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7/31/2019 WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/wyoming-a-story-of-the-outdoor-west-by-william-macleod-raine 1/133
WYOMING:ASTORYOFTHEOUTDOORWEST
By
WilliamMacLeodRaine
TABLEOFCONTENTS
1.ADESERTMEETING2.THEKINGOFTHEBIGHORNCOUNTRY3.ANINVITATIONGIVENANDACCEPTED4.ATTHELAZYDRANCH5.THEDANCEATFRASER'S6.APARTYCALL7.THEMANFROMTHESHOSHONEFASTNESSES8.INTHELAZYDHOSPITAL9.ARESCUE12.MISTRESSANDMAID13.THETWOCOUSINS14.FORTHEWORLD'SCHAMPIONSHIP15.JUDDMORGANPASSES16.HUNTINGBIGGAME17.RUNTOEARTH
18.PLAYINGFORTIME19.WESTPOINTTOTHERESCUE20.TWOCASESOFDISCIPLINE21.THESIGNALLIGHTS22.EXITTHEKING23.JOURNEYSENDINLOVERS'MEETING.
CHAPTER1.ADESERTMEETING
Anautomobileshotoutfromagashinthehillsandslippedswiftlydown
tothebutte.Hereitcametoahaltonthewhite,dustyroad,whileitsoccupantgazedwitheager,unsatedeyesonthegreatpanoramathatstretchedbeforeher.Theearthrolledinwaveslikeamightyseatothedistanthorizonline.Fromawonderfulblueskypoureddownuponthelandabathofsunbeat.Theairwaslikewine,pureandstrong,andabovethedesertswamtherare,untemperedlightofWyoming.Surelyherewasapeaceprimeval,asilenceunbrokensincethebirthofcreation.
Itwasallnewtoher,andwonderfullyexhilarating.Theinfiniterollofplain,thedistantshiningmountains,themultitudinousvoicesofthedesertdrownedinasunlitseaofspace--theywerealldetailsofthesituationthatministeredtoalargeserenity.
Andwhileshebreatheddeeplythesatisfactionofit,anexplodingrifleechoshatteredthestillness.Withexcitedsputteringcamethepromptanswerofafusillade.ShewasnewtotheWest;butsomeinstinctstrongerthanreasontoldthegirlthatherewasnoplayfulpunchershootingupthescenerytoventilatehisexuberance.Herimaginationconceivedsomethingmoredeadly;asinisterpictureofmenpumpingleadinagrim,close-lippedsilence;alustyplainsman,withmurderinhisheart,crumplingintoalifelessheap,whilethethinsmoke-spiralcurledfromhishotrifle.
7/31/2019 WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine
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Sothegirlimaginedthesceneassheranswiftlyforwardthroughthepinestotheedgeofthebuttebluffwhenceshemightlookdownuponthecouleethatnestledagainstit.Norhadshegreatlyerred,forherfirstsweepingglanceshowedherthethingshehaddreaded.
Inasemicircle,wellbackfromthefootofthebutte,halfadozenmencrouchedinthecoverofthesage-brushandascatteredgroupofcottonwoods.Theywereperhapsfiftyyardsapart,andtheattentionofallofthemwasfocusedonaspotdirectlybeneathher.Evenasshelooked,inthatfirstswiftmomentofapprehension,aspurtofsmokecamefromoneoftheriflesandwasflungbackfromtheforkedpineatthebottomofthemesa.Shesawhimthen,kneelingbehindhisinsufficientshelter,atrappedmanmakinghislaststand.
Fromwhereshestoodthegirldistinguishedhimveryclearly,andunderthefield-glassesthatsheturnedonhimthedetailsleapedtolife.Tall,strong,slender,withthelean,cleanbuildofagreyhound,heseemedaswaryandalertasapanther.Thebroad,softhat,thescarlethandkerchieflooselyknottedabouthisthroat,thegrayshirt,spursandoveralls,proclaimedhimastockman,justashisdeadhorseattheentrancetothecouleetoldofanaccidentalmeetinginthedesertandahurriedrunforcover.
Thathehadnochancewasquiteplain,butnoplainerthanthecool
vigilancewithwhichheproposedtomakethempay.Eveninthematterofdefensehewasworseoffthantheywere,butheknewhowtomakethemostofwhathehad;knewhowtoavailhimselfofeveryinchofsagebrushthathelpedtorenderhimindistincttotheireyes.
Oneoftheattackers,eagerforaclearershot,exposedhimselfatrifletoofarintakingaim.Withoutanylossoftimeinsighting,swiftasalightning-flash,theriflebehindtheforkedpinespoke.Thatthebulletreacheditsmarkshesawwithagaspofdismay.Forthemansuddenlyhuddleddownandrolledoveronhisside.
Hiscomradesappearedtotakewarningbythisexample.Themenatbothendsofthecrescentfellback,andforaminutethegirl'sheartleaped
withthehopethattheywereabouttoabandonthesiege.Apