderstandshouse- eeping,coo ingandhasbeenemployedinofficewor .Soitwon'tbelongbeforesomeonewillsnapherup,outhere."

Limbernoddedandsaidgratefully,"Wesurearemuchobligedtoyou,Mrs.Green,"thenhishandwasthrustintoahippoc et.HadMrs.Greenbeenaman,shemighthavebeenalarmedatthemovement,butthehandcameoutclutchingcrumpledgreenbac s."It'suptotheDiamondHoutfittoloo outforhertillshegetsonherfeetgoodandsquare,andwe'llsurebeproudtodoit."

Withhastyaw wardnessHoly,RoarerandBroncoaddedtothedonationLimberlaidonthetable,gladtherewassomethingatlastthatcouldbedone.

"I'msurewecangetthingsstraightenedoutbeforelong,someway,andI'lldoallIcantohelpherandyou,too;"promisedthewoman.

"I'lltal itoverwiththeBosswhenwegethome,"suggestedLimber.

Theothermenloo edathimquic ly,butaftertheysaid"good-bye"toMrs.Green,Limberpartedfromthem.Theysatsidebysideonawooden,bac lessbenchinfrontoftheWillcoxHotel,anddiscussedthe

situationwithitsnewangles.

"Limberain'ttoblame,andwe'regoin'tolettheBoss nowit,too--andthenwe'llta eourmedicineli elittlemen,"wasBronco'sultimatum,whichwasendorsedbyHolyandRoarer;buttheirheartswereheavyattheprospectofbeing"fired"bytheBossoftheDiamondH.Nootherranch,orBoss,orforemanwouldeverbethesametothem.



CHAPTERTEN

Limberstartedtheboystotheranchatdawn,toma esuretheywouldbesafewhileheandDoctorPowellattendedtheinquestoverKing'sbody.

Holy,BroncoandRoarerreachedtheDiamondHwithoutadventure,andaftercaringfortheirponies,groupedintheofficeattheendofthecourt-yard,waitingTraynor'sadvent.

Onecomprehensiveglancetoldhimthatsomethinghadhappened."Trouble"waswrittenincapitallettersacrosseachface.TheBossseatedhimselfathisdes ,loo edupandsaid,"What'sthematter,boys?Beenfinedforshootingupthetownagain?"

"Gee!Iwishtitwasthat,"groanedBronco,ashedroppedastrideachairwithhisarmsdrapedoverthebac .

"Anyofyou illedanyone?"thevoicewasmoreseriousnow.

"Nope!It'sourfuneralthistime,"squea edRoarer'sfalsetto.

Traynortwistedaboutandloo edapprehensivelyatthemall."Great

guns!Youhaven'tallgoneandgottenmarried,haveyou?""It'sworser'nthat,"Holy'ssepulchralaccentsboomed,"Thisyerdamnfooloutfithasbeenan'bustedupaweddin'!That'sallwedonethistime!"

Theworstwasover.Themenrelaxedandwaitedtheeffectoftheirnews.

"Well,goahead.Telltherest,"orderedTraynorcurtly,with niteyebrows.

Interspersedwithinterruptions,interjectionsandgestures,thethreemanagedtoacquainttheBosswiththesituation.Whentheirstoryended,

hesaidverysternly,"Youboys nowthatIamalwaysreadytostandbyyou,butIgaveyouallfairwarningwhenIhiredyou,thatifyougotintoanytroubleormix-upwithawoman,itwouldmeanyourtime.Icertainlyneveranticipatedsuchascrapeasthis.I'mdisgustedwithyouall!"

"We nowedthatbeforeyousaidit,"Broncoagreedmee ly,"butwhatwewanttoma eplainis--wedon'twantLimbertogetanyblameforwhatwedone.Hewasn'tintownwhenwebustedloose.ButLimber'sliabletotellyoujestasifhewasrighttharhisself."

"Yousaythewomanisloo ingforranchwor ?"

"That'swhatMrs.Greentoldus,"wasBronco'sreply,reinforcedbynodsfromtheothertwomen."Saysshecancoo an' eephouseandsewan'wor inaorfice,an'Mrs.Greensaysshecanstaytharuntiltheyfindwor forher,somewhars."

Traynorsatloo ingthoughtfullyatthepaper- nifeheheldinhishand.Theeyesofthecowpunchersalsostaredatthepaper- nife,asthoughhopingitwouldsolvetheirproblem.The nifedroppedonthedes andTraynorloo edup.



"I'llwritetoMrs.Greenandtellherthatifthewomanwantstobringherchildandcomeheretosupervisethehouse,Iwillpayherseventy-fivedollarsandboardherandtheboy.Fongis ic ingbecausehedoesn'tli ethehousewor ,andifIgetaMexicanwomantocome,there'sgottobesomeonetooverseeher.ThisistheonlydaylightIcanseeinthemuddleyouhavemadeofthings."

"Say,Mr.Traynor,"Broncoleanedoverthedes andspo eearnestly,"Youtellhertosaywe'rereadytolaydowninthecorralandletherputherirononuswithoutasqueal."

"An'we'reallhalter-bro e,gentleandtrainedtofeedfromthehand,"pipedRoareroverBronco'sshoulder.Holyjoinedthem."Ifshedon'tfindthingspanoutli eshewants'em,anytime,allshe'sgottodoischawtheragandcuss,an'youbetyoursweetlifethisyeroutfitwillseethatshegetsthingsherownway."

BroncoandRoarernoddedvehemently,andHolywaxedmoreeloquent."TellMrs.Greenifsheactsli eshe'sgoin'tobuc ,total herintotryin'usout.You now,we'reaHellofasightbetter'nweloo oract,Mr.Traynor.I'llpromisetoputhobblesonthedamncusswordstheminuteshegitshere."

"Allright,boys.I'lldowhatIcan,"promisedTraynor.Withhopeful

expressionstheytrailedthroughthedoor,buthaltedashecalled,"What'shername?"

"Mrs.----Mrs.----,"beganBroncoconfidently,thenashesawthesha ingheads,hefinished,"Dernedifwe now.Noneofuseverast.We'dma efinecowpasture!We'resofreshandgreen!"hisconfessionwoundupindisgust.

Leftalone,TraynorwrotebrieflytothewifeoftheStationAgentatWillcox.

_DearMrs.Green:_Iunderstandthattheladywhoiswithyouisloo ingforemploymentonaranch.Iwouldbegladtohaveher

assumechargeofthehouse- eepingattheDiamondH.

Therewillbenomeniallabour.AChinamandoesthecoo ingandwashing,andIwillemployaMexicanwomanforthehousewor .Alittleassistanceontheranchboo swouldbeofgreatvaluetome.

Iwillpayseventy-fivedollarsamonth,withroomandboardforherandthechild.

Ifsatisfactory,willyouwritemebynextstage,andIwillsenddownforherandherbaggage.

KindlystatethatIregretthepran softheboys,andhopeithas

notcausedanyseriousannoyancetoyouorher.Theywishtoma eamendsinanymannerpossible.Theircontritionissincere,andsoaremyapologies.

Verytrulyyours,

THEUNFORTUNATEBOSSOFTHEDIAMONDH.

Traynorsmiledashesignedtheletter, nowingthatMrs.Greenandherhusbandwouldappreciatethehumourofthesituationthatforcedthe



BossoftheDiamondHtoemployawomanforthefirsttimeontheranch.Healsosighed,asherealizeditwouldmeanreadjustmentinmanyways.But,hewasresigned,andthemencouldnot ic atconditionsforwhichtheywereresponsible.Itwouldbearelief,though,tohavesomeoneelsearrangethelistofprovisionswhennecessary,planmenus,andordernewsheetsandtowelsasneeded.

Theletterwasdeliveredtothestage-driverMonday,andananswercouldbeexpectedonThursdaywhenthestagereturnedfromWillcox.SowhenLimberandPowellreachedtheranchthatevening,thedar cloudhadalovelysilveredgethatpromisedasimilarlining.

ThursdaymorningTraynorandDoctorPowellrodetotheCienegaRanch,fourmilesnorthoftheDiamondH.TheCienega,namedbecauseofthemarshformedbyundergroundwater,wasoneofthemanysmallerwateringplacesbelongingtotheDiamondH.Amanusuallystayedatthesepointstoseethatthepondsandtroughswere eptinshapeforcattletowater.TheideaofusinggasolineenginesinsteadoftheorthodoxPer inswindmills,wasaninnovationofTraynor's.

Limberandtheboyswerewor ingonthepasturefencesneartheranchhouse,whenthestagefromWillcoxpassed.Theyloo edatitspeculativelyfromtheothersideofthefield.

"Wonderifshe'swrotethatshe'llcome?"Bronco'saudiblequestionvoicedthethoughtsoftheothers;butonlythereturnoftheBosscouldanswerthatquery.

Atnoonthemendismountedinthestablejustasthebellthathungoutsidethedoorofthemen's itchenrangloudandlong.Notimewaslostinrespondingtothesummons.Itwasmusicintheirearsafteralongmorningintheinvigouratingair,augmentedbyhardwor .Fong'scoo ingwasfamousthroughoutSouthernArizona.Lunchover,theysatpeacefullysidebysideonthewoodenbenchagainstthewallofthestable,enjoyingtheinevitablewheatstrawandDurhamcigarette,asnecessaryasaponytoanyArizonapuncher.Fongappearedatthedoorofthemen's itchen,loo edacrossatthegroup,thenambledoverand

addressedtheforeman.

"Blossnoclomehomeforlunch,maybe.IclatcheelunchinBloss'sdining-loomorIclatcheelunchinchuc -houseforladyandlilybloy?"

Themenstarted.

"Whatlady?"demandedLimber,withdireforeboding.

"Ladyclomeonstage.Lilybloyclome,alleesamee.Gloinparlour."

"GoodLord!"ejaculatedBronco."Sheain'twrit,shecome!An'yer'stheBossandDoctorPowellgoneoffandleftusallalone!"

Fong'sgrinofcomprehensionwasirritating,andLimberordered,"FixlunchintheBoss'sdining-room,andfixagoodonewhileyou'reaboutit,too."

TheChinamanhurriedtoobey.HehadmadeascientificstudyofLimber'sfaceandvoice.Fongli edthewor attheDiamondH;healsoli ethegenerouswagesandnothavingtos impinanyway.

Limberturnedtotherest."Well,Iguessit'suptoustogoinand



squarthingswithher,"heannounced."She'sbeensittingtharfortwohoursnow,an'nobodygonenearher.DarnthatChin ,anyway!Comealong,boys."

Anxioustoma eamendsfortheirmanysinsofcommissionandomission,theyclan edwithspurredheelsalongthecementwal ofthecourtandfollowedLimberintotheliving-roomoftheranch.Thentheystopped,bunchedinthedoorway.

Aslenderfigure,withripplingbrownhair,washuddledforlornlyinabigchair,asleep.Theflushedchee sboretracesofrecenttears.Hat,glovesandachild'scapwereinherlap,asuit-caseonthefloorbesidethechair,asthoughinreadinessfordeparture.Onthecouchwastheboy;buthiseyeswerewideopen.

Ashesawthefourcowpunchersinthedoorway,heshran bac timidlyandreachedouthisthinhand.Thegirlwo einstantly.Shedidnotseethemenuntil,astheyadvancedintotheroom,Holy'sfootcollidedwiththelegofachair,andhesuppressedanejaculation.ThegirlflushedwithembarrassmentasshefacedthefourcowpunchersoftheDiamondH.

Noneofthemspo e.Sherosetoherfeetandloo edfromonetotheother,uncertainwhomtoaddress,asshesaid,"Mrs.Greentoldmeofyourgenerousoffer.Ididnotwaittowrite,butcameuponthestage

thismorning;"hervoicewaslowandtremulous."Ithan youwithallmyheart.Itmeanssomuch--tome.I--willdo--myverybesttopleaseyouall,"herlastwordscamewitharush.

Noanswerwasmadebythefourominousfiguresconfrontingher.Anexpressionoffearcreptintotheblueeyesthatdimmedwithtears.Herhandswentoutinappeal.

"Please,please,don'tsaythatIwon'tsuityou.IamagreatdealstrongerthanIloo ,andI'mnotafraidofhardwor .Jamie,"herarmwentaboutthechildatherside,"won'tbotheranyone,"thepitifulcatchinhervoiceseemedtogripthethroatofeachman,andthewordstheywantedtoutterrefusedtoma easound.Thegirlreadthepityin

Limber'sgreyeyes,thentheforemansmiledatherandsaidinhisquiet, indlyvoice;"Tharain'tnoreasonforyoutoworry.Wewasjestscairtthatyouwouldn'twanttostay.That'sall.Wedidn't nowyouwasheretillFongtoldusjestnow.He'sfixin'lunchforyou.I'mjestLimber,theforeman."Heturnedandindicatedtheotherpuncherswhoweretryingtosmilenaturally,butma ingaterriblecontortionoffacialmuscles."ThisisBronco,andRoareran'Holy,andwe'retheDiamondHoutfit."

Aw wardlythemenadvancedandheldoutcallousedhands,butthegripwasapledgeoffealty,andthegirlloo edgratefullyintotheireyes.

ThenLimberhappenedtonoteTraynorstandingintheopendoorwaybac

ofthegirl,andreliefshownplainlyintheforeman'sfaceashesaid,"Thar'stheBoss,now."

Shewhirledsharply,li eatormentedcreatureatbay,sensinganewenemy.Traynor'sfacewasdrawnandwhitethroughitstan.Unmindfulofthemen,hishandsreachedout.Thegirlstaredincredulously.Thenthetensionwasbro enbytheirtwovoices:

"Nell!"



"Allan!"

Thecowpunchers'jawsfellinastonishment,theireyespopped,thenwithoneaccordtheyfledprecipitately,jostlingeachotherthroughthedoorway.Limberwasthelastonetoleavetheroom.Helostnotime,buthesawthearmsoftheBossoftheDiamondHholdingasobbinggirl.WhenLimberreachedthestablestherewasonlyacloudofdusttoshowthattheboyswereanxioustofinishupveryimportantwor awayfromthevicinityoftheranchhouse.

Theydidnot nowoftheconsultationbetweenTraynorandLimberanhourlater,northatLimberhaddrivendowntoEure aSprings,eightmilesaway,andreturnedaccompaniedbyMrs.Burns,wifeoftheownerofthatranch.

Justbeforesuppertheforemanfoundthemeninthebun -house.Theyloo edupathimwithhopelessfaces,ashesurveyedthemandremar ed,"Well,yousuremixedthingsupgoodandplentythattime!"

"Oh,youdon'thavetertellusthat,"retortedBronco,despairingly."Weall noweditwithoutanyone'shelp!"

"Iwishtsomeone'dputmeinaluniticasylumfortherestofmylife,"wasHoly'sdisgustedannouncement.Hestaredatthewhitewashedwallof

thebun room,visioninghispossiblefuturedomicile."Wefiggeredwe'dgotitallfixedupfine,an'you nowitwas,Limber,tilltheBossbuttedin.How'dwe nowthathe nowedher,anyway?Well,nowthingsismillin'worser'never."Bronco'svoicewasalmostunrecognizableinitswoe."Say,Limber,areweallfired?"

Limberseatedhimself,too outhissac oftobaccoandpapers,rolledacigaretteandlightedit,withoutoneword.Hisfacewasserious.Sixmournfuleyeswatchedhim.Theyreadtheirfateinhissilence.Therewasnoappeal.Inacornerofthebun -roomthreerollsofblan etswerestac ed.Limberloo edatthem,butsaidnothing.Threehandswenttohippoc ets.Indeadsilencethreecigarettesweremadeandlighted.It

wasacowboywa e.Fiveminuteswentby.Theysmo edandsan moredeeplyingloom.

"Ofcourse,we ingetjobssomewhar,"Broncospo eatlast."Thatain'twhat'stroublin'me.Butit'showwewentandmadesuchamix-upfortheBoss,whenhe'salwaysbeensowhitetousall.Ican'tfiggerhowhe'sgoin'togetitstraightforhisself,now!"

Limberstudiedthecigaretteinhishand."Hesaidthar'sonlyonethingleftthatyouall indo,now."

"We nowedwewasfired,Limber,"Roarer'svoicewasahigherpitchthaneverbefore,"Youdon'thavetotellus.Tharwarn'tanythin'leftfor

himtodobutfirethewholebunchofus.Webinan'gotourwar-bagsallpac edupandready."

"But,we'redernedsorrywemadethismessforyouandhimandthelady,"Holywasnowonhisfeet,pic inguparollofblan etsfromthecorner.Heslungitoverhisshoulderandheldouthishandtotheforeman."Ithurtsli eHelltogo."

BroncoandRoarerwiththeirownrolls,linedbesideHoly.



"TelltheBoss'solong'forus,"wasBronco'srequest."And,we'redamnedsorryforitall."

Limberloo edatthethreeoutstretchedhands,thethreedejectedfigureswiththerollsofblan etsacrosstheirshoulder,thensaid,"Hetoldmethattheonlywayyouboys insquarthingsisforthewholeoutfittomeethimtomorrownightatMrs.Green'splaceateighto'cloc ."

"Whatfur?"theythreeinquiredinstartledtones,astheirhandsfellwea lyattheirsides.

"Well,"drawledLimber,asatwin lelituphiseyesandhismouthtwitchedwithasmile,"Thar'sgoin'tobeaweddin'!TheBosssaysthattheonlythingleftforhimtodowithyouboys,istoletthelittleLadyrunthisyeroutfitand eepitstraight!Heownsupit'stoomuchofajobforhimtohandle!"

Threerollsofblan etsdroppedwithdullthudstothebarefloor.Threewildyellsbro ethequietair,thenwitharmsintertwinedabouteachother'sshoulders,theyformedacircleandindulgedinanApachewar-dance.AsmilethatwasalmostpaternalilluminatedLimber'sfaceashewatchedthem.

Whentheexuberancehadsubsidedabit,andtheyhadfinishedejaculatingandslappingeachotheronthebac ,BroncoturnedtoLimber.

"Say,Limber,thisisthewustmix-upofall!HerewegoandstampededtheheiferwhatWaltonfiggeredonropin'forhisself,andsheturnsanbustsintothehomecorralwiththeDiamondHbrandonher!Canyoubeatit?"

Nooneanswered.

Theclamourofthesupperbellbroughtthemtotheirfeetoncemore,andtheyhurriedtothechuc -house,tal ingasfastastheycould.All

tal edatonce;noonerepliedorlistened,butitwasahappybunchofcowpunchersthatslidalongthewoodenbenchatthesupper-tablethatnight.

Bac onthefloorofthebun -houselaythreerollsofblan etswaitingforthementostumbleovertheminthedar .

CHAPTERELEVEN

UnusualexcitementwasevidentintheWillcoxHotel,asthecowpunchersoftheDiamondHrushedinwithmysteriouspac ageswhichafterwardsdevelopedintoconventionalattire.Theyhadriddentotownearlyintheafternoon,Saturday,thedaytheweddingoftheBosswastota eplace.

Confusionreignedintheirsmallroom.Roarerdancedaround,strugglingtofastenacollar,hisfacebecomingapoplectic;whileHoly,withhisentirevocabularyandmuscularstrength,wascoaxinghisfeetintopatentleathershoesasizetoosmall.Whenhisfranticeffortsculminatedinabro enloop-strap,itlefthim,foronceinhislife,



speechless.

Beforeabiliousmirror,Limberplasteredhishairdownrigidlywithastic ofbarber'scosmetique,recommendedbythebar-tender;andBroncostoodruefullycontemplatingfourenormouspairsofwhite idglovesreposinginalongrowonthebed.

"Idon'tbal attoggin'upswellfortheBoss'sweddin',"cameinagaspfromRoarerasheclutchedathisthroat,"butdernedifIseewhythefellerwhatinventedcollar-buttonsandbiledshirtswasn'tlynchedforhisfustoffense.Doggonethebeastlylittlecontraption,anyhow!"

Theothersregardedhimsympathetically,forthey,too,hadstruggled,asthenumeroustwisted,soiledcollarsabouttheroomtestified;eventhosenowdecoratingtheirbrownthroatsshowedmar sofdesperatefray.

"I'vespiledsevencollarsandbustedfivecollarbuttonsalready,"groanedRoarer,pausinginhisstruggle."Oh,Lord!Wheredidthatthinggo.Anyoneseeit?It'swusser'nafleathewayitlitout."

Theygraspedhismeaning.Eachhadrecentlybeenonavoyageofdiscoveryforothercollarbuttons.

"Mebbeit'sunderthebed,"suggestedHoly,tryingtobalancehimself

andwal inthetightshoes.Hepaused,standingli eagiganticstorononefoot."Minerolledunderthebed."

Roarerfelltohis neesandgropedwithoutavail,thencrawledoutonallfours,gazingupdisconsolatelyintothefacesoftheothermen."Notahairnorahideofit,"hepuffed,stillonhis nees."That'sthelastonewehad,andwhat'swust,tharain'tnomorecollar-buttonsinthewholeblamedtown.Everyone'sbeenbuyin''emthisafternoon."

"Well,itcouldn'tgetoutentheroom;"consoledLimber,whosetoiletwasfinishedbeforetheothers,becausehehadhadtheforesighttoenlisttheservicesofacler inSoto'sstore,andafterbuyingashirt,collarandtie,thetwohadretiredtoasmallbac room.Hence,

Limberhademergedvictoriousandunruffled,buthissympathieswerewiththeotherpunchers.

"Theysaycollar-buttonsta etoabureauifthebeddon'tsuit'em,"hesuggested."Supposeyoustartaround-uponthatrange,Roarer.I'dli etohelpyouout,butthiscollarchec smeuptoohigh."

Inspiredbytheidea,Roarerassumedhisdevotionalattitudeandclawedwildly.Somethinggaveway,andheemergedprecipitately.

"Igother,"hetriumphed,"butsomethingbusted--Whatwasit?"hesupplementedwithananxiousglanceoverhisshoulder.

Theotherssurroundedhim.

"Suspender,"reportedLimber."Button'sbustedoff'nyourtrousers."

"Muchdamage?"heinquiredoftheinvestigatingcommittee,whichcontinuedloo inghimover.

"Nothin'butwhatcanbefixedupwithapin,"wasBronco'sdecision."Anyonegotapin?"



Theyshoo theirheads.Itwasapinlesscrowd,butabrilliantideastruc Holy,whodelvedintothepoc etsofhisdiscardedleatherchapsandproducedahorse-shoenail.Drawingapieceofthetrousercloththroughthebutton-holeofthesuspendedflap,hethrustthenailindexterously.

"Tharyouare,"hepronouncedcheerfully.

"Say,Holy,you'reawonder!"flatteredRoarerobsequiously.

Holygrinnedathimanddemanded,"Whatdoyouwantmetodofor_you_?"

Roarer'schildishaccentspleaded,"Can'tyouhelpmegetintothiscollar?It'stheonlyonewegotleftthat'sfittentoputon,anditain'tbigenoughforthisshirt,norme,neither,butI'vegottogetintoitsomehow."

Holyinspectedthedilemma."I'llgoseeifI infindsomething,"hesaidvaguelyashelefttheroom.Inafewminuteshereturned.

"Igotabutton-hoo off'nthechambermaid.Wecanfixitupnow!"

Surroundedbyanadmiringgroup,hegraspedthecollarbandofRoarer'sshirt,thrustthebutton-hoo throughthebutton-holeofthecollarand

gaveavigoroustwist.Anagonizedsqueal,li eadyingpig,assaultedtheairandRoarerretreatedrapidlywiththebutton-hoo hangingtothecollar,whileherubbedtheprominentboneinhisthroatthathadinterferedwiththeadjustment.

"Whatinthunderdoyouthin you'redoin'?"hepiped,glaringatHoly."Loo sli eyouwasfiggerin'toma ecideroutenmyAdam'sapple,thewayyousquoze."

"Well,IdonethebestI nowedhow,"defendedHoly."That'sthewaythingsgoes.Ipulledanol'BarZcowoutenthemud,andthefustthing

thedurnedcowdonewastoma eabee-lineformewhilstIhadmybactoheracinchin'mysaddle.ShespiledtheonlypairoftrousersIowned,andthenwentbac intothemudholeanddied.Thar'saheapofhumannatureincows,andheapsofcownatureinhumans!Here'sthebutton-hoo ."HolyrescueditfromthefloorwhereithaddroppedasRoarermassagedhisthroat."Youdigyourselfoutenyourownmud-hold.I'mdone!"

Helimpedpainfullyacrosstheroomanddroppedintoachair,thepictureofdisgust,andwatchedwithfishyeyeasRoarerpliedthebutton-hoo untilthecollarsuccumbed.

Theagonywasalmostover,butthefourpairsofglovespromisedfurther

trouble.

"Say,Bronc,"insinuatedRoarerashecontemplatedthebed,"Couldn'tafellergowithoutwearin'thesedernedthings?Supposewejustput'emintheoutsidepoc etsofourcoatsandletthefingershangout,toshowwegot'em?"

"No,sirree!"vetoedBroncoemphatically,intheself-assumedroleofsocialadviser."Thereain'tnothin'toogoodfortheBoss;andtheboysdowntothestoretoldmethatwhite idgloveshasgottobeworeat



weddin's.Sothemgloveshasgottogoon,ifitbustsusflat!"

Withloo sofgrimdeterminationandthespiritthatinspiredthe'nobleSixHundred,'theyswoopeddownonthegloves.Appropriatingapair,eachmansettledhimselfonachair.Theroomwassilent.Momentspassedunheeded.Fourstrugglingcowpuncherssatinfourcrea ingchairsandlaboureduntilfourpairsofhugehandswereencasedinbedraggledwhiteidgloves,whichtheownerssurveyedwithtriumph.

"Theysquinch,"announcedHoly,closinghishandconvulsively,"butthey'llstretchifyouwor 'emabit."

Therewasanominoussound,andaloo ofconsternationonHoly'sfaceashegazedatthesplitgloveonhislefthand.

"Now,you'llhavetogetanotherpair,"commandedBronco.

"HangedifIwill,"retortedHoly,rebellingattheprospectofrepeatinghisexperience.

"Thenyougottorememberto eepyourhandshetup,"compromisedBronco."Luc yit'sthelefthand,becauseweallgottosha ehandswiththebrideandtheministeryou now."

"Say,Bronc,areyousureabouttheminister?"as edLimberdubiously."Youbet!Youseeit'sthisway,"elucidatedBronco."Thegroomisinluc togetthegirl,ain'the?Soyousha ehandswithhim.Thegirl'sluc ytogetmarried,ain'tshe,steadofdyin'anoldmaid?Soyousha ehandswithher;andtheministeristheluc iestoneofthebunch,becausehegetspaidformarryin'themandhedon'tta enochancesonhavin'troubleafterwards.That'swhyyouhavetosha ehandswiththeminister."

Noonedisputedthelogic.

"Peoplema esmethin offliesincoldweatherwhenitcomestogettin'

married,"reflectedLimberaudibly."Thefliesthat'soutsidethewindoweeptryin'togetin,andthemthat'sinside eepwor in'forallthey'rewuthtogetout.Loo sli ethey'rejustboundtobemiserableeitherway."

"I nowedafellerdowninTexashadtwodogsnamedDavidandJonathan,"saidBronco."Whereveryouseenonedogtheotherwasrightalongsideofhim,li ehisshadder.Youjestcouldn't eep'emapart.Onedaysomesmartgeezerseen'emsleepin'peacefulan'ca'm,sidebyeach,andtiedoneofDavid'shindlegstooneofJonathan's,andwhenthemdogswo euptheyblamedeachother,andfromcussin'somethingawfulindoglingo,theylitinandchawedhairandhidetilltheywaspriedapart.Eversincethentheminutetheyseeeachother,it'sjustasignalfor

themtostartafree-for-alltoafinish.Thewaythemtwodogshassouredoneachotherisacaution."

"What'sthatgottodowithgettin'married?"demandedHolywithasnort.

Broncogazedathimafewsecondsbeforeheanswered,"Wellthere'slotsoffol sthatwouldbegoodfriendsalltheirlivesiftheydidn'thuntupaministertomarry'emandgive'emtherighttoscraptilltheydie.WhenDavidandJonathangottooserious,somebodygotaclub.But



ifyoufindamanandhiswifescrappin'andyoutrytoca'mthem,theybothturnandpitchintoyouformeddlin'withtheirfamilypleasures."

Limbertoo outhiswatchandannounceditwastimetostart,andBronco,afterafinalsurveyofhischarges,ledtheprocessionfromthechamberoftorture.Theycrossedthestreet,holdingtheirhandsstifflyattheirsides,whileeachglovedfingerstoodoutseparately,li eanindividualDeclarationofIndependence.

AstheyascendedthestairsleadingtoMrs.Green'srooms,Broncowhisperedhislastinstructions,"Don'tforgettosha ehandswiththewholeoutfit;andyoubecarefulHoly,to eepyourlefthandshet."

Holy,leadingtheprocession,haltedsuddenlyandcalledbac toBronco,"Ithoughtyousaidwewasonlytosha ehandswiththeBossandtheLittleLadyandthegospel-shar ,"butasthedooropenedinfrontofthem,Broncomadenoreply.

Theroomwasfilledwithguests,andafterthefirstwaveofbashfulnesshadreceded,theDiamondHboysbunchedtogetherli eaherdofscaredcattle.DoctorPowellcrossedtheroomandjoinedthem,thenMrs.GreenenteredwithJamie,thelittlebrotherofthebride.Powellsmiledandthechildshylyedgedcloser,untilhewasliftedtothedoctor's nee.Therewasaslightconfusion.Traynorsteppedtoaspaceinfrontofthe

minister,andthedoctor,rising,consignedthechildtoLimber,thenadvancedtohisplacebesideTraynor.

ThecowboysoftheDiamondHfidgetednervously,andwonderedattheBoss'scalmappearance,notingwithproprietarypridehowhandsomeheloo edandhowhighheheldhishead.Therewasatendersmileonhislipsandhiseyeswerefixedonthedoorleadingtothehallway.

BroncoleanedclosertoHoly,whispering,"Ibethedon'teven nowhe'sgotacollaron.Ain'tsomemenluc y?"

"Shetup,"boomedHoly'svoicetreacherously,andmanyheadsturnedtowardthem,whileHolytriedtoeffacehimselfbehindRoarerand

Bronco.

ThedoorleadingtothehallopenedandJac GreencameinwithNellonhisarm.Thewomen'seyesbecamemoistastheyloo edatthegirl,andthemensilentlyvotedAllanTraynoraluc ychap.Mrs.Greenhaddressedthegirlinaprettywhitegown,andtherealweddingveilthatfloatedabouttheslenderformwastheonethathadbeenworntenyearspreviousbytheagent's ind-heartedwife.

Outside,amoc ingbirdsanginthewonderfulArizonamoonlight,asthoughitunderstoodandsentitsbenisonoflovewhilethesolemnwordswerespo en.Traynorstoopedand issedthegirl,whoseeyesloo edintohiswithadazzlinglightthatshonethroughtears,li ethesun

brea ingthroughamist.

"TillDeathusdopart,"herepeatedunsteadily.

ThenJamiewasbesidethem,holdinguphisthinarmstohissister,whoissedhimtenderly.TheboyturneduncertainlytoTraynor,loo edupathim,andlaughedgaylyashewascaughtbytheman'sstronghandsandheldupasecond,whileTraynorsaid,"You'vegotagrown-upbrother,now,oldman."



Beaming,JamieslippedhishandintoNell'sandstoodbesidethemastheguestsshoweredcongratulationsonthecouple.

BroncomarshalledtheDiamondHboysinlineandTraynorsuppressedhisinclinationtolaughattheunaccustomedregaliaofstoreclothes,'biledshirts'andwhite idgloves,whenthemenheldouttheirhandstothebrideandgroom.

Holy,recallingBronco'sfinalinstructionsonthestairway,forgotthedamagedgloveinhisexuberance,andshoo handsvigorouslywitheveryonehecouldreach.Thenwiththeconsciousnessofdutynoblydone,hesoughtacornerandmoppedhismoistforeheadwithaLilliputiansheetthatheconsideredahand erchief.Broncoedgeduptohim,andasuddenlightgleamedinHoly'seyes.

"Say,Bronc,whatthedevildidyou eep ic in'mean'trompin'onmyfeetfor?"hedemandedindignantly."Youactedli eacayusewiththestringhalt."

"Stringhalt!"gruntedBronco,"Ifyou'dhadanyhosssensewhatsoever,you'd nowedIwasdoin'mydurndesttogetyoutoshetthatbigfistofyour'n."

Holyloo eddownatthetatteredglovethatdangledindingystrings

fromtheoffendinghand,thenhepulleditoffinsections."IhopesomeonewillshootthetopofmyheadoffifIeverwearthemdamnedthingsagain.Notonyourlife--eveniftheBosswastogetmarriedeverydayintheyearfortherestofhislife!"

Hejer edofftheotherglove,waddedthemtogetherinacompactball,anddeftlytosseditouttheopenwindow.

TheweddingpartyadjournedtoafeastspreadinthediningroomoftheWillcoxHotel,wheretoastsweregivenandmerrimentcontinuedunabatedtillthewest-bound'Flyer'stoppedatthesignal,andTraynorandhisbrideleftforacoupleofwee sinCalifornia,leavingJamiewithMrs.Green.

Powellboardedthetrainatthesametime,ashehadtogotoTucsononbusinessconnectedwithhisintentiontobidfortheHotSpringsRanch.

Bonfireshadbeenlightednearthetrac ,andtheboysfiredasalutetotheBossandhisbride.Thecolouredporterdartedbac totheplatformofthetrain,andloo edatthemenwithwildeyes.

"Youain'tgotnocalltobescairt,"reassuredBronco,"We'rejestseein'abridalcoupleoff,that'sall."

Thenthewhitesoftheporter'seyesdisappearedentirely,andintheblac faceshonearowofgleamingteeth.

Thetail-lightofthetraindisappearedinthedistance,thebonfiresdiedaway,andtheboysoftheDiamondH.feelingtheyhaddonethingsup'goodandproper,'soughttheirbedsinthehotel.

"Gosh!I'mgladtheBossain'taMormon!"sighedBronco,ashedroppedtosleep.Theonlyresponsetohisremar wasachorusofsnoresinwhichhesoonjoined.

Outinthedustyroadwasatinyballthathadoncebeenapairofwhite



idgloves.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Thewee lystagefromWillcoxtoAravaipaCaÃ±on,whichstoppedattheranchonMondays,broughtalettertoLimberfromAllanTraynor,instructingtheforemantomeethimselfandhiswifeupontheirarrivalfromCaliforniaonThursday.TherewasalsoanotefromDoctorPowell,whowasstillinTucson,sayingthathewouldreturntotheranchonWednesday.

ThemenhadjusteatenlunchandweregroupedaboutthestableswhenLimberimpartedthenewstothem,adding,"TheBosssaystoslic upthebigroomonthefrontporch,andwe'vegottohustletogetitdoneintime.They'llbehereinthreedays."

"Say,Limber,"interruptedBronco,whowasusuallytherulingspirit,"Don'tyouthin we'doughtergetaweddin'presentfor'em?"

"Isuredo!"endorsedLimber,"But,what inweget?Ifwe'dhadany

senseamonguswe'dofsentofflongagoforsomethin'proper.Mrs.Greenwouldof nowed,butit'stoolatenow."

"Let'schipinandgetsomebigNavajoblan etsli eMrs.Green's,"suggestedHoly."Loo edaheapprettier'ncarpetsonherfloor."

"Gee!Holy,youdogetanideeonctinawhile,"jeeredBronco,whosechiefdelightinlifewastoteaseHoly,and,li etouristswhothrowstonesintothecraterofavolcano,standbyinadmirationoftheeruptionthatfollowed.

"Now,seehere,"admonishedLimber,"don'tyouandHolygettomillin'.Tharain'tnotimeforit."

HolyglaredatBronco,whogrinnedbac athimandmurmured,"Fustblood."

Limberrevertedtotheletter."ItsaysthatMrs.Traynorwillhavethelittleroomoff'nthebigroomforher'n,andwe'dbetterwhitewashit."

Hebro eoffandloo edattheothers,ashesaid,"Havewegotawhitewashbrushthatisfittentouse?"

"Whitewashyourgrandmother!"retortedBroncocontemptuously."We'doughterpaperit.Iseensomedandypaperwithpin rosesstampedingalloveritattheHeadquarterStore.WhitewashisallO.K.forcowpunchers

andbroncobusters,butgirlsli espaperand--and--themsorterthings,"heconcludedhastily.

"Wedon't nowhowtodoit,"objectedLimber,"andtharain'tnopaperhangerinWillcox."

"Shuc s!Tain'tnotric noway,"respondedBroncoairily."I'llshowyou.Allyougotterdoisgetthepaperan'dowhatItellyou."

Impressedbyhisconvincingairthequartetteengagedinma ingalist



ofthethingsBroncoconsiderednecessary,theprincipalitemsbeingthepaperwithpin rosesandthreeof'thebiggest,highestpricedandreddestNavajoblan etsintown.'

AfterwatchingBroncostartonhismission,Limberandtheotherssaddledtheirponiesforthedailyroutinewor ontherange,astheynewthatBroncocouldnotgethomebeforelatethatnight.

ItwasnearlymidnightwhenBroncorodeintothestables,buttheentirebunchofmenmethimwithavolleyofquestionsashedismountedfromhispony.Burstingwithimportance,heunrolledtheNavajoblan etswhichhadbeentiedtothebac ofhissaddle;whilethepaper,carefullypac edingunny-sac s,wasswungacrossthefronthorn.

Themengraspedthepurchasesandcarriedthemtothebun housewheretheyopenedthesac seagerly.Theblan etshadbeenfullyendorsedandadmired;butwhenBronco,imitatingthestore eeper,unrolledasampleofthepaperandhelditupwithaflourish,nowordswerelefttoexpresstheirdelight.

"Now,we'llgetupearlytomorrowso'stotac lethejobandgetitover,"saidLimber,aftertheyhaddisposedofthepac agesintheroomtheycontemplatedpapering.Filledwithjoyfulanticipationstheytumbledintotheirbun s.

Broncowasthefirsttowa en,andherousedtheothersbeforedaylight,despitetheirprotests.

Roarersatupandblin edstupidlyatthelampwhichBroncowaslighting.

"Iain'thadnosleepthatwasanygood,"hequaveredinhisthinvoice."Iwaschasin'pin rosesallnight--theyhadhornsandtailsandfourlegs,jestli ecows,andIwastryin'torope'em.I'mplumbplayedout."

Histaleofwoewasunheardbytheothersastheyhurriedlyadjusted

clothesandtumbledoutofthebun housetotheranch itchenforbrea fast.Fong,thecoo ,wasinnoamiablemoodbecausehehadtoservebrea fastanhourearlierthanusual;butwhenhelearnedthattheyexpectedtota epossessionofhis itchenandsundryutensils,hiswrathwasexpressedinawordybattlein'pidginEnglish.Heonlysuccumbedtosuperiornumberswhenheretreatedtothebac porch.Hismutteringscouldbehearddistinctlybythoseinthe itchen,andBroncococ edhisheadononesideandlistenedattentivelytotheangrycoo .

"Say,Holy,Idon'tsavvywhatthatyearChin issayin',butitsoundsaheapworse'nanythingIeverheerdyousay.He'sgotyoubeattoafrazzle.Whydon'tyoulearnChinee?Thenwhenyourstoc ofcusswordsgetsstaleyoucanstartonanewlot."

Holy'sretortwascutshortbyLimber,whopausedinrollingacigaretteandobserved,"You'recaptainofthisround-up,Bronco.Howdoyoustarther?"

TheyallgatheredaboutBroncoasheexplainedtheprocessunhesitatingly.Hedidnotdivulgethathehadas edinformationatthestore,regardingthepreparationofpaper,ma ingpasteandothernecessarydetailsofpaperhanging.Ithadseemedsosimplethathewassurehecouldremembereverything.



"Well,fustyoucuttheedgesoff'nthepaper,thenyouma eabiscuitdoughandthinheroutandstic thepaperup,andtharyouare!Easyasrollin'off'nalog!"

"That'sallrightsolongasthelogain'tpintedintoamudholewharthar'sabuc s incow,"murmuredHoly,withasideglanceatBronco.Theinnuendowasloftilyignored,andHolytriedothertactics.

"Whar'didyoulearntopaper,anyhow?"hedemandedsuspiciously."Youneverletonyou nowedhowuntillastnight."

"Thin I'mHasayampering?"Broncoansweredindignantly."IseedthempaperaroomdowntoEure aSpringsthreeyearsago.Ihelpedthemdoit."Hereservedtheelucidationthathehadhelpedcarryinagalvanizedtub,nothingmore."Mebbeyoudon'tbelieveme,butifanyofyoufellersthin she nowsmore'nIdoaboutit,I'mwillin'tolaybac inharnessandlethimta ethelead,andyourstrulywon'tdonoic in'overthetraces,neither."

Asnoonewasdisposedtodisputehisauthority,hecontinuedinamollifiedvoice:

"Roarer,yougogetalltheflouryou infindandbringithere."

Roarerloo eddubiouslytowardthebac porchandscratchedhishead,thenhetiptoedtothedoor,peepedthroughit,anddiscoveringFonghaddesertedtheplace,startedonhissearch,whileBroncoissuedhiscommandstotheothers.

"Limber,you inchasethatnewwhitewashbrushIleftinthebun house,andHolycantrimtheedgesoff'nthepaper.Thenyou inallhelpmixthepastewhenIgetready."

"Doesanybody nowwhartheshearsis?"queriedHoly, nowingfromexperiencethataneedleinahaystac couldbelocatedtwentytimesbeforetheonepairofshearsontheranchwasgenerallyfoundbythe

searcher."Bronc,youhadthemscissorsthreewee sagocuttin'Limber'shair.Iseedyou.Whararethey?"

Broncoloo ednonplussed,thenasserted,"Roarertoo 'emawayfromusbeforethejobwasdone,andthenhedisrememberedwharhe'dput'em.LimberhadtogototownwithonesidehishaircutandDunningfinishedupthejob."

Limberappearedwiththewhitewashbrush,andathisheelscameRoarerdraggingtwosac sofflour.

"ThisisallI infind,"saidRoarer."Rec onitwillbeenough?"

Broncowasnon-committal,"I'lluseitupandseehowfurit'llgo."

"Say,Roarer,yougottofindthescissors.Youwasthelastonethathad'em.Wherearethey?"calledHolyaccusingly.

Roarerstaredblan ly,thenwhirledoutthedoor.HolysatswearinguntilRoarerre-appearedandexhibitedthelostshears,explaining,"Ijusthappenedtothin thatIcouldn'tfindthewire-nippersthatdaywhenyouwascuttin'Limber'shair,andthatwaswhyIgot'emfromyou.Ileft'emintheblac smithshop,butIdisrememberedittillyouspo e



about'em.Theymaycutpaper,buttheyain'tnogoodforcuttin'wire."

HehandedthebadlydamagedshearstoHolywhoseatedhimselfonthefloor.Selectingarollofpaperfromthepilebeforehim,Holyopenedandcontemplateditinperplexity,finallyappealingtoBronco:

"Say,Bronc,there'stwowhiteedges.ShallItrim'emboth?"

Broncostoodgazingdownatthepaper."DurnedifI now,"heconfessed."Buttharain'tnouseshir in'thejobsincewetac ledit.Pitchin,Holy.Let'ergo,andcut'embothoff,"hedirectedrec lesslybeforehewasattractedbythestrugglesofRoarerandLimber,whodraggedinagalvanizedtub.

BehindthemcameFong,protestingwildly,"Noclatcheemoreflouler.Noma eebiscuitstomollow."

"Well,giveuscrac ers,"commandedBronco."Thisyearroomhasgottobepaperedtoday.Gochaseyourself,Fong."

TheChinamandisappearedjabberingandsha inghishead,butnoonepaidattentiontoFong'sworries.Eachwasimmersedinhisowntroubles.

Holystruggledheroicallywithspiralsofpaper,andvolcanicoutbursts

ofhispetexpressionsfloatedfromhispartoftheroomasheendeavouredtoextricatehimselffromtheenvelopingcoils.Broncohoveredoverthetub,directingLimberandRoarer,whodumpedasac andahalfofflourintoit.

"Yougotterputsaltin,next,"saidBronco,andthetwocowpunchersdartedtoacupboardwhereeachcapturedasmallbagofsalt.

"Whatnext?"theydemanded,becomingimbuedwithenthusiasmasthesaltmingledwiththetubofflour.

"And--er--and--"flounderedBroncohopelessly."There'ssomethingelse.Whatthedevilisit?"heimploredtheothers.

"Water,"promptedHolyfromhiscorner,hisheadandarmsprotrudingfromthepaperma inghimresembleahugeturtle."I nowedyou'dforgetthat."

Bronco'sirefoundventinafewwordsborrowedfromHoly'svocabulary,andLimber,mountedonabox,turnedfrominspectingthecupboardtosay:"Ifwe'regoin'topaperthisroom,youtwoquitscrapin'andgetdowntobusiness.Ifyouain't,jestsayso,andI'llsetManueltowhitewashin'it."

Histhreathadthedesiredeffect.BroncoappealedtoLimber,"Larrytoldmetomixitli ebiscuitdoughandthinitoutwithwater.There

wassomethin'elsebutI'veplumbforgotit,Limber."

"Well,trylard,then,"suggestedLimber,po inghisheadbac inthecupboardandscanningthecontentshopingtofindthemissingarticle,eventhoughitwerenecessarytoaddeverythingontheshelves."Howaboutsomeniggerfootmolasses?"

"Lard'sallright,"repliedBronco,"butniggerfootdon'tgoinbiscuits."



"Well,itgoesontopof'emprettyslic ,andit'sgoodandstic y,soitoughterbeagoodthingtoputin,"persistedLimber,holdingoutthecan."MebbeLarryforgottotellyoutouseit."

"Jestaleetlebit,"concededBronco,wishingheartilythatLimberwouldinsistuponwhitewashingtheroom;butnotbraveenoughtosuggestithimself.Ithadta enhimtwoyearstolivedowntheepisodeofthebuc s incow,andhe newthatHolyandRoarerwouldma elifeaburdenifheconfessedhisinabilitytofinishthewor hehadsorec lesslyunderta en.

Hewatchedtheblac molassestric leintothecontentsofthetubuntilthelastdrophadfallen.Limberascendedtheboxagain.

"Thar'sanothercanofniggerfoot.Don'tbestingywithitBronc,"admonishedLimber.

Broncohadnotthecouragetonegativeanysuggestion,buthegropedmentally,"Itwasashortword,"hetoldLimberwithafaintgleamofhope.

"Dam!"explodedHoly."Jestloo atthisdod-ratted,twistin'paper,willyou?Tal aboutyourHopisna e-dancers,theyain'tinitwithme!WhereamIat?"hedemandedfromalabyrinthofpapercoils.

Broncowasgladofthechancetoassume nowledgethathedidnotpossess,muchasasmallboybolstersuphisebbingcourageinadarlanebywhistlingloudly.

"Itoldyoutocuttheedgesstraight,"heannouncedoracularly,"andtheseyearloo li eacross-eyedmaveric hadbeenusin'acircularsawtocutwall-paperforamerry-go-round.Whythatpaperwouldgiveaministerajagtoloo atit!"

"Ifoneofyoufellerswouldhog-tiethatendwhilstIgetadiamond-hitchonthis'n,Imoughthavesomeshow,"defendedHolyfeebly.

RoarerwenttotherescueandgrippedoneendofarollwhileHolyconscientiouslyproceededtomutilatetheedgesandsucceededinma ingthescallopsatriflesmaller.LimberandBroncoresumedtheirconsultation.

"Ibetitwasyeast,"jubilatedLimber."Weallforgotaboutthat,andit'sashortword,sureenough."

"Iguessyou'reright,"Broncoagreedwithdesperatehaste,andwithoutdelayhedumpedalargecanofba ingpowderintothetub."Now,allwegottodoisthinheroutandthenshe'sreadytostartwor ."

Limberhelpedhimcarrythetubintothefrontroom,escortedbyRoarer

andHoly,whotrailedyardsofpaperwhichhadescapedfromtheirencirclingarms.

"Weneedaboardandtwosaw-horsestostandon,"saidBroncocheerfully,believingtheworstofthetroublewasover."Holy,youandRoarerpastethepaperwiththewhitewashbrush,whilstLimberhelpsmestic'erup.Wegottohavesystemifwewanttogetanythingdoneright."

Thefirststripwasdulyprepared,andtheyvieweditwithfeelingsa in



totheemotionsofColumbusandhiscrewwhentheysightedland.Broncoclimbedontheplan thatrestedonthesaw-horses.AshereacheddownforthewetstripwhichLimberhelduptohim,theboardtippedsuddenly.Broncoslid,clawingwildlyatspaceuntilheenvelopedLimberinapastyembrace.TheimpactcausedthembothtofallacrossHolyandRoarerwhowereengagedinspreadingpasteonanotherstrip.ThelatterprovednoobstacleinthemadcareerofLimberandBronco,whichendedignominiouslyinaseaofpastefromtheoverturnedtub.

Whentheconfusionhadsubsidedsufficiently,themensurveyedthewrecwithvoicelessdisgust,untilHolyspo esarcastically.

"Isupposeyou'llsaythisbelongsinthedeal,Bronc.What'snext?Yousureseemtobethemovin'spirit.But,onethingI'mstac in'mychipson,isthatI'll nowbetterthenexttimeIstarttopaperaroomandwon'tdoit."

"Youcanquitifyouwantto.Iain'tnoquitter.Thar'shalfasac offlourleft,"Broncochallengedoverhisshoulderashestartedforthedoortothebac porchwherehehaddepositedthesurplusflour.Thehalf-sac offlourhaddisappeared.

"IbetthatChin gotit,"assertedBroncowrathfully,buttherewasnosignofFonginanswertotheircalls.ThenLimberpointedtoacouple

ofburrosthatweredemolishingthelastshredsofafloursac ."Thatsettlesit,"gruntedBronco,blissfullyignorantthatwhiletheyhadbeenoccupied,Fonghadslippedslylythroughthescreendooroftheporch,clutchedthehalfsac offlour,retreatedsuccessfullyandafterdumpingthecontentsofthesac intoanothersac ,whichhadbeenwashed,theChinamanwithaleeroftriumph,tossedtheoriginalsac totheburros.Then,complacentlyhebeganmixingthedoughforthenextday'sba ing;butatintervalshepeeredatthefastvanishingfloursac ,andsawthathisrusewassuccessfulwhenthecowboysdiscoveredthetwoburros.

"Gosh,allwegottoshowisanicemessthat'sgottobecleanedup,

andabilldowntotheHeadquartersforpaperwithpin roses.Ain'titashame?Justwhenwewasgettingalongsofine,too."Bronco'stoneswerelugubrious,andtheyallloo edregretfullyatthecoilsofpaperthatcumberedtheroom.Li emournersatafuneraltheygatheredaroundthecoils.Thepin rosesgrewmorealluring.Broncoliftedonestripandhelditagainstthewall.

"Whitewashma esmesic ,"heaffirmed.

"SupposeIgoovertoEure aandas Mrs.Burnstolendusenoughflourtofinishupthejob?"Limbermadethesuggestionandtheideawasacceptedenthusiastically.

Whilehewasgonetheothersscrapedupthepasteandcollectedthescatteredrollsofpaper,thenwenttothebun houseandwaitedLimber'sreturn,unawarethatalmosthalfasac offlourreposedinacornerofFong'stintrun ,whileabatchofbreadwasrisingbeautifullyinthedishpanhiddenbeneathFong'sbed.Hadanyoftheboyssuspicionedthetruefactstherewouldhavebeenabadly-frightenedChinamaninArizona.

WhenLimberreturnedhewasaccompaniedbyMrs.Burnsinherbuggy,whilePeanut,Limber'spony,trottedatthebac oftherig,hitchedtotheaxle.



"Youboyshavecertainlyrunintoabunchoftrouble,"shelaughedasshenimblyclimbedfromtherig."ItoldLimberthatImightbeabletohelpyou,forI'vedoneallmyownpapering,you now."

Limberextricatedasac thatheldflour,andjoinedtheprocessiontotheroomtheywerenowsurewouldbedecoratedwithpin roses.

Mrs.Burnsloo edattheremnantofpasteinthetubbeforesheas ed,"Whatonearthdidyouuse?"

"Everythingwecouldfind,"confessedBroncohumbly."Wedidleaveouteggs,sugarandpepper."

"Allyouneedisflour,hotwaterandalittlethingluewater,"shelaughed.

"Glue!"theyechoed.

"ItoldyouLarrysaiditwasashortword,"triumphedBronco."Whydidn'tsomeofyoumuttonheadsthin ofglue?"

"Yousaidhetoldyoutoma eathinbiscuitdough,antharain'tnoglueinthat,"retortedHoly,butfurtherargumentwasavoidedasMrs.

Burnsbeganissuingbusiness-li eorders.Bythetimethesunwassettingthepaperedroomwaspronouncedathoroughsuccess,andMrs.Burnsmadeherwaytothestablesfollowedbyfourcowboyswhosehairandclothesspatteredwithdrypaste,testifiedtoanhonestday'slabour.

Mrs.Burnssurveyedthemasshepic edupthereins,readytostarthome,whileLimbermountedPeanuttoaccompanyher.ItwaseightmilestoEure aSprings.

"I'veheardoflostprospectorseatingtheirboots,"shesaid,"butifyouboysateyourclothes,youwouldneedanti-fat.TelltheBossIwill

beoversoontocallonthebride.Adios!"andwithaflourishofthewhipshedroveaway,followedbythegratitudeofthepaste-daubed,tiredgroup.

Itrequirednumeroustripstothe itchenforbuc etsofhotwaterbeforetheboysremovedthegreaterpartoftheconcoctionthatclungtenaciouslytofaces,handsandhair;thenbeganamorevigorousattacontheirbootsandclothes.

"It'sdurnedluc ythatBroncdisrememberedabouttheglue,"congratulatedRoarer."We'danevergotthatoff."

Broncoslumpedintoaric etychair,tippingitagainstthewalltoease

itswea estleg,"Itta esawomantoroundupastampedeli eour'nandgetthebunchheadedrightwhenitgetstomillin'.I'mdernedgladtheBossismarried,forthisoutfitneedsfemalepurtection."

"Ineverwor edsohardinmylife,"sighedHoly,floppingonhisbun .

Broncogrinnedacrosstheroom."Ain'tyouforgotthetimeyouwrotealettertoBillJohnson'ssister?Yousurewor edthattime--Setaroundthebun housetilldaylighttearin'uppaper."



"Well,sheas edallofustowriteher,"snappedHoly,"butnoneofyoufellershadthenervetodoit,andwhenyoubetIcouldn't,Icalledyourbluffandwonout,didn'tI?"

"Yousuredid,"agreedtheothers,recallingthehistoricmissivewhichhadbeenreadaloudanddulyadmiredbeforeitwasmailed.

_DereMissJohnson_

asIhavnorthinmutchtodoIwilriteyouafewlineswearealwelhearbutmyponyhasasoarbac andwehopeyouarethesame

asihavenorthinmutchtosayiwilnowclos

yourstruly

HOLY.

NoneoftheDiamondH newthatHoly'sletter,neatlyframed,hunginMissJohnson'sroomatafashionablegirls'school,whereitwasthecentreofattraction;andavaluedsouvenirofhersummervisittoherbrother'sranch,whichincludedtheepisodeofadanceatWillcox.

ThesilenceoftheprairiebroodedovertheDiamondHranch.Insidethe

bun housefourcowpuncherssleptserenelyunconsciousoftheodouroffreshlyba ingbreadthatdriftedfromtheranch itchen.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Jamiewastuc edcomfortablybetweenhissisterandthebig,newbrother,andastheydroveswiftlyalongthesmoothprairieroadbehindthehigh-headedtrotters,theboyforgothisshynessinconstantwonder.

"Thisisaprairie-dogtown,"explainedTraynortothechild,butNellwasequallyinterested."Thoseholesarewheretheylive,andwhenarainiscomingtheyallgetbusyheapinguptheearthtopreventwatergoingdownintotheirhomesanddrowningthemout.Theyaregoodweatherprophets."

"Oh,loo !It'ssittingup!"criedthechildindelight,pointingatatinybrown-furredanimalsquattedonitshindlegsandbar ingshrilly.

"Watchhimwhenwegetnearer,"suggestedTraynor."See,theyarestationedatregularintervals,justli esoldiers.Theyarethesentinelswhowarntheothersofapproachingenemies."Theprairie-dognearestthecarriage,gaveafinalbar ofdefiance,wiggleditsshort

tailanddodgedintothehole.Thenextnearestdogthentoo upthewarningbar .

"Whatbrightlittlethingstheyare!"Nellsmiledattheyappinglittleanimalthatshoutedpigmychallengetwentyfeetdistant.

"Iftheyhadlongtails,"Jamiehastenedtosay,"they'dbeli ethesquirrelsweusedtofeedinthePar ."

"We'llgetLimbertotraponeforyou,"promisedTraynor."Youwon't



haveto eepitinacageafterit nowsyou,foritwilldigaholeclosetothehouseandneverleave."

Jamie'sshiningeyesmetNell'sandhegaveanecstaticsighashesettledagainsthershoulder.Butinaninstanthewasalert,watchingacotton-tailrabbitdashacrosstheroad.Ithaltedbyamesquitebush.

"MaybeIcancatchit."Traynorhandedthereinstohiswifeandsteppedcautiouslyuntilhereacheddownandpic edthecoweringcreaturebyitsears.Jamieutteredacryofdelightashishandsclosedgentlyovertherabbit.

"Onceinawhileyoucandothat,"commentedthemanashetoo thereinsagain."TheApachesoftencatchthemthatway,butI'dhatetohavemydinnerdependonthesuccessofgettingarabbitbythismethod."

Thechildwasholdingthequiveringcaptiveagainsthischee .Itseyeswerebrightwithterror,andwhenJamieloo edupatTraynor,hiseyesheldsomethingofthesamebright,frightenedappeal."Won'tyoupleaseletitgohomenow?I'mafraiditwillbelonesometonight,li eIusedtobewhenNellwasawaywor ingalldayinNewYor ."

Traynorliftedthetinyprisonerandletitsliptotheground.They

laughedtogetherasitscurriedandleapedacrosstheprairieuntilitwaslosttosight.

"He newtherightwayhome,"saidJamie,clappinghishands,"andithasgonetotellitslittleboysandgirlsaboutthegiantsthatcaughtitandhowitgotaway.Theywillbeawfulgladtoseehimcomehome,won'tthey?"Nellnodded,andtheboywenton,"SometimesIusedtothin maybeagiantwouldcatchNellsoshecouldn'tcomehometomewhenitgotdar ,anditmademythroathurt.Butyoualwaysdidcome,"hefinishedwithasmileathissister,whothuslearnedforthefirsttimeofhischildishfear.

Herarmwentabouthimsuddenlyandsheheldhimcloseassheanswered,

"Andthegiantsdidn'tcatchme,yousee.Instead,youandIranawaytoawonderful,newcountry,wherethePrincecameandfoundus,andnowheista ingushometolivewithhim."

"Andwewon'thavetogobac again,ever,willweNell?"heas edinsuddenanxiety.

"No,dear,"sheanswered."It'sgoingtobejustli ethestoryboo s.Don'tyouremember?'Andtheyalllivedhappilyforeverafterward!'"

Thechildleanedbac withacontentedsigh,andhisclosedeyesdidnotseetheloo thatpassedbetweenNellandTraynor.Thehorseshadsloweddowntoawal andTraynor'srighthandheldthereinsloosely,buthis

lefthandclosedoverthegirl'sunglovedonewithitsnewgoldenbandontheslenderfinger.Hesmiledather,andthenhereyesfilledwithquic tears,asheleanedoverto isshertenderly.

"Tears,Nell?"

"Tearsofhappiness,"sheansweredtremulously."Thetearsthatcomewhenone'sheartistoohappyforlaughter."

Nellhadadistinctrecollectionofherfirstviewoftheranchwhenshe



hadseenitfromthestagecoach,butthethoughtnowthatthiswasherhomeandAllan'slentadifferentinteresttothelittlevillageofcream-colouredbuildingswithredroofs,surroundedbycottonwoodandwillowtrees.Hereandtherepo edwindmillsthatsuppliedthetroughsandpondswithwater.Thatotherridehadbeenfilledwithanxiousuncertaintyastowhatlaybeforeher,butnow,thewholeworldwasawonderfuldreamofhappinessandlove.Thiswasherhome.

Thecarriageenteredthebigdrivewayintothemainstable,wherethemenandFongwerewaitingtomeetthem.Apac ofgreyhoundslyingonthefloor,leapedandbegantoyelpinexcitement.Fromthebox-stallsslee headsofhandsomehorsespeeredcuriously,thentheywhinniedawelcomehometotheteamthatpawedthefloorimpatiently.

NellscarcelyhadtimetonoteitallwhenDoctorPowellcamefromthecourt-yardofthehouseandhelpedherfromthecarriage.

"Igotbac yesterday,"hesaid,aftertheyhadallexchangedwordsofwelcome.HiseyesrestedonJamie,"Well,IbelieveArizonaisfatteningyouupalready,"heexclaimed,ta ingthechild'shandinhisown."YouandImustbechums,Jamie,forwe'rebothtenderfeet,andhavelotstolearn.Limberpic edoutafinelittleponyforyoutoride,andIfoundasaddleinTucsonthatisjustyoursize.We'llbothlearntobecowboys,now.Won'tthatbefine?"

Thechild'ssmiletoldthatPowellhadwonaloyalfollower.Thedoctor'sloveforchildrenwasamagnetthatdrewthemtohimatonce.Nowheloo eddownatthechild,measuringthebattletobefought,andnewthevictorywouldnotbeeasilywon,forthechild'svitalityhadbeendeeplysapped.

Nellpausedinthecourt-yard.Itwaseightyfeetsquare,withdeepporchesonallfoursides.Triangularflowerbedswereineachcorner,andoverapergolaclimbingrosesinfullbloommingledwithhoneysuc leandfloweringsyringa,whichrec lesslydistilledtheircombinedfragrance.Eventhewindmillinthecentreofthecourtwascompletelyhiddenbyvines.

Shefollowedherhusbandintothelow-ceilingedlivingroom,andwithalittlesmileshedroppedintothesamebigchairthathadheldherinsleepwhenthecowboysdiscoveredherthatunforgettableday.

"Comeseethisview,"calledAllan,andshewenttothelongFrenchwindowandstoodbesidehim."Thosemountainsarethemostwonderfulsermonsintheworld,"hesaid."Ittoo mealongtimetounderstandthem.Limberhelpedme.WhenIwasdiscouraged,hedidnotsayanything,butjustsaddledhislittlepintopony,Peanut,andmyownhorse,Chinati,andwerodesilentlyforhoursthroughlong,dimtrails,untilIfoundcourageandpeace.Thenwecamehomeagain.YouandIwillridethosetrailstogetherdear.Theyhave nownmydar hours,andnowI

wantthemtoshareourhappiness."

Heturned,andwithhisarmaboutherwaist,ledhertoadoorthatconnectedtheliving-roomwithanadjoiningone.

"Itoldtheboystoslic upthisroomforyou,andyoucanselectyourfurniturefromthecatalogue.Thatishowweshopwhenweliveonaranch,you now."

Ashethrewopenthedoor,thepin rosesandredNavajorugsshrie ed



"It'sashametocutit,"sheprotested,asshetoo the nife.Thensheturnedtoherhusband,"Iwantthementoseeitfirst,andwe'llgivethemeachapieceofit,Allan,ifyoudon'tmind."

Hehurriedoutoftheroomtomarshaltheboysbeforehim.Theca ewasdulyadmiredandFong'spridesatiated.Thenthe nifediditsdeadlywor ,andthefairybridgestoppled,bitbybit,untilthewholeoutfithadreceivedagenerousportionofFong'smasterpiece.

"Holdon,"saidTraynor."Fong,yougetsomeglasses,andbringoneforyourself,too."

WhileFongobeyedtheorder,Traynordisappearedtoreturnwithseveralbottlesofchampagne,whichheopened.

Thustheydran tothehealthandhappinessoftheBossoftheDiamondHandhisbride,andinthoseglasseswaspledgedanunspo endevotionthatwouldcountnosacrificetoogreattoma efortheBossandthelittlelady.

Itwaslongpastmidnightbeforethemensettledintheirbun sandthelightwasturnedout.Forquiteawhilenothingdisturbedthesilence,thenRoarer'svoicepiercedthedar nessshrilly,"Say,wheredidFonggettheflourtoma ethatca e?Weallseenthemburroseatin'the

floursac ,didn'twe?An'that'salltheflourtharwasontheranch?""Shetup!"respondedHolyfiercely."Idon't nowwharhegotitan'what'smoreIdon'tcare.Itwasdamnedgoodca e,anyhow!"

PARTTWO

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Thelifeoftheranchwasli easeriesoffairytalestoNellandJamieinthesefirstdaysoftheirhomecomingtotheDiamondH.Nottheleastwonderfulanddelightfuloftheirnewexperiencesweretheridinglessons.Acoupleofgentle,easy-gaitedponiesweresaddledfortheboyandhissister,andaccompaniedbyTraynorandDoctorPowelltheyrodetothevariousoutlyingranchesthatformedapartoftheimmenseDiamondHrange.OftenLimberrodewiththem.Alwaystheriderswereprecededbythepac ofgreyhoundsthatdartedyelpingafterjac rabbitsoranoccasionalcoyote.

DoctorPowellhadbeenwaitingtheoutcomeofKing'swill,whichhadbeenwrittenoutbyhandwithnowitnesses.Astherewerenoheirs,andAllanTraynor,theexecutor,hadbeenappointedinthewillwithoutbonds,hewasgivenfullpowertosellthepropertyinconformancewiththetermsofthewill.Thisstipulatedpositivelythatthepropertywasonlytobesoldtoaphysicianwhowouldestablishasanitariumupontheplacewithoutunduedelay;andtheProbateCourtorderedthatthesetermsbecarriedout.

Untilafterthewillwasmadepublic,onlyTraynorandafewLandOffice



peoplewereawarethatKinghadpatentedtheland.Glendonexpressedhisdisappointmentvehemently.ThereweremanywhowishedtobidfortheSprings,butPowellwastheonlyeligiblepurchaser,andwasreadywiththecash.Aftercomplyingwithalllegalformalities,hewasgivenimmediatepossessionoftheHotSpringsranch.

Allproceedsofthesale,accordingtothewill,weretobeturnedovertotheexecutoruntilsuchtimeasthesanitariumwascompleted,whenthisentirefundwastobeappliedtothemaintenanceoftheplace.Thus,DoctorKing,unabletoliveandseetherealizationofhisdream,wasassistingincarryingouthisplans.ItwasapartnershipbetweenthedeadandlivingownersoftheHotSprings,whichPowellfeltasacredobligation.Hewishedheartilythattheolddoctorcouldhavelivedsotheymighthavewor edtogether;but,heresolvedthatsofarashewasabletheunderta ingshouldembodytheidealswhichthedeaddoctorhadnotlivedtoseefulfilled.

LimberwascommissionedtofindamantooccupytheranchhouseattheSpringsuntilthedoctor'splanswerecompleted.ThesearchresultedinthehiringofaMexicandwarf,whoseownname,longforgotten,foundasubstitutein"Chappo,"or"LittleChap."Whenlivingnearanysettlementhewasunabletoresisthisfondnessforstimulants,yethewashonestandfaithfultothecore,asLimber new.TheplanofsendinghimtotheplacewouldbeanadvantagetohimaswellastoPowell.

ThedoctorspentmuchofhistimeattheDiamondH,whileawaitingrepliestohiscommunicationswithvariousarchitectsandmanagersofsanitaria,inEuropeaswellasAmerica.

Enteringthedining-roomforbrea fastonemorning,Nell,withchee sflushingandeyesspar ling,andeverymovementradiatinghappiness,glancedoutthewindowacrossthewidevalleytowardFortGrant.

"Isn'tthisawonderfulplace!"sheexclaimedturningfromthewindowanddroppingintoherchairatthetable."Itisgoodjusttobealiveinthisbig,freecountry!"

"Iamhavingtwohundredcowsbrandedforyou,Nell,"spo eTraynorasshehandedhimhiscoffee."It'syourpin-money,andJamiewillstarthisherdwithfiftycows.Limberisfixingupaspecialbrandforeachofyou."

"Allan!Youdarling!"gaspedNell,thenshedartedaroundthetabletowhereherhusbandsatanddroppedaswift issonhisforeheadwhenheloo edupatherwithlaughingeyes.Fong,whohadjustenteredwithaplateoffamouspop-overs,grinnedsentimentally,andNell,blushingfuriously,resumedhervacatedchair.

"I'mbeginningto'actup,'asBroncocallsit.ButnowIunderstandwhycowpunchersracetheirponiesandshoottheirguns.I'dli eto'whooper

up'myself,thismorning,"shefinishedwithalittlelaugh.

"Dangerouscondition,"pronouncedthedoctorgravely."I'dprescribeagood,hardrideastheonlyhopeforimprovement."

"Allright,"respondedTraynorwithtwin lingeyes."Getyourtogson,Nell.We'llallgotothebigrodeoatBoxSprings.You'llgetafaintideaofrangewor ,andnowthatyouhaveyourownherd,youshouldlearnhowtorunit."



"Limberisshowingmehowtothrowarope,"Jamiebro eineagerly,andhescrambledfromhischair,clutchinghisnewsombrerothathehaddepositedonthefloorbyhischair,thewayhenoticedthecowboysalldid."YesterdayImountedmyponyallalone.Icansaddlehim,too--butLimberhastopullthecinchestight."Withthisfinaldeclaration,hehurriedthroughthedoor,histinyspursclic ingimportantlyonthecementwal .

Thegreyhoundpac yelpedshrillprotestsatbeingleftbehindwhentheysawNellandJamiewereintheparty.ThenTraynorandPowellmountedtheirownhorsesandthefourswungalongtheroadinasteadylopetowardtheGaliuromountains,westoftheranch.

WhentheyreachedBoxSprings,Nell'sfirstimpressionwasadensecloudofduststirredupbytherestlesshoofsofthousandsofcattle.Thenshesawthechuc -wagon,wherethecampcoo wasbusywithhispotsandpansoverafireofsmoulderingoa logs.Nearthemountainsfourorfivethousandheadofbawlingcattle,withcowpunchersdashingtoandfroamongthem,gavetheappearanceofwildestconfusion.Yet,totheinitiated,thesystemwasperfect.Partofthecattlewerebunchedandherdedbycertainmen,whileothersrodethroughtheweaving,tossingmassofhorns,deftlypic ingtheirwayand'cuttingout'someparticularanimal.

Nellwatcheditallwithfran delightandcuriosity,andappealedtoherhusbandfromtimetotime."WhataretheydoinginthatbunchwhereLimberisriding?"

"'Cutting,'"wastheanswer."WatchLimber.Seehowhepic sacowandfollowsitup?Peanutisawonderful'cuttingpony.'Heseemsto nowjustwhatLimberisthin ing,andoncePeanutpointstherightcow,heneverletsitgetawayfromhimtillitisoutofthebunchandwhereitbelongs.He'sthechampioncuttingponyofArizona.Limbercanusealightcordinsteadofreins.NoonebutLimbereverridesPeanut.Heturnssoquic lyhewouldthrowanyotherman.Watchhim,Nell!"

PowellandNelllostnomovementofthepintoponyanditsmaster,now

followingabig,bald-facedsteer.Theanimal, nowingitwasbeingsingledout,twistedanddodgedadroitlyfromsidetoside.Then,findingitsattemptstoescapeinvain,itmadeasuddendashfromtheherdandtorewildlytowardthemountainsbac ofthecamp.Peanut,hislittlepintobodyhugginglowtotheground,hishoofstossingclodsofdirt, eptclosebehindthesteer.Limber,leaningslightlyforwardinhissaddleheldacoiledropeinhishand.

Onlyafewfeetseparatedthem,whenthesteer'shoofstruc aprairie-doghole,anditwentdownwithacrash.Thosewhowatchedgaveaninvoluntarycry.Peanut,tooneartostoporturnaside,reachedthefallensteerjustasitstartedtorise.

Withoutasecond'shesitation,thegallantlittleponyleapedoverthesteer,whirledandracedafteritasitscurriedintheoppositedirection.

Ayellofadmirationsoundedfromallthecowboys;they newhowclosehadbeenthedangertoponyandrider.Nellgaspedinterrorandamazement.

"That'sthefinestbitofridingI'veeverseen!"Traynorenthused."Why,noonebutLimberandPeanutcouldhavedoneit!Thesteerwas



almostonhisforefeetwhentheponyjumped.Ifthehorsehadmissed,orwaitedaninstant,itmighthavemeantabro ennec forbothmanandhorse!"

"Itwasmagnificent!"Powellexclaimedinaccentsofheartyadmiration."But,IsupposeLimbercountsitallintheday'swor andnothingmore."

"That'sjustit,"wastheanswerfromtheBossoftheDiamondH."It'sagameofchanceeachdaywhenyouridetheopenrange."

Limberhadsucceededindrivingtherecalcitrantsteerintoabandofstoc herdedawayfromtheothercattle.

"Whydidhehavetoputitthere?"Nellmotionedwithherwhip.

"That'sthe'strayherd,'"Traynorexplained."Yousee,Arizonabeingallopenrange,cattlemixindiscriminately.Twiceayearthereisageneralround-up,orrodeo.Thennoticeissenttoallranchersinformingthemoftheitineraryofthewor ,whichextendsovercertainsections."

Theywereridingclosertothestrayherdashespo e,andhaltedthehorsesalittledistanceaway.

"EachrodeohasitsCaptain,whoisgeneralmanagerfortheterritorycoveredbyanumberofranches.Allranchescontributetheirprorataofmen,horsesandchuc ,ma ingthewor co-operative."

"That'sratherfairtowardthesmallcattleowner,"Powellinterrupted;"but,thatisthespiritofthecountryhere.Asquaredealforall."

Traynornoddedassent."Frequentlycattlearelocatedahundredmilesormorefromtheir'homerange.'Wecuttheseintothestrayherdandholdthemtilltheownerdrivesthembac tohisplace.Ifheisnotrepresentedattherodeo,heisnotifiedandarrangestogettheanimals.So,thestrayherdisanimportantitemintheround-upwor ,

yousee."

Theyhadriddenaroundtheherduntilreachingthespotwhereafireofglowingcoalswastendedbyacoupleofcowpunchers,Traynorsaid,"Thisisthebrandingplace.Loo atBronco!"

HepointedthegallopinghorsethatcarriedBronco."You'llseesomeprettywor now.BroncowonthechampionshipforropingatthelastTerritorialcontest."

"Whatisit?"demandedNell."It'sallGree tome."

"Asteeristurnedlooseontheopen,thenthecowpuncherta esafter

it,whenithasacertainstart.Hemustropeit,throwitandtieitsoitcannotrise.Thenheliftshishandsintheair.Thetimeta enfromthestartofthesteertothesecondthemanraiseshishands,iswhatdecidesthechampionshiproping."

LeaningforwardeagerlyPowellandNellwatchedBronco'sarmmoveswiftly.Thecoiledriatainhishandshotoutli eanimmense,writhingsna e.Thebigloopdroppedoverthecalf,slippedalmostimperceptibly,thenjer edtautasBronco'sponysquatteddownonitshaunchesandthecalffellwithaheavythud.Aquic turnofthewrist,andBroncohad



theendofhisropetwistedfirmlyaboutthehighhornofhissaddle.Dependingonthepony,withitsbracedfeet,andalerteyes,movingbac wardandholdingtheropefromslac ing,Broncosnatchedared-hotironfromthefire.

Acurlofsmo e,bellowofpain,twoquic slashesofa nife.Thecalfscrambledup,afreshlyburntbrandonitship,anditsbleedingears,showingthemar ofitsowner.Theanimalstoodbewildered,snorted,andrushedwithaloudbawltothecow'sside.Shehadbeenwatchinganxiously.Nowshesniffedathercalf,lic editsfaceinsympathy;thenwithoneaccordtheyscurriedaway,freetogowheretheypleased,fortheywereontheirhomerangeandtheirtroubleswereover.

"Itseemscruel,"Nellprotestedwarmly.

"It'stheonlywaytohandlerangecattle,"Traynorreplied."Formerly,"hewasspea ingtothedoctor,"thebrandsweremadeaslargeaspossible--nowwema ethemassmallaslegible.Onceinawhilewestillrunacrossananimalwiththreeimmenseletters--JIMorHUE--acrosstheentiresideofthebrute.Theyweretwobrotherswhodeterminedthereshouldbenodisputeovertheirrespectiveownerships.Itruinedthehideand noc edoffagoodsumonthesaleoftheanimal.Mostbrandsareonthehiporhindquarter.It'saninterestingstudyonceyougetintoit."

"Well,solongastheybrandthecattle,whycuttheears,too?Isitnecessary?"Nell'ssympathywasstillwiththecalf.

"Itsettlesownershipwhereabrandisindistinctordisputedforanyreason?Brandingisdonewhenthefliesarenottroublesome,andcalvesstillfollowtheirmothers.Shouldacalfescapebrandingatthepropertime,throughoversight,itsoonbecomeslargeenoughtoleaveitsmother,andthusishardtoidentifythenextrodeo.So,ifacowboyontherangeseesalargecalfwithuncroppedears,heinvestigatesatonce."

"Ofcourse,"Powellasserted,"Icanseethesenseofitnowthatyou

haveexplainedit."

"Well,eventhatdoesnotsettleadispute.Thelong-eared,motherlesscalvesarecalledmaveric s,orinArizona,wheretheMexicanlanguageisused,orajanos.Theunwrittenlawoftherangegivesanunmar edcalftothefellowwhocatchesit,solongasitisnotwithitsmother,yousee.Naturally,themanonwhoserangeitisfound,issupposedtohaveastrongerclaim.Along-earedcalfisatemptationfor'sleepering.'"

"Inthenameofgoodness,Allan,"saidNellindespair,"whatis'sleepering'?IjustgetaglimmerofunderstandingwhensomethingnewcomesupandI'mflounderingworsethanever.Idon'tseehowanyoneeverlearnsallthoseterms."

"Well,"laughedTraynor,"nowyoucanunderstandhowharditwasforme,tolearnitall.Ididn'tdareas questions,yousee.HadtopretendInewitall.Ontherange,naturally,theear-mar showsveryplainlyatadistance,fortheanimalwillfaceanyrider.Ifacowpuncherseesthecalf,standingbyitsmother,bearsthesameear-mar ,hedoesnotinspecttoseeifitisbranded,unlesshehascauseforsuspicion.Therustler nowingthis,ear-mar sacalfandta eschancesonitsbeingdiscoveredthecalfhasnobrand.Theear-mar ofcalftallieswiththatofthemother,yousee.Whenthecalfisoldenoughtobedrivenaway



fromthemother,therustlerfinisheshiswor bydrivingitaway,thenchangestheear-mar andputsonhisbrand."

"That'swhatIshouldclassasscientificcattlestealing,"Powelldecided,andNellagreedwithhim,butbeforetheycouldas furtherquestionstheyturnedstartledfacesinthedirectionofanunclassifiednoise.

TheBossoftheDiamondHlaughed,andpointedtothecampcoo ,whoheldadishpanandwasbangingvigorouslyonitwithahugeironspoon.Farandnear,thecowpunchersliftedtheirvoicesinthegleefulshout,"Chuc 'sready!"

Partoftheoutfitremainedonguardoverthecattle,whiletheothersracedtheirponiespell-melltothewagonnearwhichthenoon-daymealwasspread.

"I'mhungry,"announcedNell,andwithoutfurtherceremonysheledthewayonherponytojointhegroupofmenamongwhomsherecognizedLimberandBronco.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

AsNellapproachedthechuc -wagon,theeyesofthecowpunchersofthemanyranchesrepresented,loo edatherwithopenapproval,notunmixedwithcuriosity,fortheyallhadheardtheepisodeofWalton'sgreenwhis ers,andtheromanticmeetingoftheBoss,oftheDiamondHandthegirltowhomhehadbeenengagedintheEast.

Broncohelpedherdownfromherpony,andescortedhertoaseatofhonour--anemptyboxthathadformerlyheldcannedtomatoes.Themensattailor-fashionaroundthecanvasthatdiddutyasatable-cloth.

Nell'seyesscannedthetable.Granitepansfullofboiledpotatoes,frijoles--thesmallredbeangrownbyMexicans,whichformstheprincipalarticleofdietonanyArizonaranch--anenormousdishheldastewmadeof"jer y,"whichNellrecognized,forshewasbecominginitiatedintomanythingsthatwerestrange.ShehadseenFongpoundingstripsofsun-driedmeat,andwatchedittransformedtoasavorystew,whileheexplainedthatthecowboyscarrieditintheirpoc etsandateitwithoutcoo ing.

Shesniffedwithappreciationthecoffee,andacceptedthebigtincupwithasmile,thenaddedcondensedmil fromthecanBroncopassedtoher.

"Whatlovelybiscuit!"sheexclaimed,asawhiteclothwasdepositedinfronther,andthegoldentanbiscuit,steaminghotwereuncovered."Idon'tseehowitcanbedonewithoutarealstove!"Thecampcoogrinnedhisapprovalofawomanofsuchintelligence.

Theclatteroftinplates,iron nivesandfor s,wasbro enwithlaughterorjo esbythepunchersateachother'sexpense.Lifeduringtherodeowasacombinedcircusandschool-dayvacationwhenoffdutywiththeherd.Then,itwasgrim,hardwor .ThefeelingofrestraintatfirstnoticeablewhenNellsatonherimprovisedthrone,gradually



evaporatedasshejoinedinthelaughter.Itvanishedcompletelywhensheslippedfromtheboxtotheground,tobe"nearerthebiscuit,"shelaughedasshereachedoutandappropriatedone.

Jamie,seatedbetweenBroncoandLimber,wassilentbuthappy,astheyacclaimedhim"oneoftheDiamondHoutfit,"anda"regularpuncher,now."

Thefirstrelaymovedaway,someta ingtheirplaceswiththeherdtoallowtheothermentheirturnatthechuc ,butmanyofthemwereoffdutyforatime,andtheseloafedandtal edtogether,thesmo eoftheircigarettesformingtinycloudsabouttheirheads.Nellroseandmadeherwaytoafallenlog,onwhichshedroppedwithasmileatBroncowhohadfollowedherandJamiefromthetable.

WhilesheadmiredLimber,therewasaboyishirrepressibilityaboutBroncothatmadealittlebondbetweenthem.Hereachedintothebreast-poc etofhisblueflannelshirtandwithdrewthehand,partlyclosed.Jamieloo edatitcuriouslyashesawitwasextendedtohim.Bronco'sfingersopened,andNellandthechildstaredatastrangethingblin ingsleepily.

"Whatisit?"theyas edsimultaneously.

"Horn-toad,"Broncoreplied."Caughthimthismornin'andIwasprettysureyouhadn'tseenone,soI epthim."

"Won'thebite?"Jamie'stonesweredoubtful.

"Notonyourlife,"answeredthecowboy.

TheyregardedthelittlecreatureasBroncoputitonthegroundanddraggedabitofstringfromhispoc et.Hetiedthisaboutthetoad'shindlegsclosetothebody.

"Loo athim,"wasthecommand,asBroncoslidhisfingerovertherough,tiny-hornedbac fromtailtohead.

Withawildscurryoflegs,thetoadracedtotheendofthestringandstruggledtoescape;but,Bronco'sfingertoucheditsheadandmovedgentlytowardthejer ingtail.Thetoad'seyesclosed,hisheaddroopedtowardtheground,thelegsandtailbecamemotionless.Jamiegavealittlesquealofdelight,andcried,"He'sgonetosleep!"

"Hangontothestringaminit."

Jamieclutchedit,whileBroncoheldaconsultationwiththecoo atthetail-boardofthechuc -wagon.Soonhereturnedwithasmall,emptymatch-box.

"This'llma eafinewagon,"heannounced,tyingthematch-boxtotheendofthestring."Now,tharweare!Allyougotterdotoma ehimmovelivelyisrunyourfinger'longhisbac li eIdone,andcontrarywise,fromhisheadtohistail,ifyouwanthimtostop.WhenIwasa idinTexas,mean'mylittlebrotherustercatch'emandhaveracesthisway."

Agrinspreadoverhisfaceandheloo edupatNell,"Say,Mrs.Traynor,Mawhatedhorn-toads.Billan'merounded-uptwentyof'emonce,andhid'eminaclosetinabox.Theboxgotupsotsomewaysin



thenight,andwhenMawgotuptostartbrea fastyouneverheerdsuchawhoop!Sheputherfootononeof'em.Itdidn'thurtthetoadforshetoo herfootofftooquic ,butBillanmeneverbrunganymoreintothehouseafterthatmornin'.Yousee,whensheputdownherotherfoot,shehitanothertoad,an'thatroomwasjestnaturallyalivewith'em.Werounded-upthewholeherd,twentyof'em,butMawsaidshe newedtharwasathousandandtherestof'emgotaway."

"I'mratherinclinedtosympathizewithyourmother,Bronco,"wasNell'slaughingcomment.Sheshuddered,"Thoselittlesharphornsarebadenoughtosteponwithabarefoot,buttofeelthehornsmovingwouldberatherupsetting,Ishouldthin ."

"Itwas,"Broncorejoinedsoberly."ButMawwasn'tsoupsotaswe idswas--afterwards."

Jamiedevotedhimselftohisnewpet,andNell'seyeswanderedtoherhusbandandDoctorPowellwhoweretal ingwithanotherman,notfaraway.Shesawthismanhadagrizzlybeardthatseemednevertohavebeencroppedorshaven.Thedrys inofnec andthroatwaswrin ledandthetextureandcolourofapieceofArizonajer yfromlongexposuretothesunandwind.Onhishead,anoldstrawhatwasguiltlessofacrown,butflauntedtwodilapidatedtur eyquills.Tuftsofun empthairpeeredinquisitivelyoverthebro enedgesabovetheraggedbrim.Agrim

mouthmadearepositoryforacorn-cobpipe,andsuspiciousgreyeyessquintedfromPowell'sfacetothatoftheBossoftheDiamondH.

Broncosawherinterest,andexplained,"That'sPaddyLafferty,ownsthePLranchandherd,thatthedoctorfiggersonbuyin',"thenNellrecalledthemanystoriesshehadalreadyheardofthiseccentriccharacter.Paddy'seyescaughthers,andsheflushedguiltilyassheglancedawayquic ly.

"It'sadandyrodeo,"sheheardBronco'svoicebesideher,ashesatontheground, neesdrawnup,hismuscularhandsbusyrollingacigarette.

"IsupposeI'llgetusedtowildcattleafterawhile,"Nellhazarded,

"but,honestly,Bronco,I'mafraidofthem.Theirhornsaresobigandsharp."

"Why!"thecowpuncher'samazementwasundisguised."Theseisshort-horns!Weain'tgotnolong-hornsontherange.You'doughterseensomeoftheol'Texaslong-hornsweusterhave.Lotsoftimesthehornswassowidewecouldn'tgetasteerloadedintoabox-cartillwe'dsawedoffthehorns.Andwild--"hepausedforadequatewordsbeforehefinished,"Say,theywasacrossbetweenadeeran'amountain-lion,sofurasdispositioncounts!"

"Well,Ineverfeelsafeexceptonmypony."

"Say,Mrs.Traynor,you'redeadsafeanywheresinArizona,"thecowboyassuredherearnestly."Why,ifyouwastowal overtothatairherd,you'dstampedeitquic asawin !"

Nellturnedonhimwithdancingeyes,"Forgracious'sa es,Bronco!AmIsuchascarecrowasallthat?"

Bronco'sfaceandearsgrewred."Oh,shuc s!Ididn'tmeantosayitthatway.But--yousee--rangestoc isusterseein'men,footorhorsebac --awomaninpetticoatsisanewcritterto'emandplumb



paralyzesaherd.Tharwasonetime,though,"hecontinuedmournfully,"IwishtsohardIwasawomanthatIdernednighprayedforpetticoats."

Hewasimmersedindeepthoughtforafewseconds,andthenhedemandedsuddenly,"DidtheBossevertellyouaboutthetimeIfooledmyselfintothin in'Iwasabull-fighter?"

"No,"wasthereply,"butpleasetellme,won'tyou?"

"Idon'tminditsomuch,now,"Broncogrinned,"buttharwasatimewhenitsuremademesoretotal aboutit.Yousee,IbeentoMexicoandseedaMexbull-fighter.Thefellerwhatfitthebullbeltaredhand ercheeoutinfrontofhim,andwhenthebulllitoutforhim,hejeststeppedonesideandthebullwentrunnin'pastwiththehand ercheehangin'overhiseyes,li eawidder'sveil.Thenthefellerstuc abunchofribbonsonthebullandmadeitmadder'nahornet,an'youcan'tblameabullforgettin'madatbeinglaughedatthatway.Itloo edsoeasythatIthoughtitwasn'tnotric noways--andImadeupmymindI'ddoitmyself,sometime."Nellfacedhimexpectantly.

"Well,onedayIwasridin'overfromHotSpringsbytheMudSpringstrail,anditwasnearsuppertime,whenthesunwentdown.Ihadtwelvemilestorideandwehadacran ycoo attheranch,an'Ihadn'tet

anythin'sincefiveo'cloc ,sun-up.So,whenIseensmo ecomin'fromthecamphouseatMudSprings,you inbetIhumpedalongprettylively.

"Afellerfromtheeastwasstayin'tharferhishealth.Hewasallalone,an'gladtohavesomeonecallonhimferachange.Imademyselfasentertainin'asI nowedhow,hopin'feraninvitetochuc .Hecoo edoveracampfire,andsaidhewantedtogetasneartoNatureashecould;butIcouldn'tseeanysenseinwhathesaid.Whilsthe eptoncoo in'supperan'notsayin'anythin'aboutexpectin'metostay,Ieptplayin'fertime.

"Tharwasanol'buc s incowstandin'nearinthebrush,andItol'himaboutthebull-fight.Hegotinterested,andIbegintoseesomechance

ofchawin'thatgrubbeforelong.ThenIgotsmartandofferedtoshowhimhowtheydoneit.HesaidI'dbetternottryit.Ofcourse,Iwasonlybluffin'atfirst,butwhenhesaidthat,itcalledmybluff.Iambledovertothetol'buc s inbago'bonesandguvheracrac overtheridge-polewithmyriata,butsheneverevenloo edatme.Shewasthetol'thetshemustofbeenoneofthegreat-grandmothers'oftheherd,andwhenIseenthatIgotbrash."Broncostaredacrossspace,hishandsdroppinglimpbetweenhis nees.

"Icaughtholtofhertailandtwistedit,thenIslappedherjaw.Shewo eupsome,an'Idancedinfrontofherli ealocoedijit,wavin'myredhand ercheean'yellin'li eanApacheonthewar-path.Sheguvonebeller,puthernosetothegroundandcomeatmeindeadearnestto

ma emeunderstandthataladycowheragecan'tbetrifledwith.

"Thetenderfootyelled,'Loo out!'andmadeforawalnuttreeandshinniedupit,andtharhesetpeepin'outli eas eeredchipmun .IwishtIwasuptharlongsideofhim,buthadtogetbusydoin'whatthebull-fighterdone.So,Istoodtharandheltthatdurnedhand ercheeoutinfrontofme,jestli eIseedhimdo,but,honestInjun!I'drutherhedasolidadobewallinfrontofmejustthen.Well,thatdoggoneanimilegotfivefeetaway,andthenIseenthatshehadbotheyeswideopen,insteadofshettin'hereyesli eabulldoeswhenhecharges.



"ItparalyzedmesoIfergottomovethetpieceofredcalicerandjeststoodtharholdin'itinfrontofme,whilstthatdamnedtenderfootwaswhoopin'andscreechin'hisheadoff,'She'sacomin'!She'sacomin'!'JestasifIdidn't nowitaheapsightbetter'nhedid!Tharwasn'tanychanctlefttorun,andthatol'cowsuredidcome.

"Shehitmesquarand noc edthewindplumoutenme,andIwentdownan'chawedadobedirt.Shemadeholesallovermyclothes,trompedmefromheadtofoot,rolledmeoverandoverli eIwasachun ofbiscuitdough,thensheguvasnortandwentoffinthebrush."Nell'seyesweredancingandsheleanedforwardeagerly.

"Ipic edmyselfup,"hisvoicewasmournful,"justasthetenderfootclumbdownfromhisperch.Neitheroneofussaidaword.Hewastooscairttotal andIwastoomad.Thecoffeepotwasupset,thedinnerburnttoacinder.Igotonmyhorseandhitthetrailforhome.Itol'theboysthatmyponysliddownthesideofacaÃ±onwithme,andthey'dnever nowedthedifferenceifthatdamnedtenderfoothadn'tcomeahumpin'downthenextdaytoseeifIwashurtverybad."Heheavedasigh,and ic edatastonebesidehisfoot.

"Igotevenwiththetol'cow,though.ShewasinthelastbunchweshippedforKansasCity,andIseentoitthatshedidn'tgetcutouten

theherd.But,I'llneverforgethersolongastharisabuc s incowinArizonaTerritory.Theboyswon'tgivemeachanct;"hepaused,gazedreflectivelyacrosstheValley,thenaddeddolefully,"I'llneverbehappyuntilIseesomebiggerfoolthanmyself,buyin'alltheol'buc s incowsinArizonatoship'emdowntoMexicoforbullfights."

Nell'slaughterreachedPowell,TraynorandPaddyastheyapproachedwhereshesat.

"ThisisPaddyLafferty,Nell,"saidTraynor."HehasgivenanoptiononhisranchandcattletoDoctorPowell."

Sheloo edupatatall,gauntoldmanwithstoopingshouldersand

jointsthatseemedtobeheldtogetherbyloosewires,li eajointeddollsubjectedtomuchhandling.

PaddyregardedNellsharplyfromunderhisraggedeyebrows,butassheroseandheldoutherhand,smilingintohisface,sheunconsciouslywonaloyalfriend.

Hesquatteddownonthegroundbesideherandlistenedtohermerrycommentsonthecattlebusiness.LimberandBronco,ashortdistanceawayontheirponies,notedtheepisode.

"She'ssureathoroughbredprize-winner!Ain'tshe,Limber?"observedBroncoadmiringly.

"Youbet!Shegetsherbrandoneverycowpuncherthatcomesonherrange,andtheKidisjestthesame."

"Oh,say!Loco'shere.Loo in'forajob.GreenWhis erssol'outlastwee .Wentbac toUtah,Locosays.He'ssureachingtogetmarried,"grinnedBronco."It's epthimbusyshavin'andcuttin'hishair,lately."

"Loco'sagoodroper.Ofcourse,hegetsthemcrazyfits,buthe'snever



harmedanyoneroundhere.We'llneedsomeextrahands,now,withDoctorPowellbuyin'Paddy'sherd.We'llhavetotail'emin,soI'llseetheBossabouthirin'Locowhilstwegotachancttogethim."

Bronconodded,fortailingaherdmeantextrawor ,aseachanimalhadtobecaught,thelonghaironitstailcutoff,andthusatallyofnumberswasmadewithoutrebranding.Itwasonlydonewhenanentireherdwassoldandthebrandincludedinthesale.

"Tellhimaboutthatmix-upinthestrays,"calledBroncoafterLimber,astheforemanrodetowardTraynor.

WhileLimber'sponyrubbednoseswithTraynor'shorse,LimbersuggestedemployingLoco.Traynorassentedreadily.ThenLimbercontinued,"Idon't nowjusthowtofiggeritout,butsomeone'stryin'toma etroublefortheDiamondH."

"How'sthat?"demandedTraynor,quic ly.

"Well,twowee sagoBroncoseenaDiamondHcalf,new-branded,followingaBar77cow.Hethoughtitwasjustamista e,soventedit.ThenafewdayslatermeandHolyrunintotwocalveswiththeDiamondHandonewasfollowin'aFlyin'Vcow,andtheotherwassuc in'aThreeMoon.Westraightenedthatout,andsincethenwe'vecomeacrosssix

calvesmar edwiththeDiamondHandeverydurnedoneof'emissuc in'acowwithadifferentbrand.Wegottostopitquic ."

Traynor'seyebrows nitangrily,"Anyofthemhere?"

"Fourinthestrayherd,"Limberreplied,andwithoutfurtherconversationtheyrodetothestrays,whereseveralneighbouringranchersandafewcowpuncherssatontheirponies.Theyloo edcuriouslyatTraynorandhismen,whomettheloo ssteadily.

"LimberhasjustreportedtomeaboutthesecalveswiththeDiamondHbrand,"hescannedeachfaceforsignofdisbelief."Idon'tthin itisnecessaryformetosaythatnotoneofthemenbelongingtotheDiamond

Hranchbrandedthosecalves.Asingleinstancemightoccurtoanyone,asyouall now,butthisisbeingdonesystematically,andevidentlywiththeintentionofcausinghardfeelings.Ifanyofyouhearorseeanymoreofthiswor ,letme nowatonce,andhelpmefindoutwhoisatthebottomofit.I'llpayfivehundreddollarsforproofagainstthemanwhoisputtingmybrandonthesecalves.IwillreportthistotheLiveStoc SanitaryBoardatonce,andadvertisemyofferofreward."

HeturnedtoLimberandBronco,saying,"Cutoutthosecalvesandventthematonce,boys,"andtheyhastenedtoobey.

"NoneofuslaidtheblameontheDiamondH,"saidJones,whoownedtheFlyingVBar."Noneofus newaboutthiswor untilLimbertoldusand

pointedoutthecalvesinthestrayherd.Thefellowwhoisdoingthiswouldtreatanyofusthesameway,andit'sthingsli ethisthatstartrealtrouble.We'vegottowor togethertocatchhim.Whenwedo,we'llrunhimoutofthecountry."

"Better eephiminthecountry,undersixfeetofearth,"growledHolywithafewcomplimentaryremar s,thenheglancedaroundquic lytoseewhetherNellwerewithinearshot.

Andasaresultofthisepisode,awee laterTraynoradvertised



offeringfivehundreddollarsrewardfordetectionofthetrouble-ma er,whileanadditionalfivehundreddollarswasofferedbythecombinedothercattlemenwhosecalveshadbeenmisbranded;butfromthattimeontherewasnocauseforfurthercomplaint.Thematterremainedamystery.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

"Ithin IwillgoovertotheSpringsinthemorning,"saidPowelltoTraynorawee aftertherodeo,astheysatinthecourtenjoyingafter-dinnercigars.

"Oh,bytheway,"Traynorinterjected,"Ihadatal withPaddyyesterday.HewantstheprivilegeofstayingatthePLranchhouseforamonthafterthecattlearetalliedin.Iratherbelievetheoldfellowhatestoleavetheplace."

"Howaboutarrangingtohavehimstaypermanently?"suggestedPowell."Limbersayssomeonewouldhavetobetheretoloo afterthewindmillandwater."

"Ithin Paddywouldbegladtodoit.Hehatesmountainwor ,buthe'sgoodanywhereontheflats,andhe'sashonestasthesun.WithLimberattheSpringswor ingacrossthebac boneoftheGaliuros,wewouldconsolidatethewor ofbothranges,andourrelativeexpensescouldbeadjustedwithoutdifficulty.IbelievePaddywouldbegladtota easmallsummonthly,andhavehisgrubprovided,andfeedforthatscarecrowofahorsethathethin ssomuchof."

"Won'tyouneedLimberhere?"protestedPowell.

"Icanarrangethewor withhimsothathecanstaypartofeachweeattheSprings.Soyouneednothesitateonthataccount.Wehaveto

rideintheHotSpringssectioneveryfewwee s.Manyofourcattledriftoverthere.It'sawildrange,andunlessthemenrideamongthestoc atfrequentintervals,thecattlebecometoowildtobehandledtoanadvantage.Therearefiveandsixyearoldsteersbac inthemountainsthere,thatwillneverbecaughtexceptwithabullet--andeventhenyouwouldhavetohavethewindinyourfavourtogetinrange.Theyareworsethandeer."

"SupposeItal toLimber?Idon'twanthimtogounlesshewishesit."

"He'sta enali ingtoyou,"wasTraynor'sreply,"andI'msuretheplanwillsuithim.But,decidethatforyourselves.Ifhedoesn'twanttogo,BroncoorHolywoulddo,butLimberwouldbemorecongenial,I

thought."

"LimberisoneofthefinestcharactersIhaveevermet,"wasPowell'sremar asheroseandmovedtowardtheentranceofthecourtleadingtothebun -house."I'llhaveatal withhim,now."

Alightstreamedfromtheopendoorofthebun -housewherethecowpuncherssatsmo ingandtal ing.Bronco,atasmalltable,wasimmersedinthepagesofagiganticmailordercatalogue.Asheetofpaperandbottleofin portendedapurchase.Powellsaunteredin,found



aseatonanironcot,litacigaretteandglancedaroundatthemall.Itwasadelicatecomplimentthatnoonegreetedhisentranceformally.Itprovedthathewas"oneofthebunch."

Bronco'sfacewascontortedashebeganwritingontheprintedordersheetofthemerchantenterprisingenoughtosendoutcataloguesbroadcast.Itwasgoodbusinessstrategy,forwhenthelongwintereveningsheldforth,thebigcataloguewasthecenterofattractiononmanyranches,andthusarticleswereorderedwithsublimedisregardastoutilityorcost.

"Whatyousendin'ferthistime,Bronc?"questionedHoly,curiously.

"Accorjon,"thereplywaspunctuatedwithscratchingpenthatsplutteredin overtheorderlist."Thar'saboo goeswithit,tellin'youhowtoplayintwohours."

"Say,"Roarerleanedforwardwithinterest,"whydon'tyougetatal in'machineli ethefellerthatspithisteethout.Loo 'emup.Wecouldchipinandgetone,maybe.It'dbeeasieronyou--an'us,too."

WithPowell'saidasmalltal ing-machinewasdecidedupon,andBroncoconscientiouslyin edoutthepreviousorderandsubstitutedthelatestone.Theneachmaninsistedthattherecordofhisfavourite"tune"be

included--Golindrina,OvertheWaves,WhereismyWanderingBoyTonight,Home,sweetHome,andMyBonnieliesovertheOcean--exhaustedtheirrepertoire.

"Six,"announcedBronco,"saythatain'tenough.Why,we insingallthemwithoutanytal in-machine.Wewantsomethin'wedon'tsingourselveswhenwe'repunchin'cows."

Powellcametotherescue,andwithhisaidalistwascompleted,includingsomereallygoodmusic.Hevetoedthecommandtopic out"abouttwenty-fiveorthirtydollars'worth."

"That'saheapsightmoresensiblethangettin'acobbler'soutfit,li e

wedonetheothertime,"Limbercommentedwithasmile.

InanswertoPowell'sevidentdesire,hecontinued,"BroncandHolyseenitinthecatalogue,an'ittoldhowmuchmoneyyoucouldsavebymendin'yourownshoes.Itwasunhandyhavin'topac ourbootstoWillcoxallthetime.Mostlywe'dforgottota e'em,orelseforgottobring'emhome.WeallroundedupourbootsandBroncofiggeredthatbymendin''em,we'dsaveprettyneartwowee spayeach."

"Well,itwouldof,"defendedBronco,"Butyoufellerswouldn'twear'emafterIfixed'emallup,andblac ed'emtoo."

"We'dawore'em,"retortedRoarerindignantly,"ifwecouldofgotinto

'em,butyou'dmade'emallsotightthatnoonecouldgetafootintothemshoes.Thewustofitwasthatyouwentan'putextrasolesonourgoodshoesandspiled'emalongwiththerest."

"Well,youseenmethrowmineoutthesametimeyoufellerschuc edyoursintothedumpheap,didn'tyou?"

Limber'smouthtwitchedandhiseyestwin ledasheturnedtoPowell,addingtheclimax,"SayDoc,tharwasn'tapairofbootsorshoesthatoneofuscouldgetinto,andthedayafterBroncfinisheduphiswor ,



weallgotinthespringwagonanddruvtoWillcoxinoursoc san'boughtshoesfortheoutfitbeforewecouldgettowor ."

"Ifyou'daguvmeanotherchanct,"protestedBronco,"I'd nowedbetterwhattodo,butanyway,itwasadandycobbler'soutfit,andwuththemoneyweguvforit."

"Whatbecameofit?"demandedPowellwhenhislaughtersubsided.

"TharwasaMissionarycomepasthere,gettin'moneyfortheheathensinAfrica,andwedonatedtheoutfittohim.Heshoreseemedpleasedwithit,butwealwayshadasnea in'notiontheheathenswasn'ttheonesthatusedit.ThatMissionarywasli eabilly-goat,readytota eanythingyouguvhim,fromagold-minetoaemptytintomatocan.Lastweseenofhimhewasprospectin'forHasayampaBill'slostmine,butnobodyain'theerdofhisfindin'it,sofur."

"HowdidHasayampalosethemine?"Powellinterrupted."Ordidhereallyeverownone?"

"Weseenthebeginningofit,"Limberbegan,andPowellscentingastory,settledwithdelightedanticipation.

"Itstartedthisway.Wewaswor in'therodeobac ofDosCabezaswhen

wecomeacrossaseven-yearol'blac horsethatwasanoutlaw.HebelongedtotheBarXBaroutfit,butthey'dguvuptryin'tobrea him.ForthreeyearstheBossoftheBarXBarhedofferedeachFourthofJulytogivethehorsetoanymanwhat'dridehimtoafinish.Tharwaslotsthattriedit.Hewasagoodhorseandworthconsiderableifhewasbusted.

"Hasayampawaswor in'withus.He'dbeenhavin'astrea ofhardluc .Hisonlyponywaslameandhecouldn'traisecashtobuyanother.Yousee,HasayampahadtriedtoteachatenderfoothowtoplayStudpo er,andthat'saboutthepoorestwayI nowtoinvestyourmoney,especiallywhenthetenderfootisdressedli eaminister--Hasayampaoughter nowedbetter.

"Howsomever,Hasayampabethislameponythathecouldridethatblachorse,andofcourse,everybodytoo himup.

"Heropedandthroweditwithoutanytrouble,andgotthesaddleonitsbac ;thenhejumpedinterthesaddle.Uptothenitwaseasywor ,butafterwards--Say,Doc,everyone nowsthatahorsehasonlygotfourfeet,buttharwasn'tamanwatchin'thatwasn'treadytobetitwasacentipedeHasayampawastryin'togentle.ThehorsewascalledBlacDevil,fortharwasn'tawhitehaironhim,andhesuredeservedtherestofthename.

"Hasayampastayedwithhim,allright,andwhat'smoreweallseenhim

doit,an'Itellyouwewhoopedli eInjuns!ThenextdayHasayampaquitwor andleftcamp,ridinghisnewhorseandleadin'thelamepony,andthatwasthelastweseenofhimforoversixmonths.

"ThenheblewinattheDiamondH,ridinghisoldbaypony,buthehadn'tmutchtosay--Seemedsorterdown-heartedli e.

"ThensomeoneasthimwhathedonewithBlac Devilandthisiswhathetol'us.



"WhenHasayampawasridin'Blac Devilthatdayhebustedhim,thehorseseemedtofavouronehindfoot--actedli ehe'dsprainedit.WhenHasayampastarteddoctorin'it,heprettyneardiedwithsuprise,fortharwasanicelittlenuggetofgoldsmashedonthebottomofDevil'sfoot,justli eacorn.WellHasayampadidn'tlosenotimehumpin'uptotheplacedhe'dnoticedDevillimpin',andhepostedhislocationnoticeontheBuc in'BroncoMine.Theleadwastharjustinplainsight,hesaid.Weallhadbeencampin'onaregularmintofgoldan'never nowedit.Leastways,thatiswhatHasayampatoldus.

"Well,hetoo Blac Devildowntotheblac smithatDosCabezasandhedsomeshoesmadeforhim.Hehadquiteanargumentwiththeblac smithtogethimtoma etheshoesthewayHasayampawanted'em.Hesaidthataftertheygotthrough,theblac smithdidwhatHasayampatoldhim."

Limberpausedtolighthiscigarette,andphilosophize,"Itdon'tpaytoargue,ifyou inhelpit.Hurtstheotherparty'sfeelin'swhenyougetthebestofhim,an',Hasayampahadfistsonhimli ecannonballswhenhewarmedupinaargument.Allthesame,youcan'tblametheblac smithforcallin'Hasayampaa'locoedijit'whenyou nowedthesortofhoss-shoesheorderedmade."

"Theywashalf-hollow,asifyoudugaslotin'emwithajac - nife.

AfterDevilwasshod,Hasayampagotsomechamoiss in,quic -silverandasmallretortandwentbac tohisclaim.

"Now,here'swhatHasayampatol'usallforgospeltruth,Doc.Heputthequic -silverintheslotsofthemhoss-shoes,thenjumpedonBlacDevilandlethimbuc upan'downthatairclaim.Hasayampasaiditbeatanyfour-stampmillheeverseed.Thenhegotdownandscrapedthesilveroutenthehoofs,squozeitinthechamoisbagandfireditinhisretorttoseparatethegold.Hasayampacleanedupahundreddollars'wuththefustday.

"Itdidn'tta eBlac Devillongtounderstandhisjobo. .Thathosswouldjustwaitforhisshoestobesilvered,thengohisselfandbuc

around,onlystoppin'tocomeandgithisshoesscrapedandre-filled.MeanwhileHasayampa,seem'Blac Devilwashandlin'hisendofthepartnership,putinallhisowntimerunnin'theotherendofthebusiness,squozin'thequic -silver,firin'thegoldandmouldin'itinterbric s.

"Hasayampafiguredoutjesthowlongitwouldta etoma ehimabillionaire,andhe'dadoneitifithadn'tbeenfortheearthqua einMay'91.Itdideverlastinglysha eupthecountryaroundhere,andlotsofpermanentspringswentplumbdryandneverrunagain.

"HasayampahadgonetoWillcoxtoshipsomebric stothe'FriscoMint,whenhefeltthatearthqua e,andhebeguntoworryaboutDevil,forhe

hadturnedhimlooseforavacation.Hehumpedbac totheclaim,andwhenhegottharhesaidheseenawhitehorsestandin'withhisheadhangin'downli ehewasasleep;butneverasignofBlac Devilnowhar.

"WhilsthewaspuzzlingoverwhathadbecameofBlac Devil,heswarsheseenthatairwhitehossraisehishead,lifthishindfoot,thenbeginbuc in'inadazedsorterway.ItwasBlac Devil,andtheshoc hedturnedhishairsnowwhite.

"HasayampasaidtheBuc in'BroncoMineheddisappearedoff'ntheface



oftheyearth.Hetriedtoma eBlac Devilunderstandthathewarn'ttoblameforlosin'themine,butthehosswouldn'teatnothin'.He'djustbuc around,feeble-li e,lifthislegandloo atit,andthenhelaiddownan'died."

Powell'slaughterrangthroughtheroom."WhatapitysuchageniusasHasayampahadtodie,"hefinallygasped.

"Say,Doc,"Limberspo e,"Hasayampaonctsaidthatamanbac eastwaswillin'topayforhisyarnsifhe'dta etimetowrite'emdown.Heastuswhatwethoughtaboutit,andwealltol'himthatifanyfellerdidsaythat,hewasabiggerliarthanHasayampaandcouldwritestorieshimself,an'Hasayampasaidheguessedthatwastrue.Doyou,honestly,believeanyonewouldofpaidfor'em?"

"Icertainlydo,"wasthepositiveanswer."Hasayampadeservesamonumenttohismemory!Bytheway,Ineverheardanyonetellhowhedied,butI'mprettysurehediditinsomeoriginalway."

Limber'sfacegrewserious,andalightedmatchinhishandflic eredout.Hewatcheditthoughtfully.

"TharisamonumenttoHasayampa,"hesaidslowly."'Tain'tverybig,norverygrand,andtharain'tmanypeople nowswharitis,butit'sa

monument,allthesame.Hasayampanevertol'thisstory,butthewomandidtellit.

"Shewasjestacommonsorterwoman,notyoung,norpretty,noranythingli ethat,an'itwasoutintheYumadesert.Hasayampawasprospectin',andheridalongpasttheplacewhereshewascampedwithherman.It'sfunnythatawomanthetain'tmarriedtoamanwillputupwithheapsofabuse,butthemwomenthathangsaroundminingcampsseemstothin itallgoesinthegame.Sowhenshedonesomethin'thatrileduptheman,heupandbustedherovertheheadwithastic ofwoodandshewentdownli eshewasdead.

"Hasayampajumpedoff'nhishossandlitintotheman,andthefeller

nifedhim,thenrunaway,leavin'Hasayampalyin'tharadyin'.

"Afterawhilethewomancomebac tohersenses,andshedoneallshenowedhow;buthewastoobadoff.ThefellerthatrunwaswantedformurderupinMontana,thewomansaid.Hehadtoo thetwohorsestheyhadbeenridin'andHasayampa'spony,too;butwhatwaswussthaneverythin'else,hehedcartedoffallthewatertharwasintheircanteensandleftthemwithoutadrop.

"ShesaidwhenshetoldHasayampathatshewasn'tarespectablewoman--jestacamp-follower,an'nodecentmanhadanycalltofightforher,hejestloo edatheran'smiledan'said,'You'reawoman.Hehadn'tnorighttohityou.'

"Hediedthatnightinthedar ,andshesatandhelthishandtillsun-up,thenshescrapedashallowgravewithherbarehandsandputhiminan'coveredhimoverthebestshecould.Afterthatshestartedtohuntthetrail.Shewal edaroundalldayandwasbeginningtogetdesert-crazywhensomemenfoundher.Itwastoolate.Shediedinacoupleofhours,butshetol'aboutHasayampaandastifthey'dburyheralongsideofhim,becauseitwouldn'tseemsolonesome.An'theydoneit.Sothar'sabigcrossoverthemboth,withtheirnamesonit.Ofcourse,weall nowedHasayampacouldn'ttellthetruthifhetried,



Doc,butwhenfol sheerdaboutthewayhedied,everyonetoo offhishattoHasayampa,youbet,forHasayampaneverdonedirttonobody."

"Didtheycatchtheman?"

"Notthatanyone nowedof.That'soneofthethingsthatpuzzlesme.Whypeoplewhatplaysasquaregameissometimessooutofluc .Seemsasiftheymustofbeenputdownwiththegrainofthetablerunnin'against'emwhentheywasstartedatthegame,orelsetheDealerstac edthecards.But,it'tain'tsomutchtoafeller'screditholdin'aRoyalFlushasitisto eeponplayin'asquaregametoafinishwhenheain'tdealtnothin'butdeucesandtreys."

"You'reright,Limber,"saidPowell,whowaslearningtofindthegoldbeneaththesurface.

Hemovedtothedoor,followedbyLimber,andforasecondtheystoodloo ingupintothedeepblueofthes ywherethecountlessstars,li eclear-cutdiamonds,trembledandblin edasthoughheldonthreadsofsilverbythemightyhandoftheCreator.

"Comeintomyroom,"invitedPowell,"Iwanttotal businesswithyou,Limber."

Thecowboynodded,andwhentheywereseatedandthesmo eoftheircigarsblended,Powellexplainedtheplanofcombiningthewor ofthetworanges,addingashefinished;"ItoldMr.Traynorthatitisentirelyuptoyou.Idon'twantyouthereunlessyoureallywouldli etogo.Itwoulddoubleyourpayandma eyourangeforemanofalloftheranchesownedbyMr.Traynorandmyself.Iwillhavemyhandsfull,gettingtheSanitariumbuilt,andwewouldleavethemanagementofmycattlebusinessabsolutelytoyou.Howdoesitstri eyou?Don'thesitatetospea plainly."

"SofurasI'mconcerned,I'drutherbeoverthere.It'sthisway,Doc.Glendonain'trunnin'verystraight,andnobodyseemstogiveadamnexceptin'me.I'dli etodowhatIcanforhim,andthoughIdon't now

asIcoulddoanythin'--younevercantellwhat'llturnup.'Tain'trightleavin'DonnieandMrs.Glendontherebythemselvesthewayhedoes.Glentoldmehewasgoin'toquitassoonashegotachanct;butifhestaysheremuchlongerhe'sboundtomixupintrouble.He'srunnin'withaprettybadbunchnow.Anotherthing,"thecowpuncherhesitated,"Thar'saMexicangirlnamedPanchita.IguessMrs.Glendonisabouttheonlyonewhodon't nowabouther.Glen'splumblocoedoverthegirlandthat'swharhismoneygoes,whenhegetsholdofany."

Powellstartedangrily,"Thecur!Withsuchawifeandboy!Limber,sometimesIfeelashamedtocallmyselfaman,whensuchcreaturesasGlendonare nownasmen."

"MebbeGlendon'tfiggerjustwhatitisleadin'upto.Hewasamightydifferentsorterpersonwhenhefustcomehere,andeveryoneli edhim.He'dgetfullonctinawhile,butheplayedwhiteuntilthislastcoupleofyears.He'sjustthewrong indofamanforArizona.Ta ehimsomeotherplaceandmebbehe'dmanagetoaverageupprettyfairwiththerestofthebunch;buthe'ssuregoin'thewrongtrailhere."

Thecowboyrose,andPowellheldouthishandimpulsively,saying,"Allright,Limber.Wepulltogether."



"Solongasyouwantme,Doc."

Theirhandsgrippedandastheyloo edintoeachother'seyes,bothmenrecognizedabondthatwasstrongerthanblood--thebrotherhoodofrealmen.

AfterLimberhadgone,DoctorPowellsatmeditatingoverwhatthecowboyhadtoldhimconcerningGlendon.Thewreathsofsmo ethatrosefromhiscigarframedashadowyvisionofKatherineGlendon'sface,andPowellwonderedvaguelywherehehadseenherbeforetheymetinthecaveneartheCircleCross.Memoryrefusedtoaidhim.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

PowellandChappowerealoneinthenewhomeatHotSpringsranch.LimberhadgonetotheDiamondHinordertoadjustthefinaldetailsofthejointrangewor .

WhiletheMexicanbusiedhimselfinthe itchen,Powellsmo edcontentedlyintheliving-roomashesatbeforethefireofblazing

mesquite nots.Heglancedaboutthehome-li eplace,withitsred-shadedlamponalargetablethatwasstrewnwithmagazines.Adesoccupiedoneendoftheroomandboo shelvesheldwell-wornvolumesattheoppositeend.Thecouch,whichwascoveredwithaglowingIndianblan etandmannishpillows,harmonizedwiththemassivebrownleatherchairsandNavajorugsonthefloor.Thepicturesboresignaturesofwell- nownartists.

"It'sjustwhatI'vewantedalltheseyears,"saidPowellaloud.Thecolliepupathisfeetloo edupwithquestioningeyes,thentelegraphedreplywithbushytail.Themanleanedoverandpattedthedog'sheadbeforeselectingamagazineandsettlingdownfortheevening.

"Buenosnoches,SeÃ±or,"Chapposmiledpolitely,hisshabbysombreroinhand.

"Buenosnoches,Chappo,"answeredPowell,whoselifeforseveralyearsinaSouthAmericanminingcamphadfamiliarizedhimwiththelanguageandthetypeofpeoplefoundinallLatin-Americansections.Afortunatemininginvestmentduringthoseyearshadawa enedaloveoftheuntrammeledoutdoors,andalsomadeitpossibleforhimtocarryonhisplansforasanitarium.

AfterChappohaddepartedforhisbun -room,thedoctorbecameabsorbedinhisboo .Threehourspassed,thenthedrowsingcolliestartedwithamuffledgrowlandsharplycoc edears.

"What'sthematter,oldchap?"

Thedogleapeduprantothedoorwhimpering,andPowellwentonthefrontporch.Itwastoodar todiscernanythingandnounusualsoundsreachedtheman,butthedog,withahystericalyelpdartedfromtheporchintotheshadows.Theshort,sharpbar sthatbro ethestillnesswerebar sofwelcomesuchasalwaysgreetedthedoctoruponhisreturntotheranch.



Awoman'svoicespo etothedog,andPowellranquic lyinthedirectionthecolliehadta en.ThewayledtotheCircleCross;thevoicewasthatofGlendon'swife.

"Bequiet,Tatters,"calledPowell.Asthenoiseabated,hereachedKatherineGlendon'sside,andinthefaintlightsawthatshewascarryingDonnie.

"Oh,Iamsogladyouarehome!"sheexclaimed."Donnieishurt,Idon'tnowhowbadly--buthisarmisbro en."

Alreadythedoctorhadreachedforthechild.

"Letmehavehim.Don'ttrytoexplainanythingnow."

Theyhurriedtowardthehouse,enteredtheroomandPowelllaidthechildonthecouch.Thedoctor neltdownbesidethealmostunconsciousboy,thenwithgentletouchfeltthebro enarm.Chappocamethroughthedoor,hisfadedbrowneyeswerefullofpityashewatchedthemotherwhostoodwithtightlygrippedhandswaitingthedoctor'swords.

Donnieloo edather,hisquiveringlipsshowedtheefforttocontrolhisemotionswhenhetriedtomovehisarmandsawthatitwasbro en.

"Itreallydon'thurtverymuch,Marmee,"hesaidstoutlyasPowellfinishedtheexaminationandrosetohisfeet.

"We'llfixyouupinnotime,"thedoctorannouncedcheerily."Nothingthematterwithyouexceptabro enbone,andthatisintheverybestplaceitcouldhappen."HeturnedtoKatherineandcontinued,"Don'tworry,Mrs.Glendon.Ahealthychild'sbones nitquic lyandperfectly.It'sasimplefracture,fortunately,andabovetheelbow,soonlyoneboneto nit.He'llbeplayingaroundtomorrow."

Powelllefthersittingbythecouch,andChappolistenedcarefullytothedoctor'slow-voicedinstructionswhichwerespo eninSpanish.

"Iunderstand,SeÃ±or,"noddedtheMexican."LotsoftimesIhavehelpedwhentherewasnodoctor.Horses,cows,dogs,andpeople,allbonesarethesame."

Theboo sonthetablewereremovedforrollsofbandagesandsurgicalsplints,thenPowellturnedbris lytoDonnieandputhisarmaboutthechild'sshoulderashesaid,"Now,oldman,ChappoandIwillta ecareofthatarmforyou.Itmayhurtforafewseconds,butafterthatitwon'tbotheryouatall."

"Lethimbracehimselfagainstyou,Mrs.Glendon,"continuedthephysician.

Chappo,atanodfromthedoctor,graspedtheboy'sarmandpulledsteadily.Donnie'sfacepaledbutnotasoundescapedhistightlysetlips.Thedoctor'sfingerspressedthefracturedboneandhelditinplacewhilethesplintswereadjusted.Aslinginwhichthehandrested,finishedtheoperation,thenPowellarrangedthepillowsonthecouch.

"Ta eiteasynow,oldman,"hesaid."You'rethepluc iestboyIevernew."

Donnietriedtosmile,buttearsfilledhiseyesandheheldouthis



uninjuredhandtohismother.Shesatonthecouchbesidehimsmoothinghishairandtal inginalowvoice,untilatlast,withhisrighthandstillclaspedinhers,hefellasleep.

"Allrightnow,"Powellassuredher,asheputawaythearticlesonthetable."Heisexhaustedfromthenerveshoc ,nothingmore."

ThedoctorglancedatKatherineandexclaimed,"Blessmyheart!YouneedattentionalmostasbadlyasDonnie."

Helefttheroomandreturnedwithaglass."Justalittleportwine.Drin everydropofit,"heordered.

Herhandshoo assheliftedtheglasstoherwhitelips,thensheheldouttheemptyglassandsan intoachairthatPowellrolledbeforethefireplace.Hereyesclosedwearily.Thedoctorunderstoodtheovertaxednerves,andasheglancedfrommothertochild,afeelingofrageagainstGlendonconsumedhim.Theonlysoundintheroomwasthesputteroftheburningwood.Katherineloo edanxiouslyatthesleepingchild,thenatthedoctor.

"He'sallright,"Powellansweredherunvoicedfear."Ithadbeenaterriblestrainonyouboth.Thebonewillbeginto nitinafewdaysandDonniewillhavenothingtoremindhimoftheaccidentinashort

time.It'spartofaboy'slifetohavesuchthingsasbro enlegsandarms,"hesmiled.

"Pleasedon'tthin Iamungrateful.Therearesomeemotionsonealmostcannotexpress,becausewefeelthemtoodeeplyforwords.Idon't nowhowtothan you."

"Howdidithappen?"as edPowell,tryingtodivertherfromanysenseofobligation.

"Itcamesosuddenlythatitdazedme,"shebegan."LastsummerthewallofthebedroombulgedandJuanmadenewadobestofixit;butMr.Glendonhasbeentoobusytoattendtoit.Weneverthoughtofdanger,

foranadobewalloftenstandsforyearswithbigcrac sinit,younow.Donniewassleepingnexttothewallinmybedwhenthecrashcame.Thewallfelloutward,butpartoftheadobestruc hisarm.Itwasdar .Ispo etohimandhedidnotanswer.IthoughthewasdeaduntilIheardhimmoan."Shestoppedandbitherlipfiercely.

Thedoctorplacedafreshlogonthefire,andwhileheproddedtheembers,thewomangainedcontrolofhervoice.

"Ilitthecandle,butwhenIloo edathimhewasunconscious.Iliftedhimandwhenthebedcoversfellfromhisarm,Isawthebonehadbeenbro en.Then--Ithoughtofyou,andbroughthimhere."

Powell newthatherfearthatthechildshecarriedmightbedyinginherarms,orthatshemightnotfindanyonebutChappoattheSprings,musthavemadethethree-milewal seemendless.

"Wereyoualone?"

"Yes.JuanisontheSanPedrofortendaysandmyhusbandwenttoWillcoxyesterdaymorning.Hedoesnotexpecttoreturnhomeforawee .IhadnohorseorIcouldhaveriddenhere."



"YouandDonniemustgotobednowandrest,"commandedthedoctor,cuttingshortthewordsshewasabouttoutter."IhaveaguestroomandChapposeestoeverythingnecessary,soyouneednotfearyouarecausingmetheleastinconvenience.Tomorrowwecandrivedowntoyourplaceandta einventoryofthedamage.SinceJuanhastheadobesreadytouse,ChappoandIcanfixupthewall.IlearnedallaboutadobeswhileIlivedinSouthAmericaeightyearsago."

"Thatwasthesameyearwecamehere,"commentedthewoman.

Powellsmotheredanejaculationofindignationandwonderatherenduranceofsuchalife."Yet,"hemused,"abruisedflowerbecomesmorefragrant."Hiselbowrestedonthemantleandheloo eddown,studyingherfacelinebyline.Againthatvagueresemblancebaffledhimuntilherecalledastreamnearhisboyhoodhome,whereashallowcurrentreachedabendandformedadeeppool.Hehadlovedtosprawlontheban andgazeintothewonderful,ever-changingreflections,whereroughtreesweresoftened,thes ybecamemoreblueandthemany-huedflowersmorebeautiful.Itwasamagicpooltohisboyisheyes;inlateryearsbecalledithisPoolofIllusion.

Downinitsmysteriousdepthslivedashadowyform.Awoman'sfacewithsteadfasteyesloo edbac intohisown,understandinghisunspo endreams,whileherslenderwhitehandswereheldouttohim.Thelonging

totouchthemwasactualphysicalpain,andoftenhedivedintothewater,butthevisionvanishedintheripples.Hehadgonehisway,loo ingintomanywomen'sfacesinmanylands,alwayshopingtofindwhathehadseeninhisPoolofIllusion,buttheyearsofsearchhadbeenfruitless.

Tonightthefirelightfromhishearthflic eredacrossthatdreamface.

ThedreamandrealityblendedsoperfectlythatitstartledhimwhenKatherinerosefromherchairandheldoutherhand,saying,"Idothanyouwithallmyheart.Ishallneverforgetwhatyouhavedoneforus.MaybesomedayIcanshowmygratitude."

"Pleasedon'tspea ofitagain,"hereplied,andseeingDonnieonhisfeet,Powelladded,"Goodnight,oldman.

"It'sluc ythatadobefellonthelefthand,forit'smuchhardertolearntouseit.Myrightarmwasbro enwhenIwasyourage.It'sfunny,though,howquic lymylefthandlearnedtowor li eitstwinbrother.Aftermyarmwaswell,Iusedmylefthandmuchofthetime."

MotherandchildenteredthecheerfulguestroomandforawhilePowellheardtheirvoicesthroughthecloseddoor.Hesatbythedyingembersofthefire.HehadfoundthewomanofthePool.ShewasthewifeofhisneighbourGlendon.Therealizationofhisdreamwasmoreunattainablethanever,buthisbitternessheldanundercurrentofhappinessin

nowingthathemightbeabletoeasetheburdenshewasbearingsobravely.

Withasuddenmovementhetouchedthechairwhereherheadhadrested.Thenheturnedoutthelampandwenttohisownroom,butthatnightinhisdreamshesawtheWomanofthePoolsittingagainbeforehisfireplace,andachildleanedagainsthershoulder.Ashedrewnearer,herlipssmiledandhereyesmethisinperfectconfidenceandunderstanding.



Heheldouthisarmstoherandthechild,fortheywerehisown.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

ThenextmorningwhenPowellenteredthelivingroombeforebrea fast,hefoundKatherineandDonniealreadythere.Thechild,thoughpale,smiledshylyattheDoctor.

"Hello!How'sthearmthismorning,Donnie?"

"Itdoesn'thurtatall,"repliedthechild,whilehismotherheldoutherhandtoherhostandspo e,"Hesleptsplendidlyallnight,soInowhedidnotsuffer."

Thedoctor'sanswerwasinterruptedbyChappoatthedoorleadingintothedining-room.TheMexicansmiledmysteriouslyandbec onedDonnie,whoglancedathismother,thenathernodofacquiescence,theboyfollowedinChappo'swa e.Thenoiseofsharpbar sandchildishejaculationmingledwithastreamofchatterinSpanishbetweenthechildandMexicaninthe itchen.Thedoorclosed,andKatherineand

Powellwereleftalone.Hereyeswanderedtothes etchesonthewalls,andthedoctorrose,saying,"Mypicturesandboo shavetravelledwithmetomanystrangelands,butthisisthefirsttimetheyhavereallyseemedtobeathome."

Shefollowedhimashepointedoutspecialpictures,andtoldsomeintimatedetailoftheartist'slife,forthepictureshadbeengiftsfromtheircreators,hispersonalfriends.Mostofthesignatureswereworld- nown.Katherineturnedtotherowsofboo s,andrecognizingmanyoldfriendswhomshehadnotseenforyears,shedroppedimpulsivelyonthefloorandtouchedthemwithcaressingfingers,herfacealightwith

aradiantsmile.Powellreadtheboo -hunger,andbeggedhertoselectasmanyasshepleased.

"Ilovemyboo sasfewmenlovetheirfriends,"hesaidearnestly,standingaboveherandta ingararefirsteditionfromitsplace."Theywillbeenhancedinvalueifyouwillonlysharethemwithme,soIcantal aboutthemwithyousometime."

Togethertheyselected,whileKatherinecrouchedonthefloorreadthetitles,commentingandquestioning,astheyagreedordisagreed.

"It'sli eachildwithabigboxofcandy,"shelaughedassherose,assistedbyPowell,whocarriedanumberofchosenboo sandplacedthem

uponthetable."Idon't nowwhattostartwith."

Shesettledagaininthechairbeforethefireplace,andtheconversationslippedbydegreesintothedoctor'swor intheeast,andhisplantotransformtheHotSpringsranchintoasanitariumforpoor,tubercularchildren.

"Mywor inhospitalstaughtmetheneedofsuchaplace.Therearethousandsofchildrenwhodieeachyearbecausetheylac thethingsNatureprovides,pureair,nourishingfoodandanoutdoorplaygroundin



thiswonderfulclimatewithitsmagicalhealingpowers.Ibelievethatenvironmentcanconquerheredity,inphysicalaswellasmoralconditions.Youcannotrealizewhatchild-lifemeansintheslumsofourcrowdedcitiesoftheeast,Mrs.Glendon,"heturnedafacefullofenthusiasmandherownglowedinresponse."Thefirststepwasmygoodfortuneingettingthisplace.Itwillta etime,moneyandlabour,butI nowitisworththeeffort."

"Itwillbewonderfultowatchyoudevelopeyourplans!Than youfortellingmeaboutitall!"

Chappoappearedandannouncedbrea fast,andPowellwithMrs.GlendonfoundDonniealreadywaitingthem.Thecollie,Tatters,wasbesidethechild,anditwasevidentafriendshiphadbeencementedbetweenthetwo.

ThelittleMexicancoo beamedwithpleasureasheinstalledMrs.Glendonattheendofthetableandplacedthecoffee-potbeforeher.ChappoandJuanwereoldfriends,soKatherineandDonnie newhimwell.Hisreputationasacoo wasdemonstratedinthemealheserved,andhewatchedjealouslythatnothingwasneglected.Donnie'sattentionwasdividedbetweenhismother,thedoctorandTatters.Thedogsatbesidetheboy'schair,occasionallypo inghisnoseagainstDonnie'sneetoremindhimthathe,too,li edbuttermuffinsandtidbitsof

bacon.Donniepattedhim,buthesitatedtorespondtothedog'sappeals,thenasthechildloo eddownandbro eintoasuddenburstofheartylaughter,Katherinewasstartledintotherealizationthatitwasthefirsttimeshehadeverheardherboylaughli eotherchildren.

"Loo ,Marmee!"

Thedog,believinghiswheedlingineffectual,wassittingonhishaunchesuncertainly,wavinghispawsfranticallyineffortsto eepbalanced.Itwashardwor forapuppy,andhiswildlyrollingeyesmadehimmoreridiculous.EvenChappojoinedinthelaughterwiththedoctor

andKatherine.Tatters,understandingapproval,bar edanddancedaboutthem,untilPowelltossedapieceofmuffinwhichthedogcaughtandgulpeddown.

"I'mafraidIamnotbringinghimupproperly,"apologizedthedoctor,"butwearealonesomuchandheissuchanintelligent,affectionatedog,thatIspoilhim.Hethin syourbrea fastmustbebetterthanmine,Donnie,"heendedasthedogrejectedabitofmuffinprofferedbyPowellandswallowedwhatDonnieheldout.

Atlastbrea fastwasover,andthelittlepartystoodontheporch,preparedtostartfortheCircleCross.Tattersyelpedandbeggedtobeincluded,buthisspecialeffortsweredirectedatDonnie.

"Heseemstohaveadoptedyou,Donnie,"thedoctorlaughed."Ifyourmotherdoesnotobject,Ithin Tatterswouldbeafinefriendforyou."

"Ifhewerealessvaluabledog--"beganKatherine,butPowellcutshortherprotestsbyhisanswer.

"Itisnaturalforaboytohaveadog.Apupwilldesertamananytimetorespondtoaboy'ssmile.Ifthedogwillnotcauseyouanyannoyance,I'dbehappyto nowhewaswithDonnie.Tattersisunusually



intelligentandaffectionate,almostuncannilysoattimes.Hewouldbealoyalfriend."

Donniewatchedwithappealingeyes,andwhenhismotheracceptedthedogforhim,thechild'srightarmwentaroundTatters'shaggynec ,andthedog,asthoughunderstanding,pledgedhisfealtywithaquic touchofhispin tongueagainstthelad'schee .ThenChappodrovethebuggyfromthestableandstoodattheheadoftheteamuntilPowell,DonnieandKatherinewereseatedandthereinsinthedoctor'shands.

TheMexicanmountedaponyandlopedaheadofthehandsomespanoffasttrotters,whileTattersyelpedbeforethem,dashingawayfromtheroadintothebrushtochaseimaginaryfoes.TheyreachedtheCircleCrossandafteraninspectionofthebro enwall,Chappoassertedhecouldfixitunassistedinacoupleofdays,sincetheadobebric swereingoodconditionintheshedwhereJuanhadstoredthemtheprevioussummer.Nodamagehadbeendonetotheroominside,orthefurniture.

"Ithin youandDonniehadbetterremainattheSpringsuntiltheplaceisfixed,"suggestedPowell."Thewallwillbedampforawee ,younow."

"Ifmybedismovedintothecornerofthedining-room,DonnieandIcansleepthereandgetalongsplendidly;"wasKatherine'sanswer."Therest

ofthehouseisingoodcondition.Thebedroomwastheonlyroomwhenwecamehere,andwebuiltontheotherthreerooms.Theoldwallatthesideofthehousecrac edlastspring,andtherainswea enedit,astherooflea edbadly.Inoticedthecrac wideningseveralwee sago,butyou now,anadobewallholdstogetherwhenanyothermaterialwouldbrea away.Wedidnotdreamtherewasanyimmediatedangerofitsfalling."

"I'llhelpChappo,"assertedPowell,despiteherprotestthattherepairscouldwaituntilJuanandherhusbandreturned,andPowellandChappobegantheirtas .

DonnieandTatterstrottedtoandfro,asChappowheeledtheadobe

bric stoPowell,whowhistledcheerfullyashelaidthemaccuratelyontopofeachotherbetweenthesoftlayersofmudwhichhes illfullyappliedwithalargetrowel.ThewhistlewasinterruptedbysnatchesofconversationbetweenChappothedoctorandDonnie,partlyinEnglishandpartlySpanish.

"Lunchisready,"calledKatherinethroughthe itchenwindow.

"Fine!"answeredPowell,"we'reallgoodandhungry,"thenfollowedthesoundsofsplashingwater,andinafewminutesPowell,withDonnieathisside,bustledintothediningroomannouncingtheywerereadytoeatthedishes.

Itwasamerrymeal,andafterwardswhileChappowaseatinghislunch,thedoctorandKatherinesatontheporchtal ing.Donnieperchedonthelowerstep,hiseyesbetrayinghisadmirationforthemanwhowasunli eanyothermanthechildhadever nowninhisshortlife.

Wor wasresumed,andasitnearedsunset,PowellsaidthathemusttightenthebandagesonDonnie'sarmandtheadjustmentwascompletedwithKatherine'said.Thesplintshadheldinplace,andthedoctorannouncedeverythingsatisfactory.



"Iwillbebac earlyinthemorning,"saidtheman,claspingKatherine'sextendedhand."Oh,bytheway,we illedacalfafewdaysago,soIwillbringdownaloin.ChappoandIarecultivatingheartyappetites,yousee!"

Hewasinthebuggybeforeshecouldthan him,andtheteamwhirledawayinacloudofdust.

Katherinewatchedthebuggyuntilitdisappeared,thenChappoandDonnieemergedfromthestableandcametowardher,tal ingvolublyinMexican-Spanish--whichtheboyhadacquiredfromoldJuan.KatherinehadalsofallenintothehabitofusingthesametonguewhensheandDonniewerealonewithJuan,whoseonesymptomofallegiancetoMexicowashispersistenceinhisnativetongue,thoughhespo eEnglishfluently.

"Iwillfeedthechic ensandbringwoodandwater,SeÃ±ora,"saidChappo;"thenyoucantellmewhatyouwantmetodo.Thecowismil ed."

"Thereisnothingmore,than you,Chappo;"shereplied."Youcangohomenow,forDonnieandIwillmanagenicely."

"IstayhereteelSeÃ±orGlendonandJuancomehome.ElDoctorsay'stay.'"

"But,Chappo,"sheprotested,"theymaybeawayawee ormore.Youmustgohomeandloo outforthedoctor."

"ElPadronesay'stay.'Imuststay.Hesay,'youcomehometooquee ,Ifireyou;'"theMexicansmiledexpansively,"Eetisallright,SeÃ±ora.Istay!"

SherealizedthatherobjectionswereofnoconsequencetoeithertheMexicanorthedoctor,andasuddenwaveofgratitudeoverwhelmedher.Itwassonewtohaveothersthin ofhercomfortorsafety,tohavetheheavyburdenliftedevenforafewhours.WhatadifferenceitwouldhavemadeinherlifeandDonnie'sifGlendonwereonlyamanli ethe

doctor.ThentherewouldhavebeennolonelinessinthecaÃ±on,forthehighwallscouldnothaveheldherhappiness.Herheartwouldhavesentitsmessagetoeverytree,bush,roc ,birdandcloud,sothattheveryuniversemightshareherjoy.

EarlythenextmorningDonniewasonthewatchforhisnewfriend,andhisdelightmadehimspeechlesswhenPowelltoldtheboythattheponytiedtothebac ofthebuggywasforhim.

"Heistoosmalltocarryaman'sweight,"explainedPowell,"butheisperfectlygentle,soyouneedhavenofear."

"Ican'tletyoudosomuch,"falteredKatherine,"thedogwasmorethan

enough.YouareheapingadebtofobligationsthatIcannotpay.LastnightItriedtoma eChappogohome,butherefused.Hesaidyouhadorderedhimtoremain,andthatyouwoulddischargehimifhedisobeyedyou.I nowhowmanythingsneedattentiononaranchanditworriesmetocauseyouanyfurtherinconvenience.DonnieandIareusedtobeingalone,yousee,sotherewasnoneedofChappostayinghereallnight."

"Youmustthin Iamaregulartenderfoot,"retortedPowell,smiling."IhaverougheditunderthemostprimitiveconditionsinSouthAmerica,andamgladtodoabitofhustlingtowearofftherust.Civilization



ma esmanymenhelpless,you now."

"Then,letuscompromise,"shepersisted."SupposeyoucomedownforyourdinnereachnightwhileChappoishere?Icannotconsenttohisremainingotherwise."

"Doyou now,"confessedPowellgaily,"thatwaswhatIwashopingyouwouldsay!"

So,eachafternoonfollowing,whentheshadowslengthenedinthecaÃ±on,Donnie,watchingdowntheroadwouldshoutwelcome,andKatherinecomingontheporch,watchedDoctorPowellpauseatthebendoftheroad,waitingforthechild,justasoldDoctorKinghadformerlydone,thenDonnie,perchedonthesaddlebeforethedoctor,rodeinstatetothefrontporchandhissmilingmother.

Ononeoftheserides,Donnieloo edwithseriouseyesattheman,andsaid,"WhenIgrowup,I'mgoingtobeadoctorli eyou,andthen,maybe,you'llletmecomeandhelpyou.Marmeesaysthathelpingothersisjustthesameasfightingintour'mentsorhuntingtheSangreal!"

"Yourmotherisright,Donnie,"wasthegravereply."SomedayIwantyoutobemypartner,andwe'llwor together.Now,remember,thisisacontractbetweenus,andIwon'tforgetmypromise."

Afterdinnerhadbeeneateneachevening,arompwithDonnieandTatters,orteachingthedoganewtric ,occupiedPowellandthechild,andlater,Katherineandthedoctorsatonthelittleporchandtal edofthedoctor'splans,whileDonnieleanedagainsthismother's neeslisteningintently,forsomeday,he,too,wouldhelpinthedoctor'swor .TheshadowsinKatherine'seyesturnedtolaughter,herfacebecamegirlishinrelieffromconstantworry,andDonniewatchedherwithadoring,wonderingeyes.

"Marmee'slotsprettierwhenshelaughs,isn'tshe,Doctor?"as edthechildsuddenlyoneevening.

Katherine'seyesandPowell'smet,andforthefirsttimeafeelingofaw wardnesstingedtheircomradeship,butPowellrelievedthesituationwithalaugh,ashesaid,"Littleboysareluc y,becausetheycansayjustwhattheythin ,butgrown-uppeoplearenotallowedtodoit.HowisPettoday?"

DonnielauncheduponareportofthemostwonderfulponyinArizonaandtheman eptplyinghimwithquestionsuntilthestrainofthesituationhadpassed.But,Katherinewasunusuallysilentfortherestoftheevening,andthedoctorroseearlytosay"Goodnight."Hedrovehomeslowly,thoughtful,troubledandyetglad.NomatterwhatFatemightdenyhiminlife,thesewonderfuldayscouldneverbefilchedfromthetreasure-houseofMemory.

AfterDonniehadbeentuc edinbed,KatherineGlendonsatinsilentself-examination.Sherealizedthehappinessofthelastfivedayscouldnotcontinue,buteventhoughshecouldnothavethe indlyfriendshipofthedoctor,itwarmedherheartto nowthatforthesefewdaystheyhadwal edsidebysideascomrades.Ithadimbuedherwithnewhopes.Yet,she newtherewasnottheleasttingeofdisloyaltytoherhusbandinanyword,deedorthought.ThepleasureshehadexperiencedwasasinnocentasthatwhichshefeltwhensheandDonnie,wal inginthecaÃ±on,foundanewflower.



So,withuntroubledeyesshe neltbesidethebedwhereherboylaysleeping,andprayedforthechild,thenherlipsmovedinapleaforthefatherofthatchild.

ThefollowingdayGlendonreturnedhomeinarepentantmood,aswasusualafteraprotractedcarousal.Hethan edChappoeffusively,andtoshowhisgratitude,heldoutawhis eybottle.ButthelittleMexicandeclined,"IpromiseElDoctorIwouldnotdrin again.EefIdo,maybeIdieprettyquee ,hesay."

"Oh,alittlewhis eyonceinawhilewon'thurtyou,"urgedGlendon,whoalwaysli edcompanywhenhewasdrin ing.

ButChappowasfirm,thoughthebattlewasnotwonwithoutahardstrugglewhenthepungentodourfromtheglassinGlendon'sextendedhandreachedthedwarf'snostrils.Appreciatinghisownwea ness,Chappohastenedtothebarnandsaddledhisponywithoutlossoftime.

ThenherodetothedoorwhereKatherinestood."Adios,SeÃ±ora.Yomevoy,"(Goodbye,SeÃ±ora.Iamgoing,)andhegallopedawayfromtemptationasfastashisponycouldcarryhim.

Katherinetoldherhusbandofthe indnessshownherandDonnie,andin

responsetoherentreaties,herodeuptotheSpringsthefollowingday.Powellreceivedhimcourteouslyandtriedtoevadetheeffusivethan s,butGlendonhadreachedapointofintoxicationwherehewasgarrulous.

"Iwantyoutocomedownanytimeandma eyourselfentirelyathome,"heurged."Amangetstiredhavingnoonebutawomantotal to,andKatherine'sheadisalwaysintheclouds.Theboyisgettingjustli eher.Whenhe'salittleolderthough,I'mgoingtota ehiminhandmyself.IfKatherinehadn'tbeensohigh-headedwithmyfol sthingswouldbemightydifferentwithmetoday.ButhereIam,stuc downinaGod-forsa encaÃ±oninArizonaandnoprospectsofevergettingout.Ifshehadcateredtomyfamilywewouldn'tbehere,youbet.So,it's

nothingmorethanshebroughtonherself,andI'vegottota ethemedicinewithher.Theoldmanhasplentymoney,butit'sdoubtfulifIsmellapennyofitwhenhedies.Ifshe'dcomeoffherhigh-horsetheoldmanmightleaveawadtoDonnie.Ofcourse,Ita eafewdrin swhenIfeelli eit.Anymandoes.Onceinawhileitgetstheupperhandofme,butIcanstopwhenIwantto,andIwon'tma eanypromisestoanyonetoquittillIgetgoodandready."

Oncestartedherambledon.Powellgaveupanyattempttochec thehalf-drun enconfidences,andsatsilentlysmo ing,tryingtoconcealhisaversion.Itwaswithafeelingof eenreliefhesawGlendonriseandta eleave.Theheavy-setfigureswayeduncertainlyinthesaddle.Thenthememoryofthatman'swife,ofthedaystheytwohadshared,

sweptoverthedoctor.The nowledgethatKatherinewassubjecttocontactofsuchamanasGlendonmadehisownlossmorepoignant.Ifhehadfoundthewomanofhisdreamsmarriedtoamanworthyofher,henewhewouldhaverejoicedatherhappiness,thoughhewenthisownwayalonethroughlife.

"PoorlittleLadyofthePool,"hewhispered,"Ihavefoundyouonlytoloseyou!"

Herecalledabeautifulrose,frozeninabloc ofice,whichhadbeen



senthimbyagratefulpatient.Hehadlongedtowarmthecoldpetalsandinhaletheirfragrance,buthe newthatremovingtheicybarrierwouldmeandestroyingtheflower.Heleftitundisturbed.

Andtherose,initslovelinesspasseditslife;shutawayfromthecaressofthesummerbreeze,fromthe issofthebutterfly,fromthequiveringtouchofthehumming-bird'swings,andallthewonderfulmysteriesoflifethatthrobbedaroundit.

CHAPTERNINETEEN

InMayandJuneeachyeartheEasternandNortherncattlebuyersflocintoArizonatoprocure"feeders"fortheirgrassrangesinothersections.One,twoandthree-yearoldsteersarethenshippedtobeheldonpastureandfinally"topped"ongraininsomeEasterncentre,topreparetheanimalsfortheKansasCity,Denver,OmahaorChicagostoc yards.

AnumberoffinesteershadbeengatheredontheHotSpringsrange,andwerebeingdriventoWillcoxtoma epartofacontractbetweena

MontanabuyerandtheDiamondHandPL.Thespringrainshadbeenabundant.Wildgrassesrosetotheheightofapony's nees;sleeHerefordcattlebrowsedcontentedly,whilewhite-facedcalvesrompedandracedbetween.Arizonawasatitssmilingbest.

Powell,ridingbehindtheherdwhileLimberdirectedacoupleofMexicanvaqueros,wassatisfiedthathehadmadenomista einidentifyinghimselfwiththiscountry.TheplansfortheSanitariumwerematuringperfectly.Letterswithsuggestionsandexperienceculledfromthebestauthoritiesalloverthecontinent,aswellasEuropeanhealthresorts,wereineachmail.Architectshadsubmitteddraftsandplans,fromwhichPowellwasselectingtheverybestideas.

ArrangementsregardingtheconsolidationoftheDiamondHwor withthePLandHotSpringsherdshadprovenideal,andtheonlyunpleasantfeaturePowellhadencounteredwasembodiedinhisneighbour,Glendon.

Thoughtheman'santagonismtothedoctorhadnowreachedapointofopenanimosity,Powellignoredit.LimberwentfrequentlytotheCircleCross,andoldChappo,ma ingvisitstoJuan,managedto eepintouchwithKatherine.Theyall newtheywereunabletodomorethanthis,unlesssheshouldallowit,orsomedirenecessityforcehertocallonthemforhelp.Powellwascompelledto eepentirelyalooffromtheCircleCross,fearingtoprecipitatesomedisagreeablescene,shouldGlendonbeinoneofhisaggressivemoods.Thedoctor newGlendon'stypewellenoughtounderstandthatthebruntofsuchsituationwould

fallwithitsfullweightonthewoman.Hehopedthatshedidnotmisinterprethisabsenceasduetoindifference,sinceitwastheonlywayhecouldhelp.

Limberdroppedbac oftheherdandrodebesidethedoctorwithoutspea ing.Therewerelongintervalswhenthesetwoweretogetherthatneitherspo e,yeteachman newthecomradeshipoftheother.Thecattlewereploddingalongsteadilyandinthedistancecouldbeseenthesmo eofatraincreepingli earattlesna eacrosstheflatbetweenCochiseandWillcox.



Thecowboythrewhislegacrossthehornofhissaddle,sittingsidewiseasherolledacigarette,whichheprofferedtoPowell.Thenma ingoneforhimself,thetwomensmo edastheyrode.

"Juantoldmelastnightthathehadfoundanotherdeadcalfuptheriverbed,andpoisonedit,"saidLimber."Tharwasfreshliontrac s.Hethin sit'sthelionthatwasinthecave,butitain'tbeentharsincethedaywefoundMrs.GlendonandDonnie.Itmustofsmeltourtrac sandquit.Juanhasbeenwatchin'foriteversinceItolehimaboutit."

"Howmuchisthebounty?"as edPowell,puffingathiscigarette.

"Twenty-fivedollarsforalionscalp,"repliedLimber."IhopeJuangetsit.We'vebeenhavinglotsofcalves illedthisyear.Mr.Traynorfiggersonputtin'acoupleofmenouttrappin'andpoisonin'themandthecoyotes.It'llpaytodoit.Wehadtoshoottwohorsesnotlongago,becausetheirbac swasbro e."

"Dotheyfightatclosequarters?"as edPowell."TheSouthAmericanonesarenastythings."

"Well,sometimestheydoandsometimestheydon't.Say,didanyoneevertellyouaboutthetimeHasayampafitthemountainlion?"

"No,orIshouldnothaveforgottenit,Iamsure,"Powellsmiledinanticipation.

Limbertossedawayhisdeadcigarette,swungaroundinhissaddleandbegan,"Hasayampahadapeculiarexperiencewithamountain-liononct.Yousee,hewaslivin'inaone-roomstonecabindownAravaipaCaÃ±onallalonebyhisself,exceptin'foranol'brindledognamedKillem.HasayampaallowedthatKillemwasacanineorphunasylum,becausehewasrelatedtoneareverydogbetweenWillcoxandtheSanPedro.Killem'snosewasbull-dog,hisearswascollie,histailloo edsomethingli eapug'sthewayittriedtocurlupinadoughnut.Hehadabrindlecoatofhairthatwassprin ledwithwhitepatchesandthemmixedwithblac .

Hesuredonehisbesttobeararesemblancetoeveryoneofhisfamilyconnections.Hehadbeenadandyscrapperwhenhewasyoung,buthewassool'heshedallhisteeth,buthis i-yiwasguaranteedindestructible.Hasayampahadtroublewithamountain-lionwhatwantedtoma esociablecalls,butwastoobashfultocomeindaylight.ItformedastrongattachmentforsomepigsBillwasraisin',an'thatlionadopted'emontheinstallmentplan,an'theol'sowtoo onsomethin'dreadful.Sobetweenthepigssquealin'andKillem i-yiing,hewasprettynearcrazy.Hasayampasaidhecouldn'tstandtheladypig'sgrief,sohe illedherandthenheguvKillemagood ic toma ehimshetup,andwentbac tobed.

"Thecabinhadonedooran'alittlewinder.Hasayampawaslyin'onhis

bun withacandlestuc inabeer-bottleonaboxlongsidehim,rightunderthewinder.Suddenlyol'KillemhoppedrightthroughthewinderglassandlandedplumpontopofHasayampa.Hejumpedupto ic Killemout,butbeforehedoneit,dernedifthatliondidn'tcomethroughthesameway,buthe noc edovertheboxandputoutthecandle.ThenKillemandthelionstartedinforfustblood.

"Hasayampa'ssix-shooterhadbeen noc edoff'ntheboxandHasayampamadeabrea ferthedoor--theroomseemedaleetlebitcrowdedjustthen--butthedoorwasloc edandthe eysomewharonthefloor.He



begunscratchingforthat ey.

"Justaboutthistimethestovepipegot noc eddown.Tharwarn'tmutchfire,butplentyofsmo e.Nextthingtheyhitthetablewharhehadpiledupallthetinplates,cupsandpansthathewashedonSundays.Hasayampasaidthenoisewassomethin'fierce,forKillemwasyellin','Penandin ,'thelionwasscreechin'itsheadoff,andbothof'emic in'tinthingsineverydirection.

"AllthistimeHasayampawashavin'troublesofhisown.Hewasclawin'thefloor,loo in'forthe eyorhissix-shooter.Hedidn'tcarewhich,buthewantedoneof'emandhewanteditinahurry,whichwasn'tunreasonablenoways,whenyourememberitwashisownpropertyhewashuntin'.Hefinallygotonhisstomachandspunaroun'li eacartwheelandthatwashowhefoundhisgun.Trustin'toluc heedgedclosertothenoiseandputhisgunagainstsomethin'andfired.TharwasayelpfromKillem,ascreechfromthelion,thensomethin'floppedaroundonthefloor,butwhetheritwasthelionorthedorg,wasaconundrumHasayampawasn'tpreparedtoansweroffhand.

"Thingsgotquiet.Hecrawledcarefultillhefoundthecandleandlitit,holdin'hisgunready.Thenheloo edaroun'.TharwasKillemsettin'scrintchedupinonecorneroftheroom,abulletholethroughoneear,buttharwarn'tnolionnowhartobeseen,andHasayampa

figgeredhehadshotKillemandthelionhadgoneoutthewinder,sameroutehetoo comin'in.Hasayampadidsometallcussin,andbegunpic in'thingsup,whenheseentheendofthelion'stailstic in'outunderthebun .Hebac edoffwithoutlosin'notimeandshotunderthebun .Thelionnevereven ic ed.

"Afterhe'dwaitedtobesureitwasdead,Hasayampahauleditoutbythetail,feelin'mightybigatsuchashotinadar room.Thenhebeguntohunttoseewharthebulletwentin.Tharwasjustonebullethole,andthatwaswhenheshotitunderthebun .Hehadmisseditclarthefusttime,butthatlionwasasdeadasadoor-nailwhenhefiredthesecondshot,andHasayampa nowedit."

Limberloo edatPowellgravely,"Nowdon'tthatbeatyou?"

"Butwhathappened?"demandedtheDoctor."EvenHasayampamusthavehadsometheoryaboutit."

"Well,"drawledLimber,"ol'InjunGeorge,wherheheerdaboutitsaidhehadbeenputtin'pizenout,andfindin'ahalfetpighadfixedupthecarcassforthelion,andheallowedtheonethatvisitedHasayampahadmadeamealofthatpig.ButHasayampaalwaysstuc toitthatthelionhadnaturallydiedofheartdiseaseandnervousprostrationbrungonbytheexcitement.Anyway,that'showHasayampaBillwonthelionrecordinArizona."

"Heprovedhisrighttospellthewordbothways,"grinnedthedoctorasLimberreinedPeanuttowardtheheadoftheherd.

Theywereapproachingtheouts irtsofWillcox.AlreadytheiradventwasbeingheraldedbyhystericalyelpsfrominnumerabledogsbelongingtotheMexicanfamilieswhooccupiedshac sattheouts irtsofthetown.Eachshac blazedwithstringsofdried,redchilipeppers,whilecountlesschildrengroupedabouteachdoor,orthewomengossipedvolubly.



Thecattleweredrivenintotheshippingcorralsashortdistancefromtown.Thegatessecured,LimberandPowellrodesidebysideupthedustystreettotheCowboys'RestandlefttheirhorsesinchargeofBuc board.

Severalothershipmentswereintown,beinginspectedaccordingtoruleofprecedent.Therailroadcompanywasfrequentlyshortofenginestotransporttheheavytrainsofcattle,anditoftenhappenedthatabunchofstoc wasdelayedawee orlongerbeforestartingforitsdestination.Insuchevent,thecattlewereheldontherangeneartown,orinsomefencedpasturecloseathandwhichwasrentedforthetimenecessary.

LimberhadputinhisordersoastoinsuretherightofwaywhenthecattlefromtheHotSpringsandDiamondHshouldarriveintown.Hewasanxioustoascertainwhethertheycouldloadoutthatafternoonornot.TheforemanandDoctorPowellwal edupthemainstreettogether,stoppingtospea toothercowmen,manyofwhomhadnotbeforemetthenewowneroftheHotSpringsandPLranches.

Bronco,HolyandRoarerspiedandwelcomedthemvociferously,andLimberwasinformedthattheDiamondHcattlewereonapasture,halfamilefromtown.TheInspectorwouldbereadytohandletheirshipmentrightafterlunch,asthecarsandenginewouldbeontimeforthem.

"I'llstopforthemail,"suggestedPowellastheypassedthepost-office,andsuitingtheactiontothewordsheturnedinthestore,whiletheotherscontinuedtheirwaytotheChineserestaurant.

Theywereabouttoenter,whenWalton,carryinganold-fashionedcarpetgriphurriedthroughthedoor.

"Hello,Walton,"wasLimber'scasualgreeting.

Walton,seeingthem,stoppedshortandregardedthegroupwithanangrystare,thenwithoutreplying,herushedacrossthestreettotherailroadstation,wheretheeast-boundtrainwaspuffing.

"Seemsinahurry,"commentedLimberastheywatchedWaltonclimbaboardthetrain.

"Mebbehe'sgoin'togetmarried,"grinnedBronco,"andhe'sscairtforfearsomethin'willhappentothemwhis ersagain."

Walton'sfaceappearedatoneofthewindowsoftheday-coach.Asthetrainpuffedpastthemen,hiseyesrestedontheminmingledtriumphandmalice.

"Hump!"gruntedHoly,"Loo sli ehe'djustdrawedfouraces!"

"Well,I'mgladthecountryisshetofhim,"pipedRoarerastheymetDoctorPowellandimpartedtheitemofnewstohim.

PowellhandedalettertoLimber.Thepencilwritingwascrudeandthesheetofpaperboreanenormous,brilliantredroseacrossonecorner.Theeyesoftheothercowpunchersfocusedonthatrose,astheletterhadbeenfoldedbac ward.

"Loo sli ealove-letter,"insinuatedBronco."Say,Limberain'tthataddressedtoHoly?He'stheonlyoneoftheoutfitthatwritesletters



toladies,you now."

"It'sbeeninthepost-officeawee ,"commentedLimber,andtheydrewcloserashereadaloud:

_DereLimber_--IseenWaltonputtin'theDiamondHonaLazyFcalfandIgivehimawee toquitthecountry.HesoldouttoafellowfromDouglas,soIguesstherewon'tbenomoretroublefromhim.Itwoodbehardtoma eacasethatwouldstic againsthim,becausehewasn'tbrandingthecalvesforhimself.He'salittleoffhiscabazza,andthemgreenwhis ersstuc inhiscraw.MyregardstotheBossandtheboys.

Yourstruly,

BILLYSAUNDERS.

RangeDetectivefortheLiveStoc SanitaryBoard.

"That'swhyhewasinsechahurrytogetthattrain.Hemustofthoughtwe nowedaboutit;"saidLimber."Well,hewon'tbotherusnomore."Astheyallenteredtherestaurant,Limberspo etoPowell,"Theinspector'llbereadyforusrightafterlunch."

Theywereshownatablenearthefrontoftheroom,whichwaswell-filledwithatypicalfrontiermixtureofhumanity.Cowpunchers,miners,cler sandstore eepers,acoupleofcommercialtravellers,andanArmyofficerinuniform,accompaniedbyhiswifeandtwochildren,whohadevidentlyjustarrivedonthetrainfromCalifornia.

InacornerattherearendoftheroomsatGlendonwithacowboywhosemutilatedhandhadwonthenameofThree-fingeredJac .Theyweretal ingearnestlyinguardedtones.Glendon'sbac wastowardtheentranceoftheplace,butJac ,whowasclassedasa"gunman,"becauseofhisexpertmar smanship,scrutinizedthenewcomerssharply.

"WhoisthatwiththeDiamondHoutfit?"heas ed.

Glendontwistedslightly,too aswiftglance,scowledandleanedovertohiscompanion.

"That'sPowell,damnhim!BoughttheHotSpringsandPLherdandranchandisgoingtoputupasanitariumfortubercularchildren.Limberstayswithhimmostofthetime,andputsintherestofitattheDiamondH,soyounever nowwhenyou'regoingtorunintothem.It'seasytopullthewooloveratenderfoot,butLimberisanotherproposition.Ifthere'sanytrouble,thewholecountrywillsidewithLimber.He'sassharpastheyma eem,andeveryone nowshe'ssodamnedstraightthatheleansbac ward.Thatdoctorisnofool,either."

Three-fingeredJac shruggedhisshoulderscontemptuouslyandsmiledintotheotherman'sface.Bothhadbeendrin ingheavily.Thesmilewasastudiedinsult.Glendondidnotnoticeit.

"Losingyournerve,Glen?I'llgivethatpill-pusheralittlescareforyou,andIbetwhenIgetdonewithhimhe'llloo li eaca eofsoapinaChineselaundryafterabigday'swashing."

Glendonhesitated."We'dbettersteerclearofthem.Itwon'tdoto



haveanytroublenow.Itwouldballthingsupforus."

"I'll eepawayfromLimber,"promisedJac ,nowobsessedwithoneidea;"butitwon'tta eanythingexceptagoodbluffforthetenderfoot."

"ThatDiamondHismixingintoeverything,"growledGlendon."Ifithadn'tbeenforTraynor,Kingneverwouldhavepatentedthatlandandthewillwouldn'thavebeenworththepaperitwaswrittenon.I'vehungoutattheCircleCrossalltheseyearsexpectingtogetholdoftheHotSprings,butthan stoTraynorandPowell,Igotleftintheend.BadenoughwhenKingwasalive,shuttingmeofffromthewater,butnowPowellisstoc inguptherangeandit'sgoingto noc meintoacoc edhat.There'sboundtobetroublebetweenPowellandmebeforeverylong.I'mnotgoingtoputupwithhisprowlingaroundwatchingthingsoutthere."

"Whatthedevildoyoucareforthehalfadozencalveshemay eepyoufromrustling?"jeeredJac ."You'vegotaheapbiggerthingaheadofyou,ifyoujust eepyourshirtonabitlonger.Thenyoucanquitthecountryforgood.But,itwon'tbesafeforustocomeouttherenow,Glen.Bettermeetsomewhereelse."

"Allright,"assentedGlendon,withashrug."YoutellPanchitaanytimeyouwantme,andshe'llgetwordtome."

Theymadetheirwayratherunsteadilyfromthelongroom,unhitchedtheirponiesandrodetowardthecorralconversingearnestlyinlowtones.

Halfanhourlater,PowellandtheboysoftheDiamondHreachedthecorralswheretheirentireshipmentnowwasenclosed.Broncoremaineddowninthenarrowchute,whiletherest,aftertyingtheirponiestothecorralfence,climbedupandperchedonthetopmostrail.

Powellloo eddownonamassofsurginghorns,hisearsassaultedbydeafeningbellows.Theinspectorsataboveanarrowpassagewayinwhichadraftoffivecattlewasdriven,thenthebardroppedandpartedthem

fromtheotheranimals.Asthesefivecowspassedtowardthecarintowhichtheyweretobeloaded,Broncocalledthebrandandear-mar stotheinspector,whorecordedthem.Thenthecowwasgivenaslightshovetoaccelerateitsmovementsintotheopendoorofthecar.Ifithesitated,itwasnotlong,foronlyacreatureofironcouldwithstandthefierceproddingintheribswithsharpwoodenpoles,andthewildyellswouldma eanApachewar-whoopsoundawhisperoffirstlove.

Whilethemenwor ed,Limber,seatedbesidePowellexplainedthesystemofterritorialinspection,andthatateachshippingpointaninspectorwasstationedtoreportofficiallyoneverybrandandear-mar ofcattleofferedforshipment.EachbrandwasregisteredwiththeLiveStocSanitaryBoardatPhoenix,andreportsforwardedimmediatelyafterany

shipment,statingtheownerofeachanimal,brand,ear-mar ,shipperincharge,buyer,consignerandconsignee.Acertificateofhealthwasalsorequired,andwithoutsuchofficialauthorityfromtheinspectornorailroadcompanywaspermittedtomoveanylivestoc overitsroad.Theshipperincharge,wasalsocompelledtohavecopies.Inadditiontotheseduties,theinspectorwasauthorizedtocollectandforwardanyamountsreceivedforstraycattle,whoseownerswerenotpresentorrepresentedbyanagent.Whereabrandwasfoundnotofficiallyregistered,suchanimalwassoldbytheinspectorandproceedsremittedtotheboard.Thiswasgivenanyclaimantwhocouldsatisfactorily



explainnegligencetorecordthebrand,andprovebeyonddoubthisownership.

Limber,sittingbesidePowellonthecorralfence,explainedtheselawswhiletheywatchedtheinspection.

"Someofthebrandsareveryindistinct,"saidPowell."Incasethereisdoubt,howisitdecided?"

"Inspectorclipsthehairoverthebrandwithhorse-clippers,andifthatdon'tsettleit,hesellstheanimaltothelocalbutcher.Yousee,whenthehideisfreshfromacow,thefirstbrandshowsouttheplainest,evenifanotherisrunoverafterwards.Sometimesabrandisregisteredwhatgivesafellerthechancetoalteranother.Therewas,onemanranOBarO,"Limberdrewanimaginarybrandonthepalmofhislefthand,O-O."AfterwardtheyfoundtheCroo edH,O-C,theJHandtheDOcouldbechangedtotheO-Oandwor thethreebiggestherdsinthesection.Thefellowwashonest,neveraimedtodonodirtywor ,butthebrandwasstoppedbyorderoftheLiveStoc SanitaryBoard."

Thefreshdraft,headedbyalargecow,wasdrivenintothechute.

"Thisbrand'sbeenmon eyedwith,"Holycalleduptotheinspector,whosatonanelevatedplatformjustabovethechute.

Therewascraningofnec saseachonestudiedtheanimal,foranalteredbrandwasthebusinessofeverycowmanintheTerritory.

"Whatisit?"demandedtheinspector.

"Sheloo smoreli eaninspectioncertificatethanacow,"wastheanswer."JumpingJehosaphat!Didyoueverseesuchamix-up?There'saBDloo sli eit'sbeenchangedfromaPL;an'ol'MuleShoeQuarterCircleonherside,oneear'sslitan'theother'sajinglebob.Holdon,there'ssomethingontheotherside."

Continuinghisexaminationhemovedaroundtheanimalandejaculatedin

surprise;"Damnedifhereain'tafreshCircleCross.Whatd'ye nowaboutthat,Glendon?"

Everyoneloo edatGlendon,whosatatLimber'sleftsideontherailing.Butbeforehecouldreply,PaddyLaffertyjumpedintothecorralchuteandstoopingdownstudiedthecow'sfrontlegs,thenhestraightenedupandspo e.

"Oidon'tgiveadumwhatbrandshecarries,thatcowismoine.SherunsovertheHotSpringsrange.Oi'd nowtheouldhaythinanywheresbecaseshegotcutbybarbed-wireandIdoctheredher,andshegivemethedivvleofatoimewhenIwasdoin'it,bejabers!There'sthemar softhewoire-cutsonherforean les.Thatbrand'sbeenburntsinceIsold

thePLherdtoDoctorPowell."

"That'salie!"shoutedGlendon."IboughtherfourmonthsagofromaMexicanontheSanPedro.TheBDishisbrand.Hehadtencowsandsoldthemalltomebeforehewentbac toMexico."

Paddyloo edcoollyintoGlendon'sbloodshoteyes."Yezmusthevlaidawa enoightsfixin'upthatloi,"hesneered, eepingaclosewatchonGlendon'srighthand."Oigisstheinspectherhedbettherta echargeofherandsittlethematther.Butitstroi esmethatBDisamoighty



quarebrandforaGreasertoberunning."

"AslongasthecowhasaPL,"spo ePowellsuddenly,"Isupposeitgivesmeavoiceinthematteralso?"

Theinspectornoddedconfirmation,andPowellwenton,"Lettheinspectorta echarge,asPaddysuggested.Idon'twantanyanimalonmyrangethatcarriesadisputedbrand.Ifthecowbelongstome,Iwanthershippedorslaughtered,andallpossibledisputesaboutherended."

"Shipher,"orderedtheinspector."I'llloo upthatBDbrand,andifitisnotregisteredtheproceedsofsalewillbeforwardedtoDoctorPowell.Ifitisregistered,andtheGreaserhasleft,asGlendonclaims,itisuptoGlendontoproveownershipbybillofsalefromtheGreaser."

"'Tain'tthefursttoimeyourbrandhasgotononeofmycows,Glen;"assertedPaddyhotly."OisoldmybrandandherdclaneandstraighttoDoctherPowell,andOi'llsthandboythatsaletothelastcritter."

Glendon'shandslippedbac afewinches,butLimber,sittingbesidehim,sawthemovementandgrippedhiswristinasteelclutch.Itwasdonesoquic lyandquietlythatnoonebutPaddysawit,orheardLimbersay,"Don'tbesuchafool,Glen.Killin'peopledon'tchangethe

lawsoftheTerritory.""IfeverIcatchthatGreaser,I'llma ehimsweatblood,"blusteredGlendon.

Paddymountedthefence,settledhimself,thenfilledhiscorn-cobpipe,lighteditdeliberatelyandtoo adeeppuffbeforeheremar edwithagrimsmile,"Oi'llhilpyezdoit,Glendon--whenyezcatchhim!"

Hiswrin led,gnarledhandsmoothedthelegofhisoveralls,whichhadoriginallybeentheorthodoxblueofallself-respectingoveralls,butlongsincehadsuccumbedtoPaddy'swashtubandvigorousmuscles.Belowtheedgesoftheseanemicpatchedgarments,loomedoneoldbootandone

shoe,lacedcroo edlywithapieceofrawhide.

Thehandceaseditscaressingmovement,andPaddysquintedupagainatGlendon,"Don'tyezbeaftherfergittin',Glendon,whinyezcatchhimI'llta eahandathim--widyez."

CHAPTERTWENTY

LimberunsaddledhisponyintheCowboys'Rest,afterthetrainloadhad

pulledout.Hefoundthattheepisodeoftheburntcowwasalreadybeingdiscussedopenly.

"Glendon'sgoin'togetintoheapsoftroubleifheain'tmorecareful,"statedBuc boardtoLimber."He'smixin'inwithamightybadbunch."

LimberhunghissaddleonapegandstoodrubbingPeanut'snosegently."You'resureright,Buc board;"herepliedslowly."I'mdernedsorryaboutit.IdoneallI newhowtopullhimup,but'tain'tbeennogood,sofur'sIcansee.Whatstumpsmeiswhyafellowwhathasso



manychancestoma egoodwor sashardasGlendoesadodgin''em.Hecomeherewithplentydinero,hadheapsoffriendsandarichfathertobac him.Thenhewaseddicatedandhasthedandiestwifethateversteppedonearth.SometimesIthin he'splumblocoed."

"Mrs.Glendon'sgotagood-sizedbunchoftroublejustnowandmoreacomin',unlessGlenwa esupandhitsanothertrailprettydamnquic ;"growledBuc board."ThatMexicanwomanisma ingaregularfoolofhim,andgetseverycentthathehandles.I'vebeenwonderinghowmuchlongerthestoreswillcarryhim.Hisherddon'tamounttoshuc sanymore."

"IfI nowedawomanli eGlendon'swifewaswaitin'formeataranch,I'dthin IwastherichestmaninArizonaTerritory,eveniftheranchonlyhadoneroomandIhadn'tbutfiveheadofcows;"Limberspo eearnestly,andoldBuc board,catchingtheloo onthecowpuncher'sface,pausedasecondbeforeheanswered.

"There'splentygoodmenthatwouldbeaheapbettertoherthanGlendon,forallhisfancywayoftal ing.Butnobodycan'tdonothin'tohelpawomanli eherwhenshe'stieduptoas un li eGlendon.It'sadamnshame,butawomanofhersortjustgoesalongandplaysoutthegamewithalonehand.Butsheplaysitsquare."

"I now.That'swhatma esithard.ItrytodowhatIcantohelpGlen,

justso'stoeasetheloadonher,buthe eep'spilin'itupmoreandmoreeveryday."

"Whenafellerli ehimcatchesontootherpeoplelettinghimoffeasyonaccountofher,he'llwor thatgameforallit'sworth.Insteadoftryin'tocoveruphistrac s,it'dbelotsbettertogivehimropeenoughtohanghimself.Thenshecouldcutloosefromhim."

"Noshewouldn't,"contradictedLimber."SolongasGlendonisabovegroundshe'llstic tohim,nomatterwhathedoes.Glen nowsthat,too."

"Then,byGod!Ihopesomethingwillputhimundergroundbeforehe

brea sherheart,"explodedBuc board,givingaviciousslashwithatie-ropeatahandypostwhichrelievedhisirritation,forhe newLimberhadspo enthetruth.

TheconversationwasinterruptedbyBroncowhohasteneduptoLimber.

"Guessthere'sgoin'tobetroubleintown,"heannounced.

"Glendon?"demandedBuc board,hopefully.

"Nope.It'sThree-fingeredJac thistime,"wasthereply."Alpaugh,theconstable,isawayatTombstone,andThree-fingercomeinlastnightandhasbeentan in'upeversince,andbythistimehefiggershe'sgotthe

rangetohisself."

"Whar'sPeachy?Isn'theDeputyConstable?"as edLimberastheypassedthroughthecorralgate.

Broncogrunted."Peachy?Whar'sPeachy?"hepausedtogatherscorn."Peachy'sinhidin'.Jac shotoutthelightsinthecornersaloonlastnightandeveryoneduc edandstampeded,andthatdeniedDeputyConstabledroppedonallfoursbehindthebarandcrawledoutentheroomjestli etheyellerpupheis.Allheneedsisafewfleastofinish



him!Thenhelitoutinthebac yardandonefellertoldmeheseenhimjumpoverthatten-footboardfencebac ofthesaloon,andheswarsPeachynevertechedit.He'ssomejac -rabbitwhenitcomestojumpin',andhe'sgotasmuchnerveasone.JustbecauseJac 'sgotthenameofbein'abadmanandhandywithhisgun,he'sgotthewholetownbuffaloed.Butthefunnythingis,nooneever nowedwhoJac hasilled.Hesureain'tdonenogun-playhereexceptplugtincanstoshowoff."

"Heneedssomeonetota ethatfreshnessoutenhim;"Limberspo equietlyasthoughcommentingontheweather."IfPeachyain'thandy,loo sli eit'suptoustoseetheJedgeandas ifheneedsanydeputy."

"That'swhyIwashuntin'you,"wasBronco'sanswer,butfurtherconversationwasinterruptedbyafusiladeofshots.

"Iguesshe'sturnedloose,"Limberspo eastheyrantowardthenoises."Tharain'tnotimenowtoseetheJedge.It'suptous,Bronc.Comealong."

TheywerejoinedbyothermenwhoranfromvariousdirectionsandataturnofthestreettheysawThree-fingeredJac standingintheroadway,closetotheofficeoftheJusticeofthePeace,whorepresentedthe

onlyjudicialauthorityinWillcox.Jac 'spistolwassmo ing.Heregardedtheassembledmeninsolently.

"Iheerdthere'ssomeonewho'sgoingtoserveawarrantonme,"challengedJac ."WhatI'mafraidofisthathewon't nowjustwheretofindme."

Hewheeledandsentseveralbulletsagainstthelargeplateglasswindowofacornerstore,accompaniedbyahair-raisingyellastheglassclatteredtothegroundinfragments.

LimberandBroncoreachedtheouteredgeofthecrowdandpushedthroughit,butstoppedastheysawamansaunternonchalantlyaroundthe

cornerfromtheMainstreet.Hepaused,regardedthecrowd,thenhiseyeswanderedinterestedlytoJac ,whowasbusyslippingfreshcartridgesintohispistol.

Asthegunmanstartedtoflourishhisweapon,hebecameawareofthenew-comer,whoadvancedtowardhimandsaid,"IfIwereyouIwouldnotshootsopromiscuously,myfriend.Youmightaccidentallyhitsomething,you now."

"It'sDoc,"ejaculatedLimber,"andheain'tgotnogun!"

Jac evidentlyrecognizedPowell,forheswungandfacedhimdemandingwhathewastal ingabout.

Powellheldoutapaper."IfyouareJac Dunlap, nownasThree-fingeredJac ,andsupposedtobeagunman,Ihaveawarrantforyourarrest.I'vejustbeenmadespecialDeputyConstable."

Jac regardedhimwithopencontempt."Oh,isthatso?"hesneered."Well,hereIam!Comeonanddoyourduty,Mr.SpecialConstable."

LimberpressedtowardPowell,withBroncoathisside,andclosebehindthemloomedHolyandRoarer,butPowellsmiledatthemandshoo his



headatthepuzzledpunchersoftheDiamondH.Limber'sfingerrestedlightlyonthetriggerofhispistolwhichapparentlyhunglooselyinthehandathisside.Hiseyesglinteddangerously,hislipsweretightenedintoathinline.Broncoglancedathim,and newDoctorPowellwassafe.Onlyafewmenwereawareofthequic nesswithwhichLimbercoulddrawandhowaccuratelytheapparentlycarelessbulletsweresent.

"IwonderwhatDocisupto?"murmuredBronco,butnoneofthemcouldsolvetheproblem.

PowellmoveddeliberatelytowardJac ,whosuddenlybeganfiringhispistolatthegroundclosetoPowell'sfeet,yelling,"Dance,youhyenatender-foot!Dance,damnyou!"

Thegroundflewupandstruc oneofPowell'sfeet,butheonlyglancedattheplaceasthoughinterestedinJac 'smar smanship."Thatisn'tsobad,"hesmiledatthegunman.

Jac strodeforward,cursingviolently,butthedoctorseemedoblivioustoit,ashetoo ahandsomecigarettecasefromhispoc et,selectedacigarettewithsolicitouscareandlightedit.Thenheloo edupatJac .

Thegun-manwasnonplussed.Hehesitatedtoattac anunarmedman,notbecauseofmoralscruplesbuttherealizationoftheconsequencestohimself.Jac hadnotseenthemenoftheDiamondHwhoweregroupedalertlybac ofhim,eachman'spistolready.

MeasuringtheweightandheightofPowell,Jac ,whowasmuchlarger,shovedhispistolintotheholster,saying,"Idon'tcaretopotajac -rabbit."

Powellmadenomove.Jac advancedinfrontofhim,thrusthisfaceagainstthedoctor'sandsnarled,"Well,whatareyougoingtodoaboutthatwarrant,Mr.What-d'yecall'em?"

"Oh,nothingexceptarrestyou,"wasthecalmreplyasthedoctorpuffedalittlevolcanoofcigarettesmo eintoJac 'sfaceandloo edhimsteadilyintheeyes."Iamunarmed,"saidPowellloudlyenoughtobeheardbyallthebystanders,"butIbelieveyouaretoomuchofacowardtofaceanymanwithoutyourgun,eventhoughyou nowheisunarmed."

Goadedbythechallenge,Jac rippedoutanoath,unbuc ledhispistolbeltandhandedittoabystander,whoaccepteditwithevidentreluctance.

"Now,comealong,"yelledthegunman."Comealongandarrestme,ifyoucan--butbeforeyoudoitI'mgoingtota eyouacrossmy neeandgiveyouaregularspan ingli eyourmotherusedtodo,sonny."

Hereachedforward.Beforeanyone newwhathadhappened,Three-fingeredJac wassprawlingontheground,whilePowellsatquietlyastridetheman'schest,holdingJac 'sarmswithhisown nees.Jac writhedandstruggled,butwasunabletodisturbthemanwhosmileddownathim.AsJac 'scursesincreased,Powelldeliberatelypattedtheoutlaw'sfacegently,sayinginsoothingaccents,"Don'tletyourtemperrise,Jac !Itisn'tbecominginsucharegularlittleMama'sdarlingli eyou!"



HowlsoflaughterrousedJac totherealizationthathisreputationwasatsta e.Hebro eintothreatsofdirerevengeonPowell.Thedoctorpaidnoattentiontothemanwhowashelplessinthegripofsteel,butmerelyas ed,"HasanyoneherearopethatIcouldborrowashorttime?"

Jac stoppedcursing,andadisagreeablerecollectionintrudeditselfuponhim.Amanhadas edforaropeinWyoming.ThecrowdhadcutJacdownbeforehewasentirelyunconscious,andJac hademigratedtoArizonawithoutdelay.

Powellhadnosuchintention.Theropewasemployedtotrussthe"gun"manfromheadtofeet,li eaflywoundinaspider'sweb.Aninvoluntarymurmurofapprovalpassedamongthemenwhohadseentheepisode,butatthatmomentGlendonstaggeredthroughthecrowdandbeforeanyonecouldmove,levelledapistolatPowell.

"Ta ethatropeoff,"heshoutedwithavolleyofthefoulestoathsathiscommand.

"Don'tinterfere,"warnedPowell,facingGlendon.

"Youta ethatropeofforI'llputdaylightthroughyou,youwhite-liveredsnea ,"screamedtheotherman.

Hiswordsdiedawayinathud,asPowellsprangathimli eawild-cat,claspinghimaboutthearmsandfallingheavilytothegroundwithGlendonsprawledunderneath.ThepistolinGlendon'shandflewthroughtheair,struc thegroundandexplodedharmlesslyinthedust.

"I'llneedanotherrope,"apologizedPowellinunruffledtones."I'msorrytotroubleyouagain."

Therewasalaugh,andinlesstimethanitta estorelate,GlendonwasashelplessasJac .Thesightofthemlyingsidebysidewastoomuchforthegravityofthecrowd,andlaughterwasunrestrained.Powellloo eddownatGlendon,buttherewasnotriumphinhisheart.Awoman's

pleadingfacerosebetweenhimandthemanathisfeetwhowasvoicinghisvilethoughtsandthreats.Three-fingeredJac turnedhisheadslightlyandtherewasatwitchofthe"gun"man'smouth,buthemadenoremar .

Thedriveroftheoneandonlytowntruc wasstandingontheseatofhiswagonsurveyingthecapturedmen.Powellcalledtohim,"Howmuchwillyouchargetohaulthisloadtothecalaboose?"

"Doitfornothing,"repliedthedriverpromptly.

SoheandPowell,assistedbymanyvolunteers,liftedthemummy-li eformsintothewagon,thentheentireassemblagefollowedbehindthe

vehicleasitmovedslowlydownthestreet.

"Gee!"laughedHoly,"ThatwasthefunniestsightIeverseedinmylife."

"Loo sli ethefuneralofareal,respectablecitizen,"squea edRoarer.

"Well,it'sJac 'sfuneral,sureenough,"answeredLimber."He'sadead'badman'fromnowon,butthedoctorhaswonhisspurs,youbet!"



Thewagonstoppedinfrontofthelittleadobebuildingwhichwasusedasthetownjail,andPowellassistedthedrivertolifttheprisonersbodilyintotheroomwhichtoo theplaceofacell.Theropeswereremoved.Jac andGlendonstoodfreeinfrontoftheircaptor.Heeyedtheminsilenceafewseconds,thensaid,"IwantyoubothtounderstandthatIhadnopersonalfeelinginanythingIdid.Lawislaw,whetherinArizonaoranyotherplace.Gun-playisforbullies,notmen."

Neitherreplied.Powellpic edupthetworopesandlefttheplace.OutsidehefoundLimberwaiting,buttherewasnoreferencetowhathadjustta enplace.PowellhandedtheropestoLimberandas edhimtolocatetheowners,thenthedoctorcontinueddownthestreettotheofficeoftheJusticeofPeace,whosmiledathimcordially.

"Itwasjustasimpletric ofjiu-jitsu,"explainedPowell."ButnowIwantto nowhowmuchthefinewillbeforJac andGlendon?"

"Thirtydollars,orthirtydaysintheTombstonejail,"answeredtheJustice.

Powellreachedacrossthedes andappropriatedapenwhichhedippedintothein -well.Hedrewouthischec -boo ,saying,"Isupposethisispermissable?"TheJudgenodded.

"Itmaybealittlehardonthemtopaythefine,"Powellspo eashewrote."Idon'twantthemto nowwhodidit.Keepthematterbetweenourselves.Theyhavehadalesson,Ithin ."

"Thebestintheworld,"respondedtheJudge,smilingathisrecollectionofthetwotrussedfiguresinthewagon.

ItwasonlyashorttimelaterthatLimberhunteduptheJudgeandvolunteeredtostandgoodforanyfineimposedonGlendon.Whenhewastoldthatanotherpersonhadassumedtheresponsibilityalready,forbothmen,LimberlefttheofficefeelingprettycertainthatPowellhadanticipatedhisownintention.Butneitherofthemeverspo eofthe

matter.

Whenthefullmoonpeeredoverthehorizonthatnight,itshoneontwomenwhorodeslowlytowardtheHotSpringsranch,eachofthemgladtobebac againinthepeaceofthemountains.Anddowninacell,themoonlightfloodedthefloorcriss-crossedwithblac barsfromthewindow,andtwomenlaythin inginthesilenthoursofthenight,butli ethemenwhorodetotheSprings,neitherofthemtoldhisinmostthoughtstotheother.Somethoughtsaretooholytobespo enaloud;otherstooblac .

ThenextmorningGlendonandJac ,thoroughlysobered,werebroughtbeforetheJudgefortheirhearing.Afterasharpwarningthatasecond

offensewouldmeanmuchheavierpenalty,afineofthirtydollarseachwasimposed."Ican'tpayit,Judge,"confessedJac ,fran ly."I'mbro e,owethreemonthsadvancewagesandhavetofindajob."

"MaybeGlendoncanpaybothfinesuntilyouareabletowor itout,"suggestedtheJudgeamiably.

"I'vegotallIcandotopaymyown,"wasthesurlyreply."UnlessNortonwilladvanceit,I'mstuc ."



"ItseemstoobadtohavetosendyoubothtotheTombstonejailforthirtydays,boys,"sympathizedtheJustice."Iftheoffensehadnotbeensoserious,Imighthaveheldyouinthecalaboose;butthechargewasnotonlydisturbingthepeace,butalsoresistinganofficer."

AgrinspreadoverJac 'sface."Say,Judge,that'sarealjo e!Didyouseehowfurweresisted?Well,Iguesswedeservedit,andit'suptoustota eourmedicineli elittlemen."

"I'mgladtohearyousaythat,Jac .Now,Iwantyoubothtogivemeyourwordofhonourthatyouwillnotma eanyfurtherdisturbanceinWillcoxafterthis."

"Allright,"Jac answeredreadily,loo ingsquarelyintotheJudge'sface."Idon'tholdanygrudgeagainstPowell.Iownuphe'sabettermanthanIam."

"Glendon?"

"Iwouldn'thavemadesuchanassofmyselfifIhadbeensober,"wasGlendon'sevasiveanswer,whileheeyeda notholeintheboardathisfeet.

"Bothfineshavebeenalreadypaid."

Theyloo edupamazed."Whowasit?"demandedJac .

"Iamnotatlibertytotell,"wasthereply.

Jac staredamoment,thenasmilespreadoverhisface,"ByGosh!Ibetitwasthatdoctor!"heexclaimed."Say,Judgeifitwashim,willyoutellhimI'mmuchobliged,andthathe'sawhiteman,andI'lllic thestuffingoutofanyonethatpic sonhim,ifhejustletsme nowanytime!"

Glendonmadenocommentsashelefttheoffice,butJac turnedbac atthethresholdtocall,"I'mgoingtogetoutoftownasfastasIcan,

Judge.I'vegottohustleforajobsoIcanpaybac thatfine.I'llseethatthemoneygetstoyoup.d.q.Solong!"

"Goodluc ,boys,"answeredtheJudgeheartily.Thenturnedtohisdesandpapers,thin ingthattherewasmoremanhoodtothe"gunman"thantheonewhoaccompaniedhim.Thetwowal edsidebysideinapparentfriendlinessuntilJac said,"Well,thatwasasurprisepartyallaround,Glen.IbetIhitthebull'seyeguessingitwasthedoctor."

Glendon'seyesglintedangrilyatJac 'sopenpraiseofPowell."Hecertainlymadealaughing-stoc ofyou,"snarledGlendon."Threwyoudown,trussedyouupli eaChristmastur ey,loadedyouinthetowntruc ,andnowyouarereadytolic hisbootsingratitudeafterhe

putsthelastinsultonyoubypayingyourfine.Pah!Youma emesic !"

Jac grippedtheotherman'sarmangrily."See,here,Glen!I'mnotsuchamollycoddlethatIwon'tfightyouoranyothermanthattal sthatwaytome."Jac stoodglaringdownatGlendon,whoreturnedtheangrystare.ThenagrinstartedonJac 'sface,andhedrawledslowly,"Don'tseethatyou'vegotanycalloverme,Glen.TherewastwoChristmastur eys,butyoudidtheloudestgobbling.Don'tyoueverforgetthat!"

"I'mnotaptto,"retortedtheother."Ineverwouldhavebeenmixedup



initifIhadn'tbeentryingtohelpyouout."

"AndIwouldn'thavestartedanythingifithadn'tbeenforyoueggingmeon.Yousaidhewasatenderfoot.Tenderfoot!Wow!I'dli eto nowwhat indofbadmentheyhavewherehecamefrom,ifhe'satenderfoot!"Hepausedtoponderoverthepossibilitiesofsuchanindividual."See,here,Glen,solongasPowellmindshisbusiness,I'llmindmine;andifyou'vegotagrudgeagainsthimonaccountofhisgettingtheSprings,youneedn'ttrytogetmetota eitoutonhimforyou."

Glendon'sfacewaswhitewithrage."Isupposethatmeansyouaregoingtota ebac wateroneverythingandjoinsomeChurchandshout'Hallelujah!I'msaved!'Eh?"

"ItmeansjustwhatIsaid.Ifyou'vegotanypic onPowellthatisyourownbusiness.Asfarastheotherplansgo,thecardsaredealtalready,andI'llstandpat."

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

ThreemonthsafterGlendonandJac hadencounteredDoctorPowellinWillcox,KatherinewassittingontheporchofherhomereadingtoDonnie.ThenoiseofcrunchingwheelssoundedfardownthecaÃ±onlongbeforeavehiclecameintosightbetweenthedensemesquitebrush.

ItwasDoctorPowellwhohadreturnedfromatriptoWillcox.Katherinewatchedherhusbandreceivehismail,butshewasnotawarethattheeyesofthetwomenmetwithunconcealedantagonism,andtheconversationwasascurtaspossible.

NowhisperoftheaffairinWillcoxhadreachedtheearsofGlendon'swife.Shehadno nowledgethatherhusbandhadborrowedmoneytosend

totheJudgewithoutawordofthan stohisun nownbenefactor.ThemoneyhadbeenforwardedtoPowellbytheJudge.TheotherfinewassenttheJudgebyThree-fingeredJac ,accompaniedbyabadlyscrawlednoteofthan saddressedtotheJusticeofPeaceandas ingthatthemanwhohadpaidthefinebetoldthatitwasappreciated,andthatifheeverneededanyhelptocallonThree-fingeredJac .

AwareofGlendon'sdisli e,Powell'svisitstotheCircleCrosshadceasedsometimeprevioustotheWillcoxtrouble,butKatherineascribedthedoctor'saloofnesstohis nowledgeofherhusband'shabits.Thoughshemissedtheinfrequentvisits,shedidnotresentit.She newthatthetwomenhadnothingincommontoma ethemcongenial.

Thedoctor,seeingKatherineandDonnieontheporch,hesitatedashewasabouttodriveaway.Heglancedatthem,andwithatouchofhishatingreeting,steppedintothebuggyandwentonhisway.ThehappylightfadedfromDonnie'seyes,butwithoutawordheslippeddownagainbesidehismother,hisarmaboutTatters'nec .

Glendoncameslowlytotheporchwiththecanvasmail-pouchonhisarm.Hethrewoffhisbroad-brimmedStetson,unbuc ledhisspursandsatdowntoreadhisletterswithoutvouchsafingawordtohiswife.



"Istherenothingforme?"sheas edfinally,hesitatingtota ethesac fromhislapandsortitscontents.

"Onlypapersandsomeofyourfoolmagazines,"hesnapped."Seemstomeyouareoldenoughtogetoverreadingsentimentaltrash."

Unmindfulofhiswordsshereachedfortheboo shetossedangrilytowardher.Boo sweretheonlyantidoteforthementalatrophyshedreaded.Rising,shepic edthemup,butpausedasGlendonglancedimpatientlyfromaletterinhishands.

"Wait,can'tyou?Oristhe'continuedinournext'tooimportant?"hedemanded.

Shedidnotreply,butseatedherselfquietly.Hereyeswereunusuallybright,foronapageofthemagazinesheheld,shehadseenatitle.Athrilla intothatwhenshehadfirstheldDonnieinherarms,madeherheartthrobquic ly.

Donniehadbeenfleshofherflesh,boneofherbone;butthis,thefirst-bornofherbrain,hadcomethroughtravailofherverysoul.Itwasnotnecessaryforhertoreadtheeightlinesofthepoem;theywereindeliblyimprintedonhermemory.Amothercannotforgetthefaceofherchild,andthoughitbecommonplaceandunattractivetoallthe

world,inhereyesitisbeautiful.Glendon'svoicebroughtherbac fromherworldofdreams.

"Iwishyou'dstopsittingtherestaringli ealocoedcalf,andpayattentiontowhatIhavetosay."

Sheturnedhereyesonhim."I'msorry,Jim.Ididn'thearyouspea ."

"Ididn't,"hesnapped."Nousetal ingwhenyouhaveamooningfiton."

"Iamlistening,dear.Whatisit?"

"Here'saletterfromtheoldman.HewantsDonald.Youcanseeforyourselfwhathesays."

Glendonhandedhertheletter,allowingittodropfromhisfingerspurposely,watchingherasshereacheddownandpic editup.

Assheread,agreypallorspreadoverherface,ma ingitloo oldandhaggard.

J.M.Glendon,Jr.

CircleCrossRanch,Arizona.

_DearSir:_

FromreliablesourcesIhavelearnedofyourconductsinceyouwenttoArizona,andunderstandthatmyambitiontoseemysonamanamongmenwillneverbegratified;norwillyourinfluenceorexamplema esuchamanofmygrandson,Donald.Thefullrealizationofthishaspromptedmetobrea mydeterminationnevertocommunicatewithyouagainonanysubject.

Yourwifeistooegotisticalandassertive,andherinfluenceover



theboycannotfailtobedetrimental.Womenhavenoideahowtobringupaboy,especiallycollege-bredwomenwiththeirfadsandtheories.Theyhavenojudgmentoutsideofflattery;theyareallfools,--Idonotcarewhereyougo,orwhothewomanmaybe,--andthemanwhotriestopleaseawoman'swhimsisafool.

MylawyertellsmethatunderthelawsofArizonayouareabsoluteguardianofyourchild;sothedecisionastomyofferrestsentirelywithyou.Yourwife,legally,hasnovoiceinthematterofselectingaschooloranyotherarrangementsyoumayseefittoma e.Itistimeforyoutoassertyourself.

Iwillta eDonaldandeducatehim,providedheisgiventomeabsolutelyuntilheisofage,butIwillnotallowanyinterferencewithhimormyplansforhim.Iwillseethathedoesnotgrowupwithanysic ly,sentimentalideas,buttoweighhisowninterestsfirst,withoutillusionsaboutlifeorwomen.Hewillbetaughtthatallwomenareinferiorinintellectandreason,wea inmoralforceandmustbetreatedaccordingly.Ifheissenttome,Iwillseethatheisprovidedforduringmylifetime,andatmydeathhewillreceivewhatyouhaveforfeitedbyyourownconduct.

Ihaveselectedaschoolforhimwhichhecanattendfrommyhouse,

andwherehewillreceivethetrainingIconsidernecessarytoma ehimthe indofmanIdesire.Animmediateanswerwilloblige.

Yourstruely,J.M.GLENDON,SR.

Thepagesflutteredtotheflooroftheporch,andthenDonnieloo edupstartledatthetoneofhismother'svoice,whenshesaid,"RunawayandplaywithTatters,dear."

Withahastycaress,theboy,followedbythedog,movedslowlytowardthefrontgate.

"Well,"Glendon'sirritabletonessoundedinherears,"howsooncanyou

gethimready?"

"Letme eephimalittlelonger,Jim,"pleadedthemother."He'sonlyababyyet."

"He'sgoingonseven,"retortedGlendon."You'vealwaysbeenharpingonwantinghimtohaveagoodeducation.Nowyou'vegotyourwish,Idon'tseewhat ic you'vegotcoming.I'llneverhavemoneyenoughtosendhimawaytoschoolunlesstheoldmanhelpsmemorethanhehasdonethelastfiveyears."

Curbingherinclinationtoremindhimbitterlythatothermenwhowerenotdrin ing,butattendingtotheirranchesandstoc ,wereableto

affordschoolsfortheirchildren,shesaid,"Ithasbeenmyambitioneversincehewasborn,butthereareotherthingsmoreimportanttohischaracterthatIcanteachhiminthenexttwoyears."

Glendonlightedacigaretteandanuglysneerdistortedhislips,"Wanttotiehimtoyourapron-strings,thewayyouhadmetied?Finemessyou'vemadeofitforme!Ifyouhadn'tbeensohigh-headedwithmyfol s,IneverwouldhavelefthometocometothisGod-forsa enholeandburymyselfalive!"



"Ihopeditwouldstrengthenyou,helpyouconqueryourselfifwecameawayfromcompanionswhodominatedyoubac there;butIwaswrong.Allyourbetterinstinctsaredeadandthereisnothingleftbetweenusincommon.Jim,ifeveryouhadanyloveinyourheartforme,don'tsendDonnieawayjustnow.Haveyouforgottenthatprisonersgomadfromsolitaryconfinement?"

"Yourdramaticsarewastedonme!Iintendtobemasterinmyownhome.Fathershallhavetheboyifhewishes,andIhopehewill noc someofthosefoolideasyouhavebeenputtingintoDonnie'sheadlately.They'llmouldhischaracterintosomethingpractical."

"Theydonotunderstandchildren,"Katherine'svoicetrembled,"yourfathermeanswell,butDonniewouldlearntobeahypocritethroughfearofhim,oritwouldbrea thechild'sheart.WhenDonnieisolder,hewouldunderstandbetter."

"Goahead!"Glendon'slipliftedonesideofhismouthandgavehimtheappearanceofadogsnarling.Hisbloodshoteyesglaredathiswife."Isaytheboyshallgo.Thatsettlesit!"

"Youshallnotta ehimfromme,"Katherinespo epassionatelyassheroseandfacedherhusband,whohadalsorisen."Heismine!Forhissa eIhaveenduredtheisolationofthisplace,thecursesandabuse

youhaveheapeduponme,thedegradationthatIsawfacingyou.Ihavenotbeenblindtotheclassofmenyouassociatewithnow,butIstruggledto eepyoufromsin inglower,justbecauseyouwerethefatherofmyboy.Thelasteightyearsofmylifehavebeencontinualmentalstarvationandmoralcrucifixion.Donniehasgivenmethestrengthtobearit,nowhewillgivemethestrengthto eepyoufromrobbingmeofhim!"

"Youmayaswellstopyourhystericalranting,"Glendonshoutedfuriously."Thelawgivestheboytome,andIsayheshallgotofathernextwee ."

"Thelawgivesthechildtothefather,"hervoicequiveredwith

indignation,"Nomatterwhatthatfathermaybe;whilethemother,whogoesdowntodeathtogivethechildlife,hasnoright!Oh,itisinfamous!Why,eventhewildanimalsrecognizeamother'srights.Menwhoframesuchalawandenforceitareworsethanbrutes!"

Glendonseizedherarmroughlyandglaredintoherwhite,defiantface,hisownwaslividwithrage."NothingonGod'searthcanpreventDonniefromgoing."

"Heshallnotgo!"hervoicebecamesuddenlyquietanddetermined,andhereyesmetGlendon'swithoutflinching."Youowehimtomeinreturnforthethingsofwhichyouhaverobbedusboth.Hehasneverhadafather,neverdaredtolaughli eotherchildrendo,becausehewas

afraidofyou.Iwillnotnevergivehimuptoyouoranyoneelse.Heismine!"

Glendonthrustherawayfromhimwithsuchviolencethatshestaggered."Ihavethelawbac ofmeandI'lldowhatIsay,ifIhavetowaloveryourdeadbodytodoit!"

Heflunghimselfintothehouse, noc ingoverachairashepassedit;thenabottleclin edagainstaglass.



Theleavesofthemagazineatthewoman'sfeet,flutteredinthebreezewhileshestaredwithdespairingeyesatthegrimmountainsthatwalledherli eaprison.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

ThenextmorningwasWednesday,andGlendonannouncedthathewouldstartEastwithDonnieonSaturdayofthefollowingwee .

Katherinemadenoreply,utterednoprotest.Hesupposedthesilenceofdespairmeantsubmission,asheandJuanstartedforAllanFlats,halfwaytoWillcox,tobegoneseveraldays.

"I'llbehomeSundaynight,"werehislastwordsashespurredhishorseandheadedittowardtheroadleadingoutofthecaÃ±on.Juanlingeredafewsecondstosay"Adios"tothemotherandchild.TheoldMexicancarriedaheavyheart,fornoonebutthechildwasignorantoftheimpendingseparation.

ThedaypassedhappilyforDonnie,whilehismotherdevotedherentire

timetohim.TheystrolleddownthecaÃ±on,pic ingwild-flowers,thenreturninghome,decoratedtheroomsanddiscoveredthatJuanhadmadeachocolatelayerca efortheirenjoyment.Aftersuppertheysattal ingofthewonderfulthingsDonniewastodowhenhewasgrown.Thenfollowedanhourinthedining-roomwiththebelovedGalahad.

Thenextmorningatbrea fast,Donnieas ed,"Whatarewegoingtodotoday,Marmee?"

"Justwhateveryouwish,"sheansweredwithsmilinglips,butsadeyes.

"Can'twegoonapicnic,Marmee?"

"Yes,dear,"washerreply."I'llfixalunchandsaddletheponiesandwe'llbeadventurersridingouttodiscoveranewcountry,andwewon'tcomehometillthestarsareout."

Donniewaitedhappilyashismotherpreparedthelunch.Withpractisedfingersshesaddledtheirponies;ontheboy'ssaddle,tiedacanteenofwaterandtheflour-sac containinglunch,whileonherownwasfastenedarollofNavajoblan ets.

Katherinedeterminedtosnatchallthehappinesspossibleforthechildandherselfduringherhusband'sabsence.Todayshewouldforgetthattheremustbeatomorrow;todaythechildwasherown,despitehisfather,despitethelawsoftheTerritorywhichsaidshehadnorightto

herboy.Sohersmilemetthechild'slaughterastheymountedtheirponiesandrodedowntheslopeofthecaÃ±ontotheplacewherethetrailstruc upthedivideleadingtoJac sonFlats.

Itwasatortuoustrail.Attimes,goingupthebrushymountainsides,wherecat-claw,mesquite,cactiandmescalstruggledbetweenimmenseroc s.Disturbedquail,rabbits,anenormouslizard--theharmlessbrotherofthepoisonousGilaMonster--dashedacrossthetrail.Eachtinyincidentwasfoodforanimatedconversationbetweenthetworiders;anewflower,achangeofviewastheyreachedacertainpoint.In



placestherewashardlyroomfortheirsure-footedponiestotravelsinglefile.Onesideofthetrailwasahigh,roc ycliff,whiletheothersidedroppedathousandfeetbelow.Adisplacedroc clattereddownthegully,startlingamountain-lionwhichleapedfromafreshlyilledcalfands ul edaway.AcoyoteappearedbetweenbouldersontheoppositesideofthecaÃ±on,squatteddownandwatchedtheriderscuriously.

Halfwayupthemountaintheyrodeintoacavethatwaslargeenoughtosheltertwentyhorsesandmen.Thedomedroofrosefortyfeetandthesidesofthecavewerepaintedwithcuriousemblemsofadeadandun nownpeople.Thefloorwasstrewnwithbitsofbro enearthenpottery,decoratedwiththesamecharactersasthewalls.Afewarrowheadsofgreenandblac flintwerescatteredamongthefragmentsofpottery;allthatwaslefttotellthehistoryofthosewhohadloved,hated,laughedandwept--thendied.

Ithadbeenafavouriterideforthemotherandchild,andtherelicshadmadefoundationformanygamesandstories.Sotheboygatheredpiecesofthepotteryandamusedhimselftryingtomatchthemtogether,inemulationofhismother.Astheywor edshetoldhimthehistoryofthosewhohadlivedinthiscaveandfashionedtheearthenjars.Afteracoupleofhoursthenoveltyworeoff,andDonniewantedtoridefurther.

"WecangotothetopoftheBox,"saidhismother."You'veneverbeenthereyet;butitwillbeahardclimb."

Thechildbeggedtotryit,forshehadtoldhimthatwhentheyreachedthetopofthemountaintheycouldseefaracrossotherhill-tops,beyondtheSanPedroRiver--anun nownworldtohim.

Aftershehadtightenedthecinchesofthesaddlesandtheyweremounted,sheinstructedtheboy,"Leanwellforwardinyoursaddleandholdthehorntightly,dear.GivePetaloosereinandyouwillnothaveanytroubleatall.HewillfollowFox.Itisahardclimb,andifyoujer onthereinsyouwillma ePetfallbac ."

Thehorsesheadedwhatappearedalmostaperpendicularwall.DonniesawFoxstretchhisbodyli eagreyhoundandfairlyhurlhimselfinleapsatthesteepincline,scatteringstonesineverydirection.Petstoodamoment,undecided,thenwithashrillwhinnystartedafterFox.Donniegraspedthehornofthesaddleandclungtoitdesperately,leaningforwardandshuttinghiseyes.Hisbac jer ed,hisheadwouldn't eepstill,hisheartbeatviolently.

"IfPetwouldonly eepstillaminute,"thoughtthechild."SupposeFoxweretofallwithMarmee,whatwouldIdo?"

Hepulledonthereins,butPet,watchingFox,foughtthebit,andlungedahead.

AsifinanswertoDonnie'sthoughts,hismother'svoicedriftedcheerilybac tohim:"Almostthere,dear.Tired?"

"Justalittlebit,"hereplied,tryingtobebrave,butwishinghecouldrideupbesideherandholdherhandaminute.ThenherememberedGalahadhadriddenalone,and nightswerenotafraidofanything.Hepretendedthatthetrailledtothecastleofanenemyandhewasgoingtorescuethoseheldprisoners,sowithbolsteredcourage,he epthiseyesopenandfixedonthehorseaheadofhim.



Theyreachedasharp nollthatformedtheapexofthemountain;andafterslippingfromtheponiesandtyingthemtoastuntedbitofscruboa ,KatherineclaspedDonnie'shandinherown,andtogethertheyapproachedtheedgeofthecliff,andpeeredcautiouslyover.

TwothousandfeetbelowwasthecaÃ±on,butwheretheygazed,foursolidwallsaroseli eagiganticboxwithoutacover.Therewasnoentranceorexit.TheMexicanscalledtheplaceElCajon,ortheBox.Grass,flowers,treesandatric lingstreamfromaspringlayatthebottomoftheBox,butnothinglivingcouldreachthere.Thewallswereasstraightandsheerasthenameoftheplaceimplied.

Theydrewbac frominspectingit,andatKatherine'ssuggestionDonniegatheredwildflowerstodecoratethetableonwhichshespreadthelunch.Themothermadeapretenseateating,butthememoryoftheimpendingseparationthrustitselfonherdespiteherdeterminationtoforgetitthisoneday.NeithershenorGlendonhadtoldthechild,sonoshadowoftragedyspoiledhisenjoyment.

Theridehadtiredhim,andafterlunchwasover,shearrangedtheNavajoblan ets.Hestretchedoutlazily,watchinghismotherdrawhisfavouriteboo fromhersaddlebag.Thenhecurledupwithasighofecstasy.

"WhereshallIread?"sheas ed,smilingdownathim.

"HowSirGalahadwasmadea night,"heanswered,"andabouttheSiegePerilous."

Soshereaduntilthebrownheadnoddedandtheeyesclosedslowly,thenseeingtheboyslept,shelaidtheboo aside,sittingmotionlessandwatchinghimwithmiserableeyes.

Awhite-wingedbutterflyflittedpastherandhoveredovertheboy'shand,finallysettlinglightlyonitthendartingonitsway.SherecalledthestoryofthebabyGalahadinhismother'sarmsandthe

whitedovethathadflownthroughthewindow,andthewordsofthemaidenwhoboretheSangreal,"Andheshallbeamuchbetter nightthanhisfather."

Amother-quailwithhertinybroodslippedfromthebrush,peeringaboutasshecameforward.Fearingnothingfromthesleepingchildorthemotherwhodidnotmove,thequailcalledherlittleonesaboutherandsharedwiththemthediscoveryofsomecrumbs.Katherinewatchedthemenviously;thenhereyesstrayedtothechild.Rebellionagainstthelaw,againstherhusband,hisfather,andlifeitself,overwhelmedher.Thequailhadmorerighttoitsbroodthanshehadtoherchild.

Theshadowslengthenedasshesatfightingherbattle,allthetraining

andbeliefsofyearsfallingfromher.

Whatwastheuseoffightinganylonger?Sheloo edattheBox.Itwassoquietdownthere;noonecouldta eDonnieawayfromher.Justastep,andtheywouldbesafetogether.

Herlipsgrewtense,andsmoothingapieceofpaperthathadbeenwrappedaboutthelunch,shesearchedthesaddlepoc etuntilshefoundastumpofpencil,withwhichshewrote:



_Jim:_

Icouldnotgiveupmyboytohavehimlearnthatmoneywastheonlythingworth-while--tobecruelandself-indulgentasyourfatherwantshimtobe.Itoldyouthatyouowedhimtomeinpaymentofyourdebt.Thelawrefusesmychildtome;you,too,wouldrobmeofhim,eventhoughyou nowitwillbrea hisheartandmine.

IprayedGodtoaidme,andHewillnotanswermyprayers.Whenyoureadthis,DonnieandIwillbetogetheratthebottomoftheBox.IdidthebestIcouldforyou,andfailed;butIwillnotfailwiththeboy.

KATHERINE.

Herhandwasfirmasshesignedhername,andfoldingthepaper,shetiedittoastonewhichsheplacedintheemptysac thathadcontainedthelunch.Thestonewouldattractattentionwhenthesac wasuntied.Securingthesac toherside-saddle,sheremovedthehalter-ropesfromtheponies'nec s;thenslippingbothbridles,shetiedthemtoDonnie'ssaddle.Ifthehorsesdidnotgohomeatonce,orshouldtherebenooneattheCircleCrossforacoupleofdays,she newtheanimalscouldgrazeandwaterandwouldnotsuffer.TheyhadleftTattersinthe

stableswithwaterandfood.Shewishednowthatshehadta enthedogbac toitsformermaster.Itwouldmissthem.

HeadingthehorsestowardtheHotSpringstrail,sheslashedFoxacrosstheflan withherwhip.Theanimalgaveasnortofsurprisethendashedtowardhome,whilePetstumbledandtuggedbehindhimdownthenarrowtrail.Shewatchedthemdisappeararoundthecurve;butlatersheheardthetumblingofsmallroc sand newhermessagewasonitswaytoGlendon.

Wal ingtotheedgeoftheBoxsheloo eddownunflinchingly.Therewasplentytime.Wheneverythingwasdar andquiet,itwouldbeeasytota ethesleepingchildinherarms;thenneithermannorlawcouldta e

himfromher.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

DoctorPowell,luredbyChappo'sdescriptionofthecaveonJac sontrail,hadreachedtheplaceanhourafterKatherineandDonniehadstartedfortheBox.Itwaswhileexaminingthedesignsonthevariousbitsofpotterythathefoundfragmentsofbro engeodes,andeagerlycontinuedhissearch,whichwasrewardedwithseveralspecimensthat

wereunbro en.

Powell,whowasdeeplyinterestedingeology, newtherewerefewplaceswherethecuriouswhitecrystalswerefound,andhisdelightwasaugmentedwhenhediscoveredtwooftheminwhichthewatercouldbedistinctlyheard;moisturewhichhadfallenonhotlavathathadhardenedtooquic lytoallowevaporation.

Hewasengagedinwrappingtheserarespecimensinhishand erchief,whenheheardhishorsewhinny,andashemovedtotheentranceofthe



cave,noticedFoxandPetpic ingtheirwaydownthesteeptrail.Hesawthesaddlesandthattheponiesweretiedtogether,soconcludedthehorseshadbro enawayandwerehomewardbound,leavingKatherineandDonnieafoothigheruponthetrail.

Powellwaiteduntiltheponiesstoodbesidehishorse.Thenhemovedquietlyandsecuredthemwithhistie-rope,andmountedhishorsetoleadthestraysupthetrail.HehadnothoughtofanydangertoKatherineorDonnie,untilaturninthetrailrevealedthetopoftheclimbandawomanstandingperilouslyneartheedgeofthecliff.Hedarednotcallout,forfearofstartlingherandprecipitatingatragedy;buthedroppedtheropeofthetwohorsesandurgedhisownforward.

Beadsofperspirationstoodonhisforeheadandhisteethbitintohislowerlip.Thehorsepuffedandstumbled,forthebigSpanishspursslasheditssideswithoutmercy.FoxandPetscrambledbehind,thetie-ropesdraggingontheground.

Hereachedthesummitandclosedhiseyes,fearinghewastoolate.WithathrobofreliefhesawKatherinestillpoisedattheedgeoftheBox,whilebitsofdecomposedearthcrumbledunnoticedbeneathherfeet.Herealizedherdanger.Chappohadspo enofthetreacherousshaleoverhangingtheBox.

Soengrossedwasthewomanthatshedidnothearhimslipfromhishorseandhastennoiselesslytoherside;but,whenhishandgraspedherarm,gently,yetfirmly,sheturnedinshrin ingfearthatchangedtopiteousappealwhenshesawitwasPowell,notGlendon,whostoodbesideher.

Themanreadthetragedyinhereyes.Slowlyhedrewherfromthedangerpoint,spea ingquietlyashedidso.

"Thisplaceisnotsafe,Mrs.Glendon.Amoment'sdizzinessmightseizeanyone."Theearthattheedgewascrumblingashespo e,achun ofitcrasheddownintothecaÃ±onbelow,andPowelldrewherfurtherbac ."Thatshaleisrottenandliabletoslidewithoutaninstant'swarning.

IwasinanIndiancavewhenIsawtheponieshadgottenawayfromyouandDonnie."

She newhewasgivingherachancetoevadeexplanations,butthewomanhadreachedapointwhereshescornedfurthersubterfuge.WhenonefacesEternityallelseshrivelstoinsignificance."Iwasnotdizzy,"sherepliedinadullmonotone.Thenturningonhimpassionately,shecried,"Whydidyoucome?Doyou nowDonnieisgoingawayfromme?Inthreedaysmoremyboywillbeta enoutofmylifeandgiventostrangerswhocarenothingforhim?Whyshouldwegoonstruggling?Iamtiredofitall!"

Inaflashheunderstoodherpurpose,and newthehorseshadnot

escapedaccidentally.

"Andyouthoughtthatyoucould eephimwithyou--downthere?"Powellas edinavoiceunsteadywithemotion.

Sheloo edathimdefiantly."Yes,youmaycallitacrime;butIamwillingtobearthepunishmentifthereisanotherworld--ifthereisanotherworld!Itisaworsecrimetota eachildfromitsmotherandgiveittothefather--nomatterhowunworthyhemaybe!Ihaveborneeverythingfortheboy'ssa e;Icouldgoon--bearingeverythingthe



restofmylife--ifIcouldonly eepmyboy!"

Hervoicedropped.Powellsawthatherhandsandlimbsweresha enwithtremors."Ilovehimenoughtogivehimupwithasmile,ifIcould nowthatitwasforhisgood.Myonlyhappinessliesin nowingIhavedonethebestIcouldforhim."

Hesilentlywaitedthereactionthatmustcome.Herhandscoveredherface;thenaterriblesobshoo herbody.Itwasnotthesharpcryofremorse;buttheterriblesoul-rendingcryofaheartthatisneartobrea ing,andthemanbesideherachedtota eherinhisarmsandcomfortherashewouldachild.

"Tellmeaboutit,"hesaidatlast,andsheraisedhertear-stainedface.

Withoutreservation,shetoldthestoryofthelong,bitterstruggletoreformherhusband;thehopethatthechildwouldbringcompensationandfinallytheletterandherhusband'sdecisionwhichhaddrivenhertodesperation.

"Yet,whenitcametothepoint,youneverwouldhavebeencowardlyenoughtota eyourlifeandDonnie's,"heasserted.

"Idon't now,"shefaltered."Aswimmerwhostrugglesagainstthetidereachesamomentwhenfurthereffortsareimpossible.Ihavestruggled,prayedandfoughtuntilIamtiredofitall.Iwanttostopthin ing,stopfearingthefuture--andsleep.Itissometimeseasiertodiethanto eeponliving.Lifeistoohard,toobitter,toohopeless!Youcan'tunderstand."

"ButIdounderstand!"repliedPowellearnestly."Sometimesonereachesastonewallwherethereisnowayaround,nowayoverit,yet,ifwehavethecouragetoholdon,thewalltoppleswhenweleastexpectit.Whatseemsimpossibletodaymaybeaccomplishedtomorrow.Iamupagainstthehardestwallinmylife,butIshallnotgiveup.InthequestoftheGrailtheremustbenofaltering.Weallseethevision

onceinlife."

Helaidhishandsonhers,compellinghertoloo intohiseyes."Ihaveheardasoldierwhosebraverywasbeyondquestion,saythattheimpulsetosee aplaceofsafetyduringabattleisalmostoverpowering.Manymenhavebeenunabletoresistthetemptation;andthepityisthatoftenonedesertshiscoloursjustwhenvictoryisathand.Youarebraveenoughtofacethebullets.Don'tyou nowthemanwhodeserts,influencesmanyotherstodroptheircolourstoo?Carryyourcoloursbravely,comrade,thatImayhavethecouragetogoonwithmyfight--won'tyou?"

Sheturnedimpulsivelyandlaidhertwohandsinhisclosegraspthat

impartednewcourage."Iwasacoward,"shesaid,"butIpromiseI'llnotgiveupagain!Youcan'trealizehowmuchyouhavehelpedme!Iwillprovemygratitudebynotrunningfromthebullets."

Thedoctorsmiledather."That'sright,"hesaidheartily;"butyouoverratewhatIhavedone.Youwouldhavewonthebattlebyyourself."

Heturnedthen,toseeDonnieloo ingatthemfromsleep-heavyeyes.

"Hello,RipVanWin le,"calledthedoctor.



WithacryofdelightthechildleapedupandrunningtoPowell,threwhisarmsabouttheman'snec ."Oh,youdidcomeafterall!"hecriedtriumphantly.ThenKatherineandPowellunderstoodhowthechildmissedtheman.

Theboy'sunrestrainedgladnessrelievedthetensionbetweenhismotherandthedoctor.FinallyPowellrose.

"Doyou now,IforgotthatChappofixedalunchforme?Let'sseewhatitis,Donnie.I'mgettinghungry."

Katherinewatchedthemma etheirwayovertheroughground,thechild'shandheldbytheman.Themingledvoiceshappywithlaughter,floatedbac toherfromwheretheponiesweretied.Theremightbeanoccasionalgleamofsunshineinlife,ifonlythechildwerenotta enfromher,shethoughthopefully.Thenshesawthemreturning,carryingvariousarticleswhichthedoctorhadextricatedfromhisbigsaddlebags,andnowdepositedonthegroundatherfeet.

"Chappo nowsIamaconfirmedcoffee-fiend,"confessedPowell."Yougathersomestic s,Donnie,andwe'llpretendyourmotherisacaptivequeenwhomwehaverescuedfromthecannibals.I'mCrusoeandyou'reFriday."

"Fridaywasblac ,"objectedDonnie.

"Well,thatwasanisland.Thisisamountain,soyoucanbeawhiteFridayhere,yousee."

Whenthefirecrac ledandthelargecupwhichChappohadprovidedforboilingcoffee,sangmerrily,theremnantsofKatherine'slunchwereaddedtowhattheDoctorhad,soaplentifulmealwasspread.

"Thetrailisratherbad,"suggestedPowellastheyfinishedtheimpromptufeast,"sowehadbetterstartbeforeitgrowslate."

HetightenedthecinchesofthethreesaddlesandadjustedthebridleswhileKatherineandDonniepic edupthecupsandspoons.Shewasreplacingafewarticlesinasac hangingonhersaddlewhenshefelttheroc andrememberedthenoteshehadwrittentoherhusband.Untyingthesac ,shetorethepaperintofragmentsthatwerecaughtbythelighteveningbreezeandtossedovertheedgeoftheBox.Shewatchedthem,thenwithasmileturnedtoPowell,whowaitedtolifthertoherpony'sbac .Donnie,alreadyonhispony,followedhismotherasFoxpic edhiswaydownthetrailbehindPowell'shorse.

SixmilesawaytheRimRoc roseovertwothousandfeetormore,themassive,jaggedsidesreflectingariotousconfusionofcoloursfromthesettingsun,untilitsvividbeautymergedintoasoftblue-grey,li e

theplumageonthebreastofawilddove.

SometimestheboyandPowelltal edtogetherastheyrodedownthetrail,orthemotherjoinedintheconversation,butallthetimeshewasconsciousofanewstrength,asenseofcomradeshipthatshehadneverbefore nowninherentirelife.Herheartwaslighterthanithadbeenformanyyearswhenshe,PowellandDonniereachedthegateoftheCircleCross.Tohersurprise,Glendonslouchedontheporch.

ItwasonlyThursdayandGlendonhadsaidhewouldbeabsentuntil



Sundaynight.Shewonderedwhatitmeant.

Hereyesturnedtothechildandfeargrippedherheartuntilitseemedasifsheweresuffocating.ButPowell'swordscamebac toher,"Carryyourcoloursbravely,comrade"--Shedeterminednottomeettroubleprematurely.Afterall,thereprobablywasaverynaturalexplanationofthesuddenreturn.Juanwascomingupfromthebarn,carryingapailoffreshmil .Itwastheusualroutineoftheranch.Sheputherfearsaside.

PowellopeningthegateforKatherineandDonnietoridethrough,raisedhishatcourteouslyandspo etoGlendon.ItwasthebestwaytoaidGlendon'swife.Theothermanloo edathimbetweenhalf-closedeyesthatwereastudiedinsult,andmadenoreply.Neitherdidhema eanyefforttoassisthiswife.

Thedoctorhelpedherfromherhorse,thenliftedDonnietotheground,payingnoheedtoGlendon'sattitude.Withafewwordstothewomanandboy,PowellrodethroughthegatetowardHotSprings.Hisbloodboiled,anditrequiredallhiswill-powertoavoidturningbac andmaulingGlendonashedeserved;but,herealizeditwouldnothelpthewoman.

Juan,havingdisposedofthemil -pail,hastenedtoleadtheponiestothestable.KnowingthatGlendonwasinoneofhismostsurlymoods,

Katherinemovedslowlyupthestepsoftheporch,tryingtocho ebacherterribledread."Carryyourcolours,"sheheard.

Somethingofthenew-bornhopeandpeaceshoneinhereyesasshefacedherhusbandsilently.He newthatshestoodonheightshecouldnotattain,andfromwhichhewaspowerlesstodraghertohisownlevel.Enraged,heleanedcloser.Hisunshavenface,bloodshoteyes,soiledshirtandhotbreathredolentofliquor,struc hersensesli eaphysicalblow!Withaneffortsheconqueredthesic eningrepugnance,recallingherpromisetoPowelltocarryhercoloursbravely.Shesmiledatherhusbandandwaspassingintothehouse,whenhecaughtherarminabrutalclutch,jer ingherbac sothathisfacewasclosetoherown.

"Too youbysurprise,comingbac today,didn'tI?"hesaidmeaningly.Thechildstoodwithpalefaceandfrightenedeyes."ThoughtIwasoutoftheway,andyousnea edofftomeetyouraffinity,usingyourchildasacloa !Youcan'tfoolme.Ifyouandthatdudethin youarepullingthewoolovermyeyes,you'llfindyourselvesmista en.Youcantellhimthat,nexttimeyouandhearrangetomeeteachother.Ithoughtyou'dfallforthetrapwhenIfixeditupyesterdaymorning."

Herfaceflusheddeepred.Shehadborneeveryignominypossible;butthisaccusationhurtli ecorrodingacid.Herimpulsetocryoutinself-defensefadedassheloo edsteadilyintohiswaveringeyes.Li eawhispercamethememoryofPowell'swords,"Carryyourcoloursbravely."Quietlysheanswered,"Downinyourheart,Jim,youdon'tbelievewhat

yousay.DoctorPowellsavedmeandDonniefromdeathtoday.IfhehadnotbeenridingontheJac sontrailandfounduswhenhedid,theboyandIwouldbothhavebeenlyingatthebottomoftheBoxtonight."

"Whatwereyoudoingupthere?"hesnarled,glaringather."Moreofyourmelodramaticdrivel,asusual?Powellforanaudience!"

"Iwonderifitwouldma eanydifferencetoyouifyou newthetruth?"shesaidbro enly."Iamwornoutstruggling.TheBoxseemedtheonlyway."



Dumbly,asthoughshehadreachedthelimitofphysicalaswellasmentalendurance,sheturnedfromhimandenteredtheplaceshecalledhome.

ForasecondGlendonhesitated;thenwithanoathhecalledafterher:"Youcan'tbluffmewiththreatsofsuicide.Youhaven'tthenerve.I'vesaidmylastwordaboutsendingtheboytoFather.I'mgoingonMonday,whetherhe'sreadyornot.I'llbrea yourpride!"

Donnie'sstartledeyeswidenedandhisfacegrewpalerasherealizedthathewastobepartedfromhismother.Withastifledsobthechildstumbledblindlyupthesteps,pasthisfatherandthrewhimselfintohismother'sarms.

"Marmee!Marmee!Don'tletmego!"

Katherineclaspedtheboytightly,hereyesweredry,butitseemedasifherachingheartwouldburstwithagony, nowingthatshewashelpless.

"Oh,God,givemethecouragetolive!"washerunutteredprayer.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

LimberandPowellwereridingtogetherinadeepcaÃ±onoftheGaliuros.Neitherhadspo enforsometime,foroftentheyrodetogetherwithoutexchangingaword.Limber,whowasslightlyinadvanceofthedoctor,stoppedPeanutandleanedforwardinhissaddle.Thenhisquic glancebroughtPowellcloser.

Fromthethic undergrowthaheadofthematinyspiralofsmo erosefaintly.Cautiouslytheyurgedtheirponies;thenthroughthebrush,

silentlywatchedamancarryingahotbrandingironinhishand.Acowwasropedandlyingontheground.Theironburnedintothehide,thesmellofsingedhair,thebellowsofpaintoldthestory.Theman'sbachadbeentowardthem,butbothPowellandLimberhadrecognizedthefigureandwal .

Theywaited.Themanloosedtheropethatboundthecow.Itcaughtinasnarl,thecowstruggled.Withanoath,hejer edtherope,atthesametimegivingtheanimalavicious ic onthehead.

Itstaggeredtoitsfeetandstooddazedforasecond,thendartedintothebrush;butnotbeforeLimberandPowellhadseenthefreshbrand.Limberleanedclosetothedoctorandwhispered,"That'saPLcowand

it'sbeenchangedtoaBD."

Theeyesofthetwomenmetinunderstanding.Againtheypeeredthroughthebrushtoseetheothermanrubbingthehotironinthedirttocoolit.Heturnedtohishorse,theironinhishand.

AninspirationseizedPowell.

"Quic !Lethim nowwesawhim!"



Theirponiesjumpedforwardunderthespurs,butGlendon,busytyingtheirontohissaddle,didnotnoticetheirpresenceuntilPeanut'shoofcrac ledonaloosebranch.Glendonleapedtohishorse,whirleditaroundandfacedthemwithhishandrestingonhispistolholster.Itrelaxedasherecognizedthem.

"Oh,hello!"hesaidaffably,plainlyspeculatingastohowlongtheyhadbeenwatchinghim.

Limberloo edathimcuriously."Beenbrandin'?"hespo einacasualvoice.

"No:"answeredGlendon."Iwasjustloo ingovertherange.Gladwehappenedtomeet."

Withoutcomment,thecowpuncherrodetothestillsmoulderingembers,slippedfromhissaddle,then ic edatthebitsofcharredandglowingwood.BeforeGlendonrealizedit,LimberreachedoutsuddenlyandtouchedthestillhotironfastenedtoGlendon'ssaddle.

Glendonglaredathimasthecowboysaidveryquietly,"Loo sasifyourGreaserfriendhascomebac fromMexico,Glendon.IjestseenanotherofthemBDbunchyouboughtfromhim.It'sgotafreshbrandonit,too.Youmustofjustboughtittoday."

Glendon'sponytwistedtowardLimber,Glendon'shandmovedalmostimperceptibly,butdroppedquic lyasLimbercalled,"Don'ttechyourgun,youidjit!"

TheeyesofGlendonshiftedcat-li efromLimbertoPowell,thenhishandsrestedlightlyonthehornofhissaddleandheleanedforwardcarelessly,saying,"Don'tyouthin youtwohavecarriedyourjo eaboutfarenough?"

"Jo e!"vociferatedtheangrycowpuncherwithanoath,"ItmeansthePenforyou--ifyoucallthatajo e."

Glendon'seyesnarrowedastheyrestedonPowell,andanexpressionoffurydistortedhisface.

"Oh,Iseeyourlittlegamenow!"hesnarled."GoingtotrytorailroadmetothePensoPowellcanma elovetomywife.I'llseeyoubothdamnedbeforeyouplayyourlastcard.I'llshowbothofyouup--andKatherine,too!"

Twoshotsrangouttogether.Theponiesrearedasbulletspingedpast,Powell,unarmed,loo edatLimber,whostoodwithsmo ingpistolinhistensegrip.TheremnantofGlendon'ssix-shooterwaslyingonthegroundsomedistancefromhishorse-- noc edfromhishandbytheshotfromLimber'sgun.ThatshothadsavedPowell'slife.

Notoneofthemenspo e,butPowellwhowasunarmed,leapedfromhishorse.Alltheragethathadconsumedhimformonthsseethedover.HeclutchedatGlendon,draggedhim,despitehisstruggles,fromhishorse,andthenfacetofacetheymet.Allthe nowledgeofthemiseryinflictedonKatherinebythisman,lentadditionalstrengthtoPowell'sblows,whileGlendon'shatredrespondedinfull.Itwascavemanagainstcaveman,withbarehandsforweapons.

Thefightwasshortbutsharp.ThoughGlendonwasamuchlargermanthan



Powell,andhadoncebeenabletoholdhisownwiththeglovesoratwrestling,yearsofdissipationtoldonhimnow.Acrashingblowfromthedoctorstretchedhimonthegroundmotionlessforseveralseconds;thenhiseyesopenedandloo edintothegrimfacesofthetwomenwhostoodwatchinghim.

"Getup,"orderedPowell.

Glendondraggedhimselftohisfeet,swayeddizzilyandpassedhishandoverhisdazedeyes;slowlyhemovedtoafallentreeanddroppedheavilyonit.

"Whatareyougoingtodo?"heas edsullenly."Sendmeup?Youwon'tgetherthatway.She'llstic tome."

PowellsteppedtoGlendon'sside,hisfacewhitewithfury,hishandsclenchedominously."Keepyourwife'snameoffyourdirtytongue,"hecommandedtensely,"or,byGod!I'll illyou."

Glendon newitwasnoidlethreat,andhiseyessoughtthegrounduntilhewasrousedbyPowellhandinghimanoteboo andfountainpen.

"What'sthisfor?"hedemandedwithanoath.

"WritewhatIdictate,"Powellanswered.Glendon'sheadjer edangrily,"Iwillwritenothing,"heretorted.

"YouhavetenminutestodoasIsay;"Powell'svoicewasli eflint,andsoweretheangryeyesthatregardedthemanathisfeet."Write.'ThisistoconfessthatJohnBurrittandDoctorPowellcaughtmechangingaPLcowtoaBDandmar ingitwiththeCircleCross."

Glendonlaughedcontemptously."Doyouthin I'msuchafoolastosignapaperthatwillsendmetothepenitentiary?"

"It'stheonlywaythatyoucan eepfromgoingthere,"wasPowell's

reply.

"SupposeIsignit?"

"Then,solongasyoustopyourcroo edwor andbehavedecently,noonewill nowofthisepisodeexceptmyselfandLimber.Incaseyoutrytocoerceyourwifeinanyway,orta eDonniefromherasyouplan,thispaperwillbeusedbyustohelpher eepherboy.AwomanhasnolegalrighttoherchildinArizona,butneitherhasthefatherifheisaconvict.Soit'suptoyou.Igiveyoutenminutes."

Thedoctorseatedhimselfonaboulder,holdinghisopenwatchinhishand,whileGlendonsatstaringatthegroundinhelplessfury.

"Time'sup,"announcedPowell,snappingthecoverofhiswatchandplacingitinhispoc et,"Well,whatisyouranswer?"

"I'llwritewhatyousay,"mutteredGlendon,reachingoutforthepenandnoteboo .

PowellrepeatedthewordswhileGlendonwithsha inghandsignedhisnametotheconfession.Hisfacewaswhitewithrageashereturnedtheboo toPowell.



"Signasawitness,please,Limber;"andthecowpunchersignedhisname,"JohnC.Burritt,"beneathwhichwaswritten,"CuthbertPowell,"andthedate.Thenthedoctorpoc etedthepenandboo .

"Youmightaswell now,"commentedPowell,"thatthispaperwillbeforwardedimmediatelytomyattorneysintheEast,withinstructionshowtoactineventofanystraybulletorothermysteriousaccidenthappeningtoLimberorme.Oursafetyisyouronlyprotection.Now,Ithin weunderstandeachotherperfectly."

Glendonmadenoanswer.Thethreemenmountedtheirponies,rodethroughthecaÃ±on,climbedthebac boneofthemountainandwor eddownthenarrowtrailthatmergedintotheroadleadingtotheHotSprings.Noneofthemspo e.Eachwasbusywithhisownthoughts.

AstheyapproachedtheHotSpringsranch,Powellloo edcriticallyatGlendon'sbruisedeyeandswollenhands.Itwasapurelyprofessionalsurvey,andGlendonrecognizeditassuchwhenthedoctorspo e.

"Comein,"wasthecurtcommand."Youcan'tletyourwifeseeyouthatway,unlessyouwantmetotellherthewholetruth."

Glendonhesitated,thenreinedhisponyatthegateanddismounted

painfully.ThoughPowell'shandsweredeftandlight,Glendon newtheywerenotministeringlovingly,whiletheybandagedthebruisestheyhadinflicted.Itgoadedhimtosubmit;buthehadnoalternative.Limbersatwatchingthetwomen.Theroomwassilentsaveforthedoctor'smovements.

"Thatwilldo,"hesaidatlast,andGlendonrosefromthechair,hishandsbandagedandoneeyecoveredwithapatch."Limber,youmayridedownwithhim,andtellMrs.Glendonthatherhusbandmetwithanaccidentandwewereluc yenoughtobenear;butthereisnothingtocauseheranyanxietysolongasherhusbandiscareful,"heregarded

Glendonsteadilyasheutteredthesewords.

Thenwithoutfurtheraddressinghispatient,thedoctorturnedintohisbedroom,carryingthebandageswithhim,andGlendon,withthesuppressedfuryofavolcano,followedthecowboytothegate.

Fromawindow,PowellwatchedthemridesidebysidedowntheroadtowardtheCircleCross.WithgrimsatisfactionherecalledthefightinthecaÃ±on.He newthatLimberwoulddeliverhismessagetoGlendon'swife,andthatGlendonwouldnotcontradictit.

WhenLimberreturned,hereportedtothedoctorthatMrs.Glendonwouldcareforthepatient,andshesentherthan stoDoctorPowell.Limber's

eyeshadalur ingtwin lethatwasreflectedinPowell's.

"It'splumbluc yyouthoughtaboutfixin'thingsso'shecan'tta eDonnieawayfromher,"thecowpuncherspo einadmiration."I'daneverthoughtofit."

ForthefirsttimethedoctortoldLimberofthedesperationofthemother,andthenarrowavertingofaterribletragedyintheBox.Limber'sfacewaswhiteandhisgreyeyesglazed.



"Doc,doyoumeantertellmethatsheain'tgotnorighttoDonnie?An'Glen inta ehimawayanytimehewantsto?"

"Thatisthewaythelawstandsnow,Limber.Iloo edupthematterthroughalawyerinTucsonafterIcametoliveattheSpringsandsawtheterriblestruggleshewasma ing.Shedoesnotbelieveindivorce,butevenifshedid,thelawisonhisside;solongashe eepsfrombeingclassedasacriminal.IfsheleavesGlendon,hecan eepthechild."

"IfI'd nowedthat,"Limberspo everyquietly,"Iwouldn'thavebeensocarefulaimin'atthatpistolinhishand,whenhepulledhisgunonyouandyouwasn'tarmed."

"Well,itwor edoutstillbetter,"respondedPowell,"We'vegothimjustwherewewanthimnow,than God!"

Limberstaredatthecigaretteringsabovehishead,andsatthin ingforquiteawhile,beforehesaid,"Somedaysomethin'sgoin'tobustthemlaws.Itta esaheaptowa epeopleup,butwhentheygetwo eupthey'llbeli etheol'whitehorseandtheChinapumpattheDiamondH.

"Yousee,weusterwor himatthebigpond,andthewaterwaspumpedfromthewellwithan'ol'fashionedpumpcalledaChinapump.Thatwas

beforetheBossgotgasolineengines.Youmaybelieveme,ornot,Doc,butitwasthatol'whitehorsethatgotthefirstengineontheranch.Forfiveyearsol'Whiteywashitcheduptothecross-barandablinderputacrosshiseyes,thenhewasstarted,an'oncehestarted,hejesteptongoin'roundandroundwithoutnobodywatchinghimandhenevernowedthedifference.

"Butonedayhestoppedshort,andofcourse,tharwarn'tnowaterpumpin',thetroughswasdryandthecattlebawlin'theirheadsoff.MeandtheBossridnear,andwentovertoseewhatwasma in'thetrouble.Thecowswasclimbin'overeachother'sbac stryingtogetadrin .Well,wefoundol'Whitey'sblindhadsliddownsohecouldseeoutenoneeye.

"Ifixeditbac andsaid,'Gittap,'expectin'hewouldgolongjestashealwaysdone,butWhiteynevermovedastep.

"Itouchedhimwithmyquirt,andthenthatol'horsethatwasoldenoughtodiethreetimesoverandhadneverdoneameanthinginhislife,turnedlooseand ic edthestuffin'outenthewoodwor ofthatpumpasfarashecouldreach."

Limberpausedinretrospection,andPowellsaid,"Whathappenednext?"

"Northin'happened.Thatwasthetrouble.Theynevercouldusehimagainonthepump;andeveryotherhorsewetriedhadtohaveamanstaywith

it,becauseWhiteywastheonlyonethathadwor edwithoutbein'watched,yousee.SotheBossputinthegasolineenginedownthar.WhenWhiteyfoundhewasbein'fooledintojestgoin'aroundandaroundandnevergettin'nowhar,heupandbustedthingsgoodandplenty.An'that'sthewaywithpeoplewhentheblindslipsoff.Someday,someone'sblindisgoin'toslipdownandthenthar'llbeHelltopaywiththatlawinArizona!"

"Ifthemenwhoframethelawscouldseeeachindividualaffectedunjustlybythatlaw,standingbeforethemand nowhowitcouldbe



twistedtoinjurealife,theywouldbemorecarefulinenactingalaw.Doyouthin foraminute,Limber,thatanyman,orbodyofmen,whopassedthelawgivingafathersolerighttohischildren,wouldendorsethatlawtoday--ifthey newwhatyouandI nowaboutGlendonandhiswife?"

"No!Youbettharisn'tadecentmaninArizonathatwouldstandforit,"Limberansweredemphatically,"Butit'sthar,andwecan'thelpitnow.OnlyIwishtI nowedallthisyesterday,that'sall.Arizona'sgotsomegoodlaws.Oneof'emisthatthefellerwhatdrawsonanunarmedman,ain'tgotnorighttolivehisself."

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

SundaymorningKatherinewo eindread.Tomorrow,Donniewouldleaveher.Thechildnowrealizedthetruthandhisgriefhadtornherheart.Hiseyesfollowedherinmuteappeal.

Brea fastwaseateninsilence.AfterwardGlendonmountedhishorseandrodefromtheranchalone.Hespo enotawordtoJuanorKatherine,and

Donniewatchingfurtively, eptoutofhisfather'ssightasmuchaspossible.

ThroughawindowKatherinewatchedherhusbandrideaway.Aloo ofdeterminationshoneinhereyeswhensheturnedbac tothewor ofclearingthedining-table.Theloo grew,whileshewashedthedishesandstraightenedthehouse.JuanwaschoppingwoodandDonniesatquietlyonthestepsofthefrontporch,histroubledeyescloudedwithtearsthathewouldnotlethismothersee.

"Juan,"calledKatherinesuddenlyfromthe itchenwindow.

TheMexicanlettheaxfallfromhishandandtrottedtoher,"Si,

SeÃ±ora,"hesmiled.

"I'mgoingtowritealetter.CanItrustyouwithit?"

Shedidnotneedwordstoassureherofhisfaithfulnessbutheanswered,ashemadetheSignoftheCross,"OnmyheartIswearit,SeÃ±ora!"

Hewentbac tohiswood-chopping,whileKatherineseatedherselfatthedining-tableandbeganwriting.Itwasadesperatehope.Onlythethoughtofherboycouldhaveforcedhertosuchastep.

WhenKatherineCourtneyhadbeenleftanorphanattheageoften,the

onlylegacyhadbeenunblemishedreputationsofherparents.Anauntofhermother'shadcomeforwardwithanoffertoeducatethegirluntilshecouldsupportherself.Itwasdistinctlystatedthatnofurtherbenefitsweretobeexpected,andthiswasdoneonlytopreventthepossibilityofevenaremotefamilyconnectionbecomingapubliccharitycharge,aswaspossible.

Thesumallowedyearlydidnottendtoaffluenceorextravagance,andKatherinehadfelttheobligationfromtheveryfirstday,sheand"AuntJaneGrimes"hadaninterview.Theoldlady'sgrim,aggressivemanner



hadrepressedthelonelychild'sinclinationtoflingherselfupontheonehumanbeingwhotoo anyinterestinher.AuntJanewaswealthy,anoldmaid--andproudofit--energetic,economicaltothevergeofpenuriousness,sherecognizedthreegreatfactorsintheuniverse--herchurch,hercountry'sflagandProhibition.

Theonemeetingendedallcommunicationbetweenthechildandoldlady,untilKatherinewasgraduatedwiththehighesthonours,andwroteAuntJanethatshewasnowfittedtoma eherownwayintheworldasateacher,andwouldsoonbeginpayingbac theheavyobligationoftheyearsinschool.

Tohersurprise,AuntJaneinvitedhertocomeforavisittotheold-fashionedhomesteadinMaine."I'dli etoseewhatsortofapersonIamresponsiblefor,"theoldladywrote."Yourreportsfromschoolregardingmar sanddeportmentaresatisfactory;butyoucan'tweartheseplacardedonyourbreastfortherestofyourlife.SoI'dli etohavealoo atyou."

Theinspectionprovedsufficientfortheoldladytounbendandbecomealmosthuman.Katherine'sgratitudeandhersinceredesiretoavoidbeingaburden,wonAuntJane'ssilentapprobation.Aftertwowee s,whenKatherinespo eagainofplanstostartearningherownliving,theoldladyhadturnedonherfiercely.

"Doyoucallthatgratitude?"shedemandedglaringthroughhersteel-rimmedglasses."LeavingmealoneinthisbighousewithonlyAnn,andshe'safool!"

Annwastheonemaidemployed,sherefusedtoshareherresponsibilitieswithanyotherservant.Annwasafamilyheirloom,butdespiteheragesheclungtenaciouslytolife.Infact,ithadbecomeagrimdeterminationonthepartofAnn,andli ewiseonthepartofAuntJane,nottodiefirst.

"Ann'sjustitchingtoseemeburied,"averredAuntJane,"andeverymorningwhenIgotobrea fastshewatchestoseewhetherIeatallthe

boiledegg,ortwofullpiecesoftoast.I'mtiredofbeingshutupalonewithherallwinter."

SoKatherineremained,andforawonder,Ann,too,approved.

"MissGrimesisjustwaitin'formetodie,"Anngrumbled,"butherPaw'swillsaysI'mtohaveahomehereaslongasIlive.AndI'llbeherelongafterIhear'emsingingoverhercoffin.I'mgladyou'regoingtostayhere.Thewintersareterriblewhenwe'resnowedinsolong,justherandme,andshe'sawfuloldandcrotchetty."

Companion,house eeper,peacema erbetweenthetwooldwomen;nursetoeachinturn;secretaryforAuntJane'slargebusinesscorrespondence

andcharities,Katherinepaidherdebtcheerfullyforthreeyears,andnothingbro ethemonotonyofherlife.

Duringthewintermonthstheseasidevillagehibernated,butinthesummeritwo easaresortforwealthysocietypeoplewhowishedtoavoidwhattheytermed"therabble."Itwasonlyforashortperiod;andduringthattime,AuntJaneshutherfrontblindstightly,andwithKatherineandvariousold-fashionedtrun scontainingherfeatherbedandownlinen,hiedtoastillmoreremotefarminland;onlyreturningwhenthegay,socialwhirlwasathingofthepast.



But,thethirdsummer,AuntJanesuccumbedtoatouch,ofgout,andhadnotthecouragetogoawayfromtheolddoctorwhohadattendedherfamilyfortwogenerations.HehadpresidedattheadventofAuntJaneintothisworldoftroubles."Idon'tmindhisseeingmybarefootandan le,"sheannounced,"butI'mnotgoingaroundshowingittoanystrangemanatmyage,evenifheisadoctor."

Sothetrun sandfeathermattresswerenotdisturbed,thegreenblindswerenotfastened,andthewideporchbecomeaplaceofhabitationafterKatherinehadinstalledchairs,acouch,boo s,andatlastatinytablewhichwasusedintheafternoonsforacupofteaoutoftheold-fashionedblueandwhitechina--theprideofAuntJane'sheart.Ann'sausterefacerelaxed,andononememorableoccasion,Katherinefoundtheerstwhilefoes,laughingtogetheroverlong-forgottenjo es.

Then,theunexpectedhappened.Whileinastore,aformerclassmaterecognizedKatherine,andinsistedoncalling.AuntJanesuccumbedtothewilesofthenewcomer,whosesympathyatKatherine'sisolationresultedinvariousinvitationstoa"biteoflunchwithjustme,alone."ThusitwasthatJimGlendonsawheroneday,obtainedanintroductionandlostnotimeinhisdeterminationtomarryher.

AuntJane,whentheyoungmancalled,listenedgrimlytohisfamily

socialassetsandfinancialstanding,thensheloo edhimupanddownappraisingly,andannouncedcalmly,"Idon'tli eyou.There'syourhat."

GlendonretreatedinconfusiontoreporttoKatherineandherchum.Betweenhisinsistenceandtheurgingofthegirlfriend,theaffairterminatedinahastymarriage.WhenKatherinebro ethenewstoheraunt,shewasinformedthatKatherineCourtneywasdead."I'veneverbeenacquaintedwithanyonenamedKatherineGlendon,andIdon'tcaretomeetsuchaperson,"wasAuntJane'sultimatum.

Eachmonth,forseveralyears,Katherinehadwrittenheraunt,butnoneofthelettershadbeenanswered.ThenshewrotetoAnn,andreceived

theletterendorsed,DEAD!ThewritingwasthatofAuntJane,andKatherinehadshedbittertears;forshenowunderstoodthatthesetwooldwomenhadgivenhertheiraffection,andshownitintheonlywaythey newhow.

TodayshewroteagaintoAuntJane.Thelettertoldwithoutreserveorpalliation,theconditionsattheCircleCross,theplanofGlendontorobherofDonnie,andthatthelawgavemensuchrights.SheremindedAuntJaneoftheirlastinterview,"Yousaidthen,'Whenyouwishtheshelterofmyhomefromthemanyouhavemarried,youwillbewelcome--butnottillthen!'Ibegsanctuaryformyboyandmyself.Iwillwor tillthefleshwearsfrommyfingers,ifyouwilltrytohelpmesomewaynow.Icannotgivehimup.Ifyoueverlovedanyoneinyour

entirelife,AuntJane,trytorememberitnow,formyboyistheonlythingthatma esmetrytolive."

Theletterwassplashedwithtears.Itwasherlasthope.

ShegaveittoJuan;"Ta eittotheHotSpringsandas themtopleasesendittotownbythefirstpersonwhogoesfromthere."Juan'seyesloo edintohers,"Si,SeÃ±ora,Iunderstand."Hetuc edtheletterintohisshirt,mountedhiswaitingponyandlopeddownthecaÃ±on.



Hedidunderstand,andwhathetoldDoctorPowellandLimbercausedthecowpunchertosaddlePeanut,ta etheletterandridetoWillcoxatonce.Juanwentbac totheCircleCrossandreported,"Leember,hewasreadytostarttoWeelcox,sohetoo theletterwithheem,SeÃ±ora."

Juan newthatthePriesttoldhimitwasamortalsintolie;buthedidnotcountthisanylie--Limberhadta enthelettertoWillcox.

Katherinewonderedatherself,planningsurreptitiouslytoopposeherhusbandforthefirsttimeintheyearsoftheirmarriedlife;but,whenhereyeswenttotheboy,shefeltshehaddoneright.AuntJane,iffavourablydisposed,woulduseallherwitstocircumventGlendon,whomshehated.IfGlendon newthatAuntJanewasreadytota eherpartandtheboy's,heprobablywouldnotpressthematterofsendingDonnieaway.Glendon'sfatherhadrefusedfurtherfinancialaid,ortoevencommunicatewithhisson,andAuntJanewaswealthy.ThismightinfluenceGlendon.

Inheranxietytogettheletteroff,Katherinehadomittedmentioninghercompleteisolationfromallmailfacilities.Even,nowsheforgotit.

Nightfell.Twohoursafterdar Glendonreachedhome.Thehorsefromwhichhedismountedwaswornandweary;thehairwasstiffwithdried

sweatandlather,itsflan sdrawn.Withoutaword,Glendonatethebelatedsupper.Donniewatchedhimwithfrightenedeyes.Juanhoveredinthe itchenonvariousexcuses,untilGlendonwenttobed.

Mondaymorningbro e.Brea fastwasasilentmeal.Katherine'sfacewaspallid,deepcirclesofblac layunderhereyes,herlipsquivered.Themorningpassed.Glendonloafedabouttheranchallday,comingintothehouseatfrequentintervals.Eachtimehedidso,hiswifestartednervously,andDonnie'sbreathcamemorequic ly.Glendonscrutinizedthemwithamalignantsmile.He newtheywerebothsufferingwithdread,butwasdeterminedhewouldnotrelievetheirfears.Hegloated

attheirmentaltorture.

Whenaboy,Glendonhadrevelledintearingthewingsfrombutterflies,sothattheirdelicateflightinthesunshinemustendincreepingmutilatedupontheground.Thoughhiswifewasnotresponsibleforhisthwartedplans,stillhegloriedinhispowertotortureherforhishumiliationbyPowellandLimber.

Mondaypassed,andTuesdayfollowed.Shedarednothope,forshedidnotnowwhathourGlendonmightdecidetostart.Shefearedtoas anyquestionthatmightprecipitatethecrisisshedreaded.Shefeltli eaprisonercondemnedtodeathwhois eptinignoranceofthedayorhourofhisexecution,andeachpassingmoment,diesanewdeath.

Glendonstudiedthedumbagonyinherface.Itgaveanewzesttohislife.He newthatneitherPowellnorLimberwouldtellherofthepaperhehadsigned,solongasDonniewasnotsentaway;but,neitherPowellnorLimberhadthoughttheyweregivinghimaweapontouseuponher--thetortureofuncertaintythatdrivestomadness.

Sothedayspassedintowee s,butnotoncedidGlendonallowheraglimmerofhope.AllthewhileshewaitedforananswertothelettershehadwrittenAuntJane.But,atlastshegavethatupindespair.



Forthreemonthsthesituationremainedunchanged.Katherinegrewhaggard,hermovementslistless,andDonniestillwatchedhisfather'sgoingsandcomingswithfrightenedeyesandbeatingheart.

ThedrouthwastellingonGlendon'ssmallherd,buthehadmoreimportantthingstothin aboutnow.HistripstoWillcoxwerefrequent;hisperiodsintownstretchedovermanydays.Katherinemighthavewondered,hadshenotbeenoccupiedwithherownanxiety--Donnie.

EachtimeGlendonmadepreparationstodrivetoWillcox,shewaitedthecommandthatwouldteartheboyfromher.Whentripaftertripwasmadewithouttheordeal,herheartbegantota ecourage.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

Arizona,li eapoutingchild,wasindulginginoneofherperiodicdrouths,andcattlewereslowlysuccumbingtostarvation.ThewintersnowsandrainshadbeeninsufficienttostarttheSpringgrass,andthoughitwasnowlateinAugustandthesummerrainsusuallybeganin

June,notadrophadfallen.Mostofthewater-holesweredry,andwaterinthewellsofranchessanfurtherfromthesurfaceeachday.Manyspringsconsideredpermanent,degeneratedintomeremudholeswherecattlebawledandcrowdedoneanotherintothebogstillthewea estfellandweresuffocatedortrampledtodeath.Thecountrywasnotonlydevoidofgreengrass,butwhatdryfeedwasleftcontainednonutrimentwhatever.

Ranchersfortunateenoughtoownpermanentsprings,orwellsthatwerenotyetdry,guardedthewaterjealously,notifyingneighbourstocomeandcareforthestraycattlethatlingeredbellowingaroundtheclosedwateringplaces,orwal edaimlesslyformilesbesidethebarbedwire

fencesthat eptthemfromthewatertheycouldsmell.Tinycalvestrailedwea lybehinds eletoncows;othercowsabandonedtheiryoung;andalladdedhystericallytothedinofconstantbellowingwherevertherewasapoolofwatertolurethem.

SulphurSpringsValleywasoverahundredmileslong.ItspreadtwentymilesacrossfromtheGrahamstotheGaliuros,andwasbro enbygroupsofcottonwoodtreesclusteringaboutsmallpondsofwatersuppliedbywindmills.Ordinarilythesepondswereopentoallstoc ,butnowthegateswereclosed.Unlessthewaterwereusedeconomicallytherewouldsoonbenoneinreserve,asafewdayswithoutwindwouldcutoffthedailysupplyfromthewindmills,anddryuptheponds.

Eachdayatteno'cloc thegateswereopened.Cowboysstoodguard,allowingthecattlebearingtheranchbrandstoenterthewater-corrals,allotherstoc being"cut"awayfromwater.Theownersofthesestrays,havingbeennotified,sentmentodrivetheirowncattlehome;buttheanimalswouldnotremainaway.Accustomedtorangingandwateringinacertainlocality,theywouldreturnandstanddumblywatchingothercattledrin ,waitingpatientlyfortheirownturn.Whennightfell,theylaydownbythefence,lowingpitifullyuntilmorning,whentheywouldagainstaggertotheirfeet.Sometimes,infrenzy,ananimaltriedtobrea throughthewirefence,cuttingitselfonthebarbsandgrowing



steadilywea erhourbyhour,tillatlasttherewasanothercarcasstobehauledawayfromthefenceaboutthewatercorrals.

TheAugustheatwasintensifiedbythedrouth,andadiscussioninthecorralshadannoyedTraynor.Withthemoodstillonhim,heenteredtheliving-roomoftheDiamondH,wherehiswifewassittingbesideacouchonwhichJamiewassleeping.Theboyhadgrownlistlessoflate,andNelltriedtodeceiveherselfbyblamingtheweather.DoctorPowellhadbeenwiththemalmostconstantly,battlingwithallhiss illforthewaninglife.

Traynorstoopedoverthechild,thenpacedrestlesslyupanddowntheroom."IwishIcouldseeawaytogetyouandtheboyofftoCalifornia,Nell,untilthisdrouthisover.Youbothneedthechange.Youhavebeenapluc ylittlewoman,neverma ingasinglecomplaint;yetI nowhowmuchtheboymeanstoyou.Heisasdearasanownsontome,anditismaddeningtobetiedhandandfoot,sothatIcannothelpyou.IwasafoolthatIdidnotaccepttheofferofthatEasternsyndicatelastFall--butcattlemenareallfools!Noneofuswillsellduringagoodyear.Whenthedrouthhitsuswecurseourselvesforlettingasaleslip.Drouthornodrouth,themenhavetobepaid;grainboughtforthehorsesandprovisionsforusall.Wherethemoneyiscomingfrom,theLordonly nows--Idon't."

Heflunghimselfmoodilyintoachair.Risingswiftly,Nellwenttohissideandslippedherarmabouthisnec ,loo ingdownintohisfaceashetriedtosmileupather.

"Can'tyoupaythemenwithchec sonthestoresasyouhavealwaysdone?"sheas ed."Youtoldmeoncethestorescarriedallbillsforfiveorsixmonths,andaccountsweresettledwhencattleweresoldattheregularshippingseason."

"Thatwouldbeallright,ordinarily;butunfortunatelythestoresdon'tseeitthatwayjustnow.Theynotonlyrefusefurthercreditforcashormerchandise,butareas ingsettlementsofallaccountsinfull,sayingtheyarebeingpressedbytheirowncreditors.Ofcourse,one

cannotverywellblamethem.Theyhaveto'savetheirownbacon;'astheboyssay."

"IsthereanychanceofgettingmoneyfromtheTusconban ?"as edhiswife,hopefully."WhenMr.Eisenbartwasherehesaidthisranchwasthefinestpieceofproperty--notonlyintheTerritory--butintheentirewest."

"Thatdidnotcosthimanything,"retortedTraynorbitterly."Yousee,li emostcattlemen,Ihaveneverestablishedacreditatanyban ,beingsatisfiedtodoallmybusinessthroughthestoreswhichcashmychec s.Consequently,nowthatthestoresareclosingdownonme,Ihavenootherplacetoturn!"HepacedthefloorrestlesslyandNellwatched

himwithtroubledeyes,realizinghowlittleshecouldhelp.

"IshouldhaveopenedanaccountwithsomeCaliforniaban longago,"hecontinued."However,there'snousecryingoverspilledmil .IdidnotfullyunderstandhowcriticalmypositionwasuntilIwrotetoEisenbarttwowee sago.Iofferedamortgageontheranchesandallthestoc ,attwelvepercent.forafivethousanddollarloan!Why,thisplaceisworthfivehundredthousanddollars!Heansweredtheywerenotma inganynewloansandwerecallinginalloutstandingnotes.Noonewantsamortgageondeadordyingcattle,butthelandwouldhavebeenample



securityfortentimeswhatIneeded."

Traynorstoodbythewindow,staringoutatthes y.Heturnedandresumedhisrestlesswal ingtoandfro,"God!Ifitwouldonlyrain!It'snotjustmyself,butyouandJamie,andIwanttogetyoutwoawaytotheCoastforawhile.ThenIgotPowellintothemess,too.Thisdrouthhitshisplansprettyhard.AllhismoneyisnowtiedupintheSpringsandthePLherdthatheboughtfromPaddy!"

"ButtheSpringsarenotaffected?"saidNell,"Limbertoldmethatnothingcaninfluencethatwatersupply."

"No;thereisthatmuchtobethan fulfor,atleast,"headmittedwearily,sin ingdownintoachair,andlettinghisheaddropintohishands.Nellcrossedsoftly,andherhandcaressedthebowedhead,untilTraynor'sfaceloo edupather.Thehaggard,drawnlinesabouteyesandmouth,distinctintheglaringlightfromthewindow,smoteherheartwithpityandlongingtocomforthim.

"Dearest,Idon'tcarehowpoorweare,solongasIhaveyouandJamie;"shewasloo ingintohiseyesbravely."Youdidnotmarryarichgirl;butonewho newwhatpovertymeant,andpovertywheretherewasnoonetospea anencouragingword.Wehavearoofthatisourown.Evenifthecattledie,thedrouthcannotlastforever.Whentherains

comeagainwecanmortgagetheland,andget--whywecangetafewchic ensandamil -cow,maybe,"shelaughed."Ihavelearnedtoma edandybutter,sowecansellbutterandeggsifwecan'tgetmoneyenoughtobuyabunchofcattle.Wewon'tstaydown,ifwedogetbowledover!"

"Nell!Blessyourheart,you'dhelpanymangetonhisfeet.Someday,pleaseGod,Iwillbeabletogiveyoueverythingmoneycanbuy."

"Nothingyoucouldbuywouldma emeashappyas nowingIamabletohelpyou,"shesmiledthroughamistoftears.

"Imustgooutandseewhattheboysaredoing,"andwithheaderect

AllanTraynorpassedthroughthedoor.SoonNellheardhiswhistle--thefirsttimeformanydays.

Theregularround-uphadbeendeferreduntilFall,asthecattleweretoowea tobehandledandbranded.TheDiamondHmenwere eptbusy,however,wor ingthecattleatthewateringplacesorridingtherangewherethewea eststoc was"cutout"anddrivenslowlytotheranchandfedatthebigstac sofnativehay,orinthepasturesthatTraynor'sforesighthadreservedforsuchanemergency.Otherranchers,whohadbeenamusedathisideaoffencingpastureswhenthewholecountrywasanopenrange,nowsawhisplanshadbeengoodjudgment,andloo edwithchagrinattheirowndyingcattlewhichmighthavebeensavedbysuchmeasures.

Oneafternoonnearsunset,PaddyLaffertyappearedattheDiamondHstables.Tyinghisdejected,flea-bittengreyhorseinastall,heunbuc ledhisrustyspursandhungthemoverthehornofhissaddle.

"Whar'sLimber?"heas edBronco,whopassedthedoorofthebuilding.

"HotSprings,"Broncoreturned,ingaspsoflightingacigarette."Doc'sat--Tucson."



"Whar'sthebye?"

"Insidethehouse."

Paddywaitednolonger,butstal edthroughtheCourtand noc edatthedoorofthesitting-room.

Nellmethimandhereyeslightedwithpleasure,forhisquaint,Irishhumourwasnevertiresometoher.Then,too,shesawthesincerityunderthesurface.Paddysteppedwithaw wardcareacrosstheroomandseatedhimselfontheedgeofachair.

"Howdohebyeadoin'?"heas edinhiscustomaryhoarsewhisper,jer inghisheadtowardtheloungewhereJamielayinuneasysleep.

"Notaswellasusual,Paddy.Hetireseasily,"sheansweredsadly,nowingonlytoowellthatthelittlelifewasslippingawayhourbyhour,thoughshehad eptthethoughttoherself,believingthatTraynorwasstillblindtothetruthandnotwishingtoaddtohismanyanxieties.ShewasunawarethatPowellandTraynorhadwarnedtheboysnottospea toherofthechild'sseriouscondition.

Paddyhadalsobeentoldofthedeception,andhadgivenhiswordtoTraynor.Hesatloo ingatNellintently, nittinghisshaggyeye-brows,

andtryingtothin whattosaywithoutbetrayinghis nowledge."Mebbeit'stheweatherdobeadoin'it.MisthressThraynor.Whintheraincomeshewillbeaftherfalin'betther."

"Oh,ifwecouldonlygetrain!"shecried."Doyouthin thecattleblameusfortheirsufferingwhentheyloo atuswiththeirpitiful,patienteyes?Iwanttotellthemwearesuffering,too.YesterdayIwatchedacow,standingbyherdyingcalf,lic ingitsface.Itwasli esomethinghuman.Afteritdiedthemotherstoodthere--andthismorningshewouldnotleaveituntilIas edBroncotota eitawayfromher.Icouldn'tstandit.Pleasedon'tthin Iamcrazy,Paddy,butitseemedsocruelthatatiny,helplesscreatureshouldcomeintotheworldfora

fewwee s,onlytosufferanddie."

"Yezain'ttheonlywanthatdobeaworritin'overthesayson,MisthressThraynor,"rejoinedPaddy,whohadfoundconversationalbearingsatlast."Paplepassesontheroadwidoutsavin'acheither,becozthey'reallsobusyloo in'upatthes y--"hewastryinghardtotideheroverthedangerpoint."They'reallaboyin'linnymentstorubtheirnec s,becozofthe in sfromloo in'fortheclouds."Noddingapprovalatafaintsmilehehadevo ed,hewenton:"Yezwastal in'aboutcattlehavin'rayson,MisthressThraynor.Didyezbeafthernowin'whinouldcowsontherangehaveyoungcalvestoowa etowalfur,theyallputtheirheadstogetherandtal itover,loi ealotofwomen-fol sdoes,an'thinwanofthimcowssthaysandta escareof

fourorfoivecalves,whilsttheithercowsgoesofftowather,mebbetinmilesaway.Thinsheta esherturnwhintheitherscomesbac .Now,ifthatain'trayson,bejabers,phwatisit?"

"Ibelieveallanimalshavesomereason,Paddy.Itishumanbeingswhodonotunderstandthem.Wecallthemdumbbrutes,becausewelac thepatienceorintelligencetocomprehend.Ihavelearnedagreatdealsincecomingheretolive."

"Didyeziversayacowfuneral,MisthressThraynor?"as edPaddy.



"No,butIhaveheardtheboysspea ofthem,"sheanswered.

"It'safunnything,"wentonPaddy."Sometoimesacritter'sbeen illedawa eortwo,andnosoignofittobeseen.Thinanouldcowwillcomealongwidhernosetotheground,loi eadogonatrail,shniffin',andsuddenlysheraisesupherheadandlitsoutayellloi eanApacheInjun.Assoonasshedoesthotallthecattlethatarenighenoughtohearcomesarunnin'tobeatthedivvle,an'yellin'asloudastheycan.Thintheyallsthandaroundashniffin'andbawlin'andpawin'upthegroundtobeattheband.Theydon'tseemtomoindifacowdiesnatural,butwhenwanofthimis illedsoitsbloodtouchestheground,itupsetsthebunchofthimassoonastheyfindoutaboutit.Therewasatinder-footthatcommittedsuicidethreeyearsago,whenhelaughedatoneoftheErieoutfitthatwastellin'aboutacowfuneral.TheErieboyshadthingsprettymuchtheirownway,themdays."

"Suicide?"as edNell,wonderingly.

"Well,itfiguredoutthatway.He illedhisselfbybein'tooslowdrawin'hisgun."

"Howmuchlongerdoyouthin thecattlewillholdout,Paddy?"sheas edanxiously.

"Oibelavethestrongestwans inhouldoutsixwa es,butthepoorestwanscan'tlastovertwo.Yezsay,afthertherainscomesitbeatsdownthedryfadethatislift,andtherewon'tbeanystrengthtothenewfadeforsiveralwa es,sothotma esitharderforawhoileafthertherainsstharts.Thin'sthetoimecattlegivesup."Paddypausedandsmo edreflectively,whileNellroc edslowly,immersedinanxiousthoughts.Paddysquintedatherfromunderhisheavyeyebrows,thenbro ethesilence,saying,"DidyeziversayouldmanBrandther?"

Nellshoo herhead.

"Will,"resumedPaddy,"he'stheonlywaninArizonyI'mnotsorryfor.

He'sgittin'itinthenic ,now,an'Oi'mdumnedgladofit!Oitillyez,he'sagenywinehypercrit!Alwayssaysgraceatmaletoimes;andwhinhegitsoutofbedmornin'shegoesonhis nazewidhisnoight-shirtafloppin'aroundhisshan sandt'umpshiscrawandtillstheGoodLardwhatafinemanouldBrandtheris!Thin,hegoesontherangeandswoipesacoupleofcalves;andwhennoightcomes,hegitsonhis nazeaginant'umpshiscraw,andt'an stheGoodLardforallthemarciesHehasbesthowedthatday."

Despiteherheavyheart,Nell'seyetwin led,hermouthtwitchedandadimplebegantoshow.Thedimplehadbeenhiddenawayformanydays.Paddysawandapprovedit.

"Hesthayedtomyplacewannoightthelasttoimehecometohisranch,andthot'showI nowabouthisreligiousbelafesofhisself.Aftherhehadlift,Oifloppedonmy nazeandt'an edtheSaintsandtheGoodLardthattharwasn'tbutwanrealgoodandholymaninArizonysolongasIwasinthecattleraisingbusiness."

Inspiteofheranxiety,Nell'slaughterrangthroughtheroom,asshepicturedthepompousMr.Branderthumpinghis"craw."Themanwasverywealthy,andonlyvisitedhisranchatintervals,butwassorabidlyanti-Catholicthathenevermissedanyopportunitytoharangueonthe



topic,andheallowednoMexicansemployedonhisranch,becauseoftheirreligion.

"Itseemspitifulthatweneedrainssobadlyhere,whilethefarmersintheEastarecomplainingoftoomuch,"Nellsaid,unabletoavoidthetopicthatwassovitaltothemall.

"Oi'msiventy-foiveyearsould,MisthressThraynor,andOi'vefoundthingsginerallywor sthatway.Boy-the-boy,haveyeziverbeentoNyeYar ?"

"Iwasbornthereandlivedtherewithmyparentstilltheydied,thenthemoneywentandIwor ed,Paddy.IhadtoearnenoughforJamieandmyself,yousee.Therewasnoonetohelpus.Yougetfrightenedwhenyou nowyouareonlyoneinthefourmillionspeoplearoundyou."

"ThenixttoimeyezgotoNyeYar ,"saidPaddy,"there'salittlerestyrantyezwanttobeaftherthryin'.Oidisrememberthenameofthestrateyezsthartfrom,butonyway,yezgotinstratestotheroight,thinthraystratestothelift,andthinyez apestraightontillyezsaytheplace,andthereyezare.Yezcan'tmissit.Yezcangitthebestmaleyeziverateinyourloife,"heleanedoveranddroppedhisvoicemoreconfidentially,"andtheyonlychargetincints!"

Inordertohidethetwitchingcornersofhermouth,assheconjuredupavisionofturningcannibalanddevouring"thebestmaleyeziverateinyourloife,"Nellmovedtothewindowandstoodpic ingdeadleavesfromacommongeraniumgrowinginacrudewindowboxontheinnerledgeformedbythethic adobewallsofthehouse.

"It'sgrowingbeautifully,Paddy,"shesaidtotheoldman,"andJamieandIlovetowatchit.Only,Ihatetohaveyougiveitupyourselfafteryouhavehaditsolong.It'sabeautifulgeranium."

"Oh,well,"Paddyrepliedcarelessly,wavinghishandwiththepipe,"IwasawayfromthehousesomuchthathalfthetoimeI'dfergittowatherit.It'salongwaysbetthersinceyoutoo careofit.Only,yez

remimber,yezmustn'tgiveitawaytoanybodyilse.Yezsee,itbelongedtotheouldDootchwomanImarried,andshethoughtalotofit.Oiwouldn'tgiveittoanywanilsebutyouandJamie."

Nell'sfacewassympathetic.ShehadheardofthestrangewifeofoldPaddy,whospo eonlyHollandDutch,whilePaddyspo enotonewordofthelanguage;buttheyhadmanagedtogetalongtogethertillshepassedaway.Paddyhadnevercalledheranythingexcept"TheouldDootchwoman."

"Itneedswaternow,"Nellspo eafterproddingintheearth."I'llgetsomefromthewell."

Whenshelefttheroom,Paddylaidhisbelovedpipeaside,thendrewhischairnearthesleepingboy.Ashewatchedthepale,partedlips,thefaintbreath,thedar ringsunderthehalf-closedeyes,somethingwarmandmoistslippeddowntheoldman'chee anddroppeduponhiswrin led,callousedhand."Lard,"hewhisperedhoarsely,"Ican'tseewhyyezletanoulduselessbago'bonesli eme apeonlivin'andta ethelittleladthativerywanwantsandloves.Can'tyeswapus?"

ThenNellreturned,andPaddystraightenedup."Heneverevenpeeped,"heannounced,turningtowatchherwatertheplants.Therewasa



peculiarexpressiononhisfaceashewal edslowlyovertowhereNellletthewaterflowgentlyonthedrysoil,thenta ingapairofscissorsfromherwor -boxsheprunedtheplantscarefully,saying,"Jamieusuallyta escareofthemhimself,butthelastwee Ihavedoneitforhim.Heissoeasilytired.Didyoueverthin thatlifeisjustli eaplant,Paddy?Itstartsoutsobravely,sendingitsrootsdeepintothesoil,andspreadingitstenderleavestothesunshine--Happy,justbecauseitisalive.ThentheGardenercomesandprunesthestal s,andtheplantdoesnotunderstandwhyitistreatedsocruelly.Sometimesitseemsasthoughtheleaveswouldneverstartagain,butafterawhiletheblossomsaremorebeautifulthanever,forpruningma esitstronger."Shepaused,loo ingdownattheplants,thenhervoicetrembledalittle,"Iamtryingsohard,Paddy,tobelievethattheGardener nowswhatisbest."

He newshewasthin ingofthechildonthecouch,andheheldouthisroughhand;"Oigissyezareroight,MisthressThraynor.Thingswurroutintheind,ifwedobedoin'thebistwe nowhow.Oi'velivedamongthecattlesolongthatIdon't nowanythingilsebutcowsandcow-tal ,butifiveryeznadeafrind,jistyezremimberouldPaddy."

PARTTHREE

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

Glendon,justbac fromoneofhisnumeroustripstotown,tossedalettertohiswifewithoutaword.Itfelltothefloor,butshereachedforitquic ly,herheartbeatingfastatthethoughtitmightbeareplyfromherAuntJane.

TherehadbeennofurtherdiscussionbetweenherselfandherhusbandaboutDonniegoingaway,butshedidnot nowatwhathourtheordealmightfaceher.EvenifAuntJanedeclinedtoadviseherinthismatter,oraidinanyway,Katherinewishedthatthestrainedrelationsbetweenherselfandtheonlyonebelongingtoherbytiesofblood,mightbemore indly.ShehadcometounderstandAuntJane'sattitudeandtoac nowledgethattheoldladyhadreadGlendon'scharacterbetterthanthegirlwhomarriedhim.

Loo ingbac ,Katherinesawalltooclearly,thatwhatshehadmista enforlove,hadbeenreactionagainstthedullmonotonyofherlifewithAnnandAuntJane,andalongingforsomeoutletforherrepressedemotions.Thisvery nowledgemadehermorestaunchinherattitudeto

Glendon,fearingthatherownlac ofdeepaffectionmadehermorealivetohisshortcomings.

Herhusbandstoodwatchingher,andshe newthatwhatevermightbethecontentsofthatletter,hewoulddemandtherighttoseeit.Shehadnofriendswhowroteher.IfAuntJanementionedreceivinganyletter,orreferredtotheappeal,Glendonwouldatonceunderstandthathiswifehadwrittenwithouthis nowledgeandthisveryfactwouldprecipitatethecatastropheshehadhopedtoavert.



Theletterwaslyingfacedownbetweenthemonthefloor.Hidingthenauseatingfear,shepic editupandturneditover.Theengravedaddressofafirmoflawyersmethereyes.Hername,theranch,typed.

Puzzled,shetoreopenthelongenvelopeandstartedtoread.Thensheloo edupatGlendon,hereyesfulloftears,herlipstrembling,asshesaidbro enly,"AuntJaneisdead!"

"Well,whatofit?"hedemanded."Doyouexpectmetohowlwithgrief?You'venotheardfromherforyears.Can'tseethatitma esmuchdifferencetoyouwhethershe'sdeadoralive.Theoldcat!"

Hereyeswentbac tothepagesinherhand.Theyweretypedandlengthy.Shereadthemthrough,then,withoutcommenthandedthemtoGlendon.

"It'salegacy,"shesaidsimply.

Hesatdownandbeganperusingthecontentsofthecommunication,hisbrows nittingangrilyashegraspedthepurport.

_DearMadam:_

MissJaneGrimes,whosewillhasbeenleftinourhands,hasmade

youandyourson,Donald,beneficiariessubjecttocertainconditions.

Asufficientsumtoeducateyoursonissetaside,allbillstoberenderedtotheTrustCompanyandpaidbythem.Yourdesirestobeconsideredintheselectionofproperschool,butonewhichmustbeapprovedbytheTrustCompany.

Twelvehundreddollarsannuitytobepaidtoyouafterthedeathofyourhusband,JamesW.Glendon.UntildemiseofJamesW.Glendon,thetwelvehundreddollarsperannumandaccruinginterestshallbeheldbytheTrustCompany.

Ineventoffailuretoagreetothetermssetforthinthewill,copyofwhichisherewithenclosed,theentireestateistoreverttotheProhibitionSocietyofAmerica.Otherwise,theestatewillpasstoyoursononhisthirtiethbirthday.

Kindlycommunicatewithusatyourearliestconvenience,andoblige,Yoursveryrespectfully,

GOODRICHTRUSTCOMPANY.

P.S.LetterenclosedfromMissGrimes.

Theotherletterread,

_DearKatherine:_

YouhavehadtimenowtorealizethatmyestimateofJamesGlendon'scharacterwascorrect.Ihavebeenatsomepainsandexpenseduringthelastsevenyears,sinceyoumovedtoArizona,to eepmyselfinformedastoyourhusband'sactions.IfeelthatIwasjustified,anditimpelsmetodoallIamabletoassistyouafterIamgone,withoutbeingofanycomfortorbenefittoamanwhomIdespise.



YouaretoconferwiththeTrustCompanyregardingaschoolforDonnie.Itmustbeaschoolwhereself-respectandhonouraretaught;infact,anold-fashionedschoolwhereboysaretrainedinthealmostforgottenstandardsofanold-fashionedgentleman.

Theannuityoftwelvehundreddollarsayearwillbepaidyouatthedeathofyourhusband,forI nowyourinflexibleprinciplesandthatyouwillneverinvo etheaidofthelawtoprotectyoubyadivorce.ItisbecauseI,myself,amopposedtothewide-spreadevilofdivorce,thatIamtryingmybesttoaidyouwithoutaidingyourhusbandfinancially.Iwishtopreventhimfrombenefittinginanyway.Iamconfidentthatyouwillsorelyneedenoughtoprovidearoofandfoodineventofhisdeath,andshouldIma eanyotherprovisionsforyouandyourchild,Idonotbelieveeitherofyouwouldbenefitonecentbymylegacy.

Heisthetypeofmanwhohasnosenseofmoralobligation,butIwantyoutounderstandthatyouhavemysympathy,andthatyoualwayshadmylove.

Affectionately,

AUNTJANEGRIMES.

Glendonfinishedthetwoletters,returnedthemtohiswifewithashrugofhisshoulders,saying,"Sweetoldcat!Shecertainlyhaditinformefromtheveryfirstdaywemet!"

Katherinewaitedforaviolenttirade,butGlendonturnedonhisheelandlefttheroom.Itwasarelieftoher,buttheuncertaintywasnotdispelled.

Fourdayswentby,andthenKatherinebroachedthetopic.

"Jim,I'vegottoanswerthatletter."

Hewassittingontheporchstepsmo ing,histhoughtsevidentlyfar-afield.

"Whatletter?"

"AboutthelegacyandsendingDonnietoschool,"wasthewoman'sreply.She newthatthefutureofthechilddependedontheanswershewaitedfromthechild'sfather.Herhandslayinherlap,grippedtensely,hereyesloo edpleadinglyatthefaceoftheman.

"Doasyoupleaseaboutit,"thewordswereindifferent."Ihaven'tanytimetowastetal ingoverthesethings.ThisdrouthwillaboutwindupmyremnantofcreditinArizona.Itwon'tma eanydifferencetoyou,

foryou'reheeledforlife,ifIamoutoftheway."

Shetriedtotellhimherappreciation,"Jim!Iwillstandbyyou,nomatterwhatcomes!WithDonnie'seducationprovidedfor,wecansurelywinouttogether!"shemovedimpulsivelytohisside,laidherhandonhisshoulderandstoopedoverto isshim,butGlendon'sshoulderjer edawayroughly,asheanswered,"Oh,forGod'ssa e,Katherine,stopyourmelodramaticsandletmealone!"

Despitetherebuff,herheartwassingingwithjoyasshehurriedto



writetheTrustCompany,andstatedthatshecouldhaveDonniereadytostartEastintwowee s;butthatshehadnotthemoney,norcouldshecomewithhimonthataccount.ThedrouthinArizonahadstagnatedallcattlebusinesstemporarily.

Katherineexplainedtothechildthathisgoingawaywaswithherfullconsent,andthatitdidnotmeanhewastostayaway,exceptduringtheschoolterm.Theycouldbetogetherforthesummervacations.Shealsotoldhimofthestrangeoldauntwhohadcaredforherowneducation,andwho,thoughdead,nowmadeitpossibleforhimtogotoagoodschool,suchashisfathercouldnotafford.Shemadehimunderstand,too,thathisfatherhadgivenconsent,andwithoutsuchconsent,noonecouldhavedoneanything.

ThereplyfromtheTrustCompanyinformedherthatoneofthemembersofthefirmwouldmeetthechildatWillcoxonadatespecified.ThatbusinessmattershadmadeatriptoCaliforniaimperative,andthereturntripwouldbearrangedviaWillcox,ifthechildwerethereatthetime.

Katherinetimidlytoldthistoherhusband,butmetwithnoopposition.Hisacquiescencesurprisedandtouchedher.Sheascribedittohisdesiretoma eamends,andhergratitudewaspathetic.Yet, nowinghisvacillatingcharacter,shehastenedtoperfectarrangements.Notuntil

shesawthechildinchargeofthemanwhometthematWillcox,andaccompaniedthemtothedepotplatform,didshefeelsafe.Sheclaspedtheboyinalast,closeembraceandwatchedhimwavefromthewindowofthetrain.The"stonewallhadtoppledover,"andthehideousfearoflosingherboycompletelywaslaidtorest.

AuntJanehadnotansweredherletterbutnowKatherine newthattheoldladyhadunderstoodthesituationandsetherwitstowor toaidthenieceshereallyloved.

BeforethetrainpulledoutDoctorPowellcrossedthestreet,andstoodtal ingwithDonnie,thushelpingbothintheirbattletobebrave.Then,KatherineandPowellstoodsidebyside,watchingthetrainpull

awayuntilitdisappearedinthegapbetweentheGrahamandDosCabezasranges.But,longbeforethecragsintervened,ithadvanishedfromthemother'seyesinabluroftears.

"Tellme,"Powellspo e,"IsDonniegoingtohisgrandfather?"Hewasthin ingofthepaperthatreposedinthehandsofhislawyers,andwonderedifGlendonhaddareddefyhim.

"No,"Katherinesmiledhappily,"Jimgaveupthatintentionsometimeago.Itwasalegacyfromanauntofmine,whichprovidesforDonnie'seducation.So,yousee,youwereright.Thestonewallhastoppledover!"

Powell'shandgrippedhers,"I'mgladforyoursa eandforDonnie's!"

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

Anothermonthpassedandthedrouthwasstillunbro en.Storeswerethreatenedwithban ruptcyandcattlemensawvastherds,accumulated



throughyearsofhardtoil,dwindletoone-fourththeoriginalnumber,andfacedthepossibilityoflosingthatalso.

TheArizonarangesforyearshadbeenbadlyoverstoc ed;buteachrancherwaitedforhisneighbourtogetridofthesurpluscattle,hopingtherebytobenefithisownherd.Over-crowdingrangesresultedinthetrampingoutoftheroots,andwhatwasmoreserious,grasswascroppedsocloselythattherewasnoopportunityforseedtomatureandfalltothegroundandgerminateforanotheryear.Informertimesadrouthwouldnothavebeensodisastrousasundertheexistingconditionsoftheranges.

Havingdoneallinhispowertomitigatethesituation,Traynorfoughtadespondencythatwasentirelyforeigntohisnature.Itwasaugmentedbyhisdesiretoconcealthefactsfromhiswife,andtothiswasaddedhisnowledgethatJamiewascontinuallygrowingwea er.Hehadcalledthemenintotheofficeandtoldthemfran lythathewouldnotbeabletoeepthemmuchlonger,ashewasstrainingeveryfinancialpossibility.

Theresultofthatconferencewasasurprisethatunmannedhim.Limber,Bronco,HolyandRoarerdeclinedtobe"fired,"statingtheywouldworfor"chuc "untilthedrouthwasover,andwhenheremonstrated,thefourofthemstal edoutoftheroom,asLimberremar ed,"We'vegotbusinesstoattendtooutside--insteadoftal ingfoolishnessinside."

"IfIcouldmanagetogetafewthousands,"saidTraynortoNellastheyleftthebrea fasttableonemorning,"Iwouldnothesitatetoroundupallthewea estcattleandshipatoncetoColorado,leavingthestrongeronesta etheirchanceshereontherange.However,Imightaswellwishforrain;thatwouldbelessimprobablethanobtainingthemoney.Themostaggravatingthingis nowingthatIcouldsavethegreaterpartoftheherdifIcouldonlyshipthem.NativegrassisplentifulandpasturagecheapinColoradothisyear;onceIhadthecattlethereIcouldeasilyraisemoneyatoneoftheColoradoban sonthestoc ,andsorelievethetensionhereaswellasthere.IfIpullthroughthisyear,Iwill eepmoneyinreadinessforsuchanemergency,hereafter.It'sbeenagoodlesson;butamightyexpensiveone."

Ashewal edslowlytothebarn,hepassedPaddywithalargeparcelcomingintothecourtyard.

"Oi'vegotsomethingsforthebyeandthemisthress,"heexplained,andTraynortoldhimtheywereintheliving-room.

"Hello,ouldSphort!"Paddysaidtotheboy,whowasstandingbyhissister,watchingherwaterthegeraniums.

"There'sanewbunchofbudsPaddy;"thechildannouncedandPaddyexaminedtheplantscritically.

"Yezcan'tgisswhatOibroughtwidmeforyez;"hesaid."Ababbydeer.OicaughtitatMudSpringsan'brungitinferyez."

"Oh,Paddy!"Jamie'sfaceglowedwithdelight."Howdidyoucatchit?Whereisit?"

"Fromtheloo sofit,itsmotherhasbeendeadforacoupleofdays.Gissthecoyotesoraliongother,andthelittlefellowwasmightywa e,andwaswillin'toma efriends.Oicarriedhimtwelvemoilesinmearrumsontheouldgreyhorse.He'soutinthestablesnow,andthe



explainedPaddywithtwin lingeyes,"becazeOicanloo atthecowsandtellwhichindofthepoipergoesbottomsideup.Here'saboo thestagedhrivergotferme.Hesaysit'sfoine;andyezcanradeittoyourself,thentellmeaboutit,sometoime.It'scalled'TheRevingeofBloodyDic .'"

Afinalsha eofthesac and"BloodyDic "appeared,followedbyseveralmagazinesoffashions,andacoupleofhomeperiodicals,containingcarefullycensoredstoriesforwomenandchildren,whichhuddledtogetherlimplyli eshoc edoldmaidssurprisedinquestionablecompany.

Nellstruggledwithahystericaldesiretolaugh,assheglancedfromthestrangelygarbedfigureoftheoldmantotheconventionalfashion-plates;but,appreciatingtheroughchivalrythathadinspiredtheact,alumpgrewinherthroat,anddroppingherheadonthetablethesobscameunchec ed.

Paddymovedtohersideandstro edherhairgently,spea ingasthoughtoaninjuredchild.

"Shure,Oididn'tmanetoma eyezfalebad,atall,atall,littlegurrl.Oithuoghtifyezwasradin'yezwouldn'tbeworritin'somuchaboutthecattle."

"ItisJamie,too,"shesobbed."I nowheisgrowingwea er;butAllandoesnot nowit,yet.I'vebeen eepingitfromhim,forhehassomuchworrynow.IfhecouldshipthecattletoColoradoandsavethem,hesaidhecouldgetmoneytheretocarryusthrough."

Paddylistenedthoughtfully."He'sroightaboutthat,"saidtheoldman."Itwouldsavethewa estwans,andlavemorefadeforthesthrongwans.Don'tbeafthersayin'anythin'totheBoss,MisthressThraynor,butyeznowOihavesomemoneyputawayhandy,andiftheBosswantstoborryittohilpshiphiscattle,Oi'lllindittohim.Oi'vegotthemoneyfromthesaleofthePLRanch,andthere'safewmoredollarsilsewherethatIcangetwidouttrouble.TheDiamondHisgoodpropertywhinthe

drouthisdone,andOi'mnotafraidoflosin'theprincipalwidtheBoss.Oiniverthrustanyban sbecoztheymoightgoboostedanytoime."Paddycrammedfreshtobaccoinhispipe."Oi inlettheBosshavetwenty-foivethousanddollarsingoldifhewantsit.Nowmoind,don'tyeztillhimonything,butlitmefixitupmyownwaywidhim.Oi'mgoin'toWillcoxairlyinthemarnin',MisthressThraynor,an'whinOicomebac Oi'lltal widtheBoss,andfoindoutwhinhewantsthemoneyready."

Nellstartedup,butPaddywavedherbac ."Don'tyezbeginathan in'me,"hecommandedfiercely,"orilseOiwon'tlithimhaveadummedcent!It'sjistamatterofbusiness,an'Oi'llchargehimintherest,allroight.Oimoightaswellbema in'intherestonmymoneyastobe

lavin'itburiedintheground."

Heheldoutagrimy,callousedhand,saying,"Goodnoight,MisthreeThraynor.Gitagoodnoight'sslapeanddon'tworritonymore.Oi'llsaythattheBosshaswhatmoneyhenades,andalittleover,sothatyouandthebyecangotoCalifornyforawhile,untilthisdryspellisover.Thinwhintherainscomes,thelittlechapwillbeafthercomin'bac withcha esasridasthimposies;"andhedisappearedthroughthedoor,leavingNellfeelinghehadcarriedhertroubleswithhim.



Acoupleofhoursaftersunrisethenextmorning,PaddyridingleisurelyalongtheroadfromtheDiamondHtoWillcox,encounteredLimberafewmilesoutoftown.LimberhadriddenfromtheHotSprings.

Aftertheusualsalutation,Paddyreinedhisgrey,gaunthorseclosetoPeanut'sside,leanedover,heldhishandcuppedabouthismouthandwithaglanceatthemilesofprairiethatshelterednoeavesdropper,theoldIrishmanwhispered,"Say,Limber,thar'ssomewansleeperin'.War in'onthePLandDiamondH.OitouldtheBossandhe'sgoin'towarnthebyestoloo out.Oimebbemistha en,butOi'vegotanideethatGlendon'satthebottomofit.'Twon'thurtto apeanoyeonhimoverattheSprings.Goin'bac soon?"

"Ihavesomethingtoattendtoforthedoctor.He'suptoTucsonthiswee ,"LimberansweredastheyunsaddledtheirponiesattheRest."I'mgoin'totheDiamondHtonight,aftersundown.It'llbecoolerthenandgivePeanutagoodrest."

"Oi'llseeyezbeforeyezstart."Paddyhadreachedthegatebutturnedbac ,"Say,Limber,Oiwantyeztopic outanoicelittlecollar.Ifoundafawnandpac editinforthebye,solongasyou'regoin'totheDiamondH,yezcanta eitalong.I'vegottogototheSanPethroforafewdays."

Heheldoutatwenty-dollargoldpiece,whichLimberslippedintohispoc et.

"Say,Paddy,ifIwasyouI'dputmydineroinaban .Youta elotsofchances,"remonstratedLimberseriously."Somedayyou'llgotoyourcacheandfindyourmoney'sbeendugup."

"They'llhaveadummedhardtoimeafoindin'it,"retortedPaddycunningly,"andadummedhardertoimegettin'awaywidit,forOi apeaclosewatchonit.Oi'mfiggerin'onma in'aloantotheBoss,so'stohelphimshipcattle.Oigotthirty-fivethousanddollarsputaway.Oiain'tnoRoc yfeller,butOi'vegotenoughforsaltpor andfrijolesforthenixttinyears,an'Oidon'tbelaveOi'llbeinurgentnadeof

thimaftherthattoime.IftheGoodLardthin sOi'llpasstheInspectionChute,Oi'llbefadingonmil an'honeywidoutpayin'ferit.Oi'msiventy-six,comemynixtbirthday."

"Well,yourmoneywillbesaferiftheBosshasit,"Limberfinishedtheconversationasheturnedintothestore,whilePaddywal edupthestreet,stoppingtospea topeoplehe new.Everyoneli edtheoldfellow,whowasnotedforhissobrietyandhonestyasmuchforhispeculiarities.Hewaspassingtheswingingdoorofasaloonwhichhadnonetoosavoryareputation,whenAlpaugh,theConstableofWillcox,whowasalsotheDeputySheriffofCochiseCounty,calledtohim.

"Hello,Paddy!Comeinandhaveadrin ,"heinvitedcordiallyslapping

theoldman'sshoulder.

"Ahlroight,Dic ,"wasthereply,"Oi'mgoin'togitsomethin'toate,anditwillbeanappytizer.IridfromtheDiamondHthismarnin',butitwastooairlyforbrea fastwhinIstartedout."

Thebar-tendermixedtheconcoctionsorderedandsettwoglassesonthebar,thensaying,"I'llbebac inaminute,"helefttheroominresponsetoacall,leavingPaddyandAlpaughalone,exceptforamansprawledacrossatableattheendoftheroom.



Paddyloo edattheman."ThatGlendonisalwaysdhrun ,"heremar edindisgust."Pityhiswoifedon'tloightoutandlavehim."Hemoved,nearer,"Say,Dic ,"hewhispered,thoughhisvoicecarrieddistinctly,"Oithin yezhadbetther apeanoyeonThray-fingeredJac ,Glendon,BentzandBur s.Oirunintothemlastwa enighGlendon'splace,andtheywassquattin'onthegrounddrawin'loines.Theydidn'tsayme,buttheywastal in'abouttheExpresscartotheJumpin'FrogMoines.Oidon'tloi etheloo sofit."

Alpaughglancedathimsharply."Muchobliged,Paddy;"hereplied."Didyouspea ofittoanyoneelse?"

"Naryasould,"respondedPaddy.

"Don'ttellanyoneelse,"cautionedAlpaugh.

"Ahlroight,Dic ;"answeredPaddy,liftingtheglasstohislips."Here'sloo in'atyez."

Ashotpingedthroughtheair,andtheglassfellfromPaddy'sfingersashetumbledinagrotesqueheaponthefloor.Glendon,holdingthestillsmo ingpistol,sprangtoPaddy'ssideandemptiedfourmorecartridgesintothemotionlessfigure.

Alpaughstoopedquic ly,brea ingthebuc s inthongaroundthetriggerofPaddy'spistol,andthrewthegunbesidethedeadman.

"Hedidn't nowyouandBentzsawhimoutthere.Stic toself-defence,"saidAlpaugh."Deadmentellnotales,andthedamnfool newtoomuch."

AcrowdofexcitedmenfilledtheplacewhenLimbercamerunningin."Whodoneit?"hedemanded,loo ingaround.

"Idid,"repliedGlendon,facinghim;andLimbersteppedbac asthoughmenacedwithablow.

"You--"

"Yes!Alpaughwasdrin ingwithPaddywhenheturnedonmewithoutanywarning,andIshotinself-defence.Theoldman'sbeennuttyforsometime,andhaditinformeeversincewehadtroubleatthecorraloverthatcow.Ifyoudon'tbelieveme,youcanas Alpaugh.Hesawitall."

Alpaughloo edatthefacesofthecrowd,and newhemust eephisheadlevel,forGlendonwasnotpopular,andPaddyhadmanyfriends.

"IsawPaddygoingpast,andas edhimintohaveadrin withme,"saidtheconstablewithapparentfran ness."Ottomixedthedrin sandwentbac totheendoftheroom,andPaddywastal ingtome.Glendonwasat

theotherendoftheroom,butgotupandstartedtowal overtous,andIwasgoingtoas himtohavesomethingwithus,whenPaddysawhimandreachedforhisgun.Glendonhadtoshootquic orbeshothimself.ThetriggerofPaddy'sguncaughtinthebuc s inloopofhisholster,orelsehe'dgotGlendonfirst.That'sallthereisaboutit.Paddy'sbeenitchyagainstGlendonforsometime.Everyone nowsthat."

HeturnedtoGlendon,"I'vegottoarrestyou,Jim,untilaftertheinquest."



"That'sallright,"answeredGlendon,thenhesawLimberscrutinizinghimsharply."Say,Limber,willyoutellmywife?She'sexpectingmehometonight."

Limber'seyeswererivetedonGlendon,asthoughtryingtoreadtheman'sthoughts."Yes,"herepliedcurtly,turningonhisheelandwal ingouttheroomwithoutanotherword.

"There'ssomethingcroo edinbac ofit,"hemutteredtohimself,ashereachedtheCowboys'Restandpic eduphissaddle.ThenherememberedPaddy'spromisedassistanceforTraynor."Noone nowswherePaddyhidhismoney,andthatsettlestheBoss,"hestoppedtopetthenoseofPaddy'sgaunt,old,flea-bittengreyhorse,whichhadbeenajo ewitheveryone,thenLimberflunghissaddleonPeanutandmounted."Sometimesitloo sli eitdon'tpaytobesquare,Peanut,"hesaidasthelittlepintoponyheadedfortheroadleadingtotheCircleCrossRanch.

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

Katherinesatontheporchofherhome,watchingtheroadthatledtotown.Itwaslongaftersixo'cloc andGlendonhadpromisedfaithfullyhewouldreturnearlyintheafternoon.TheCircleCrossherdwhichhadnotbeenlargeenoughtopayitsowner'sdebtsunderthemostfavourablecircumstances,haddwindledthroughthedrouthuntilGlendonrefusedtotrytosavewhatwasleft.Juanrodeoutaloneeachday,doingthebesthewasable,whileGlendonputteredaboutthehouseandcorral,orstretchedinahalf-drun enstuporonthecouchinthetinyliving-room.Katherinewassparedthe nowledgethatAlpaughheldanoteworthmorethantheremnantoftheircattleandthatthemoneyhadbeenusedbyGlendontopayseveralgamblingdebts,aswellasto eepPanchitainagoodhumour.

HermeditationswereinterruptedasTatterscametotheporchstepsandthrusthismoistnoseintoherhand.

"Whatdoyouthin iswrongthistime,Tatters?"sheas ed,loo ingdownatthedog'sintelligenteyes.SinceDonniehadleft,thewomananddoghadbeendrawntogetherbytheirmutuallongingfortheboy,andKatherinehadfallenunconsciouslyintothehabitoftal ingtothecollie.

Sheslippedanarmabouttheshaggynec ,andsilentlywatchedthetwilightdeepenintodar ness.Juanhoveredanxiouslyinthedoorway,andtriedtopersuadehertoeatsupper;butsheputhimoff,sayingshewouldcomesoon.Aforebodingclutchedher;shehadnodesireforfood.

Sha inghisheaddolefully,theMexicanretreatedtothe itchen.

Suddenlythedogstiffened,sniffedtheairandgavealowgrowl.Thenhesprangfromthestepsandrantothegate,wherehesquatteddown,andstaredsharplyattheroad.

Katherineheardthefaintsoundsofhoofbeats,andconfidentthatitwasherhusbandreturning,shehastenedtoseeifthebelatedsupperwasbeyondhope.



Therewasa noc atthedoor.Surprised,sheturnedtoopenit,whensheheardaman'svoicespea ing.

"Don'tbefrightened,Mrs.Glendon.It'sonlyLimber,IbrungamessageforyoufromGlendon."

Heenteredtheroom,andblin edinthelamplight,butKatherine,seeingtheexpressiononhisface,wasnotdeceived.

"What'sthematter?"sheas edquic ly.

Limberhesitated,clearedhisthroatandwonderedhowitwouldbebesttotellhismessage.Allthewayhehadbeenpuzzlingwhattosay.Ifithadbeenaman,oranyotherwoman,itwouldhavebeeneasier;butthecowpunchershran fromaddingtothetroublesofthewoman.Itwasli estri ingher.

"Why--it's--just--don'tbefrightened,Mrs.Glendon,"flounderedLimber,andcursedhimselfforma ingmattersworse."It'snotsoserious--"

Sheclutchedthebac ofachair;herfacewaswhite,buthervoicesteady."Tellme,justasyouwouldanotherman,Limber.Iwon'tbreadown.Ishedead?"

"Notabitofit,"repliedLimberinrelievedtones."He'sallright--wellasIam.Butthar'sbeentroubleintownandGlenshotPaddyLafferty.Dic Alpaughseenitandsaysitwasself-defence.SoGlenwillbeacquittedallright;buthe'sunderarresttilltheinquest.Hewantedmetocomeandtellyou."

Limberrepeatedthemeagerdetails,avoidinghereyesasmuchaspossible,andwatchingTatters,whoseheadhewasstro ingashetal ed.Thesilencebecameoppressiveafterheceasedspea ing,andLimberliftedhiseyes.

Katherine,apparentlyforgetfulofhispresence,satstaringatthewall,herhandstwitchingnervouslyather itchenapron.Herfacewas

deathlywhite.Limberwishedshewouldcry,thoughhedreadedawoman'stears.

"Don'tta eitsohard,Mrs.Glendon.It'sjustamatterofform,himbein'held.Glendonwillbehometomorrownight."

"Didyouseehim illPaddy?"hereyessearchedLimber's,forcingthereluctanttruthfromhislipsandtellinghimplainlythatshedoubtedthestoryashehadtoldit.

"No,Mrs.Glendon.Igottharafterwards.IheardAlpaughsaywhathappened.Hewasthere.ThenGlendonastmetocomeandtellyou.That'sallI now."

Sherose."Than you,Limber.Iunderstand.Itwasgoodofyoutocomethethirty-fivemiles.AfteryouhavesupperIwillbereadytogobacwithyou,ifyourponycanstandthetrip.FoxistheonlyhorseIhavehere,Jimtoo theteamtotown."

"Peanutisgoodforthetrip,"assertedLimber,"butitisameanrideatnighttillwestri etheflats.Mebbeyou'dbetterwaittillmornin'ifyouthin you'doughtergo."



"Imustgotonight;"sherepliedandLimbermadenofurtherprotest.Henewthetensionunderwhichshelaboured.

Juaninsistedthatshema eanefforttoeat,whileLimberswallowedacupofcoffee,thennecessaryarticlesinasmallbundleweretiedtohersaddleasFoxandPeanutrubbedfriendlynoses.

TheoldMexican'sheartwasheavyashewatchedthemrideaway,andthedog'searsdroopeddejectedly.Outonthelongnightridetheponiesswungintoasteadylope.Thesoftbreezefannedthechee softheridersli eacoolspray.Ayoungmoonslippedcoylyoverthehorizon.TheairwasheavywiththeperfumeofYuccathateventhedrouthcouldnot ill,whilefaintandsweetcametheliltofamoc ing-bird.

Katherinecouldnotma eherselfbelievethatoutofthebeautyandpeaceofthenightshewouldfindthemanshehadswornto'love,honourandobey'withhumanbloodonhishands--themurdererofanold,defencelessmanwhohaddonemanyanactof indnessforherandherboy.

Oncesheturnedandspo e."Whereishe?"

"Inthehotel;"answeredLimber."Alpaughhaschargeofhimtilltheinquestisover."

Theyrodeagaininsilence,eachabsorbedinthoughtuntil,afterwearyhours,thelightsofthetowngrewvisible.AtlasttheponiesstoppedinfrontoftheWillcoxHotel.Afewmenloiteringabout,staredcuriouslyasLimberhelpedKatherinefromhersaddle.Itwasaftertwointhemorning.Theby-standerswhorecognizedMrs.Glendon,liftedtheirhatsrespectfully.Oneofthemspo ehername.Sheturnedherdulleyesonhim.Herlipsmovedbuttherewasnosound.Themanunderstood,andcho edanoath.

Limberuntiedthebundlefromhersaddle,andshefollowedhimstifflyintothehotel,shrin inginthenarrow,dimlylightedhallwaywhilethecowboymadearrangementswiththesleepynightman.

"I'llta eyouuptotheroom,"saidLimber.Shenoddedsilently.

Onthesecondfloorthecowboypausedatthedoorand noc ed.

"Comein!"calledGlendon'svoice.

LimbersmiledreassuringlytoKatherine;thenheturnedandlefther.Shestoodbitingherlips,tryingtocontrolheremotion,andholdingthedoor nobinanervelesshandthatwastremblingwithexhaustion.

"Whattheblazesisthematter?Comein,Isay!"

Thedoorwasjer edopenviolentlyandGlendonstoodstaringathiswife.Anoathrosetohislips.

"Whatbroughtyouhere?"hedemandedroughly.

Shepassedintotheroom,turnedandheldoutherhandstohim,sayingsimply,"WhereelseshouldIbe,Jim,whenyouareintrouble?Ithoughtyouwantedmetocome."

"Well,Ididn't.Imighthave nownyou'dnotbeabletoresistan



opportunitytotwitandremindmehowyou'vebeggedmetostayawayfromtown,andallthatrot!Ionlyas edLimbertogoandtellyouwhathadhappened,andasusual,yougotoextremesandcomehi inginhereinthemiddleofthenight.You'rema ingamountainoutofamolehill.I'dbeenhomebythisevening.Therewasnottheleastexcuseforyourcominghere."

Obeyinganimpulse,shemovednearandlaidherhandonhisshoulder.Heshoo itoffroughlyandstartedfromthechairintowhichhehadslumped.

"ForGod'ssa e,Katherine,cutoutthatrot!I'msic ofyoursaintlypose,andIdon'twantanypreachingorpraying.IhadtoshootLaffertyorbeshotmyself."

"Wasitself-defence,Jim?"

Henotedtheundercurrentofdoubtandrippedoutanoath.

"Itoldyouonce,andI'mnotgoingto eepjabberingaboutittherestofthenight.YougototheinquestandhearAlpaugh'stestimony,aslongasyoudon'tbelieveme."

Hestrodeacrosstheroomtothetableandpouredoutagenerousglass

ofrawwhis ey,whichhefollowedbyasecond,thenathird,andatlastthrewhimselfonthebed.Inafewminutestheroomwasheavywiththefumesofliquorandnoisywithsnoresofthedrun ensleeper.

SoftlyKatherineliftedthelittlewindow,andletthecleanpureairblowacrossherface.Somewhereacloc struc three.Thewoman,sittinginthedar ness,staredwithdryachingeyes,thin ingofthepast,wonderingwhatthefutureheld.Itwasli eloo ingintoachasm.

Whengreydawn,li eafeeble,sic thing,creptthroughthewindow,Glendonwo erefreshedandbuoyant;buthiswifewashaggeredandworn,withgreatdar ringsunderhereyes.Herhusbandloo edathercritically,contrastingherwiththeflamboyantattractionsofPanchita.

"Can'tyoufixyourselfupabit?"hedemandedinaggrievedtones."You'relosingyourgoodloo scompletely.Anyonewouldta eyoufortwiceyourage.Lotofgoodyoudome,comingherewithyourglumface!"

Shemadenoreply,whichaddedtotheangerheventedby ic ingachairoutofhisway.Glendon'shandshoo ashepouredoutadrin ofliquortosteadyhisnerves,whileKatherineopenedtheparcelshehadbroughtwithher,layingouthisrazor,acleanshirtandcollar.Hisclotheswerecreasedandrumpled,ashehadsleptallnightinthem.Thenshepic edupasmallpitcherandwentinsearchofhotwater.ShefinallyobtaineditfromtheChinesecoo inthe itchen,forthehotelbraggednobell-boysorbells.

TheinquisitiveglanceoftheChinamanandaMexicanwhomshepassedatthe itchendoor,broughttoherthefullrealizationoftheordealshewasfacing.Ifshecouldonlybelievethatherhusbandhadactedinself-defence,shewouldstandunsha enbesidehim,defyingtheentireworld;butshecouldnotma eherselfcredithisstory.Alwayswhenhehadtriedtodeceiveher,somesubtleinstinctbetrayedhimtoher.Throughthenightshehadreiteratedagainandagain,"Itwasself-defence,"butlouderandlouderachorusofvoices eptwhisperinginherears,"Heislying!Itwasmurder!"



SheseizedthepitcherofwaterfromtheChinaman'shandandhurriedupstairstoherroom.Glendonacceptedherservicesasamatterofcourse,profferingnowordofthan s.

HalfanhourlaterAlpaugh noc ed,andthethreewenttothehoteldining-roomforbrea fast.Glendon'sappetitewasexcellent.Alpaughandhetal edcasually,occasionallyinterjectingajo e;butthefoodcho edGlendon'swife,andwithafeelingofreliefsheroseandreturnedtothebedroomfollowedbyherhusband.Alpaugh,asamatterofform,hoveredattheentranceofthehotel.

"Theinquestisatnine,"saidGlendonastheyenteredtheirroom."It'shalf-pasteightnow,"heconsultedhiswatch.

"Jim,"shehesitated,"Ithin Iwillstayhereintheroom.I'mnotfeelingquitewellthismorning."

Heloo edatherandasullenrageconsumedhim.Herealizedthatshewasnotdeceivedbyhisstory.

"Goingtoshir it,eh?"heas edsneeringly,"Well,youwillhavetocome,that'sallthereistoit.Loo fineformewheneveryone nowsyourodeherelastnightandthenhidawayjustatthetimewhenyou,or

anydecentwife,shouldstandbyaman.Thatwouldbeenoughtocondemnanyoneinmyfix."

Itwasnotthathedesiredhercompany;buthewasawarethatherpresencewouldhaveitsinfluence,incaseanythingshouldupsetAlpaugh'stestimony.Thebartendermighthaveseenmorethentheythought;besidestherewasnotellingwhatunexpectedsnagmightbestruc duringtheinquest.Paddyhadmanystaunchfriends.

Asthesethoughtsbesethim,Glendonloo edathiswife."Well,areyougoingtostandbyme,ornot?"

Herreplywastopic upherhatwhichsheadjusted.Asheopenedthe

door,shesaidimploringly,"Itwasself-defence,wasn'tit,Jim?"

"GoodGod,Katherine,youwilldrivememad!Isaiditonce.NowyoucanlistentoAlpaughandma eupyourmindaboutitasyouplease.Stopnaggingme."

Withoutfurtherconversation,husbandandwifeaccompaniedAlpaughtothelittleofficeoftheJusticeofPeace,wheretheinquestwastobeheld.Agroupofmenattheentrance,glancedpeculiarlyatGlendon;thentheirexpressionschangedastheysawthewomanathisside.Glendonwasquic tonoticethisandcongratulatedhimselfthatKatherinewaswithhim.Withassumedsolicitudeheledhertoachairandstoodsilentlybesideher,hiseyesonherbowedhead,untilthe

proceedingsbegan.

TheinquestfullyexoneratedGlendon,asthebar-tenderhadnotseenwhatoccurredandAlpaughwastheonlyactualwitness.Thebro enbuc s inthongwasadmittedasproofthatPaddyhaddrawnhisgun,thusma ingitimpossibleforanyjurytobringinaverdictagainstGlendon.Thereweremanywitnessestothequarrelattheshipping-corral,whenPaddyhadrefusedtosha ehandswithGlendonafterthelatterhadapologizedtohim;andasnoonehadheardGlendonutteranythreatsagainstPaddy,therewasapparentlynomotiveexcept



thatofself-defence.Ontheotherhand,theoldIrishmanhadoftenexpressedhisdisli eforGlendon.

Assoonastheverdictwasrendered,GlendonwassurroundedandcongratulatedbyBentz,Three-fingeredJac ,Bur sandAlpaugh.Withsmilesandlightwordsheshoo theirhands;butothermenexchangedglancesandlefttheroom,tal inginsubduedvoices.

Katherinesawthedoubtinmanyfaces,andshran atthereflectionofthefearinherownheart.Glendon'scallousindifference,hiscarelessair,revealedherhusbandinanewandhideouslight.

Withtremblinglimbsshemadeherwaytohisside,placingherhandonhisarm.Heloo eddowninsurprise,andanexpressionofannoyancecrossedhisface.Hehadcompletelyforgottenhiswife'spresenceandhadbeenabouttosuggesttothecrowdthatdrin swereinorderatthemostconvenientplace.

Sherealizeditall,andwishedthatshehadremainedattheranch."Jim--Idon'tfeelverywell.Willyouta emetothehotel?"

Heshruggedhisshoulders,butrememberingotherswerewatching,answered,"Yes."Husbandandwifemovedsidebysidetowardthedoor.

"Seeyoulater,Glen,"saidThree-fingeredJac ,andAlpaughadded:"You'renotgoingouttoday,areyou?"

Katherineloo edup.Glendon,withasuddensenseofshame,replied;"I'llgobac withmywifethisafternoonwhenitgetscooler,butI'llseeyoubothbeforeIleavetown."

Hereyesweregrateful.Glendon,consciousofahaloofself-importanceandgoodintentions,wal eddownthestreet,spea ingtopassers-by,thoughmanyofthemrespondedonlyindeferencetothewomanathisside.

Astheypassedalongthestreet,severalmenstandinginfrontofthe

postoffice,watchedthemdisappearintothehotel.

"Glen'sturnedoveranewleaf,"observedoneofthem.

"'Twon'tlastverylong.Newleavesareawfultender.Theygettornmightyquic ,"laughedanother.

"It'dbeenall-firedexcitin'ifPanchitahadbeenintown.There'dbeenfurflyin',andIbetGlendonwouldhavevamoosedandlet'emfightitouttoafinish.YoucangetariseoutenPanchitaanytimeyouspeaaboutMrs.Glendon."

"Ifitevercomestoashowdownbetween'emIbetontheMexicangirl

forawinner.She'sgottheinsidetrac sure.Glen'swifeistoohigh-headedtowintherace."

NoneofthemnoticedLimberpausingclosebyasheheardMrs.Glendon'sname.Thecowboy'seyesglinted,hislipswerecompressedandhishandsclenched.

"Iain'tsosureaboutMrs.Glendonlosingtherace,"retortedthefirstspea er."InoticedthatGlenquitprancingmightyquic whenhiswifeslippedthehalteroverhisheadandledhimofftothehomepasture!"



Theburstoflaughterthatgreetedthiswitticismwashushedsuddenly,asLimberbro ethroughthegroupandfacedthemwithblazingeyes.

"Youareafinebunchofthingstocallyourselvesmen!Youfellersain'tfittowipethedustoff'nMrs.Glendon'sshoes,letaloneta in'hernameonyourdirtytongues.Thefellerwhatma esanymoreremar saboutherhasgotmetofightjustassoonasIhearhisname.Ifthere'sanyoneherethatdon'tli ewhatIsay,he nowswhathe indo."

Limberwaitedareply,butthethoroughlyabashedmenweresilent,andthecowboystal edaway.

Whenhewaswelloutofhearing,oneofthemen,arecentarrivalinArizona,utteredanoath,"Iain'tgoin'tostandforthatsassfromnobody,"heblustered.

Anothermangrabbedhisarm."Loo here!Youain'tbeenverylonginthissectionandyouwon'tbehereverylongifyouthin youcanputitoverLimber.He'sthebestpistolshotintheTerritory."

"Andyou'dhaveasmuchchanceagainsthim,"warnedanotherbystander,"asajac rabbitwouldhave,ifitsmeltthecor ofawhis eybottle

andthengotbrashandslappedabull-doginthejaw.""Goaheadandtryit,ifyouwantto,"commentedthethirdman,"Wehaven'thadafuneral'roundhereforsometimenow.It'dliventhingsupabitforallofus--exceptyourself."

Thenew-comerloo edafterLimber'sfigurewithrespectfuleyes.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

WhenNellheardthenewsofPaddy'sdeathshefeltshehadlostasincerefriend.Ashereyesrestedonthedoorsheseemedtoseethewrin ledfacewithastrangelysoftenedloo ,andhearhisvoicesaying,"Goodnoight,MisthressThraynor.Gitagoodnoight'sristanddon'tworritanymore."PooroldPaddy!Howlittletheydreamedofthelongresthewouldfindthenextnight.

ShewasgladthatshehadobeyedhisinjunctionnottoletherhusbandnowanythingofthepromisedloanuntilPaddyhimselfshouldspea ofit.HersilencehadsavedAllanfromindulginginplansthatcouldnotnowbecarriedout.Everythingseemedmorehopelessthanever.

DoctorPowellhadbeentryingtosecurealoanthroughfriendsintheeast,inordertoassistTraynortoshipsomeofhisstoc ;buthiseffortshadbeenfruitless,sofar,andalettertoldthemthathewasgoingtoLosAngelestoseeifanythingcouldbedonethere.

Thestage-driverwhodeliveredPowell'sletter,broughtthelittlecollarthatPaddyhadcommissionedLimbertobuyforthefawn.ThecowboyhadscribbledafewwordsexplainingthatthegiftcamefromPaddy.Jamiewasdelighted.Theydidnottellhimthathisoldfriendwasdead.



Awee afterPaddy'sdeath,Nellstoodpic ingafewwitheredleavesfromthegeraniuminthewindow,andhertearsfellonthebrilliantredflowers.Shestaredoutthewindow,wonderingwhythosewhotriedtodoright,foundlifethehardest.

Agauntcalfstumbledwea lyandfellnearthefence,ma ingnoefforttorise,asthoughunderstandingthefutilityofstrugglinganylonger.

"Oh,itishorrible!"shecried,turningawaythatshemightnotseethedyingconvulsionsoftheanimal.

Shefeltthedrouthwasaliving,relentlessthing,wrappingitscoilsaboutthemall,menandbrutesali e,cho ingandcrushingtheveryheartoftheuniverse.Unnervedbyconstantanxietyoverthesic child,theworryofthedrouth,andtheshoc ofPaddy'sdeath,shefellsobbingtoher neesbesidethecouchwheretheboylayasleep,breathingheavily,hischee sburningwithfever.

Inthedistanceastrangehazehadformed.Itmovedslowlyandmajesticallynearer,graduallygrowingthic er--firstamistygrey,thenchangingtoablac velvetycurtain,droppingstraightdownfroms ytoearth.Creepingstealthily,itturnedtoabrilliantredhuethatloo edasifitweredrippingwithfreshblood,acolourthatstungthe

eyeballsuntiloneputupahandtoshutoutthegrewsomesight.Itshotbreathcrawledintothelungsandstifledone;lic edthefaceandfannedthehair.Thenwithdiabolicmenacethecolourchangedtoanin yblac ness,whilehighaboverosetheedgeofthepall.Tippedwithgreyandwhiteitbelliedoutli ethecrestofanenormousblac wavethatseemedtopoiseasecondbeforehurlingitselftotheearth.Cattlebellowedandtrampedfranticallybesidethefences,tryingtoescapethedryscorchingair,aswithagreatswirlanddeepsuction,li eamightysob,theduststormenvelopedtheranch.

Althoughitwasthreeo'cloc intheafternoontheroomsweredarenoughtoneedlights.Theraysfromthejetsfilteringthroughthemisty,movingcloudsofdust,loo edweirdanduncanny.Everywindowwas

tightlyclosed;theairwasstifling.JamiemoanedandmovedhisheadrestlesslyasNellsatfanninghim.Slowlythedustsiftedthroughthewindowsandunderthedoors,settlingoneverything,untilthepillowunderthechild'sheadbecamegreyandfinallybrown.Fortwoterriblehoursthestormlastedinallitsfury,thenafaintgleamoflightslowlyturnedfromgreytoliquidgold,andNellrantoraisethewindowsandletinthefreshair.

Thewindowsashwaswarpedandstubborn;thewomanexcited,andinheranxietysomethingcaughtontheflower-box.Withanimpatientexclamationshehauledtheheavyboxnearertheedgeofthewidewindow-sill,andthenleaningforward,sheforcedupthesash.

Awaveoffresh,pureair,tingedwithapeculiarodour,filledtheroom.AsNell,pantingfromherexertion,leanedagainsttheledge,therewasasuddencrash,andtheboxofgeraniumslaywrec edatherfeet.Somethingelselaythere.Shininggoldintwentydollarpieces--Paddy'slegacytoJamie.

Shestaredstupidlyamoment,thenclutchedatthegoldpieces.Theyshoweredfromherhandsassheliftedand issedthecoinspassionately.ThiswouldmeanlifeandhappinessforAllanandJamie.



Astrangerumblestartledher.Thencamethesoundofafrightfulcrash,therushofhurryingfeet,andthedoorwasflungopenasTraynorclashedin.

"Loo --loo ,Nell!Rain!Rain!Rain!Than God!Wearesaved!"

Thedeafeningroarofthestormalmostdrownedhisvoiceastherainbeatonthecorrugatedironroofandfloodedthecourt.

Thenhesawtheboxandthescatteredgold.Whilethestormshrie edandfloodedthecountry,ma inggreatrunningstreamsofthedryprairie,NelltoldherhusbandofthesecretshehadheldwithPaddy.

Sheslippeddownonthefloor,liftingthecoinsintoherlap,andcountedthemslowly."Twenty-fivethousanddollars!"sheexclaimed,andthelastgoldpiecefellwithatin leli elaughter,asthougholdPaddy,standingby,invisible,werechuc lingathisjo e.

"PooroldPaddy!"saidTraynor,"WenoneofusunderstoodtheoldchapexceptyouandJamie.You'vebeenapluc ylittlewoman,andnowtherains,andthislegacyofPaddy's,everythingiscomingoutright!"Nellpic edupthebro engeraniumandhelditagainstherlips."Godblessyou,Paddy!"shesaid.

Sherosetoherfeetandherhusbandslippedanarmaroundherwaistastheystoodtogetheratthelong,Frenchwindow,loo ingoutatthegloriousrain,whilePaddy'sgoldlayshiningattheirfeet.

Allnighttherainfellintorrents,andthenforthefollowingwee s,eachdaybroughtitsstorm,fillingtheditchesandwateringplacesintheflatsandmountains,whilethecattlescatteredovertherangesinsteadofcrowdinginthefewspotswheretherewaswater.

TheworstdrouthinthehistoryofArizonawasover.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

DoctorPowell,whohadreturnedfromLosAngelesafewdayspreviously,wasfollowingChappoaboutthegardenaftersupper,praisingtheflowersthelittleMexicanhadplantedandcultivatedwithsuchsuccess.Limber,comingfromthestableafterafinalvisittoseethatthehorseswereallrightforthenight,noticedariderontheroadfromtheCircleCross.

"Juaniscoming,"announcedthecowpuncher.

Powellturnedquic ly."Ihopenothingiswrong."

Theywal edtowardthegate.Juandismounted,slippedthereinsoverhispony'sheadandheldanotetoPowell,saying,"FromLaSeÃ±ora.ElSeÃ±orGlendonissee ."

Thedoctorhastenedintothehouse,lightedalampandread;

_DearDoctor:_



Willyoucomebac withJuan?Myhusbandisill.Hehadaseverechill,butisnowinastuporandIcannotrousehim.Idonot nowwhatisthematter.Pleasehurry,forIammuchalarmed.

Sincerelyyours,

KATHERINEGLENDON.

PowellreturnedtotheporchandquestionedJuan,whotoldhimGlendonhadnotbeenwellforacoupleofdaysandhadrefusedtoallowhiswifetoconsultthedoctorasshehadwishedtodo.

Hurriedlypac ingwhatmedicineshethoughtmightbenecessary,whileChapposaddledahorse,PowellexplainedthesituationbrieflytoLimberandsetout,Juanathisside,fortheGlendonranch.

KatherinewasatthedoorwhenhedismountedandhandedthereinsofhishorsetoJuan.

"Oh,Iamsogladyouhavecome!"sheexclaimed."Idon't nowwhatisthematter.Ihaveneverseenhimthiswaybefore.UsuallyI nowwhattodoforhim."

Sheledthewayintothebedroom,asshespo e,andPowellnotedthe

unconsciousrevelationinherwords.Glendonlayonthebed,hisredcongestedfaceandrelaxedsensuallipsaddingtoabestialappearance.Thedoctordrewachairtothebedsideandliftedthelimp,heavyhandfromthecoverlet,thenheleaneddownandplacedhisearagainstGlendon'schest.Slowlythesecondstic edaway.Thedoctorleanedbacandstudiedthedissipatedcountenance,whileKatherinewaitedatthefootofthebed.

"Isitserious?"sheas edanxiously.

"Pneumonia,"repliedPowellgravely."Iwillhavetobefran ,Mrs.Glendon.Hehaswrec edafineconstitution.Theheartisinbadconditionfromdrin ing.Alcoholismandpneumoniacombinedleavevery

slightchanceforrecoveryinthisaltitude."

"Iunderstandthat,"answeredGlendon'swife,"butthereisafightingchance,isn'tthere?"

"Yes--afightingchance,nothingmore.Hisheartiswea .Whenthecrisiscomesitmaystop,oritmayrespondtotreatmentandrallysufficientlytogoon.Thatistheonechanceforhimtopullthrough."

AsPowellturnedagaintohispatient,sheas edveryquietly,"IsthereanythingIcando?"

"Bringaspoon,glassoffreshwater,andsomestripsofflannel,ifyou

havethem?"

Shehurriedaway,andreturnedinafewminutes.

"That'sgood,"approvedthedoctor,asshelaidtheneatlyrolledflannelbandagesonthetablebesidehimandarrangedthetumbler,spoonandpitcherofwaterwherehecouldreachthemconveniently."Heatthatcamphoratedoil,please."

Shefollowedhisinstructionsandwatchedhimsaturatetheflannel,



whichheslippedaroundGlendon'schestandacrosshisbac withthedeftnessandgentlenessofawoman.Thenhedrewthecoverletsmoothlyandloo edatKatherine'spaleface.

"Youhadbettergetalittlerest,"hesaid."Iwillstayhereuntilthecrisisispast.Ta ethis,"hecommanded,preparingamixtureintheglassandholdingitouttoher.

Katherineswallowedthecontentsofthetumbler,whilePowelladded,"Youhaveacouchintheotherroom?I'llcallwhenit'snecessary.Thereisnothingyoucandonow,andyoumustsaveyourstrengthallyoucan."

Thereactionfromthreedaysofanxietyandresponsibilityaidedthesedativeinbringingsorelyneededmentalandphysicalrelaxation.Thedoorleadingintothesitting-roomwasopen,andafterashortintervalthedoctormovedsoftlytosatisfyhimselfthatshewassleeping.Achillwascreepingthroughthehouse.Hewenttothebedroomandliftedanextracoverletfromthefoot-boardofthebed,andcarriedittotheotherroom.Thelightfromthebed-roomfelluponherfaceandthroat,andasthedoctorcarefullyplacedthecoverletoverher,hesawdarbruisesagainstthepallorofthes in.Inrepose,thelinesofsufferingwererevealedplainly,andthepatheticdroopofthemouthli ethatofasorrowingchild.Throughherhalf-partedlipsheheard

thequiveringsoundofasuppressedsob.Hegazedather,aworldofloveandpityinhiseye,thenheglancedthroughtheopendooratthemanwholayonthebed.

Slowlythedoctorreturnedtothechairatthebedside,heleanedoverandloo edatGlendonintently.Thecrisiswasnotveryfaroff.Powellstudiedtheheartaction,too countofthepulse,thenhiseyeswenttothemedicineonthetable.Nosoundexceptthetic ingofthecloc andthestentorianbreathingofGlendonbro ethesilence.IntheotherroomKatherinesleptquietly.Thedoctor'seyesdidnotmovenowfromthefaceofthemanonthebed.Thepulsebeatsweregrowingwea er.Powell'shandreachedtowardthemedicine,pausedasecond,thenwithdrewandfellheavilyinhislap.Momentswentby,andstillthe

womanintheotherroomrestedquietly;themanonthebeddriftedmorecloselytothewhirlpoolofEternity,andthemanbesidethebed,withwhiteface,tightlysetmouthandeyesli esmoulderingflame,satwaiting.Oncethedoctorroseandwal edsoftlybac andforthacrosstheroom,thehandsclaspedbehindhimwerebruisedbythenailsthatcutintotheflesh.OnthemantelofthelivingroomwasapictureofDonnie.Thechild'seyesloo edintohisown,theyfollowedhimashemovedabout.

Powellreturnedtothebedandsan intothechair,thenhisfacewasburiedinhishands.Withaquic movementherousedhimselfandwatchedGlendonsteadily.Atlastheturnedslowlytothetableandgraspedthevial.Hehelditbeforehimandloo edonceagainatGlendon,butthis

timethedoctor'seyeswereuntroubled.

Slowlyandcarefullyhepouredafewdropsofthefluidthatwoulddrivethesluggishbloodtotheheartthathadalmostceasedtobeat.Slowlyitresponded.Then,inthesilenceofthenightPowellbeganhisbattletosaveKatherineGlendon'shusband.Dawnli eashadowygreywolf,crawledoverthetopsoftheGaliurosandslippeddownintotheHotSpringsCaÃ±on.Thecraggedpea swerebathedinsunlightasPowellloo edatthem,hisfacedrawnandhaggard,hiseyesweary,butinhisheartaprayerofthan sgivingandapleaforstrengthtocarryonhis



battlewithoutfaltering.

Aslightnoiseatthedoorcausedhimtoturn.Katherinecameswiftlytohisside.

"Howishe?"sheas edeagerly.

"Rallyingperfectly.Thecrisisispastforthepresent.Unlesssomethingunexpectedoccurs,weshallpullhimthrough."

"Whydidn'tyoucallme?"as edKatherine.

"Youneededtherest,"hereplied."Thoughthedangerpointisalmostover,youwillhavealongsiegeofnursingthatwilltaxyourutmoststrength.IshallremainhereuntilIamreasonablysureheissafe,andthen,youcanta echarge.Doyou nowhowtouseathermometerorta eapulse?"

"Yes.DoctorKingtaughtmethat."

"Thenyoucanmanageaswellasthoughyouhadatrainednursehere.But,remember!Youmustconserveyourstrength.Thatisrulenumberoneforanurse.Itisinflexible.Understand?"

"Ipromisetodoexactlywhatyousay,"shereplied."NowIamgoingtogetyourbrea fastandagoodstrongcupofcoffeewillbereadyverysoon."

Glendoncontinuedtoimproveduringtheday,andPowell'svigilanceneverrelaxed.Katherinerelievedthedoctorforafewhoursatatime.Whenawee hadelapsedwithoutdevelopingunfavourablesymptoms,Glendonwaspronouncedpracticallyoutofdanger.Thedoctor newhisownwea nessnow,andwithhispatientontheroadtorecovery,Powell'santagonismtothemanreturnedwithgreaterintensity.Yet,asthedoctorrodehomehedeterminedthatassoonasGlendonwaswellenough,hewouldtrytoawa enanyshredofdecencythatmightbedormantinthehusbandofKatherineGlendon,thewomanwhomPowellloved.

Theprofessionalcallscontinuedseveralwee s,butPowellandKatherineonlymetintheroomwhereGlendonlaywea andthoroughlyfrightened,forPowellimpresseduponGlendontheseriousnessofhisphysicalconditionandtheinevitableresultofcontinuousdrin ing,whichhadwea enedhisheart.Glendon'spromisestoreformweregenuine.Anothermonthwentpast.Anaw wardrestrainthadgrowngraduallybetweenKatherineandthedoctor,andthoughheflayedhisconscience,hecouldfindnoreasonforit.Asdayswentby,itbecameunbearabletortureforhimtoseeherinherhomewithGlendon,andyet,itwasstillhardertoresistthetemptationtogothere.FinallyPowelldeterminedtoleavetheSprings,andChappoawee latercarriedanotetoKatherine.

_DearMrs.Glendon:_

IshallbeattheDiamondHranchforamonth,afterwhichtimeIamleavingArizonaforanindefiniteperiod,onbusinesspertainingtotheplansfortheSanitarium.LimberandChappowillbeattheSpringsallthetime,sodonothesitatetocallonthemshouldyourequireassistanceatanytimeorinanyway.

Withmysincereregardsforyourhusbandandyourself,



Mostcordiallyyours,

CUTHBERTPOWELL

Katherinereadthenoteinherroom.Hereyesblurredwithsuddentears.NowthatPowellhadgoneoutofherlife,thoughtsthatshehadheldinrestraint,rushedacrossherli eangryanimalsbrea ingtheirleashes.Shesawwithunblindedeyesthehideousnessofherlife,thehopelessnessofthefuture,forduringthepastfewdaysGlendonhadstartedagaintodrin .

Thenotetrembledinherfingers,ateardroppedonitandherheartwassic withdespair.Sheunderstoodatlastthemeaningofthecourage,thepeacethathadcomeintoherlife,andshe newthatshecouldgoontotheendthatshemightpurifyherloveforPowell,bytheflameofsacrifice.

Asthenoteblazedupinthefireplace,thendiedtoaquiveringgreymass,sheliftedherfacetothetallpea sthatbentoverthecaÃ±on,andtheirstrengthseemedtoreachouttoher.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

Withthebrea ingofthedrouth,Jamieseemedtoacquirefreshvitality,andbythetimethegrasscoveredthevalleyhewasabletota eshortridesonhispony,carefullyguardedfromover-exertionbyLimberandDoctorPowell.Undertheirunitedcarethelittlepatientgainedadditionalstrength.Theyallhopedthatthecrisismightbesuccessfullytidedover.

OnedaywhenLimberandJamiehadreturnedfromtheirride,thecowpuncheraccostedTraynorinthestable,whileunsaddlingtheponies.

"Thar'sgoin'tobeasaleofGovernmenthorsesatPortGranttomorrow,andmaybeI'dbettergoan'loo 'emover."

"Goodidea,"assentedtheBoss."Bettergetoverearlyandsizethemupbeforethebiddingcommences."

EarlythenextmorningLimberreachedthegarrisonandmadehiswaytotheQuartermaster'sCorralwherethehorsesdestinedforsaleweretethered.Frequentlygoodhorsescouldbegottencheaplyatsuchsales,becauseofblemishesthatrenderedthemunfitforCavalryuse,yetdidnotinterferewithotherwor .Onlyaperfecthorsewasrec onedamatchfortheponiesoftheApaches.

Limberselectedtwoanimals,thenstoodwatchingthesales.Henoticedwithsurprisethatnoonewasbiddingonabig,handsomesorrelwithcreammaneandtailandeyesthatwerealightwithintelligence.Theslenderlegsandtaperingearsshowedheritageofracingblood.

Thecowboyexaminedtheanimal,buttherewasnosignofblemish.Puzzled,hewatchedinferiorhorsesputupandsoldafterlivelybidding;butnoonemadeanofferonthesorrel,thatwatchedtheotherhorseswithevidentinterestthatwasalmostamusedcuriosity.Limberli edthehorse,somehow.



"What'shecondemnedfor?"as edLimberofasoldierwhostoodnearhim.

"Unmanageable.Brea sran ,won'tfacewiththeotherhorses,danceswhenheoughttostandstill,andrunsli etheDevil,everytimetheylineupinparade.He'sracingstoc .Adandyhorse,alright,buttoohigh-livedforCavalrywor ,andtheycan'tbrea himintoit.He'sgotmoresensethananyotherhorseinthetroop,butaftertheypunishedhimafewtimes,hegottofightingeverytimeasaddlewasputonhisbac ."

LimberrememberedseveralexcellenthorsesattheDiamondHthathadbeenmoreunpromisingmaterial.Whenhewentbac totheranchafterthesale,heledthebigsorrelhorse,intendingtohandleithimself.

JamiewasinthestablewhenLimberarrived,andthehorseleanedoutitsgracefulnec untilitsnosetouchedthechild'sshoulder.Asuddenthoughtstruc Limber.Thehorsehadbeenusedtochildren,evidently,atsomeperiodofitslife.

"Gogetsomesugar,"saidLimbertoBronco,andwhenhereturned,Limberhandedalumpofsugartothechild."Seeifhewillta eitfromyou."Jamieheldoutthesugar,andGov'ner,withalittlenic er,too itcarefullyfromtheboy'shand.Afterrepeatingtheoperationseveral

times,theboymovedslowlyaway,holdingouthishand,andthehorsefollowedhim,threadinggingerlybetweenthebuggies,aroundthemen,andreceivinghisreward.

TraynorandNellcameouttowatchthem,andGov'nercondescendedtoma efriendswiththewoman,also,butflatlyrefusedtoacceptsugarfromanyofthemen.Heplainlyshowedhispreferenceforthechild,andTraynorlaughedashesaid,

"Hehasnouseforanyonebutyou,Jamie.He'syourhorsefromnowon;butyoumustnotridehimuntilLimbersaysthatitwillbeallright."

SofordaysGov'nerwaseducated,gentlyand indly,andalwayswiththe

childnearby.Atfirsttheboywasplacedontheanimal'sbac ,whileitwasledaboutthebarn.Afterthat,Limber,mountedonPeanut,ledGov'nerontheroadatawal ,whileJamietal edtothehorseorpattedtheshiningnec .NotoncewasthereanyindicationoffractiousnessonthepartofGov'ner.Achild'sloveand indnesshadconqueredwheredisciplinehadfailed.

Mornings,whentheday'swor ontherangewaslight,Gov'nerwouldbeledoutandtheminiaturecowboysaddleplacedonhisbac .Neatlycoiledandtiedtothesaddlewasabeautifullymaderiata,thegiftofBronco,whowasnotedforhiss illinma ingtheseropes.Whenthechildishfigureappeared,equippedwithleatherleggingsandtinyspurs,therewouldbeasharp,joyousyelpfromDash,theleaderofthe

greyhoundpac ,andanansweringcallasKillem,Catchem,ScrubandBeautycameleapingindelight, nowingtherewererabbitsandcoyotestochase.

Fongshuffledoutwithalard-pailslippedintoafloursac ,whichhecarefullytiedtothelittlesaddle,withthesmilinginformation,"Cla eandcloo ies."ThenNell issedtheboygood-bye,saying,"Ta egoodcareofhim,Limber;"andtheman,turninginhissaddlewouldreply,"Don'tyoufret,Mrs.Traynor.Weallloo outfortheKid."



Intheevening,thecowpuncher,dwindlingtoatinywhite-robedfigure,crawledintoNell'sarmsasshesatinfrontofthebig,"comfy"fire-place,totellheraboutthebabycalves,andhowmanyrabbitshadbeenchased.Once,withshiningeyesandflushedchee s,how"MeandLimberropedacoyote--butweletitgohomeagaintoitsfambly--'causeItoldLimberI newtheywouldbewaitingforittocome."

OnedayJamiedidnotcomeouttoGov'ner'sstall,andthehorsewhinniedinvain.Themenwentaroundspea ingsoftly,ta ingofftheirspurstoavoidanypossiblenoiseontheboardfloorofthestable,andDoctorPowellneverleftthebedsideofthedar ened,quietroom,wherehebattledforthelifeofthechildtheylovedsodeeply.

"Youhadbetterta ehimandMrs.TraynortoLosAngeles,"thedoctoradvisedTraynor."Sheisbrea ingdownunderthelongstrain,andinherconditionneedscareasmuchastheboy.IwillgowithyouandstayaslongasIcanbeofanyassistance."

"Doyouthin thereisanyhopeforhim?"as edTraynor.

"Achild'slifeisabitofdelicatemechanism,"answeredPowell,"evenwhenallhopewaslost,Ihaveseenwonderfulrallies.Notthroughthes illofaphysician,butthroughsomepeculiarrecuperativepowerwedon'tunderstand,asyet."

Traynorwrungthedoctor'shandsilently.

Arrangementsforthetripwerecompleted,thetrun sandluggageloadedontheheavywagonhadalreadystartedforWillcox.AsTraynorassistedNellintothecarriage,Gov'ner,po inghisheadfromtheboxstall,wonderingwhatitwasallabout,sawLimbercarryalimplittlefigurefromthecourtyardintothestable.Thehorserecognizedtheboyandwhinniedjoyously.Jamieliftedhisheadandspo etoLimber,whocarriedhimovertothehorse.Gov'ner'snosereachedoutandthethinlittlehandstro editwea ly.

"Good-bye,Gov'ner,"camethefaintvoice."Limberwillbegoodtoyou

tillIcomehome.Won'tyou,Limber?"

Limber'sfacetwitchedasheanswered,"NooneshallrideGov'nerwhilstyouaregone,Kid."

Afterthecarriagedisappearedandthemenhadgoneaboutthevariousdutiesoftheday,Fongshuffledintothebarnandloo edaroundcautiously.Seeingnoone,hesnea edintothesaddleroomandpic edupashinylittlelardpail,thathadoncebeenusedtoholdcoo ies.ClutchingittightlytheChinamanranswiftlyacrosstothe itchen,andshutthedoorwithabang.

Limber,whohadbeensaddlingPeanut,unobservedbyFong,witnessedthe

incident,andwheneveningcame,thecowboy newitwasnotopiumthatcausedtheChinaman'sred-rimmedeyelids.

Gov'nerwasverylonelyinthestablesandpasturesalldaywhentheotherhorseswerebusy,andatfirsthecalledincessantly.Thenfindingthatitbroughtnoresponsefromthechildheloved,hestoodpatientlywatchingthedoorthatledintothecourt.

LetterscamefromTraynorsayingthattheywerewinningthebattle,andthatJamiewouldcomebac tothembetterthaneverbeforeinhislife.



ThencameanotherletterwhichLimberreadwithacho ingvoice,forTraynortoldtheboysoftheDiamondHthattheynowhadanewBoss,andthatthelittlemotherwaswell,happy,andsentherlovetothemall.Thatshesaidtheywere"allherboys,"andshewouldnotbesatisfieduntilshegotbac homeagainandshowedthemthewonderfulbaby.TraynoraddedthatDoctorPowellwouldbehomethatwee ,buttherestofthemwouldnotreturnforanothermonth.

Fong,onahuntforeggs,passedthroughthestableastheletterwasfinished,andLimbercalledhimtotellhimthenews.TheoldChinaman'seyesfilledupwithtearsthatstreameddownhisface."Klidhecommehomealllight;newblabyclommeealleesamee.Whenheclome?Ibla eaca e!"

ThatnighttheMailOrdercataloguewasthecentreofattractioninthebun -house,andforhourstheindexandillustrationswerescannedinsearchofasuitablegiftforthenewBoss.Saddles,spurs,chapsweredebatedasnotquitefitarticlesforimmediateuse,astherecipientwouldbeabouttwomonthsoldwhenhereachedtheDiamondH.InaquandarytheyhuntedupFong.

TheoldChinamanbristledwithimportanceandputonthehornspectaclesthatmadehimresembleareincarnatedConfucius.Slowlyandcriticallyhesquintedatthecatalogue,thena"smilethatwaschild-li eand

bland"expandedhisface,whilehislong-nailedfingerpointedtriumphantly.

"Youclatcheehim.Healllightforblaby."

Theystaredattheillustration,gazedblan lyatFongandthenloo edagainattheboo .

"What'sitfor?"demandedBronco.

"Nosavey?Blimeby--blabyclatcheeteeth!"Fonggaveavividimpersonationbychewingtheendofafor whichheseized.

"Iguessthat'so. .sofarasitgoes,"Roarerendorsed,"butwe'vegottogetsomethin'else.That'stoodurnedmeasly."

Onceagaintheystudied,suggested,rejected,andfinally,inthehoursapproachingdawn,theordersheetwasfilledout.Thearticlesenumeratedrangedfromtheteething-ringandrattle,ababybuggy,ahighchair,silvermug,onepairsilver-mountedspurs,onesilver-mountedbit,asmall-sizedsaddle,bridleandagoldbracelet"foralady"thatwastobeinscribed"fromtheboysoftheDiamondH."Aletterexplainedthecircumstancesandeventfularrival,andas ediftheheadofthestorewouldta especialcarewiththeorder,andpicoutanicebracelet,astheywereallcowpunchersanddidn't nowanythingbutcows,--perhapsthestore- eepermightgethiswifetopic

outtherightsortofbracelet.

Twowee slatertheyreceivedwordthattheirorderhadbeencarefullyfilled,andahandsome,plaingoldbraceletinscribedasdesiredhadbeenforwarded,togetherwiththeotherarticlesintheiresteemedorder.



CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE

ThemorningthatTraynorwasdueattheranchwithhisfamily,themenandFongwereuplongbeforedaybrea .Insideandout,theranchhadbeenscrutinizedmercilessly,toseeifeverythingwasinperfectorder.Fong'spigtailjer edli eanexpiringrattlesna e,asherushedhereandthere,puttingthefinaltouchestoamealwhichwastobetheculinaryachievementofhislife.

Whenthecarriagewasfinallydrivenintothestable,themencrowdedaround,tal ingandlaughing,as ingquestionsbutnotwaitingreplies,untilTraynorpilotedhiswifeandbabyintothehouse;Jamielingeredwithhisfriends.

Therewasajoyfulreunionbetweenthechildandthegreyhoundswhichhadbeenshutinthecorral.Then,surroundedbytheleaping,yelpingpac ,JamieandthementurnedtoGov'ner'sstall.ThedoorwasopenedbyLimber,andtheyallstoodwaitingtillJamiecalledtothehorse,"Gov'ner!I'mbac homeagain!"

Gov'ner'sheadflungupalertly,hisnostrilsdistended,hiseyesshone;thenashesawthelittlechapoutsidethestallthehorsewhinnied,tossedhisheadandprancedthroughthedoor.Theproudheadloweredas

thehorsereachedthechild,andthelipsnippedplayfullyatJamie'scoat,whiletheboylaughedindelight,pettingthesatinynec ,ashesaidtriumphantly,"Yousee,hedidn'tforgetmewhileIwasaway."

ItwasanewJamiethathadcomebac tothem.ForsometimePowellhadbeenstudyingthecauseoftheboy'sretardedrecovery,andhadfinallyconcludeditwasduetootherreasonsthanthetuberculartendency.HehadnotsuggestedthistoTraynoruntilconsultationwithtwonotedspecialists,hadconfirmedhisdiagnosis.Aftertheoperationwhichwasfoundnecessary,thelad'simprovementwasastonishing;sowhenhereachedtheDiamondH,nothingmorewasnecessarythanoutdoorlifeinthehigh,dryclimateandplentyofnourishingfood,toma ehimanormallyhealthyboy.

TraynorjoinedtheboysastheywatchedthereunionofGov'nerandthechild.Thenheas ed,"Don'tyouboysintendtocomeinandmeetthenewBossandhismother?They'reexpectingyou."

Withouthesitationthemenfollowedhimintothelivingroomwheretheyoungmother,withthebabyonherlap,waitedthehomageshe newwouldbeaccordedfreelybytheseloyalfriends.

Cautiouslytheyallapproachedandregardedthesmallatomofhumanitythatgazedbac atthemwithsereneeyes.

"Feelhowheavyheis,"offeredNell,holdingtheinfanttowardthem.

Eachoneshrun bac abitandtheireyesshiftedtoeachother.

"Ta ehim,Bronco.Hewon'tbite;"laughedNell.

Broncoedgedbac ofLimber,ashereplied,"Limber'stheforeman.He'sgotthefirstthrow!"

Limber'sarmswentout,andthelittlemotherlaidthechildcarefullyuponthem,fussingwiththedaintywhitedress,andsmilingdownintothebabyfaceagainsttheblueflannelshirt.Asshesteppedbac ,she



caughtapassingexpressiononLimber'sface,andhereyesgrewmisty.Thoughhedidnot nowit,sheglimpsedLimber'ssoulinthatmoment.

Thebabyblin edup,thenaquivering,uncertainlittlesmiletouchedhislips.

"Gee!Loo athim,"ejaculatedBronco."Say,he'smadefriendswithLimberalready.Isn'thethesmartlittlegeezer,though?"

Gainingcouragetherestofthemenpressedcloser,andBroncoputoutahornyfingertotouchthepin palm.Li etheleavesofasensitiveplant,thefingerscurledtightlyaroundthecowboy'sdigit,thenpulleddeterminedlytowardapuc eringmouth,whileBronco'seyesopenedinconsternation.

"Say,youdon'twanttoeatme,doyou?Thatain'tastic ofcandy!"hepulledgentlybutfirmlyuntilhemanagedtorescuethethreatenedfinger,andtheothermenchuc ledinunison.

"Ain'thegotadandygrip!He'llbeabletohangontoasteerwhenhegetsitroped,youbet!"Roarer'ssquea asserted.

"SmartestbabyIeverseen,"Holypronouncedoracularly,ignoringthefactthatitwasthefirsttimeinhislifehehadeverbeenneara

youngbaby.Fonghoveredinthedoorway,andastheyloo eduptheysawaca ewithgorgeouswhiteicing.ItwasFong'sonlywayofexpressinghisfealtyandcongratulations.Hedepositedtheca eonthetable,andNellbeamedonhim.

"We'llma ebabycuthisownca e,Fong!"Thensheturned,"Limber,won'tyoucallAllan?"

Traynorjoinedthem,andtheentireoutfitstoodinadmiration,whileNellheldthetinyhandaboutthebigbutcher nifeandthrustitintotheheartofthelacydesignoficing.Fong'seyesblin edrapidly,and

he eptsaying,overandover,"Vellyflineblaby!Himvellyflinebloy!"

OnceagainTraynorbroughtchampagne,andtheglasseswereliftedashegavethetoast,"TotheBossoftheDiamondHandhismother.Godblessthemboth!"

AfterthatNellgottheteething-ring,andwhenthechildgraspedandthrustitintoitsopenmouth,themenallgrinned."Hesure nowswhatthatismadefor,"chortledBronco,"an'that'smore'nwe nowedtillFongtol'us."

TheybombardedNellwithquestionsregardinghisweight,howsoonhe

wouldacquirerealteeth,andhowlongbeforehewouldbewearingtrousers.Theywerethirstingforinformationregardinginfantiledevelopment,andwhenRoarer,inanoff-handmanner,referredtohis"sister'stwinsinTexas,"theyloo edathimwithenviouseyes.Roarerdidnotdisclosethatsaidtwinswerealmostasoldashimself.Hedilatedonvariouseventsintheircareers,whichherememberedhearingtheaforesaidtwinsrelatethemselves.Hecudgeledhisbrainforhistoricdata.

Theboyswerefeelingverymuchathome,whenthebabybegantosquirm



uneasilyinitsmother'sarms.Itsfacescrewedup,itseyessquintedanddisappearedentirely,andtheboysloo edanxiouslyatNell.

"Doeshehavefits?"inquiredBroncosolicitously."I nowitsallrightforpuppiestohave'em,butdoesbabies?"

Theinfantansweredforhimselfwithasneeze,andNellloo edaroundattheopenwindow.Thisgavethemenanexcusetopleadwor ,andtiptoefromtheroom.

Onceinthestabletheyhalted,andBronco,stillsee inginformation,facedRoarer."Say,Roarer,didyoursister'stwinsinTexashavefits?"

"Sure,"answeredRoarercheerfully."Theywassousterhavin''emthatweneverpaidnoattentionatallwhenonecomeon.It'sjustli epuppies,you now.'Twouldn'tbenowaysnaturaliftharwasn'tfits--an'fleas.Don'tdonohurt.Jestloo atallthepeoplethatlivestogrowup,anyways!"

ButthatnightRoarerborrowedthebigboo ,telling"HowtobeYourOwnDoctor,"whichwastheCourtofFinalAppealforeverythingfromcoo ingrecipestogettingridofbedbugs,lawsuitsandotherworries,togetherwithacompletelistofthe"illstowhichthehumanfleshisheir,"andinfallibleremediesforall.

Themendidnot nowthathewasstudyingassiduouslyeverybitofdataobtainableregardingthediseasesofinfants.TheywonderedafterwardsatRoarer'sunfailingsupplyofinformationaboutbabies,wellorill;butheascribedhis nowledgeentirelytohisassociationswiththeTexasTwins.

OncemoretheinterruptedroutineofranchlifewasresumedandLimberdividedhistimebetweentheDiamondHandtheHotSprings.ThoughthecowpuncherpassedtheCircleCrossatintervalsheneverdismounted.ChappoandJuan eptintouchwitheachother,andthroughthemLimberandPowell newthatGlendon'swifefoundlifemorebearablesincetheanxietyaboutDonniehadbeenremoved.Yetsheneversuspectedthepart

thatDoctorPowellandLimberhadta eninforcingGlendon'sacquiescencetoherwishesandplansfortheboy.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

Unli emostranchesinArizona,theDiamondHcultivatedanumberofitsfencedfields.Millet,sorghumandothercattlefeedwasstac edforuseofthehorsesandthethoroughbredbullsduringwinter,thusinsuringfirst-classconditionofthisparticularstoc whenthegrassstarted

andtheywereturnedoutontheopenrange.ThissystemofTraynor'savoidedlosingtimethatwouldbeotherwiserequiredtoputhisbullsingoodbreedingconditioneachspring.

Duringtheplowingseason,theblac smithattheDiamondHsuddenlydecidedtoleaveforpartsun nown,betweensunsetandsunrise.Thecowboyswereallabletoshoetheirownponies,buttireshadtobeset,toolssharpened,plowpoints eptinshape,pumpingmachineryneededconstantrepairing,andafirst-classblac smithwasanecessityontheDiamondH.Willcoxcouldnotfillthevacancy,andadvertisementsin



TucsonandevenLosAngelespapersbroughtnoresponse.Eachofthemenontheranchhaddonethebesthecouldtofillthevoid,butallac nowledgedruefully,"it'sadurnsightdifferentfromjestshoein'apony."

InthisemergencyLoco,theMexicanwhohadobtainedwor attheDiamondHafterleavingWalton,announcedthathehadbeenablac smithinMexico.

"Well,hecan'tdonoworsethantherestofus,"Broncodecided,butoneday'strialprovedLocowasfirst-classinthatwor ,andsohewastransferredfromrangewor totheblac smithshopwithincreasedpayandadditionalrespect.

Hewaspoundingared-hotironontheanviloneday,whenTraynorsaunteringtotheentranceoftheshop,stoodwatchinghim.

"Howsoonwillyoubereadytostart,Loco?"heas ed.

"InafewminutesIwillfinish,SeÃ±or."

"Whatisit?"Traynoras edidly.

Withoutloo inguptheMexicanreplied;"Itisabrandingiron,SeÃ±or."

Hes illfullybenttheendoftheiron,thrustitintoatubofwaterforacoupleofseconds,thenwithdrewandexamineditcritically,afterwhichheheateditagain.Itwasapeculiarlyshapediron,andTraynordroppedonaboxandloo edwithinterest,asLocopresseditonaboard,leavingamar coveringaspacefourincheseachway.

O--OXX

"That'sanoddbrand,"saidTraynor,pic inguptheburntboardandscrutinizingit,whiletheMexicanregardedhimclosely.

"Itismyhorsebrand,"explainedLoco."ApacheislegwearyandIamgoingtoturnhimontherangeawhile.Iboughtanotherhorse."

"Thereareplentygoodhorsesintheherdwithoutusingyourpony,Loco."

TheMexicanshoo hishead;"Manythan s,SeÃ±or,butIcandobetterwor withmyownhorse."

"Wellsuityourself;"Traynoragreedcarelessly."IwantyoutogowithmethismorningtoMudSprings,soIcanshowyouwhereIwanttheditchdugandthemillputup."

Locowasstudyingtheironwiththesmileofanartisanwhorecognizesasatisfactorypieceofwor ."Iwillgetthehorses,SeÃ±or;"hesaid,andturnedtothestablecarryingthebrandingironinhishand.

IfApache,Loco'spony,wasleg-weary,itwasnotveryevidentasitprancedanddancedalongtheroadbesidegaylittleChinati,whoseswiftmovementshadearnedhisname,"Blac bird."MudSpringslaytwelvemilesawayfromtheDiamondH,intheGaliurostowardHotSprings.ThetrailthroughMudSpringswasnotoftenused,astheBoxSpringstrail,afewmilesfurthernorth,wasmoredirectandalsomucheasier.Itwasa



wild,desolateplaceandthespringinanarrow,roc ycaÃ±on,socattlepreferredthevalleyduringthegrassseason.ThisspringwasofgreatvaluetotheDiamondHandPLranges,however,givingcattleaccesstofeedinthemountainsthatotherwisewouldbetoofarfromwater.Traynor,havinglearnedwisdomfromthedrouth,haddecidedtobuildahugereservoiratthemouthofthiscaÃ±onforthestorageofwaterthatwouldotherwisebewastedbyspreading.

HeexplainedthedetailscarefullytoLoco,pointingoutwheretheditchwastobedugtoconductthewatertothereservoirsite.

"Iwantthewind-millputupbesidethereservoir,li etheoneatthehouse.I'llgettheboysatwor nextwee ;butyoucangoonwiththemillwor beforethen.IamgoingovertoHotSpringsforafewdays."

"HowlongdidyouliveinMexico,SeÃ±or?"as edLoco.

"Ihaveneverbeenthere,"answeredTraynor,wonderingatthequestion.

"OnlyAmericanoswhohavelivedinMexicospea asyoudo,"persistedLoco.

"IlearnedSpanishatcollege,"repliedTraynor."ByJove!Whatashot!It'stoofarforapistol!"

Hewasgazingupatamagnificentblac taildeerwhichstoodli eastatueonaledgesixhundredfeetabovethem.Itsheadwasthrownbac ,nostrilsdilated,theslenderlegsweretenseandreadyforflightasitsniffedthewind.Thenwithasnort,itwhirledandvanished.

Traynorhadbeensoabsorbedinadmirationofthebuc thathehadmomentarilyforgottenLoco'spresence.TheMexican,fifteenfeetintherearofTraynorhaduntiedtheriatawhichhungonhissaddleandcoileditcautiously,watchingtheothermansharply.WithaswiftmovementheflungtheropeaboutTraynor'sbody,pinioninghisarmsfirmly.Chinati,feelingthejer onhisbridle,leapedforwardandTraynorfellhelplesstotheground.

ThesunwassettingwhenTraynoragainbecameconsciousofhissurroundingsandsawLocostandingoverhim.

"Whathappened,Loco?"heas edstupidly."WasIthrown?"

Locomadenoreply,andasTraynorstilldazedfromadeepgashonhishead,triedtorise,herealizedthathewassecurelybound,handandfoot.Thelossofbloodmadehimfaintandsic ,andhisbrainseemedincapableoflucidideas.Hehadstruc hisheadonasharproc infallingfromhishorse.

Forawhilehelaywithclosedeyes,thenheloo edupandsawLocoa

shortdistanceaway,gatheringpiecesofdeadwood,whichheheapedsystematicallyintoapile.TraynorrecalledtheMexican'speculiarwaysandwonderedifthemanhadsuddenlybecomeinsane.He newthatifsuchwerethecase,thebestplanwouldbetoavoidirritatinghim.

Traynorturnedhishead.ThehopethatChinatihadgottenawayandmightgivethealarmbyreturningtotheranchriderlessdied,whenhesawhisownponystandingquietlybesideLoco's.Thenhenoticedhispistolglisteningafewfeetfromhim,andwonderedifhecouldwormhiswaytoitwithoutattractingLoco'sattention.Keepingclosewatchuponthe



Mexican,Traynorslowlywrithedtowardthefirearmuntilhewaswithinafootofit.Byhalfturninghebelievedhecouldgraspthepistolashishandsweretiedinfrontofhim.Locolitthefire,andwithafiendishgrinuntiedthebrandingironfromhissaddleandlaiditontheflame.

Athrillofsic eningfearshotthroughTraynorashestrainedattheropebindinghim.Onemoreeffortandhewouldbeabletotouchthepistol.TheMexicancalmlyarrangedthewoodwhichhadfallen,thenwal edovertoTraynor,whoclosedhiseyes,hopingtothrowthemanoffhisguard;butLoco,withamaliciousleer,pic edupthepistolandseatedhimselfonthegroundbesidehiscaptive.

"Isawyou,SeÃ±or;"hechuc led.

"Whatareyougoingtodo,Loco?"as edTraynor,tryingtoappearunconcerned.Henowunderstoodthathewasatthemercyofamaniac,andthoughtwhatafoolhehadbeentoforgetthemanyirrationalactionsoftheman,whosename,Loco,shouldhavebeenwarningenoughinitself.ThelocoweedofArizonaandMexicoeffectsthebrainsofhorses,causingeventhemostreliableandwell-bro enanimaltodevelopsuddenfitsofviciousness.Loco'smoodiness,hisoutburstsofanger,hadfastenedthenic nameonhimwhilehewor edforWalton.

Locorolledacigarette,whichhelighteddeliberately.

"So!YouhavenotbeeninMexico,SeÃ±or?"hedrawledsarcastically.

"Never!Ihavenoobjectinlyingtypoaboutit;"saidTraynorearnestly."WhyshouldIdenyit?"

"Oh,no,SeÃ±or!Younever newRamoncita?"

"Ineverheardofher."ThencatchingsightofasmallcrucifixthathungagainstLoco'sbreastwheretheblueflannelshirtfellapart,Traynorloo edthemansteadilyintheeyes,andsaidslowly,"Holdthatcrucifixbeforeme,Loco,andIwillswearthat.Iamtellingyouthetruth."

Themanwaveredasecond,thenlaughedcunningly,"AcrucifixmeansnothingtoaGringo,andfearma esliarsofallmen."

"Letmego,andIwillgiveyoumoneytoma elifeeasyforyou,Loco.Youcangobac toMexicotoyourfriendsandbehappy."

Thewordsrousedthemantofrenzy.Heleapedtohisfeet,murderandinsanitystampedonhisdistortedfeatures.

"Gobac toMexico,youGringodog?Doyou nowwhenIwillgobacthere?WhenIhave illedyou,asIswore.Youstoleherfromme.Yourodeawaylaughing,andthatnightshe illedherself!"Hejer edthe

crucifixfromhisbreast,andshoo itinfrontofTraynor'sface."Youwouldswearit?Onthis--?Youdidnot nowthatItoo thisCrossfromherdeadheart!AndIsworeonitasI neltbesidehercoffin,thatIwouldleavemycountry,myfriends,andneverrestorreturnuntilIhadfoundyou,whohadmadeheranoutcast.Everyoneturnedfromherwhileshewasalive,andwhenshe illedherself,theChurchturnedfromher,andshewasburiedinunconsecratedgroundjustoutsidetheChurchfence.ThePadresaidthattheSaintsandtheHolyAngelsturnawaybecauseshetoo herownlife."



Hisvoicerosemoreshrilly,"Youdidnotthin Icouldfindyou,butWalton newyou.HesawyouwithherinMexicowhileIwasaway.Waltonnewyou,youGringodog!You illedherbody!You illedhersoul!Youthoughtyouweresafe,butWalton newyou!"

"Waltonliedtoyou,"Traynoransweredfuriously,recallingrumoursofWalton'sthreatsofretaliationontheDiamondHownerandcowboys.TheMexican,Loco,hadbeenWalton'scatspaw.Traynorsubsided,gropingforsomeplantoinfluencetheMexican.

"Youcannotescapethistime!"gloatedLoco,circlingaboutTraynorasbuzzardscircleabouttheirprey."Isworeyoushouldpay."

Hewenttothefireandtestedhisiron.Then,seeingitwasnotyethotenough,hecamebac andleanedovertheprostrateman.

"Theyarewaitingpatiently,SeÃ±or!AspatientlyasIhavewaitedsevenlongyears."

Anumberofcrowsrosefromthebusheswithdiscordantcawsashewavedhisarmswildlyintheairandcried,"Loo !"Theysoonsettleddownagain,towatchthetwomen.Higherintheaircircledacoupleofbuzzards,andthefaint,quiveringyelpofacoyotedisturbedthesilence.

"Ishallnot illyou,forIwantyoutolivelongenoughtosuffer.Iwillleavemybrandonyourfaceandshallcutyourearsastheydothecalves.ThenIwillgobac toMexicotomyamigosandsay,'Ihave eptmyoath!'Thebuzzardsandcoyoteswill eepyoucompanyafterIhavegone,SeÃ±or!"

Withahalf-suppressedgroan,Traynorthoughtofhiswife.HehadtoldherhewouldremainafewdaysatHotSprings,sotherewouldbenoalarmathisabsence.Later,whentheymissedhim,afewtatteredshredsofclothingandfleshless,scatteredboneswouldtellwherethebuzzardsandcoyoteshadfeasted.

Muttering,theMexicanbroughtthewhitehotironfromtheembersandneltbyTraynor'sside.Hepulledthecrucifixfromhisbosom, isseditreverentlyandreplacedit;thenhemadethesignoftheCrossintheairaboveTraynor'sface.HiseyesgleamedexultinglyasheclutchedTraynor'shairandbroughtthehotironcloserandcloser.

Traynorcouldsmellandfeeltheheat,andgreatbeadsofanguishbro eoutashemadealastconvulsiveefforttofreehimselfofhisbonds.Itwasuseless!Hismusclesrelaxed,heclosedhiseyes,clenchedhisteethandwaited.

LocowastoointentuponhisrevengetonoticeacowboyracingtowardthemdownthesideofthecaÃ±on,untilawildyellwo etheechoofthe

roc ywalls.TheMexicanloo edupandrecognizedLimber.Fearfulofbeingthwartedinhisrevenge,Locostoopedquic lyoverTraynorandloweredtheirondeliberatelywhileafiendishsmiledistortedhisface,andasibilanthiss,li earattlesna eabouttostri e,soundedbetweenthegleamingteeth.

Traynor,too,hadheardtheyell,buthehadnohopethatLimberwouldreachhimintime.Hiseyesloo edintoLoco's.TheironalmosttouchedTraynor'sflesh,thegripoftheMexican'shandthatclutchedhisvictim'shair,wassotensethatTraynorcouldfeelthequivering



nerves.

Ashotrangout.Aloo ofsurpriseflashedoverLoco'sface,theironslidfromhishand,butTraynorjer edsuddenlysothatitfellagainsttheground,whileLococrumpledslowlyacrossthebodyoftheotherman.Wea withreactionTraynorbecameunconsciousoncemore,andwhenheopenedhiseyes,LimberhadslippedhisarmsunderTraynor'sshouldersandheldaflas tothewhitelipsoftherancher.

"Drin it,"commandedthecowpuncher,whowasnow,tremblingwithnervousness."Thatwasamightyclosecall.Didhehurtyouany?"

"I'llbeallrightinafewminutes,"answeredTraynor,asLimbercuttheropeandassistedhimtohisfeet.Thetightcoilshadmadehisbodynumbandthecutonhisheadwasanuglyone.Traynorwasnocoward,buthefeltaspasmofnauseaasheloo edattheironwhichwasnowturningfromwhiteheattodullred.

"Betterletmefixthatcut,"suggestedLimber.

HehelpedTraynortothespring,andwashedtheuglywoundastenderlyasawoman,thenhebounditwithTraynor'swhitesil hand erchiefashelistenedtotheexplanationofwhathappened.

"It'saluc ythingforWaltonheain'tintheTerritory,"saidthecowboytersely."Youcan'tblametheGreaserforbelievin'Walton'slies.He'sbeenoffhiscabezaalongtimeandeverybody nowedit;butLocowouldn'tofhurtnobodyifWaltonhadn'tputhimuptoit.WewonderedwhyWaltonwassoall-firedrushedtocatchthattrain,andhadfiggeredoutitwasbecauseBillySaundersorderedhimtoquitthecountry.It'sWaltonoughterbelayin'thereinsteadofLoco."

ThetwomenmovedtothesideofthedeadMexican,andastheystoodloo ingdownathim,TraynorrecalledLoco'swords,"andshewasburiedinunconsecratedground,justoutsidetheChurchfence,andthePadresaidtheSaintsandHolyAngelsturnawaybecauseshetoo herownlife."

ThelittlecrucifixdanglingfromthecordonLoco'snec hadslippedfromthehalf-openshirt.Traynor neltdownandplaceditonthedeadman'sbreast,thenliftedthelimphandsandlaidthemabovethecrucifix.Limbertoo offhiscoatandcoveredtheMexican'sface.

"I'llsendawagonfromtheranch,"saidTraynor."It'samightyluc ythingformethatyouhappenedacrossheretoday.IwasonmywaytotheSpringstoseeyouaboutaletterIhadfromDoctorPowell."

"Iwaswor in'ontheDivide,whenIseenyouandLococomin'thisway;butIwasbusywithsomecattleanddidn'tpaymuchattention.WhenIgotthroughandridupontheDivideIseenLocowiththetwohorsesand

youlayin'ontheground.Ithoughtmebbeyou'dbeenthrowedtillIgotnearenoughtoseewhathewasupto.Ihadtoshoothim.Tharwasn'tnothin'elsetodo."

Traynorlaidhishandonthecowboy'sshoulder,loo ingathimearnestly,"Ioweyouadebtthatcanneverbepaid,Limber."

Thecowboyflushedwithembarrassment."Youain'tgotnocalltothanme,Mr.Traynor.Peanutdoneit,notme.Hejustbustedhisselfgettin'hereintime.Ineverseenhimrunsofast.Loo edli ehe noweditwas



uptohimandhedoneit."

"Peanutcan'thaveallthecredit,"respondedTraynor.Thenhedrewaletterfromhispoc et."DoctorPowellhaswrittenmethathewouldli etoma eyouhispartnerinthePLranchandcattle,provideditwouldnotinterferewithmyplans."

Limberloo edupinopensurprise."Iain'tgotenoughtopayfor'em"hesaid."Ionlysavedupninehundreddollars,alltold."

"Well,Powellsaysifyouwon'taccepthalfinterest,hewillcloseouthiscattleentirely.TheSanitariumwillta eallhistimeandattention,andhewantedyoutohandlethestoc forhim.IwrotehimIwouldbegladtoseeyoutwoinpartnership."

Thecowboystaredattheground."Idon'tsaythatIwouldn'tbegladtota ethechanct,becauseI'vebeensavin'uphopin'somedayIcouldbuyabunchofstoc ;butIcan'tlethimgiveittome.Ican'towenoman,Mr.Traynor."

"NeithercanI,Limber,"wasthequic retort."ThedebtIoweyoucanneverbepaid;butIcanpaypartoftheinterestdueonit.Letmebuythehalf-interestforyoufromPowell."

Limbershoo hisheadslowly."Idon'twantyoutothin I'mmulish,orthatIdon'tappreciatewhatyouandDoctorPowellisofferin'me,butIjustcan'tdoit."

"Then,letmema eitastraightbusinessdeal,asifwewereallstrangers.Givemeyournoteandpaywhenyoufeelable.Surelyyoucan'tma eanyobjectiontothat?"

Limbertoo theprofferedhand,"Ifyouma ethenoteoutreg'lar,justasifitwassomeoneelse,"hestipulated.

Traynorsmiledbroadly,"Allright,Limber.That'sago.I'llwritePowellaboutit.Now,I'llhurrydowntotheranchandsendoneofthe

boyswiththewagon."

Peanutloo edupasChinatigallopedawaywithTraynor,butseeingLoco'shorse,Apache,tetheredtoabush,andthatLimberwassittingquietlynotfaraway,thegallantlittleponyfellcontentedlytocroppingthegrass.

Limberrose,loosenedthecinchandremovedthesaddleandblan etfromPeanut'slatheredbac whichherubbedwithawispofgrass.Hestro edthepony'snoseabsentlyandloo edwithpityatthedeadMexican.

"DernthatWalton!Thecardswassurestac edagainstyou,Loco.I'msorryIhadtodoit."

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE

Inspiteofthegeneralimpressionoffrontierlawlessnessthatprevailedduringthe'eighties',ArizonahadprobablyascleanamoralstandardasmanyoftheEasternStateswhichconsideredthemselvesfar



inadvanceoftheunsettledcountry.Thoughmen'pac ed'guns,andpersonalaffrontsweresettledoutofCourt,ArizonacouldbragthatanygoodwomanwasprotectedbyeverymanintheTerritory.

So,whentheSouthernPacifictrainwasheldupwestofWillcox,thecommunitywasasmuchsurprisedandshoc edasanymoreconventionaltownmightbe.Seventythousanddollarswereta enfromtheexpresscarbytherobbers,andnodefinitecluetotheiridentityorwhereaboutscouldbediscovered.

Therailroadpeople,believingthefirstsuccesswouldencourageothers,secretlyarmedallexpressmessengerswithsawed-offshotguns,heavilyloadedwithbuc shot,themostdeadlyweapon nownforshort-rangewor .

Theseprecautionswerejustifiedsixmonthslater,whentheregularwest-boundtrainwasnearingCochise,alittleplacetwelvemileswestofWillcox.Theengineer,observingadangersignal,sloweddownandfinallystopped.Asthetrac wastreacherousatthatpointduringrainyweather,hehadnosuspicions.Frequentwashoutsoccurredinthesandyroadbed.Thetrac -wal erapproached,swinginghislightedlantern.

"What'sthetrouble?"as edtheengineer,asheandthefiremanleanedoverthesideoftheengine,staringthroughthedar ness.

"Trac 'ssoft.You'llhavetogoslowforaboutaquarterofamile,"wasthereply."TheywiredtoWillcoxfromCochisebutyouhadleftontime.HoldonaminuteandI'llridebac withyou."

"Allright,"answeredtheengineer,thenasthemanswungonthecab,"You'reanewman?"

"Yes.Justwenttowor thiswee .IwasontheSantaFebeforeIcamedownhere,"hedrewapipefromhispoc et,filledandlighteditastheengineerturnedtostarttheengine.

Thefiremanhadreturnedtotherearofthecabandsettoworshovellingcoal.

"Handsup!"

Twoarmed,mas edmenconfrontedtheengineerandthefiremanfacedthreeothers.Therewasnoalternativeexcepttoobey.Thetrainwasmadeupofanengine,expresscar,threePullmansandtwodaycoaches;theexpress,asusual,beingdirectlybac oftheengineandcoalcar.Threeofthebanditsguardedthefiremanandengineer,theothertworunningbac ashortdistance.Asthebra emanapproachedtoascertainthetrouble,hewasmetandcommandedtouncoupletheexpresscarandenginefromtherestofthetrain.Then,havingcompliedunderprotest,hewascompelledtojointheothertwomenwhowereunderguard.

"Pullaheadtillwetellyoutostop,"wastheorder,andtheenginepuffedonitsway,leavingthepassengersandconductorstodiscovertheirpredicamentlater.

FourmilesfromCochise,inaspotwheretherewasnohumanhabitation,theengineerwasforcedtohalt.Threerobbersremainedonguardwhiletheothertwowenttotheexpresscarand noc edsharplyonthedoor.

"Whatisit?"themessengerdemanded.



eachmovementofhisponybroughtgroansandcurses.

Theleaderhalted.

"It'shim,orallofus,"hesaid,andtherestagreed.

"We'resorry.Jac ,butitcan'tbehelped.We'vegottoleaveyoubehind."

Thewoundedmancursedthemforcowardsandtraitors;butfelllimpastheyhelpedhimtothegroundandmadehimascomfortableaspossible.Thentheyrodeaway,carryinghispistolwiththem,fortheywouldneeditworsethanJac .Hiscursesfollowedthem.

Thedar nessmadeitimpossibleforthepossetostri ethetrailuntildawn,butnotimewaslostafterthat.Whethertherobbershadsomedefiniteplan,orhadbecometoodemoralizedattheirsurprise,puzzledthetrailers;fortheridershad epttogetherinsteadofscatteringinordertoma epursuitmoredifficult.Thewor offollowingwasmadeeasybythesoftenedconditionofthecountryfromrecentrain,andoccasionallyasplatterofbloodonastoneprovedthatthemessengerwasjustifiedinhisassertionthathehadwoundedoneoftheoutlaws.

Fivemilesfromtherailroadtrac theyfoundThree-fingeredJac at

thepointofdeath.Helaygasping,andwatchedthemapproachuntiltheystoodloo ingdownonhim.Asardonicsmiletwistedhisfeatures.Hewouldhavehisrevengeonthemenwhohaddesertedhim.Withcursesandvituperationhetoldthenamesofthosewhohadfledtosavethemselves--thenaddednamesofothersintheband.Severalnamesmentionedwerenotunexpected,astheyweremen nowntobereadyforanycrime;butnoonewaspreparedtohearhimaccuseJimGlendonandAlpaugh,whowastheconstableofWillcoxandDeputySheriffofCochiseCounty.

TomGraham,theconstableofCochiseandleaderoftheposse,leaneddownandsaid,"Whatwasthat?DidyousayAlpaughandGlendon?"

Jac sawtheincredulityonthefacesabovehim.Quietly,butwithraspingvoice,hereplied,"IsaidGlendonandAlpaugh.I'mma ingthisstatementbeforeIdie,andIwantyoualltowitnesswhatIsay.Theydidn'tplaysquarewithme;--theyeventoo mypistolsoIcouldn'tshootmyself.GlenandAlpaughwerestayinghometoproveanalibi--WeweretogotoGlendon'safterthejobwasdone--givethemoney--tohim--tillrowwasover."Hiseyesclosed.Thementhoughthewasdead,buthegatheredhisebbingstrengthoncemore."Weweretoshare--and--quitthecountry--"Bloodcho edhisutterance;hisheadsan bac andthejawsrelaxed.

Thegrouploo edathim,thenglancedateachotherdubiously.TheaccusationagainstAlpaughastonishedthem.Hewasac nowledgedagood

officer,sober,fearlessandapparentlyworthyoftheconfidencethecommunityplacedinhimwhileGlendon,though nowntodrin heavilyandbeaggressiveinhiscups,hadneverbeenconsideredcriminalinhistendencies.But,Jac 'sstatement,madeinfullconsciousnessthathewasdying,andwithapparentlyclearmind,wasdamningevidence.

Slowlythepossereturnedtothetrac ,carryingthedeadmanacrossasaddle-horse,whiletheoriginalridersatbehind,balancingthelimpform.WhentheyreachedtherailroadthebodywasplacedonthefloorofthecabooseandtheenginestartedtoWillcox.



Rumoursofthehold-updrewacuriouscrowdtothedepotandquestionswereas edeagerly;butnoinformationwasvouchsafedforfearofalarmingthoseimplicated.

LimberwascrossingthestreetofWillcoxwhenGrahamsawhim,andta inghimaside,said,"Iwanttoswearyouinasdeputy,Limber,andmayneedyouseveraldays.Iwantmenwhocanholdtheirtonguesandbereliedupon.We'reupagainstawell-organizedbunch."

ThecowboylistenedtoGraham'sconcisestatementofthehold-upandThree-fingeredJac 'sdeath;butwasnottoldoftheaccusationregardingAlpaughandGlendon.

"I'mreadyanytimeyouwantme,"wasLimber'sassertion.

"Mightaswellcomewithmenow."

"Whichwayyougoin'first?"

"Alpaugh'shouse."

BelievingthattheconstableofCochiseintendedtoco-operatewithAlpaugh,theWillcoxconstable,LimberstrodebesidebigTomGraham,

thoughneitherofthemagainspo e.WhentheyreachedtheneatlittlecottagewhereAlpaughandhiswiferesided,theconstablewassittingontheporchsmo ing,andcamedownthestepstomeetthem.

"Hearyouhadalivelytimeoutyourwaylastnight,Tom,"hecommented."Iwasreadytogooutandjointhechasebutasitwasinyoursectionandyoudidnotwireforhelp,supposedyoudidnotneedme.Catchyourmen?"

"Oneof'em.Theothershadagoodstart;butastrongpossewithrelayhorsesistrailingthem.Three-fingeredJac isdead."Grahamwatchedtheeffectofhisinformation.

Alpaughstarted,butrecoveredhimself."Dead?Washeoneofthem?Well,you nowhe'salwayshadafishyreputation."

"Hewaswoundedbytheexpressmessenger.Livedlongenoughtoma eafullconfession."

"Who?"as edAlpaugh,tryingtoappearunconcerned.

"Holdupyourhands,Dic .Don'tma etrouble.I'vegottoarrestyou."

Limbercontrolledhisamazement,andinobediencetoanodfromGraham,removedthepistolfromAlpaugh'shippoc et.ThenGrahamtoldhisprisonerhemightputdownhishands.

Theconstablelaughedinamusement."Well,Imightgetmadifitwasn'tallsodarnedfoolish.Ican'tfigureoutwhetheryouareoffyourcabeza,Tom,orifitwasThree-fingeredJac tryingtogetbac atmebecauseIarrestedhimonce."Hisvoicedroppedandhisfacegrewserious."Idon'twantmywifeto nowthis.It'sallabigmista eandyou'llfinditoutlateron;butIdon'twanthertoworry.You'vegottodoyourduty,Tom,soIhaven'tanyhardfeelingsagainstyouorLimber.I'dli etoma eanexcusetoJennieaboutgoingaway,ifyoudon'tmind."



"Allright.Don'tstiruptrouble,Dic ;that'sall,"warnedGraham.

"It'stoosillytoma eanyrowover,"Alpaughansweredwithopencontemptashewal edtothehalldoorandcalledtohiswife,"I'vegottogooutoftownatonce,Jennie.Grahamwantsme.There'sbeenahold-upnearCochise.Don'tgetworriedifI'mgoneseveraldays.Iwon'tneedanywar-bag.Bebac assoonasIcanma eit."

Mrs.Alpaughwasaplump,quic body,withbrowneyes,browns in,smoothbrownhairandalertwayofcoc ingherheadononeside,muchli eanimpudentsparrow.Shecameontheporchandsmiledatthem.

"Imightaswellbeanoldmaid,"shepouted."Dic isawaynearlyallthetime,lately."

"Good-bye,Jennie,"interruptedherhusband,fearingshemightinnocentlycomplicatematters.

"Don'tletthetrain-robberscatchyouall,"shelaughedastheyheadedacrossthestreet,whereAlpaughwasta entoaroominthehotel,tobeheldincustodyuntiltheSherifffromTombstone,theCountyseat,shouldarrive.

LimberandGrahamwal edtogetherfromthehotel."Gottogetourhorses,"saidtheofficer.

AttheCowboy'sResttheywerejoinedbyothermenwhowerewaiting.LimberflungthesaddleonPeanut,adjustedtheheadstallofthebridleandmounted.

OutonthestreetGrahamrodeuptohim,andLimber'seyesmethis."Whoelse,Tom?"

"Glendon,"wasthereply.

Thecowboytwistedquic lyinhissaddle,hisfacefilledwith

consternation."Howdidhegetin?"

"Don'tas me,"wasthemoodyanswer."Three-fingeredJac madeadyingstatementandaccusedthemboth;soI'vegottoarresthim.'Tain'tapleasantjobwhenyou've nownthemenforyearsandhavesleptwiththem,sharedchuc andwor edtogether.It'sbadenoughmesswhenthereain'tanywomen,butAlpaughandGlendonhavedecentwives.Whatbusinesshasamanwithafamilygettingintosuchamess,anyhow?"hegrowled,voicingthethoughtsofthemanwhorodebesidehim.

LimberwishedheartilythatPowellwerehomeattheSprings,now.InimaginationhepicturedGlendon'swifealoneattheCircleCrosswithonlyJuanandthedogtosympathizewithherinthisnewtrial;he

regrettedthatGrahamhadselectedhimasoneoftheposse,butitcouldnotbehelpednow.

ItwasaveryquietquartettewhichrodeuptothegateoftheCircleCross.Glendoncamedownthefrontwal .

"Hello,boys!Offonahuntingtrip?"heas edaffably."Getdownandhaveadrin ."

"We'reafteryou,Jim,"saidGrahambluntly."Three-fingeredJac split



onthegang."

Glendonstartedinsurprise."WhattheDic ensareyoutal ingabout.WhathaveItodowithThree-fingeredJac ?Youmustbejo ing!"Heregardedthemsofran lythattheywondereduncomfortablywhetherthedeadmanhadtoldthetaleinspite,asGlendonhastenedtosuggest.

"IhadtroublewithJac overtwomonthsago,andIsupposethisishiswayofgettingevenwithme."

"Hesaidyouwerewiththemonthefirsthold-up,andthattheyweretobringtheloottoyouthistimeforyoutota ecareofforthem.Iguessit'suptoyoutogoquietly,Jim.Wedon'tgomuchonwhathesaid,butwecan'thelpourselves."

"It'safinepropositionwhenamanstayshomeandmindshisownbusiness,thenfindshe'saccusedofbeingmixedinathingli ethis,"Glendonspo eindignantly."IbetThree-fingeredJac won'trepeatthatstorytomyface."

"Nohewon't,Jim;"returnedGrahamquietly."He'sdead.Hemadehisstatementwhenhe newhewasdying,andcalledthepossetowitnesswhathesaid.Heshottheexpressmessenger;--gotaloadofbuc shothimself."

Glendonshruggedhisshouldersimpatiently."Oh,well,IsupposeI'vegottogo,butyou'reonthewrongtrailthistime,boys.Ihaven'tbeenawayfromhomeforoveramonth,asmywifecantellyou."

Heturnedtowardthehouseasthoughtocallforcorroboration.

"NousedraggingMrs.Glendonintoit,"saidLimber,quic ly."Iguessyoucangetotherwitnessesoutsideofher,ifyouneed'emJim.Itain'tthesortofthingforanywomantobemixedupin,andwedon'twanttoma eitharderforherthanwehaveto."

Theothersnoddedapprovingly;butGlendon'seyesnarrowedandhefaced

Limberinsuddenfury.

"Loo here,Limber,you'reanoldfriend,butdon'tpresumetoofar.I'mnotasbigafoolasyouthin Iam.Youmindyourownbusiness,damnyou!What'smywifetoyouanyhow?YouandPowellhavebuttedinagoodbitinmyfamilyaffairs!"

Limber'sfacewaswhite;hisrighthandflashedtohispistol,thenfellaway.Hiseyesstaredindumbmiserytowardthehouse.TheothermensawKatherineGlendonstandinginthedoorway.Everyheadwasbaredinstantly.Sheunderstoodthatsomethingwaswrong,andanexpressionofdreaddar enedhereyesasshemovedtoherhusband'sside.

"Whatisit,Jim?"sheas ed.

Glendon ic edthegravelbutnooneanswered.Thenashereyesmovedfromfacetoface,sherecognizedLimber.

"Whatiswrong,Limber?"

Thecowpuncher epthiseyesonthehornofhissaddle.HewouldhaveshotGlendonfortheinsultpassed,buthecouldnotforcehimselftotellGlendon'swifetheirmission.



Grahamcursedinwardly.Glendon'slipsworeanuglysmile,andherefusedtospea .

"Thetrainwasrobbedagainlastnight,Mrs.Glendon,"explainedGraham,atlast."Three-fingeredJac was illed.HemadeastatementaccusingGlendonandAlpaugh.We'reallfriendsofGlendon'sanddon'tbelievethestorywastrue;butwehavetota ehimbac withus.Wecan'thelpourselves."

Katherineheldtightlytothepic etfencewhilethemanwasspea ing.

"Youarema ingaterriblemista e,"shecriedinrelief."Hehasnotbeenawayfromhomeforoveramonth."

"Hetoldusthat,"wastheanswer,"andwe'regladofit,too."

Sheturnedtoherhusband,herhandrestedonhisarm."Jim,tellmeyouareinnocent,andIwillbelieveinyouinspiteofeverything,"sheimplored.

Heglancedsuspiciouslyatthemen."Youforget,Katherine,thesemenwillbewitnessestoeverywordIspea ."

"Wewillrideoffabit,Glendon,butwe'vegottowatchyou,"repliedGraham.Followingtheconstable,therestrodeoutofearshot,leavinghusbandandwifepracticallyalone.

"Areyoumixedupinit,Jim?"

"No;"herepliedboldly,tryingtoloo herintheeyes.Ashisglancewavered,she newthathewaslying,andhe newthatshereadhisguilt.The nowledgerousedhisresentment.

"Jim,behonestwithme,"shebeggedearnestly."Trustme.Nomatterwhathashappened--whatyoumayhavedone,youaremyhusbandandIwillstandbyyou.Tellmethetruth."

"Thereisnothingtogointohystericsover,"heretorted."You nowasmuchabouttheaffairasIdo.You nowIhavenotbeenawayfromhomeforamonth.Ifyouwanttohelpme,asyoupretendyoudo,thatstatementfromyouwillcounteractanythingJac mayhavesaid.Idon'tnowwhetheryourtestimonywouldevenbeadmittedasevidence."

"Icouldsaythattruthfully,"sheanswered;"and,oh,Jim!Iamsothan ful."

"I nowyouhavealreadyaccused,triedandsentencedmeasguilty,"heshruggedhisshouldersandwal edovertothemen."I'llbereadyassoonasIcansaddleup."

Katherinestoodbythegate,numbwiththeshoc ,andasthemenrodepast,theytouchedtheirhats.Sheonlysawthecarelessnodthatherhusbandgaveher,andherodeaway,chattingwiththemen.

MotionlessGlendon'swifewatchedthelasttraceofthedust-cloudfromthehorses'hoofs,then,sheturnedwithdraggingstepsintothehouse.

Afewdayslater,shelearnedthroughJuan,whohadbeentoseeChappo,thatthepossehadcaughtupwiththefleeingbanditsneartheMexican



border.Theirsurrenderwaseffectedaftertheponiesoftheoutlawshadbeenshotfromunderthem.

Downing,Bur s,Wentzandtwobrothers,namedRowan,constitutedtheremainderoftheband.They,togetherwithAlpaughandGlendon,wereta entotheCountyjailatTombstonetoawaittheirtrial.

ThenanotefromGlendonreachedKatherine.HewantedhertocometoTombstoneatonceandstaythereuntilthetrialwasover.So,leavingJuaninfullcharge,sheobeyedthewishesofthemanshehadmarried.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

Whenthetrialtoo place,thefactthatAlpaughandGlendonhadbeenintheirhomes,andtherebeingnoproofoftheiractualconnectionwiththeattemptedrobbery,merelytheunsupportedstatementofThree-fingeredJac ,auguredtheircompletevindication.

Asthecasewasabouttobeclosed,abombwasthrownbytheprosecutingattorney,whoas edtohaveWentzputonthestandasawitnessforthe

Prosecution.AlpaughandGlendon,withtheirattorneyswerenotpreparedforWentz'evidencewhichcorroboratedthestoryofThree-fingeredJac .Assuredofaverylightsentence,orpossiblefreedom,asresultofhisturningState'sevidence,Wentzmadeacompleteconfessionofhispartinthematter,andtheconvincingdetailsremainedunsha enbythemostseverecross-examinationbythelawyersforthedefence.

AlpaughandGlendon,asthetestimonyprogressedexchangedglancesofconsternation,andtheconfusionoftheirattorneyswasapparentnotonlytoJudgeandjury,butalsotocasualspectatorswhohadnonowledgeofthetwistsoflegalprocedure.Thejurywasoutbutashorttime,andtheverdictof"Guilty"wasnosurprisetoanyonewhowasintheCourtroom.AfewdayslaterGlendonandAlpaugh,togetherwithall

theothersimplicated,weresentencedtotenyearsintheYumaPenitentiary.Publicsentimentapprovedoftheverdict,butmanysympathizingeyesturnedonKatherineGlendon,whosatwhite-faced,atthebac oftheCourtroom.

ShehadremainedinTombstoneduringtheentiretimeofthetrial,andli emanyothers,believedGlendonandAlpaughthevictimsofspiteonthepartofThree-fingeredJac .Toher,theunexpecteddevelopmentwascrushing.Inherheartshefeltitwasthetruth,althoughherhusbandpersistedindeclaringhisandtheconstable'sinnocence.Herowntestimonyhadbeenbriefandconvincing,butinnowayconflictedwiththeminutecircumstancesstatedbyWentzregardingGlendon'sactivities.Infact,itonlyservedtoprovethatGlendonhadplannedaperfect

alibiwithhiswifeasaninnocentaccomplice.

Immediatelyaftertheconviction,Wentzwasgivenhislibertyaspromised.WithhisfirstappearanceafewhourslateronthestreetsofTombstone,theopenthreatsoffriendsoftheconvictedmen,causedhimtohastenbac totheCountyjailandas itsprotectionuntilhecouldarrangetogetawayfromArizonasafely.

Thewardenallowedhimtheprivilege,butwasnotenthusiasticoverit,ashesaid,"Well,Wentz,you'reinafinemess,now.Iwouldn'tchange



placeswithyouforalot!You'reoutajob,busted,gotnofriendsandhavetoquitthecountry.DernedifIhaven'tgotmorerespectforthosefellowsinthecells!"

Wentzmadenoreply,butslumpeddowninachair,tryingtofiguresomewayoutofhisdilemma,andthewarden,lightingacigar,continuedgrimly,"You'reinthesamefixasthefellerthatsawedthelimboffthetree,whilehewassittingontheendofthelimb."

Theothermanscowled,butheldhistongue.Thiswashisonlyplaceofrefugeatpresent.Eventhosewhohadnosympathyfortheoutlawshadstilllessuseforthemanwhohadbetrayedthem.ThewardenrosewithasmileasKatherineGlendonenteredtheroom.Shehadcometoseeherhusband.Wentz'headdroppeduntilheheardtheirretreatingstepsinthecorridor.

"IsthereanythingIcando?"Katherineas edalmosthopelessly,asshesatinthecelltal ingtoGlendonwhentheywerealone.

"Gohome,"commandedGlendon."There'snousehangingaroundhereanymore.Forbes,ourlawyer,saysthattherailroadcompanystretchedapointinhavingtheindictmentread'interferingwiththeUnitedStatesmail.'Noonetouchedthemailcar.Therailroadcompanynevercouldhavewon,andthat'swhytheymadeitaFederalcase.Itwasaputup

joballaround,andWentzstoodinwiththerailroadpeopletogetus.""WhyshouldThree-fingeredJac haveaccusedyou?"sheutteredathoughtthathadpuzzledher.

"Well,youseeIhadarowwithhiminWillcoxthelasttimeIwasinthere,"Glendonrepliedglibly,thenhurriedtoadd,"Now,seehere,Katherine,you'vegotachancetohelpme,andnooneelsecandoit.Willyoustandbyme?IswearthatifIgetoutofthistroubleyouwillhavenofurthercausetoreproachme.IhavedoneafewdecentthingssinceImarriedyou.Notmany,butcan'tyourememberthatIletyoueepDonnieinsteadofsendinghimtofather,asIhadalegalrighttodo?"

"Yes,Jim!Iwillneverforgetit!Butevenwithoutthat,Iwoulddomyutmosttohelpyou,becauseyouarethefatherofmyboy."

"You'reabric ,Katherine!Now,seehere,Iwantyoutocirculateapetitionformypardon,afterthefirstexcitementhasdieddownandIhaveshownmyselfamodelprisoner.Youwillhavetogetacertainnumberofnames,asthepetitionhastogotoWashington,becauseitwasaFederalcase.TheGovernoroftheTerritoryhasnojurisdictionoverit.Youwon'trefusetodothisforme,willyou?Everyoneisagainstmenow,andifyoufailme,Ishallta eadvantageofthefirstopportunityto illmyself."

"Jim,haveIeverfailedyouyet?"sheas edsimply.

"No;you'vebeenalongwaytoogoodforme,"heanswered,"andifIcangetthissquared,I'llshowyouhowIappreciateyouandwhatyouhavedone."

Despitehispromises,sheleftthejailwithaheavyheart, nowinghiswea andvacillatingcharacter,andfeelingthathisprotestationswerenottoberec onedseriously.But,shealso newthatwhenthetimecame,shewouldhelpinanywayshewasable.Sohusbandandwife



parted,andthewomanreturnedtotheCircleCrossranchthefollowingday.

JuanandTattersmetherwithdelight.TheoldMexicanhoveredaboutherindumbsympathy.AletterfromDonniewasfullofhischildishinterests.Thetouchofthebadlyscrawledpagescomfortedherasthoughthechild'shandswerelaidonherown.Afeelingofthan sgivingsurgedoverher,thattheboywasawaywhereno nowledgeoftheshadowintheirhomecouldcloudhiseyes.

WhentheMexicanstoodinthedoorofthe itchen,sayinginhisliquid,nativetongue,"Buenosnoches,SeÃ±ora"(Goodnight),sherememberedthatshecouldnot eeptheman,therewassolittlemoneyleftnow.

GentlysheexplainedthesituationtoJuan.Thebewilderedexpressiononhisfacesuddenlychangedtoeagerness.

"SeÃ±ora,Ihavesavedupmoney.Eetisforbothofus.Someday--maÃ±ana--youpaymebac ."

"Icannotuseyourmoney,Juan."Hervoicetoldhowtheoffertouchedher."Imustloo outforthecattlemyself,thereisnotenoughtopayyouwages."

"Youhavefrijoles,no?"demandedJuan."Eetisenough.Istay!"ThematterwasendedbyJuanhurryingfromtheroombeforeshecouldprotestfurther.EachtimeduringthefollowingdayswhenKatherinebroachedthesubject,Juanevadedtheissuebyhavingimportantwor ,andKatherineunabletodootherwise,lettheirlivessettleinaroutinethatpromisedtostretchintoyears.

ShemadeonemoretriptoTombstoneafterthesentencehadbeenpassed.Glendoninstructedheraboutcirculatingthepetition,butbadeherwaituntilfourorfivemonthsafterhehadbegunservinghisterm.Shelefthiminhiscell,carryingwithheranundefinableimpressionofamanwhomshedidnot now;foralreadyshesensedasubtlechange.

Thedaybeforetheconvictedmenweretobetransportedtothepenitentiary,Glendonlayonhisbun inhiscell,wonderingwhetherhisplanswouldfailorsucceed.Hewasplayingforhighsta es;tolosemeantforfeitinghislife.

Panchitahadcalledatthejailseveraltimessincethetrial,ostensiblytoselltamalestotheprisonersandtheirguards.InnowayhadtheMexicangirlbeenidentifiedwiththetrain-robbers,soheractionscreatednosuspicion.ShemanagedtoletGlendonunderstandthatshewasreadytoco-operateinanyplanshemightma e.

Hehadgivenuphisoriginalideaofhopingtowinapardon,whichif

obtained,wouldonlymeanbeingfinanciallypenniless,andbrandedasafelon.Themorehethoughtofthealternative,themorealluringitbecame.

Panchitahadtoldhimthatthemoneyfromthefirsttrainhold-up,wassafelysewninabustlemadeofnewspaperswhichsheworeconstantly.Shehadwhisperedthiswhilehepretendedtojo eanddic erfortamales.Tonight,therewouldbelittlesteelsaw-bladesinthetamalesshewastobringforhissupper.Inordertodisarmanysuspicion,shehadlaughinglypromisedtobringtamalesforallofthem,becausethey



weregoingontheirlongjourneythenextmorning.Thewardenhadgivenconsent,especiallyasshehadpromiseddoubleallowanceforhimsothathecouldta ethemhometohiswife.

Glendon newthatoncehepossessedthosetinysaws,hecouldcutthebarsofhiscellbeforemorning.Panchitawouldbewaitingwithapony,andlatershewouldfollowtoMexicowheretheywouldmeet.Hehadnofearofherfailinghim, nowingherinsanejealousyofhiswife.

Heroseandpacedthefloornervously,astheafternoonwaned.Fiveo'cloc passed--half-pastfive--thenthecloc inthesheriff'sroomstruc six.Thejailerpassedthebarreddoor.

"Say,"calledGlendon,"hasn'tthattamalegirlbeenaroundyet?Shepromisedtogiveusallatamalesuppertonight,you now.Celebratingourjourney."

"She'sdead,"answeredthejailer,stoppingatthedoor."Theplacewhereshewasstayingcaughtfirelastnight.Itwasaframeshac ,andtherestallgotoutexcepther.Shewasn'tburntbutsmotheredinthesmo e."

"That'stoughluc ,"saidGlendon,tryingtoappearcareless."Wasitmuchofafire?"

"No,theygotitoutinhalfanhour."

"Wasshelivingwithherfol s?"Glendonwasstrivingnottobetrayhisdisappointmentandanxiety,buthefeltli espringingatthejailerandcho ingthetruthfromhislips.Panchitawasdead--butwherewasthemoney?

"SheboardedwithaMexicanfamily,andtheydidn't nowanythingexceptshecameherelatelyandsoldtamales.Shewasma ingtamaleslastnightjustbeforetheyallwenttobed."

"Whota eschargeofthebodyandpropertyinsuchcases?"

"Oh,theCountyburiesthemandburnsuptheiroldduds.TheseMexwomenneverhavenothing!Funnything,though,aboutthat,"hepausedtocoaxacigarthatfailedtodrawproperly."Gosh!That'saran cigar!"heejaculatedta ingitfromhismouthandregardingitindisgust,whileGlendon'sfingerstwitched."Igavetwobitsforit,too."

"Youweresayingsomethingaboutthetamalegirl'sduds.Whatwasthejo e?"

"Oh,yes";thejailerresumed,laughing."Yousee,thereisaMexicanwomanthatlivesinthesameshac andshewor sformywife.Doeswashing.Shehadsomeofourclothesthereandsocameuptoexplain

thatshecouldn'tgetthemdoneupontime.Shetoldmywifeallaboutthefire,andthatthegirlhadonlyanolddressandablac shawl,butafinepairofhigh-heeledslippersandsil stoc ings,and--ha!ha!ha!abustlemadeoutofnewspapers.Canyoubeatthat?Gottobeinstyle,someway."

Glendon'seyesflic eredandhecaughthisbreathquic ly.

"Funnycombination,wasn'tit?Butallwomenfol sareali e.Ifoneof



themrigsupsoshehasahumponherbac li eacamel,alltheothersbrea theirnec sfixinguphumps.Iftheywerebornthatway,itwouldeepthedoctorsbusyoperatingtogetridof'em."

Glendonstretchedhisfaceinanefforttosmile,butthemuscleswerealmostrigid.

"Well,"continuedthenarrator,enjoyinghisownstory,"afterthebodywasta enaway,thisoldwashwomanandanotheronestartedtocleanuptheplace,andpic ingaroundtheyfoundthethings.Theygottoscrappingoverthestoc ingsandshoes,thatwastoosmallforeitherofthemtowear.Buttheyneverletuptilltheyhad'emtoretopieces.Theoldwomanwascryingwhenshetoldaboutit.Mywifealmosthadhystericswhenshetoldmethestory."

Glendonpretendedtoenjoythejo ehugely.Thenafterashortperiod,heas ed,"Butwhatdidtheydowiththebustle?Whogotthatsouvenir?"

"Oh,theyburntthatup.Itwasjustoldnewspapers.Nobodywantedthat.Mywifeas edaboutit,becauseshethoughttheoldwomanmightbewearingitherself.Sothat'swhynoneofusgotourtamalestonight!"themanconcludedashemovedawayfromthecelldoor.

Glendonthrewhimselfonthebun ,cursinghisill-luc .

"Seventythousandgoneupinsmo e!"hemuttered,nevergivingathoughttothegirlwhohadris edeverythingforhissa e.Hisonlyregretwasthatherinopportunedeathinterferedwithhisplansforescape.Hisformerpassionforthewomanturnedtoresentment.

"Paddy'smoneyissafe,"hemeditatedashelaystaringatthewall."IfIcouldonlygetout!"

HislasthopelayintheslimpossibilitythatKatherinemightbeabletoobtainapardonforhim,thenhecouldgetPaddy'smoneyandgotoSouthAmerica.Butsuchapardonwouldta emonthstoaccomplish.Glendongotupandwal edthelengthofhiscell, ic ingthewallwhen

hereachedtheendoftheroom.Cursesrosetohislips.ThewallinfrontofhimremindedhimofthegrimgreywallsoftheArizonaPenitentiary,andhefeltthatifhecouldonlygetWentzbythethroatandcho ehimslowlytodeath,hewouldbewillingtogotothePenitentiaryforlife.But--Wentzwasfree.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

Wentz,hoveringinthecorridoroftheTombstonejail,hadoverheardthe

conversationbetweenthejailerandGlendon.With nowledgeofPanchita'sdeath,Wentzrealizedthathisownplanswereinchaos.Glendon'snonchalantattitudeatthenewsconfirmedWentz'sbeliefthatGlendon newwherethemoneyhadbeenconcealedbytheMexicangirl.

"IfGlendonwerefree,"Wentzmuttered,"hewouldprobablygetthemoneyatthefirstopportunity.Theremaybeachanceafterall."

Deepinthought,hereturnedtotheroomwherethejailerwaitedforthedeputytorelievehimthathemightgohometosupper.Wentzpic edupa



newspaperandbegantoread.Thedeputyenteredtheroom,andnoddedtothejailer,whoexchangedafewcasualwordswithhimanddeparted.Wentzhadgreetedthenew-comer,butacurtnodhadbeentheonlyresponse.

ThecurseofJudaswasuponWentz.Sincethetrialnoneofthemenhehadbetrayedwouldspea tohim,andtheireyeswerethreatening.Othermeninthejail,officialsaswellasprisoners,heldhiminopencontempt.Outsidewerethosewhomadedirethreatsofvengeance.Wentzenviedhisformercomradesandbegantofeelthathewouldrathersharetheirpunishmentthanfacehisownblac future.Hewaswithoutmoney.NoplaceinArizonawouldharbouratraitor;nomanwouldtrusthimorholdoutahandincomradeship.Therailroadwouldgivehimwor ,sohewouldnotstarve,butlifewouldbeunbearable.Ifhemadehiswaytoanothersection,itwouldmeanwithoutacentinhispoc et,nocredit,nowor .Ifhecouldonlyfindwherethatundividedmoneyfromthefirsthold-uphadbeenhidden,thenhecouldlaughatthemall.

Thedeputyhadpic edupaboo .Yawningandstretching,Wentzdroppedhispaper,thenrisingslowlywal edalongthecorridor.HereachedGlendon'scell,pausedandcalled,"Hello,Glen!"

Thefigureonthebun turnedheavily,andGlendon'sbloodshoteyesglaredinfuryathisformercomrade.Heutterednoword.Witha

peculiarexpressionWentzreturnedtotheoffice.Thedeputyglancedupcarelessly,andresumedhisreading.Wentzpassedbac ofhimand,withaswiftmovement,snatchedtheman'spistolfromtheholsterthathungonhiship,andstruc himastunningblowonthehead.Thedeputydroppedtothefloor.Tyingandgagginghim,Wentzsecuredthe eys,thenranrapidlyalongthecorridor,unloc ingthedoorofeachcelluntilhereachedGlendon's.

"Getup,Glen!Hurry!"

Alreadytheescapingprisoners,includingAlpaughandtheothertrain-robbers,wererushingpast.Glendonleapedtohisfeetbewildered.

"You--"

"Don'twastetime,youfool!Someonemaycome!"saidWentz,pullingGlendonthroughthedoorand eepingcloseathisheelsastheyreachedthestreet,havingstoppedonlytopic upgunsandcartridgesintheroomwherethedeputy,nowconsciousbuthelpless,watchedtheprocessionofescapingprisoners.

Anumberofcowponiesweretiedtothehitching-postsinthestreets,asisusual,whiletheirownerswereabouttown,oreatingsupper.Thesewerehastilymountedbytheoutlaws.ThepresenceofanumberofhorsemengallopingthroughthestreetsofTombstonewastoocommonasightattheCountyseattocausecuriosityorcomment.Theescaping

prisonersbro eintosmallgroupsandlefttownindifferentdirections,toavoidanysuspicion.

Thefugitiveshadanotheradvantageintheunusualdar ness,notonlybecauseofthehour,but,also,ofthegatheringblac cloudsthatpresagedastormatanymoment.So,eventhosewhomighthaverecognizedthemeninthedaytime,wouldbeapttopassthemwithoutasecondglanceinthedimlight.

Whenthejailerreturnedfromsupperanhourlateranddiscoveredwhat



hadhappened,apossewasformedwithoutdelay.Itdividedintoseveralparties,thatallroadsmightbecoveredassoonaspossible;otherwisethedar nessandapproachingstormwouldma epursuitpracticallyimpossibleuntilmorning.Bythattimeanytrailmadebythehorsesofthefleeingmen,wouldbecompletelyobliterated,shoulditrain.

Thebandheadedbythefuriousdeputywhohadbeenthevictimofthetreachery,finallycaughtsightofWentzandGlendon,whowere eepingtogether;andarapid-fireduelbeganbetweenthepursuersandprisoners.Thegaitofthehorses,theuncertainlight,andtheinterveningroc sabouttheoutlyingdistrictofTombstone,allfavouredthefugitives.AbulletbroughtdownthehorseWentzwasriding,pinningthemanunderitasitfell.Hestruggleddesperatelytofreehimself.Seeingcapturewasinevitable,thetraitorliftedhispistoltohisownhead--andthepossesawaflash.

Glendon,inadvanceofWentz,heardtheshotandloo edbac .Thensomethingstruc hislegandhefeltthebloodoozingdownintohisboot.Ratherthangiveupnow,hedeterminedtofollowWentz'exampleanduseabulletonhimself.

Aheadofhimrosehugeboulders,loomingli egigantictombstones.Oncehecouldattaintheirshelter,itwouldbealmostimpossibleforthepossetocatchhim,ortota eaccurateaim.Thehorsehewasriding

respondedtothehammeringoftheman'sheels--hehadnowhiporspurs.Atlasthereachedtheshelteroftheroc sanddartedincirclesfromonetotheother, eepingthembetweenhimselfandanychancebullets.Bydegrees,thesoundsofshotsdiedaway,thevoicesofhispursuersceased.He newhehadoutwittedthemforthenight;buttherewasnotimetolosebeforedawn.

Whenhehadpressedonacoupleofmiles,hepulleduphishorseandslippedtotheground,layinghisearagainstthewetearthwhilehelistenedintently.Buttheonlysoundheheardwastherumbleofdistantthundergrowinglouderandlouder.Bac ofhimthes ywasin yblac ,puncturedatshortintervalswithzigzagstrea sofdazzlinglight.The

stormwasalreadyuponthetownfromwhichhehadescaped.

Withasighofrelief,heexaminedthewoundinhisleg.Itwassuperficial.Glendontoreasleevefromhisshirtandbandagedthewound.Then,mountingthepantinghorse,hedoubledbac onhistrailforamileandmadeacutacrossthemountainsatapointwherenoonebutanApachehadeverdaredtocross,exceptindaylight.

Thistrailhadnotbeenusedforalongtime.Glendon newthedangerofit;butdeathinthemountainsatthebottomofagully,waspreferabletotheYumaPenitentiaryfortenyears,orlonger.

Bymorningtherainwouldhavecompletelyobliteratedhistrac s,and

thepossewould,nodoubt,continuetheirsearchinthedirectiontheyhadlastseenhimfollowing.Herealizedtherewasanotherdanger.HewastryingtoreachtheCircleCross.TheauthoritieswouldprobablytelegraphtoWillcoxandapossebestartedfromthatpointtoHotSprings.HemustreachtheCircleCross,getclothes,foodandafreshhorsebeforeanyoneelsecouldma ethatranch.Butfirst,therewassomethingelsetodo.

Histhoughtswereinterruptedbythestormbrea ingoverhishead.Thereverberatingthunder,incessantflashesoflightningandshrie ingwind



soundedasthoughallthefiendsofthenetherworldwere eepingpacewithhim,rejoicingathisescapeandconspiringtoaidhim.Acrossthebac boneoftherangeheurgedhisfrightened,stumblinghorse.FivemilesfromtheCircleCross,Glendonhaltedandsatpeeringinalldirectionswhenaflashilluminatedthebrushandtrees.Hehadnofearofpursuersnow,buthewassearchingforoneparticulartree,anditwashardtoidentifyinthefitfulglare.

Atlasthefoundit,dismountedandtiedhishorse.ThenfromtheunderbrushGlendondraggedarustyshovelandbegantodig.Thegroundwassoftfromrecentrains,buthepausedfrequentlytowipethebeadsofperspirationthatmingledwiththeraindashingintohiseyes.

"Ididn'tputitsodeep,"hemuttered,plyingtheshovelmorerapidly."Iwonderifsomeoneelsehasfoundit!"

Arustlinginthetreescausedhimtostraightenupsuddenlyandwithastartledjumpheglaredaboutonallsides.Thelightningshowedonlythewavingbranches,thepouringrainandthewind-whippedbushes.

Histonguelic edhislips."God!IwishIhadadrin !Mynerve'sallshottopieces!"Hedugfuriously."It'sluc yIcaughtoldPaddyburyingthismoney.Thatgavemeachancetogettheoldfooloutofthewaywithoutsuspicion.EvenAlpaughwasinthedar aboutthat.He'sas

bigafoolastherest.Damn'em.Whydidn'ttheyblowoutThree-fingeredJac 'sbrainsbeforetheylefthimthere!"

Stillhedug,andtherainhammereddownwhilethewindwhistledandscreamedaroundhim.Theshovelstruc adeeprootofthetree.SomethingbrushedagainstGlendon'sface.Withascreamoffrighthedroppedtheshovelandrantothesnortinghorse.Glendon'seyesstaringintothedar nesspicturedPaddy'ssardonicfaceinthebushes,andbacofPaddywasoldDoctorKing,loo ingathimwithinfinitepity.Glendon'sarmwentacrosshisfaceasthoughshieldinghimself,andhisfootwasthrustintothestirrupofhissaddle.Thehorsemovedafewpaces,thenGlendonloo edbac ,andjer edviolentlyonthereins.Heliftedhisfistandshoo itatthegloom,shoutingwildly,"Damnyou!

Youcan'tfrightenmeaway!I'llhaveitinspiteofyouandHeavenandHell!"

Heleapedfromhissaddleandgrabbedtheshovel,cursingasheresumedhiswor untilhefoundthecanvassbagswiththeburiedmoney.Unabletocramthesac sintothesaddlepouches,hetoreoffthestringsofthebagsandpouredthegoldintotheleathersaddlepouchesoneithersideofthehorse.Oncemorehemounted,butashefacedthetrailtotheCircleCrossheshoutedatthenic eringshadows,"Damnyou!I'vegotit!"Thenherodeonhisway.

"It'llta efourhoursyetforanypossetoreachtheCircleCrossfromWillcox,"hesaid,leaninglowonthesaddletoavoidthelashofthe

windandtherain."There'llbeabigfloodatHotSprings.I'llhavetoleavethisgoldwithKatherine.It'stooheavytopac andtoobigaris .I'llta eacoupleofhourstorestandgetready.ThenIcanhitthetrailfortheborder.EasytodoafterIgetawayfromhereandacrosstheWillcoxflats.I'llta eFox.Hehasnobrandsonhim.Mysaddle'sattheranch,too--That'llgetridofthishorseandsaddle--They'llallbeloo ingforthisoutfitnow.WithFoxandsomemoney--Icanma emywaywithoutanytrouble,onceIgetclearoftheflats.Imustcrossbeforedawn--orhideinthemountainstilltomorrownight,thencross.Sixtymilestotheborder--thenIamsafe!"



Athoughtofhiswifeintruded."Isupposeshewillbal at eepingthegold,"hemuttered,"butshewillhavetodoit!ThereisnooneelseIcantrustwithit.Iwon'tstandanynonsensenow.She'llhavetodowhatItellher,byGod!"

HehadnofearofJuan, nowingtheMexican'sdog-li edevotiontoKatherine.Beside,theMexicancouldnotreachanyplacetogiveanalarmuntilafterGlendonwaswelluponhisway.Katherine'sexaggeratedsenseofdutywould eephersilent,nomatterwhatmighttranspire.Everythingwaspropitious.

Hishandwentbac andpattedthewetleatherofthesaddle-bagsthatheldtenthousanddollarsingold,andhislipstwistedinasneer,"Youoldfool,Paddy!Youthoughtitwassafe!"

CHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHT

Limber,whohadbeenacrosstheGaliurosridingtheSulphurSpringsValleyforacoupleofdays,decidedtogohomebythewayofWillcox

insteadofcuttingoverthemountaintrail,ashewasanxioustohearfromDoctorPowelltowhomhehadwrittenaboutthehold-upandtrial.PowellwasinNewYor intendingtosailforEuropewithinafewdays.

AsthecowboycameoutoftheChineserestaurant,afterhavingeatensupper,Jac Green,thestationagent,hailedhim.

"Hello,Limber!There'sbeenatelegramattheofficetwodaysforyou,butIhadn'tanychancetosenditoutyourway.Iguessit'llbeli etheIrishman'sletter,foritwastoletyou nowthatthedoctorwascoming.Hearrivedthisafternoon,andItoldhim."

"Ishehere?"as edLimbereagerly.

"No.HegotahorseatthecorralandwentrightouttoHotSprings.Saidhewantedtoseeyouassoonaspossible."

"SorryImissedhim.Icameinthin in'I'dhearfromhim.SoI'llgetoutassoonasPeanut'shadacouplehours'rest."

Theywal edacrossthestreettogether.AsGreenopenedthedoorofthestation,heheardthetelegraphinstrumentcallinginsistently.

"Justaminute,tillIta ethiscall,"hesaid,seatinghimselfatthetable.Asthemessagebegancominginrapidly,Green'sfacewasstartled.Hejumpedupasheclosedthemessage,turningtoLimber.

"Thewholebunchoftrain-robbersandalltheotherprisonersintheTombstonejailareloose.Wentzdidit.TheywantapossetostartatonceforHotSprings."

HeandLimberstartedrapidly."Theythin GlendonwilltrytoreachtheCircleCross,andprobablyotherswillbewithhim.I'vegottoseetheconstableandJudgeatonce."

Greendarteddownthestreet.LimberhurriedtotheCowboy'sRestand



saddledPeanut.

"Goin'tobeabigstorm,"saidBuc board."Whydon'tyoulayovertillmornin',Limber?"

"IbeenattheDiamondH,"LimberrepliedasheslippedtheheadstalloverPeanut'sears."ImissedDoctorPowellandwanttogetouttotheranchtonight."

Heledhisponyfromthestallashespo e.

"WaitaminuteandI'lllendyouaslic er,"offeredBuc board,disappearinginhissleepingquartersandreturningwiththeunwieldy,yellow,water-proofcoat.

"Won'tyouneedit,yourself?"

"Igotanotherinthebun house.Youcansenditbac whenit'shandy."

Limberthan edhimandtieditacrossthebac ofhissaddle,glancingupatthethreatenings y."GuessI'llneeditbeforelong,"hesaid,ridingtothegate."Muchobliged.Solong!"

HeturnedPeanut'sheadtothePointoftheMountains,northwestof

town,passingtheOTranchfivemilesout.Thenhestruc theroadtoHotSprings,whichlaythirty-fivemilesnorthofWillcoxonaroadthatwastotallyinvisible,now.Limberdidnothesitatetourgehisponyintoaswiftgallop,forhe newhecouldrelyonPeanut'swonderfulinstincttocarryhisridersafely.

"Ifwe inreachtheSpringsbeforeGlendondoes,"thecowboyspo etohispony,andthetaperingearswentbac atthesoundofthevoicePeanut newandloved,"We inwarnGlentheposse'scomin'so'she ingitawayintime.She'dhadenoughtroubleswithoutbeingthartoseehimget illedor illsomebodyelse,Peanut.Thar'sgoin'tobeshootin'iftheyfindGlen!"

Steadilytheponyswungalong,andthestormbeatdownonthemmercilessly.Theconstantflashesoflightningrevealedastreamofrunningwaterwheretheroadbed,worndeeplybywagonwheelsandhoofsofteams,leftahighridgeinthecentre.Peanut,withgoat-li eagility eptonthetopofthisridge.Itwastheonlysolidgroundvisible.Allelsewasaswamp.

TheroadhadneverseemedsolongtoLimberaswhenatlast,theponyslippeddownintothemouthoftheHotSpringsCaÃ±on.

"Sevenmilesmore,Peanut!"

ItwastheonlywaytoreachtheSpringsorCircleCross.Duringthedry

season,therewasnowaterinthebedofthecree ,astheHotSpringsCree seepedintothegroundashortdistancefromtheranchhouse,andthelittlestreamwasusuallyonlytwoorthreefeetwideandafewinchesdeep.OwingtotheimmensewatershedofthecaÃ±on,arainofshortdurationoftenmadecrossingimpossible.Theban softhecreerosefifteenfeet,ormore,perpendicularlyfromconstantfloods,andoftentheseban swereover-running.

This nowledgewasthebasisofLimber'shopeaswellashisanxiety.Ifhecouldcrossthecree beforetheflood,thatverythingmightprove



anobstacletotheposse,andgiveGlendonachancetogetagoodstart.Ifthefloodwasaheadofhim,thecowboy newhewouldhavetowaitandloseanyopportunityofseeingGlendonfirst.Thentheothermenwouldbetherewithhim.

Helistenedintently.Asthesoundhefeared--asmotheredroar--reachedhisears,heleanedforwardinhissaddle,andPeanutstartedwithasnortattheunusualtouchofthesharpspurs.

Itwasaraceforlifenow.Limber newhemustreachtheonespotinthecaÃ±onwherehisponycouldscrambleupthesheeremban menttotheupperroadbeforethefloodcouldcatchthem.Stumbling,panting,theponytoreovertheroc sandfallentreesthathadbeenwasheddowninpreviousfloods,andcrashedamongdeadlimbsinthedar ness.Peanutfellheavilytohis nees,butstruggledupinstantly,whileLimberspurredandcalled,"Yip!Yip!Yip!Peanut!Goon,yourascal!"

Thepony'searswereflattenedbac .He newthedanger,now.Thenoiseofapproachingwatergrewlouder.Watchingforthenextflashoflightning,Limber'seyesmeasuredthedistancebetweenhimselfandthepointwheretheroadstruc sharplyupthesteepinclinethatledtosafety.Withthesameglance,hesawthewallofseethingwatertumblingclosetothecrossing.Couldtheyreachitintime?

Thesoundsbecameadeafeningroar,andPeanutflagged.Limberleanedoverhisshoulderandspo etohim,andatthesoundofthelovedvoice,thelittleponymadeanothereffort.Withaconvulsiveleaphereachedtheslopeoftheroadandscrambledwildlytosafety,thenstoppedwithlowdroopingheadandquiveringlimbs.Limberjumpedfromthesaddleandwenttothepony'shead,puttinghisarmovertherain-soa ednec ,thecowboystro edthemaneandforeloc .Theycouldrestnow.NolivingthingcouldcrossthatcaÃ±onuntilthestormceasedandthefloodsubsided.

Asthelightningflashed,Limberwatchedthefloodsweepbelow,carryinggreatcottonwoodtreesli estraws,andover-turningimmensebouldersasiftheyweremarbles.

ManandponyhadriddenagainstDeaththatnight,andPeanuthadwontherace.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE

Katherinewasloo ingoutthewindowatthestorm-sweptcaÃ±on.JuanhadriddentotheSanPedrothatmorning.Hefiguredthathemightwor upatradeoftwounbro encoltsforagentlewor horse.Thenwhenhewas

compelledtoma eatriptotownwiththeteam,Katherinecoulduseherownpony,Fox,tocareforthecattleontherange.

Asthefuryofthestormincreased,sheclosedtheheavyshutterstoprotecttheglasswindowsfromthebranchesthatwerebro enandflungviolentlyagainstthelittlehouse.Thestormontheoutsideseemedemblematicofherlife.Yetsherememberedthatitwouldpassandthesuncreepgentlyintotheplaceswherethebruisedthingshadbeenbeatendown,andbydegreesthebeautywouldberestored.



Lightingthelamp,sheseatedherselfatthetableanddrewalettertowardher.Inthestressofeventsfollowingherhusband'sillnessandPaddy'ssubsequentmurder,thepublicationofherverseshadpassedfromhermemory.ManymonthshadelapsedbeforeKatherinehappenedtopic upthemagazineinwhichherpoemwasprinted.Li easeedthathadlaindormant,waitingtheproperseasontogerminate,roseanimpulsetotellthethoughtsthatsurgedwithinher.InthismoodshehadwrittenastoryofthelittleranchinthelonelycaÃ±on,andthethingsthatmadelifeforthewomanlivingtherewiththeoldMexican,thedogandthemountains.

Hesitatingly,shehadsentthestorytoamagazine;ithadbeenacceptedandtheeditorhadwrittenapleasantnotetoher,as ingformoreofherwor .Theletteropenedaworldofpossibilities.Notthatshedreamedofleapingintofameandfortuneasawriter;butbecauseitgaveheremptylifeanobject.Ingraspingatastraw,shehadfoundafriendlyhandthatdraggedherfromtheblac wavesofdespairandpointedabeaconlight,encouraginghertostruggleon.Thewaywasnolongerlonely;itwaspeopledbyun nownfriendswithwhomshecouldsharethoughtswhichhadbeensuppressedforyears.

ThelegacyreceivedfromherauntwouldamplyprovideforDonnie'seducationuntilhewasabletoassisthimself;shecouldremainontheranchwitholdJuan,caringfortheremnantoftheCircleCrossherd,

whichwouldfurnishwhattheyneeded,withthehelpofthegarden-patch,chic ensandacow.Ifshecouldsellafewstories,Donniecouldspendhissummervacationswithher.

"Tenyears,"shethought,ashamedofthe nowledgethatitmeantpeaceunspea able."Tenyears--andthen?"

Forcingthethoughtfromher,shetoo thesecondletterfromitsenvelope.ItwasfromGlendon'sfather,reiteratinghisoffertota etheboyandeducatehim.ThetoneoftheletterwasthesameasthefirstonehehadwrittenhissonaboutDonnie.Itwasagrim,hardletter.Katherine,readingbetweenthelines,feltnoresentment;sherealizedtheoldman's eendisappointmentinhisonlyson,andher

heartcriedoutinsympathy.

Soshewrote,than ingherhusband'sfatherexplainingcourteouslyaboutthelegacyprovidingfortheboy'seducation,andstatingthatshewouldremainattheranchuntilsuchtimeasherhusbandreturnedtoit.

Havingsealedtheletter,shesatidlylisteningtothestorm,whenanoc onthedoorstartledher.ShethoughttherewasnooneintheneighbourhoodexceptherselfandoldChappoattheHotSpringsranch,andshewonderedwhatcouldhavebroughthimoutinsuchanight.Asecond noc soundedbeforesheopenedthedoor,holdingitwithdifficultyagainstthewind,hereyesblindedbythedar nessofthenight,andtherainbeatingacrossthethreshold.

"Isthatyou,Chappo?"shecalledabovethenoiseofthestorm.

"Katherine!"

HereyesbecametragicandherfacewhiteasPowellenteredtheroom.

"You?"shewhispereddoubtinglyandyetwithalittlethrillofgladnessinhervoice.



Hegraspedhercoldhands,loo ingeagerlyintoherface.

"Youpoorchild!"Onlythreewords,buttheyseemedtocoverherwithwarmthandprotection.Thensheremembered,anddrawingherhandsfromhis,san tremblingintoachair,whilePowellstoodbyherside.Agreathappinessilluminedhisface,forhehadcaughttheloo inhereyesandhadheardthenoteinhervoice.

"Itriedtostayaway,"hesaidatlast."IthoughtIcouldblotyououtofmylife,butIcouldnot.IwasinNewYor whenLimber'sletterreachedme,tellingaboutthehold-up,trialandconviction.Itoo thefirsttrainhome.Iftheletterhadbeenadaylater,IshouldhavebeenonmywaytoEurope.Youwillnever nowwhatitmeant,picturingyoualoneherewiththisnewtroubletobear."

"Don't!"pleadedKatherine."Doyourealizewhathashappened?"

"I nowthatthelawhasta enitcoursejustly,"repliedPowell."Glendon'sconvictionissufficienttojustifyyourappealforadivorce.Nofurthersacrificeisnecessaryonyourpart.Surelyyouwillnothesitate,now?"

"Hehasnooneelse,"sheansweredslowly,"Thereforemyobligationistheheavier."

"Noobligationisdueamanli ehim.HehasheapedindignityandsufferingonyouandDonnie.Youcannotpointoneredeemingtraitinhischaracter."

"Heismyhusband.Onlydeathcancancelthatobligation."

"Heisacursetohumanity,"Powell'svoicevibratedwithemotion."Evenshouldyouremainhereuntilheserveshistime,itwillameanamorehideouslifeafterhereturns.EitherDonniewillsuccumbtohisfather'sinfluence,andyouwillhavetwobrutestocopewith,ortheboywillhatehisfather,andsomedayGlendonwill illDonnieorDonniewill illhisfather.Youhavenorighttoforcesuchasituationonthe

boy,tofacesuchafutureforyourself."

Katherinestoodbeforehim,herhandstightlyloc edtogethertocontrolthetrembling,shedidnotanswer,buttheloo inhereyestoldthatsherealizedthetruthofhiswords.Powellwasovercomewithcompunctionandtenderness.Hishandswerelaidgentlyonhers.

"Pleaseforgiveme,"hebegged."Itmaddensmetoseeyouinsuchtroubleand nowIampowerlesstohelpyou.TheonlygiftIcraveoflifeistheprivilegetoserveandprotectyouandDonnie."

Sheliftedhereyestothehandsthatwerereachingouttoher,thenhergazerestedonhisface.

"Canyouunderstand,"shesaid,"howahungrybeggarfeelsoutsideinthestormandcold,loo ingintoawarmroomwhereabanquetofrichfoodandwineisspreadbeforehiseyes?Iamstarvingforacrumbofyourlove;yetImustturnawayhungry."

Hestartedtowardherwithacryofjoy,butshemovedfartherfromhim.

"Doyouthin Iwouldhavetoldyou,ifIhadnotbelievedIhadthestrengthtoturnaway?"sheas edinadullvoice."Itismyatonement.



Itriedsohardtobetruetohim,inspiteofeverything;butatnightyoucametomeinmydreams,andIlivedinanotherworld,tilldawnbroughtmebac hereagain.Oh,whydoesGodletusma esuchterriblemista eswhenHe nowswehaveonlyonelittlelifetolive?Iamtired--sotiredofstruggling!"

Powell newthatitwashermomentofwea ness,andthetemptationwasstronguponhimtourgeher;buthealso newthatnohappinesswouldbelastingunlessshecametohimwithoutashadowofthepastfallingacrosstheirlives.

"Youareright,Katherine,"hesaid,gravely."Ishallnotworryyouanymore.AllIas isthatyouwillrememberIamwaiting,tohelpyouwhenyouneedme."Heliftedherhandtohislipsandthenshewatchedhimpassoutintothestorm.

CHAPTERFORTY

Thewindbeatthewindowsandscreamedli ealivingthinginmaniacalrage;itstruc thedoorandwhippedthetrees,tearingawaybranches

andthrowingthemdownthecaÃ±on.Onecrashbarelydiedinthedistantrumblewhenanothercrashsucceeded.Acloud-burstaddedtothewildnessofthescene.

TheflashesthatlitthehugecliffsabouttheCircleCross,revealedarain-soddenfiguremountedonanexhausted,stumblinghorsebac ofthelittleranch-house.Thehorsepic editswayuncertainlyuntilitreachedtheshelterofthestableshed.Glendonslippedstifflyfromitsbac andopeningthedoor,ledtheanimalintoanemptystall.ThehorsestumbledandGlendongaveitavicious ic ashecursedit.

Foxstoppedmunchinghishaytopo eaninquisitivenoseacrossatthestranger,whileGlendonstartedtounbuc lethesaddle-bags.Ashe

liftedthem,hesawasaddledhorseinthestallontheoppositesideofFox.Cursinghisluc ,themantossedthesaddle-bagsbac onthehorsehehadridden,andadjustedthemhastily.Thenhereachedupbehindthehayattheendofthestableandextractedabottleofwhis eywhichhehadputtherejustbeforehisarrest.Afterta ingacoupleofcopiousdrin s,hethrustthebottleintohiscoatpoc etandmountedthehorsewhosestiffenedmovementstoldthatitwasbadlyfoundered.Glendondughisheelsintotheheavingsides,andtheanimalwithlowhanginghead,stumbledwearilythroughthetreesdirectlybac ofthehouse.

Glendonchec edthehorseatapointwherethedenseundergrowthprotectedhim,yetallowedaviewofthehouseandstablesintheflashesoflightning.Hewonderedwhocouldbethereatthathour,

unlessChappowerevisitingoldJuan.Hadtheun nownriderintendedtoremainallnight,thestrangehorsewouldhavebeenunsaddled.Glendonsatshiveringuntilovercomewithcuriosityandthe nowledgethateachmoment'sdelaywasdangerous,hedismounted,tiedhishorseandcreptcautiouslytothesideofthehousewherehepeeredthroughthecreviceofabro enwindowshutter.PossiblysomeonehadalreadyreachedtheCircleCrossfromWillcox,andwasnowwaitingtocatchhimifheappeared.

ThroughtheshutterhesawPowellandKatherine.Thenoiseofthestorm



deafenedtheirvoices,butthemanoutsidereadthestoryintheirfaces.HesawPowellliftKatherine'shandtohislips.

Glendonstartedinfury.Hereachedforthepistolhehadta enfromthejail;butrememberingthatheneededhiswife'sassistance,decidedthathisvengeancecouldwait.Hewouldletthemango,butthewomanshouldpayforboth.LaterPowellshould nowofit.Glendon'slipstwistedinavicioussmile.

WhenPowellstartedtowardthedoor,Glendonshran againsttheadobewallwherethechimneyjuttedout.Thedoctorpassedhim,enteredthestable,thenGlendonwatchedhimrideswiftlytowardtheHotSprings.Feelingsecurefromotherintruders,Glendonreturnedtothehorseandledittothestablewhereheunsaddledit.Hemadehisplans.Foxhadneverbeenbranded,sowouldnotbeeasilyidentified,andwithhisownsaddlehewouldbefairlysafe,oncehereachedtheMexicanborder.

NoonewouldeversuspectKatherineofhavingthegold,andwhenhefeltsafe,shecouldcometohimwithit.ItwasagoodthingPanchitawasoutoftheway,now.

Hegraspedtheheavysaddlebagsandstaggeredtothedar andsilenthouse.Tatters,hearingtheapproachingsteps,bar edfiercely.Glendontwistedthe nob,butthedoorwasloc ed.He noc edsharply.

"Oneminute,"heheardKatherinecall."Isthatyou,Juan?"

Glendondidnotreply.ThenthedooropenedandKatherine,withabathrobeoverherthinwhitegownandherbarefeetthrustintoapairofshabbylittle idslippers,sawherhusband,drippingfromtherain,brushpastherintotheroom.Tattersranupbutreceiveda ic ,whileGlendondroppedthegold-ladenbagswithadullthudonthefloor.

"Damnthatbrute!"hesnarled."Ma ehimquithisnoiseand eepoutofmywayifyoudon'twanthim illed!"

ThecolliecreptunderthebedandGlendonthrewoffhisstreamingcoat.

"God!Whatanight!"

Katherinestaredathim,dazedanduncomprehending.Heregardedherwithanastysmile.

"Well,youdon'tseemoverjoyedtoseeme,"hesneered."NicewifelyreceptionIget.ThoughtIwasloc edupforgood,Isuppose.Didn'texpectanyvisitorstonight,eh?"

Thesignificanceofhisremar didnotpenetrateherthoughts.Shestoodsilentlyloo ingathim,tryingtounderstandhowhewashere,waitinghisexplanation.

Glendonturnedinrage."Whatdoyoumeanstandingtherestaringli eanidiot?"hedemanded."Thisisnotimetowaste.Getamoveonyou.Iwantsomegrubanddryclothes."

Mechanically,dumbly,shehastenedtoobeyhim.Glendonatethefoodthatshesetbeforehim,thenhefinishedwithseveraldrin sfromthebottleinhispoc et.Thewarmthoftheroombegantoeffecthishead,afterdrin ing;itloosenedhistongue.Thewomanwhowatchedhimwithdeadeyes,madenocomment.



"Wentz noc edthedeputyoverandtiedhimandopenedthejaildoors,"hebraggedasheate."Theydidn'tfinditoutforsometime,andwhentheysawusitwassodar theycouldnot eeptrac ofmeamongtheroc s.TheyshotWentz'shorseandhe illedhimself.Damnhim!Itservedhimright.Ifhehadheldhistongueatthetrial,AlpaughandIwouldhaveescapedconviction.Thenwecouldhavehelpedthemallaswepromisedtodo.AlpaughandBravoJuan epttogether.I'vegotto eepmoving.Theygotmeintheleg,it'sonlyascratch."

Helimpedacrosstheroomanddraggedthesaddlebagstothetable.Withtremblinghandsheunfastenedthestrapsandletthegoldflowoutinadull,glowingstream,fingeringitcaressingly."Ta ecareofthismoneyuntilIwritetoorsendwordwhereyoucanjoinmewithit;"heordered."I'mgoingtocutacrosstotheMexicanborder;thenwor mywaydowntoSouthAmerica.Anymanspea ingSpanishcangetalongthere.It'sacountrywheretheydon'tas toomanyquestions.There'stenthousanddollars,"heranhishandsoverthecoins."Thatwillgivemeagoodstartdownthere.I'llwriteyouunderthenameofReese,butnotforfiveorsixmonths.I'llhavetocovermytrac sprettywell,ortheFederalofficerswilllocateme.I'llta eFoxandmyownsaddle.Idon'twantJuanto nowI'mheretonight;butafterIleave,youmuststarthimouttotheRimRoc withthehorseIrodetonight.Tellhimtohidethesaddleandshootthehorseands init,andburythehide.

He'lldoanythingthatyouas him,andwon'ttal .""Juansoldyoursaddleafterthetrial.Weneededmoneysobadly,"saidthewomanslowly.

"ThenI'llta eJuan's.Idarenotris usingtheoneIrodetonight,northehorse,either."

"Juanisridinghisownsaddle.Hewon'tbebac forseveraldays.Heistryingtotradesomecolts."

Glendonpacedtheroomcursinghisill-luc ashesawhiscarefullyformedplansdisintegrate.Hebithis nuc lesnervouslyashetriedto

decidewhattodo.KatherineleanedacrossthetableasGlendonpausedandoncemoreranhisfingersthroughthecoins.Sheloo edupandhiseyesmethers.

"Wheredidyougetthatgold,Jim?"sheas edquietly.

"Noneofyourbusiness,"heretorted,deceivedbyhereventones."It'smine--doyouhear?Mine!Nooneelsecanclaimit!"

"Nooneelsecanclaimit,"sheechoed.Thenhereyeswidened."ItisPaddy'smoney!"shecried.

Glendonshruggedhisshoulders."Whatofit?Heburiedhismoneyand

everyone newit.Hehadnoonebelongingtohim.ItisPaddy'smoney!Now,whathaveyougottosayaboutit?"

"Youfoundthatmoneyfirstand illedhimafterwards,"shesaidtensely."Oh!I newtherewassomethingwrongwhenyou illedhim."Sherecoiledinhorror.

"Iwasacquitted,"hefacedherli eatrappedcoyote."Noonecanproveitwasn'tself-defence!You'remywifeandyou'vegottoholdyourtongue!"



Possiblytherepugnanceinherfacestung,forhereeledtohersidewithanoath.Sheloo edathimunafraidandthe nowledgethathehadnomorepoweroverhergoadedhimtofrenzy.

Hisclenchedfistwasliftedandbroughtdownwithacrashingblowinherface.Shefellagainstthesharpedgeofthewindow-ledge,clingingblindlyasshestruggledtoherfeet,buthe newshewasunconquered.Draggingthepistolfromhisbelt,hehurledtheloadedweaponather.Itstruc thewindowcasingafewinchesaboveherhead,thendroppedtothefloor,theblac compositionhandleshattered,leavingonlythesteelrim,butthecartridgesfailedtoexplode.

Glendonglaredatherasshestoodpantingagainstthewall,herwhitefacecontrastingvividlywiththebloodthatoozedfromcutsoncheeandlip--theeyesthatregardedhimheldnofear.She newthatdeathwasstandingbesideher,butitseemedawelcomefriend,withoutstretched,shelteringarms.

"I'llma eyouunderstandthatyouaremywife,"themanstartedthreateninglytowardher,hishandreachingdowntopic upthepistolonthefloor.Neitherofthemsawthedogwhichhadbeenwatchingfrombeneaththebed,andnowwasdraggingitselfstealthilyforth,itslipstwitching,itseyesblazinginfury.Withasuddenspring,itcaught

Glendon'shandinitsstrong,gleamingteeth.Theman'scursesmingledwithdeep-throatedgrowls,andastheyfought,thewomanstooddumb,unabletomove.Thebloodonherfacedrippedslowlyonthewhitegown.Therewasashot,andGlendonrosetohisfeet, ic ingthedogthatlaydyingonthefloor.

Withacryofpity,Katherinestooped,andthebrutethathadgivenitslifeinanefforttoprotecther,lifteditsheadfeeblyandlic edherhand.Thenwithitseyesonherface,itgaveaconvulsiveshudder.Withquiveringlipsandtremblinghandshelaiditdownonthefloor,roseandfacedherhusband.

"WillyoudowhatItellyou?"hedemanded.

"No!Youcan illmeasyouhave illedTatters,butIwillnottouchthatmoney!"

Heleapedather,caughtherbythethroatandflungherviolentlytothefloor.Wea ,voiceless,stillunconquered,hewatchedherdragherselfagaintoherfeet.Helevelledthepistolatherhead.Shedidnotflinchasshefacedit.

Glendonthrustitbac intotheholster."Damnyou!I'llgetalongwithoutyou;butIwon't illyou.I'mgoingto illthatdudedoctorandseehowyouli ethattoremembermeby!"

Hepouredmoreliquor,thenbendingundertheweightofthesaddlebags,hestrodethroughthedoor.

Katherinestooddazed,staringdownatthedeaddogonthefloor,asthoughherbrainhadceasedwor ing.Outside,inalullofthestorm,soundedthesharpbeatofhoofs.Glendonwasridingpastthehouse.

"Heista ingtheroadtotheSprings,Tatters,"shesaidslowly,hereyesonthedeaddogasshespo etoit.Therewerechainsonher



brain;--itcouldnotthin ;chainsonherhandsandfeet--shecouldnotmove.

Atinyredstreamwascreepingoverthewoodenfloortowardherandshewonderedwhatshewoulddowhenitreachedher.Fascinatedshewatchedit,thenwhenittouchedthehemofhergownma ingastainli ethoseaboveit,shewo einawildfrenzyofdespair.

"No!No!"shecriedflingingthedooropen."Iwilldoanythingyouwish,Jim!Comebac !Comebac !"

ButGlendonwasgone.Thewindtoreandlashedthecurtainswiththegaycretonnebands.ItblewouttheflameofthelampandtherainbeatdownonthebrightNavajorugsandthedeaddoglyingonthefloor.

Thewomanrantothestable.Theheavydoorbangedonbro enhinges.SheclungtotheemptystallandthoughtshesawherhusbandridinguptotheHotSpringsRanch.Shesawhimjumpfromhishorseand noc atthedoor--SawPowellopenthatdoor,andthen--shesawatinyredstreamtric lingacrossthewoodenfloor.

Withoutstoppingtoreasonthatshehadnochanceagainstamanonahorse,sheturnedandfacedthestorm.Thewindwhippedherlong,darhairacrossherfaceandtoretherobebac fromthethinwhitegown.

Herslippers,rain-soa ed,droppedfromherbarefeet,andthesharpstonescutthetenderflesh.Sheranon,unconsciousofeverythingexceptthe nowledgethatPowell--themansheloved--wasindanger.

Slowlyandmoreslowlysheran,herbreathcominginsharplittlegaspsthathurt.Shestaggeredafewmorefeet,thenwithatiredsigh,santotheground,tryingwithherlastconsciousthoughttorememberwhetheritwasTattersorDoctorPowelllyingdead,wherethelittlescarletthread eptcreeping--creeping--creeping--.

CHAPTERFORTY-ONE

"Onlyalittlewayfurther,Peanut,oldboy,"Limberencouragedthepony,pattingitsnec asheswungoncemoretoitsbac ;andPeanut,nowingthedistancehome,startedwillinglyonhiswaythroughthestorm.

TheywereonthemainroadwhichleddirectlytotheHotSpringsranch,butafewfeetfromthecree -crossingitfor edtotheCircleCross.AstheynearedthisY,theponyjumpedandstopped,snorting.LimberleapedfromhissaddleandshelteredbyPeanut'sbody,crouchedlow,holdinghispistolready.Whenthenextflashcame,illuminatingthelandscape

asbrilliantlyasthoughitweremidday,heslippedthepistolquic lyintotheholsterathishipandrantoawhiteheaphuddledintheroad.

Limberstoopedatthewoman'ssideandheldhissha inghandagainstherheart;thenheopenedhisflas andforcedwhis eybetweentheclosedteeth,andchafedthecoldhands.Therewasnoresponse.Hurriedly,heunfastenedtheyellowslic erhewaswearing,andgentlywrappeditabouttheunconsciousform.Then,liftingherinhisarms,thecowboymountedhispony,than fulthatDoctorPowellwassonear.



Thewindblewthewoman'shairacrosshislips,andawonderfulsenseofhappinessthrilledhim.Intheflasheshecouldseeherpalefacelyingagainsthiswetcoat,andhisheartthrobbedwithloveandtenderpity.

DoctorPowellopenedthedoorinresponsetoLimber'scall.AvividflashshowedPeanutwithLimberonhisbac holdingKatherineinhisarms.

"What'sthematter,Limber?"

"Ifoundheratthefor softheroadontheground.She'sjustfainted,Ithin ,"explainedthecowboyasheplacedtheunconsciousforminthedoctor'sarms.

Chapporanfromthehouseandtoo thereinsfromLimber,leadingPeanuttothestablewhilethetwomenenteredthehouse.ThedoctorlaidKatherineonthecouchandbroughtrestoratives.Limber neltbesideherandgentlychafedthecoldhands.

"Glendon'sbro ejailatTombstonewiththerestofthebunch.There'saposse,comin'fromWillcox.Iwascomin'outtoletyou now;buttheycan'tcrosstheCree now.It'srunnin'fromban toban .Peanutjustmadeitbyascratch."

Thelightfromthelampfellacrossthecutandbruisedface,andLimber'seyesturnedtoPowell.

"Doyouthin shedonethatfallin'intheroad?"heas edsignificantly.

"No,"wasthepositivereply,asPowellstudiedherface."Itloo sli eablow;besides,thosearefingermar sonherthroat.Isawhertwohoursago--shewasallrightthen--Juanisaway--Ilefthertherealone."

Limberrosefromthesideofthecouchandloo edintoPowell'seyes."Nobodywouldlayahandonherexceptin'Glendon."

Powellutterednosound,buthisfacewaspalewithemotionasthecowboywentonspea inginlow,tensevoice.

"Theygotawayatsixo'cloc ,andifGlendonhadagoodmountainponyandtoo theoldIndiantrail,hecould'vegottotheCircleCrossbeforenow.IfI nowedhe'dhither,I'd illhimonsight!She'sthenerviestwomanIhaveeverseen--andthefinest."

DoctorPowellheldouthishandandgrippedLimber's.

"You'vebeenaloyalfriendtoher,Limber."

"Tharain'tnothin'Iwouldn'tdoforher,"saidthecowpuncher,simply.

"Thar'slinesthatisdrawedbetweenhumans,jestasinanimals.Glendonwasn'tmeantforher,noway."

Understandingeachotherthoroughly,thetwomenwholovedhersatwatchingtheunconsciouswomanuntilhereyesopenedslowly,restingcuriouslyonLimber;thenasshesawtheotherman,herexpressionturnedtooneofterror.Withacry,shetriedtorise,butPowell'shandrestrainedher.

"Liestill,"hesaidquietly."Youaresafe."



Sheloo edupwildly."Barthedoor!Quic !"shecried."Heiscomingtoillyou!"

Theirfirstimpressionthatshedidnotrealizewhatshewassaying,vanishedastheylistenedtoherstory.Shedidnotspea oftheblow,norherrefusaltohideawaythemoney,buttoldthemthatGlendonhadseenthedoctortal ingwithher,andleftthehousewiththeavowedintentionof illinghim.

"Thar'sbeenplentytimeforhimtogethereaheadofyou,Mrs.Glendon,"Limberassuredher."He'dabeenherelongbeforeIfoundyouatthefor softheroad,ifhewascomin'.Iguesshewasjustbluffin'you,andwhenhefounditdidn'twor helitoutwiththetwohorses."

PowellagreedheartilywithLimber,buttocalmherfears,thecowboybarredthedoor.Katherine,succumbingtothesedativethedoctoradministered,relaxedgradually.Herlidsclosedwearily,butherlipsmoved,andinhalf-bro ensentencesshewentovertheterriblescene;pleadingwithherhusbandforPowell'slife,ortal ingtothedeaddog,beggingitnottoletthelittlescarletthreadreachher;thenshesanintosilence,unconsciousofallthatshehadrevealed.

Themen'seyesmet.Theyreadeachother'sthoughts.Limber'sfacewas

setandwhite,as,withanodtothedoctor,heroseandtiptoedfromtheroomintothe itchenwhereChappowassittingnearthestove.

Thecowboytoo hispistolfromtheholsterathiship,andloo edatthecylinder.Twistingitbetweenhisfingersheslippedthecartridgesfromit.Theywerewetfromtherain.

"Gotsomelard?"heas edChappo,andwhentheMexicanbroughtit,Limbergreasedthecartridgesandputthembac intothecylinder,thendroppedthepistolintotheholsterofhiscartridgebelt.AWinchesterriflehunginaleatherscabbardonthe itchenwall,andLimberlifteditdown.

Chappowatchedhimexaminethemagazineofthegun.

"Eetisallright,"hesaid."Eetshootsgood."TheMexican'seyesmetLimber's."Yougohunting,Leember?Ta eheem."

"Yes.Givemesomejer y,Chappo.Imaynotgetanygameforacoupleofdays."

Chappounderstood,andhastenedtogetthestiffstripsofsun-driedmeatwhichheputinasmallcottonsac andhandedtothecowboy,saying,"Goodluc ,Leember!Shootstraight!"

WithagrimsmiletheMexicansawthecowboyandgundisappear.

Peanutloo edupinsurprisedreproachashismasterreachedforthesaddlehungonapeg.Thepony newhehadwell-earnedhisblan etandbinofoatsthatnight.

"We'vegotsomemorewor todo,Peanut,"saidLimber,throwingthesaddleacrossthepony'sbac ,andPeanut,withafinalbiteattheoats,turnedagaintofacethestormwithhismaster.ThecowboywassurethatGlendonhadpushedontowardtheborder,andnot nowingaboutthegoldhewascarryingwithhim,supposedhehadta enFoxasarelay



horse.ThiswouldgiveGlendontheadvantageshouldthechasebeprotracted;but,Limber newthatPeanut'snervousenergyandstayingqualitiesinthemountainsmadehimequaltoanytwoordinaryhorses.

"We'llfollowhimtillHellfreezesover,Peanut,andwe'llsuregethimintheend,"saidthecowpuncherasherodeintothenight.

HedidnottrytojustifyhimselfbyrecallingthatGlendonwasanoutlaw,whosecaptureordeathwasdemandedbythelawofthecountry;hedidnotremindhimselfthatGlendonhad illedoldPaddyandhadbro entheunwrittenlawoffairplay.Itwastherecollectionofthewomanwiththecutfaceandfinger-mar edthroatthatsentLimberoutintothestorm.ThewomanGlendonhadtriedtodragintothemireofhisowninfamyasarewardfornineyearsofloyaldevotion;thewomanwhomLimberhadheldinhisheartandworshippedreverently.

Peanutslippedontherain-soddenearth,andLimber,leaningforwardinhissaddle, epthisWinchesterreadyashelistenedforthefaintestindicationofGlendon'spresence.LimberdidnotbelievethatGlendonhadcarriedouthisassertionthathewouldgototheHotSprings.Otherwise,hewouldhavebeentherelongbefore.Itwasmorepossiblethathehaddoubledbac onhistrac s,andstruc outthroughthemountainstowardthesouth,headingfortheborder,inordertocoverhistrailasmuchashecouldbydawn.Hewouldhaveto eepwell-hidden

inthedaytime.Suddenly,fromthedar nesssoundedtheshrillneighofahorse.LimberthrewhimselfonPeanut'snec andreacheddown,graspingthepony'snosefirmlytopreventhimfromanswering.Still eepingagriponPeanut'snostrils,thecowboydroppedtotheground,andstoodbac ofthepony'sshoulder,believingthatGlendonhadseenhimandwascreepingonhiminthedar .Theflashesoflightningwerelessfrequent.Therainandwindragedmorefuriously.

Thenfromthegloomtrottedariderlesspony,callingagainandagainasitapproachedthem.AflashenabledLimber's eeneyestorecognizeFox.Withalittlenic erofdelight,ittrottedtoPeanut'ssideandstood

rubbingitsnoseagainsttheotherpony'sshoulder.Limbersawaweather-beatensaddleandnewsaddlebagsonFox'sbac ,whileabro enhalter-ropedangledfromtheanimal'snec .He newthehorsehadbro enawayfromGlendon,andwasprobablyma ingitswaybac totheCircleCross,theonlyhomeithadever nown.Ifso,Glendonwouldfollowuntilhecaughtit,forhewouldneedtheextrahorseinhislongflight.

Limberhastilytiedthebro enhalter-ropetothehornofPeanut'ssaddle,andleftthetwoanimalsstandinginthecentreoftheroadasadecoy,whilehecrawledtoaprojectingclumpofbrushandslowlywormedhiswayparalleltotheroad.HewasfollowingApachetactics,now.Aprolongedflashofquivering,dazzlinglight,andLimber'shalf-blinded

eyesscannedthebrushandtrees.Thentherifleleapedtohisshoulderandhisfingerrestedonthetrigger.

DowntheroadhehadseenGlendon.Atthesametimehe newthatGlendonhadseenhim.Bac intothebrushheslippedlyingflatonhisfaceandwrithingcautiouslyforward.Therewouldbenotimeforasecondshot--Glendonwaswaiting,too.Howclosewashe,now?InchbyinchLimberdraggedhimself.Somewhereinthenight,anothermanwascrawlingtowardhim,guninhand--Themanwhohadleftthemar sofhisfingersonawoman'sthroat.God!Wouldtherebenoflashoflightningnowthat



heneededjustonemore.

Itcame,asthoughinanswertohisprayer.Dazzling,blindingandwithfrightfulcrashasthoughthewholeworldhadfallenintospaceandcrushedanotherworldtoatoms.AsharptinglingpainshotthroughLimber'smuscles,hisgundroppedfromhishandandexploded;hewonderedifGlendonhadhithim,butitwasrain,notbloodthatsoa edhissleeve.

Hegrippedhisgunandthrewanothercartridgeintoplace.Oncemorehebegancreepingandwaiting.Whenanotherflashcame,thecowboyloweredhisgun,androsetohisfeet.Atthesideoftheroadaheadofhimwasanuprootedcottonwoodtree.Underitlayahorseandaman.

Uncertainwhetherthemanwasdeadormerelystunned,Limbercrouchedwarilyinthebrush,waitingatell-talemovement.Butthehorseandmandidnotstir.

Thenthecowboyapproachedandloo eddowninthefitfulglareoftheflashes,andsawanimmovablefigure--facedistortedwithagony--openeyesstaringunseeingintothestorm--clothesacrossacharredbreast--anodourofburntfleshandsingedhair--thebodyofadeadhorse.

Limbergazeddownattheman,hismindfilledwithconflictingemotions.Hehadintended illingGlendonashewouldhave illedamadcoyoteorarattlesna e,andhewouldhavefeltnoregret;but,now--

Heraisedthedrippinghatfromhishead.Notbecauseofthebro enthingthatlayathisfeet,butinrecognitionofsomethinghigherandmoreincomprehensiblewhichrulestheUniverse--withitsthreeunfathomablemysteries,Life,DeathandEternity.

Replacinghishat,Limbermadehiswaybac tothehorsesandslippedtheWinchesterintothescabbardwhichhungfromPeanut'ssaddle.

"It'swor edoutallright,Peanut,"saidthecowboyashemountedthe

ponyandfacedtheHotSpringsranch."I'mgladIdidn'thaveto illhim.JustthesameI'dadoneitrutherthanlethimdragherthroughHellanotherhour.Hecan'tbotherhernomore,now."

HestabledFoxandPeanut,thenwenttothe itchenwhereChappo,li eafaithfuloldwatchdog,wasdozingbesidethestove.HestartedtohisfeetasLimberentered,butas ednoquestionswhenthecowboy,withoutaword,hungtheWinchesteronthepegswherehehadfoundit.

Powell,sittingbythecouchinthefrontroom,heardLimber'ssteps.Withaglanceatthesleepingwoman,herosesoftlyandwenttothedoorthatledintothe itchen.HeclosedthedoorandhiseyesmetLimber's.

"He'sdead,"saidthecowboy.Then,readingtheunspo enquestioninthedoctor'seyes,headded,"No.Itwasthelightningdoneit.Atreefellonhimandhishorse."

"Than God!"saidPowell,buthistonewasreverent,notjubilant.

"Issheallright?"as edLimberanxiously.

"Restingquietly.We'llta eherovertoMrs.Traynorinthemorning,Limber.Sheneedsawomanfriend,now."



"TheLittleLadywillloo outforher,"saidthecowboy.ThenheglancedatChappo,andafteraslighthesitationcontinued,"Iwishyou'dcomeoutandta ealoo atPeanut'san le,Doc."

Powell,catchingthepeculiartone,noddedandfollowedtothebarnwheretheponiesstoodcontentedlyintheirstalls.Limberclosedthestabledoorandspo einalowvoice.

"Glendonwasridin'thehorseandsaddlehestoleinTombstone.It'saLazyFpony.Thelead-ropeonFoxwasbusted."

"Allright.I'llnotifytheLazyFpeople,"PowellrepliedwonderingwhyLimberthoughtsecrecynecessary.

"Thatain'twhat'stroublin'me.YouseewhenGlenwasarrestedheridhisownsaddletotownwiththeposse.Iwaswith'em,andI nowedhissaddle.Besides,IboughtitfromJuanafterwards,whentheywashardupfordinero.Mrs.Glendondidn't nowIboughtit.Thatsaddle'sovertotheDiamondHandbeentharfortwomonths."

Hewal edtothecornerofthebarnandpointedatthesaddlehehadta enfromFox.

"That'sthesaddlethatwasonFox,"hesaidslowly."ItbelongedtooldDoctorKing--weallthoughttheApachesgotit."

PowellgraspedLimber'sarm."Youdon'tthin Glendon illedKing,doyou?"

"Tharain'tnowayIcanseetothin hedidn't,"respondedthecowpuncher."Fromallwecouldfindout,KingandGlendonridtothefor stogetherandseparated.Kingwasgoin'downtheSanPedroandGlendontoJac son'sFlats.YoucanseehoweasyGlendoncouldofshotfromtheuppertrail.ThebulletwentintoKing'sheadabovethelefttempleandcameoutbehindtherightear.Youseenthatyourself.Ithoughtitwas inderqueerwhenIheardMrs.GlendonsaytheApaches

didn'treachtheCircleCrosstillnoonandyousaidKinghadbeendeadovernight.ButthenIfiggeredtheIndianswassnoopin'roundthatpartforacoupleofdays."

"WhatobjectwouldGlendonhavehad?"

"He'dpic afightwithanyonewhenhewastan edupabit.You nowhealwayswantedtheHotSprings,andKingwouldn'tsellittohim.Hedidn't nowthelandwaspatented,andmebbehefiggeredthatifKingwasdeaditwouldbeeasytojumptheSprings.Ofcourse,hedidn't nowaboutKingma in'anyWill,northatyouandtheBosswaswor in'upadealwithKing.That'swhyGlendon'shaditinfortheDiamondHandforyoueversince."

Thechainofcircumstantialevidenceseemedconclusiveasforgottendetailswererecalled.

"Thar'saheapofgoldcoinsinthesaddlebagsthatwasonFox,"Limberwenton."Loo sli eitwasPaddy'smoneythateveryonewashuntingfor.Weall nowedthathehadthirty-fivethousanddollarsingoldburiedsomeplacearound.Tharwastwenty-fivethousandinthatflower-boxheguvtoJamieandtheLittleLady;andthisma estenmore.Paddyscattereditaround."



"IwonderhowGlendonhappenedtolocateit?"musedthedoctor.

Limberwhirledabout."Helocatedthatmoneybeforehe illedoldPaddy!That'swhyhedoneit,andAlpaughstoodinwithhim!Glendonwastoomuchofacowardtodoanythin'exceptin'shootoldmenandbullyhiswife.Hewastoorottentoliveandtoodamnrottentodie!But,nowwhatIwantto now,Doc,iswhatarewegoin'todoaboutthatsaddleandmoney?Thepossewillbeheresoonasthecree falls."

"SupposeIta echargeofitandconsultanattorney,"suggestedPowellafterafewminutes'thought."WehavenoabsoluteproofthatitbelongedtoPaddy.AshehadnoheirsIamratheratseaabouttheproperprocedure."

"Allright.I'mgoin'tota ethatsaddleofKing'sandburyit,"assertedLimber."Tharain'tnouseshoutin'aboutitnow.Glen'sdeadand'twon'tdoKingnogood,andMrs.Glendon'sgotenoughtroubletopac withouthavin'thisextrabunch."

PowellreturnedtothehouseandtoldChappotogotobed.Outwherethebrushgrewmostthic ly,Limberdugadeepholeli easmallgrave,andDoctorKing'ssaddlewascovered,whilethesteadilypouringrainobliteratedalltell-talemar sofdisturbedearth.

Asthehourspassed,thethundergrewfaintandfainter;thelightningceased;therainfellinasoftpatter,li echildren'svoiceswhisperinginthenight.Adim,greylightmingledwiththedar nessofthes y,sleepychirpsandtwitterssoundedfromrain-soa ednests,thepin fingersofMorningreachedoutandcaressedthetipsofthemountains.

DownthecaÃ±onnearthecrossingamanstoodwaitingtoguardthewomanhelovedfrom nowledgeofwhathadhappenedinthenight.Therushingtorrentwasfastsubsiding.

Heliftedhisheadatthesoundofgallopinghoofsandmen'svoices,

thenheturnedandloo eddownatthepossefromWillcox.Theyreachedtheoppositeban ofthestreamandletthereinsfalllooselyontheirponies'nec sastheyrecognizedLimber.

"Hello,Limber!Youwasluc ytogetherelastnight,"calledtheleader."Weallwerestuc atthemouthofthecaÃ±ontillthismorning.SeenanysignsofGlendon?"

Limberwasamongthemnow."Yep.He'sontheroadbetweenhereandtheCircleCross,"wastheanswer.

"Allright.Muchobliged.Hurryupboys;"butLimber'supheldhandmadethempause.

"Youalldon'tneedtohurry.Glen'sdead.Lightnin'hithimandhishorse.Mrs.Glendon'suphere.She'ssic anddon't nownothin'aboutityet.DoctorPowellisgoin'tota eherovertotheDiamondHRanchthismornin'toMrs.Traynor."

"Gosh!It'ssuretoughonheranywayyouputit."

"Isthereanythingwecandoforher?"as edtheleaderoftheposse.



"Jestdon'tlether nowyou'rehere,andtrytomanageso'stogetGlendonawaywithoutherseein'him.That'sall."

"We'llsuredothat,Limber.She'safinewomanandwe'regladtodoanythingwecanforher.Glendonwasnogoodtoanyone.Noteventohimself."

"JuanisawaywiththeCircleCrossteam,butI'llsendChappodownwiththewagon,"wereLimber'slastwordsastheposserodeslowlydownthecaÃ±on.

CHAPTERFORTY-TWO

Ayearandahalfpassedby.KatherinesittinginherroomattheDiamondHRanch,wasthin ingofthemanychangesthathadcomeintoherlife.DoctorPowellandLimberhadbroughthertoMrs.Traynor,andforlongwee safterwardtheyhadbattleduntiringlytosavethelifethatthreatenedtoslipaway.Withtender,encouragingwordstheyfoughtthereactionofdespair;butitwasNellwhosuggestedsendingforDonnie;Nell,wholaidherbabyboyinKatherine'sarms;Nell,whoseconstant

watchfulnessandlovinglittlecaresses,finallybroughtansweringsmilestoKatherine'spalelips.

DonnieandJamieatoncestruc upafriendshipa intoDavidandJonathan,andwhenthetwoladswouldwa etheranchwiththeirhappylaughter--itwastonictoKatherine'sbruisedandachingheart.

ForalongtimeshehadbelievedthatGlendonhadescapedtoMexico;butatlastNelltoldherthetruth.Donnie newonlythathisfatherhadbeen illedbylightninginastorm.OverattheHotSprings,wor wasbeingpushedrapidlyontheSanitarium,andLimberandPowelldividedtheirtimebetweenthetwoplaces.

Therehadbeena"surpriseparty"asBroncocalledit,whenacoupleofwee spreviously,TraynorandPowellhadcalledthefourcowboysintotheoffice,andhandedeachoneanofficialenvelopeaddressedbyname.Uponopeningit,theydiscoveredthattheHotSprings,PL,DiamondHandCircleCrossrancheshadbeenincorporatedintothe"GaliuroCattleCorporation,"Traynoraspresident;Powell,secretaryandtreasurer;andLimber,generalmanager.Bronco,RoarerandHolywereastoundedtoreceivestoc tothevalueoffivethousanddollars;butLimber'senvelopeheld,notonlythefivethousanddollarsworthofstoc ,li etheotherboys;butalsohisnotewhichhehadgivenTraynorinreturnforthehalfinterestinthePLherd.Limberloo edatitpuzzled,thenhesawacrossthefaceofthenote,theendorsement,"Paidinfullwithcompoundinterestinloyaltyanddevotion."Beneaththesewordswerethe

signaturesofAllanTraynor,NellTraynorandCuthbertPowell.

Thecowpunchertriedtospea ,butwasunabletoutteraword.InsilencehegrippedTraynor'shand.

ThatwasanuproariouseveningontheDiamondH.TheboysandoldFongsurroundedtheforemaninthebun houseafterdinner.Fong,onceagain,hadfashionedahugeca e.Whenitwassetdownonthewoodentable,theChinamanliftedthetissuepaperthatveiledit,andtheboysletoutawildwhoop.Afive-strandfenceboundedtheedgeoftheca e;asmall



whitecabinloomedinthecentre,withadesperateattemptatacowinicingbesideit.Anaturalistmighthavescornedthecow,buttherewasnomista ingtheDiamondHbrandinredicingthatwasthefinishingtouchontheanimal'ship.

TheboysclappedFongonthebac tillhispigtailsquirmedli eaneel,andhisgrinthreatenedtosplitthelowerpartofhisface.

Traynorstandingoutsidewatchedtheproceeding,thenwentovertotellNellandKatherine.

"PoorLimberhadtoma easpeech,"hechuc led."Fongjoinedwiththerest,andthey eptathimtillhehadtosaysomethingtogetpeace.Say,Nell,Iwishyoucouldhaveseenhim!Hestoodup,loo edatthem,gotredintheface,openedhismouth,shutit,thenburstout,'You'retheorneriestbunchofboysinArizonaTerritory,andifyoudon'tquitpesterin'me,I'mgoin'tofirethewholeoutfittheveryfirstthingIdo!'"

"PoorLimber!"laughedNell,butthelaughwasverytender."Theydoworryhim;buthe nowstheywouldgivetheirlivesforhim!"

Li eapanorama,thesememoriesflittedswiftlybeforetheeyesofKatherineGlendon,obliteratingthedar erdaysofherlife.Therewas

nobitternessnow.Li etheterriblestormofthecaÃ±on,theyhadpassedawayforever,andoverthebro enplacesbloomedbeautifulflowers;amessageofforgiveness.

ThebitoflaceshewassewingonadressforNell'sbaby,slippedfromherhands,andhereyeswanderedthroughtheopendoortothesnow-capofMt.GrahamacrosstheValley.

Atfirst,PowellhadhesitatedtoallowherreturntotheHotSpringstolive,dreadingtheeffectofthoseterriblememoriesupontheirhappiness.Whenhetoldherofthis,andthathewouldfindapartnertoliveattheplace,shehadconvincedhimthatherhappinesslayhelpinghimwithhiswor attheSprings;soithadbeendecided.Now,thatthe

projectwasnearingcompletion,Powellreceivedoffersfrommanysources,sothathemightcarryouttheplansonthemostextensivescale.Themoneyfoundinthesaddle-bagsthenightGlendondied,hadbeenalsoaddedtothefunds,aftercommunicationandconsultationwithproperlegalauthority.Thisprovidedforthemaintenanceofadditionalchildren.

AlltheplanshadbeendiscussedbetweenPowell,Traynor,NellandKatherine,andthetwowomenhadmademanysuggestionsthemenoverloo ed.Therewereeventoys,games,boo swithwonderfulfairytales,alreadyunpac edattheSprings.

Twowee shadbeenpassedtherehappily,arranging,sortingandwor ing

together.DonnieandJamie,withtheirponiesandJuanandChappoasguides,hadexploredtrailsandplannedmanyfutureadventures.ThetwooldMexicanswereashappyaschildren,andatnight,whentheyrelatedtalesofMexico,orChappotoldofhiscaptivityamongtheApaches,theboysfeltthatlifecouldholdnomorefascinatingexperiences.

Katherine'sthoughtswereinterruptedbythesoundofsteps.Sherosequic lyandturnedtotheopendoor.Apin Ramblerroseinfullbloomtwinedabovetheporch,andapuffofwindcaughttheblossomsandshoweredthefragrantpetalsoverherassheheldoutherhandsto



welcomethemansheloved.Heloo edatherwithhappyeyesandsaw--nolongeravaguedream--aliving,gloriousreality,smilingwithnoshadowonherbeautifulface,hisLadyofthePool.

Theroseleavesfellsoftly,aboutthem."See,dearest,"hesaid,"itisasymbolofourfuture.Therosesaresheddingtheirpetalsonyourpath,sothatnoteventhetiniestpebbleshallbruiseyourfeet!"

Shesmiledathim,hereyesmistywithhappiness,thentogethertheyenteredtheroom,todiscusstheirplans.

"I'vegottohaveatal withDonnietoday,"saidPowell."Ihopehewillunderstand."

Theyheardthenoiseofponiesdashingintothestable,thelaughterofhappyvoices.Li easmallcyclone,DonnierushedintotheroomandfacedPowellinboyishdelight.

"IstheSanitariumalmostdone?"heas edbreathlessly.

"Finished,atlast!"Powell'sarmwasacrossthelad'sshoulder.Hesmiledintotheglowing,upturnedface,than fulthatitborenoresemblancetoGlendon.Donniewashismotherineveryfeature."Thefirstchildrenwillbeherenextmonth!"

"Ibetthey'llgetgoodandwellafterwehavethemawhile,"prophesiedDonnie."You now,youpromisedIcouldbeyourpartner."

"Yes,oldman!Iwantyoutostudysothatwhenyougrowupyoucanworwithme.I'mgoingtota eyouovertotheSpringssoyoucanstartyourstudiesverysoon.Howwillthatsuityou?"

Theboy'sfaceclouded.HeglancedfromPowelltohismother.

"Ican'tleaveMarmeealone.I'mherKnight,andtheonlyoneshe'sgottoloo outforher,now."

"Howaboutta ingheroverwithus?"suggestedPowell.

"Oh,willyou?"Donnie'sfaceglowedwithdelight."Marmee,youwillgo,won'tyou?"

Thedoctorlaidhishandsontheboy'sshouldersandloo edathimseriously."Donnie,wouldyouletmebeyourfather,sothatIcanta ecareofyourmotherandyou,andweallbepartnersaslongaswelive?"

Thechild'sstartledeyeswanderedfromthemantothewoman.Forabriefspacehemadenoreply.Thenflinginghisarmsabouthismother'snec ,heclungtoherinthefirstpangofrenunciation.Theeyesthatloo edathimwereverytender.

Withastrangelittledignity,hedrewhimselfupandheldouthishandtothedoctor,saying,"I'mawfulgladsheli esyou."Thevoicetrembled,thelipswereuncertain,alumphurtinhisthroat.Donniewasafraidthathewasgoingtocry.Hewastoobigtocrynow--hisshoulderssquared.Quic ly,heturnedandlefttheroom.Themanandwomanwatchedthepatheticlittlefigure,withdroopinghead,passthewindow.

"HewillunderstandsoonthatIamnotgoingtota eyouawayfromhim,"



Powell'svoicewasgentle,"butI nowhowithurtsatfirst."

Drawingsomelettersfromhispoc et,heseatedhimselfbesideKatherineonthecouch."ThesearefromthechildrenandthematronwhowilltravelwiththemandhelpcareforthemattheSprings,"heexplained.

Togethertheyreadmisspelledwordsscrawledincrudecharacters.Onechildwantedto nowifhecouldhaveareal,livechic en;anotheras ednothingbutachancetoseetreesandplaceswhere'thecopsdon'tma eyou eepoff;'athirdbeggedpermissiontobringhiscat,Nigger,"becozNiggerain'tgotnoonetoluvhimbutme--becozhehasgotacroo edtailandoneeye'sgone,butIluvhimandheluvsmeandhe'llbelonesomeafterIgoway."

Katherinerememberedthedogthathadbeenhersolecompanionsomanyhours--thedogthatLimberhadburiedinalittlegraveattheCircleCross.

"Ofcourse,Niggeriscoming?"shelaughedwithacatchinhervoice.

"Aspecialinvitationhasalreadygoneforhim,andthematronisauthorizedtobuyabas etforNigger'scomfort;"wastheanswer.

Katherinewassilentforamoment,andPowellleanedtowardher.His

handliftedherfacegently,"Sweetheart,whatareyourthoughts?"Hereyesweredimandhervoicetrembled,"'AndaKnightshallcomethatshallhaveaheadofgold,theloo ofalion,aheartofsteel,conditionswithoutwea ness,thevalourofaman,andfaithandbeliefinGod.AndheshallbethebestKnightintheworld.'"

Powell'sarmsslippedaboutherandhedrewherclose."MayIproveworthytobeyourKnightforallthedaysofmylife,dearLadyofthePool!"

CHAPTERFORTY-THREE

OnlytheGaliuros newthatapintoponyhadtroddenunbro entrailsthroughthenight,untilitreachedaspotwherethetangledgrowthofbrushthinnedandendedonahighledgeoverloo ingtheundulatingflatoftheSulphurSpringsrange.

Themysteriousbeautyofcomingdawnmergedwithdyingstarlight,wherefaintshadowsoutlinedtheruggedpea softheGrahamsacrossthebroadValley.AbovethemallMt.Grahamlifteditsglorious,snow-cappedhead.Unconquered,unscathedbythestormsofcenturiespast,itgazed

steadfastlyatthes yaboveit,whiletheworldsleptatitsfeet.

Limbersatonthebac ofthepintopony.Hisgreyeyesshonewithawonderfullight,forthestrengthofhislovedmountainshadcreptintohisheartduringthelonghoursofhissilentbattle.Outofthestormandturmoil,thetrailhadledtopeace.

Afaintrustlingsoundedsibilantly.Itwasavagrant,gossipingbreezetellingtheleavesandgrassesthatanewdayhadbeenborn.

THE LONG DIM TRAIL By FORRESTINE C. HOOKER

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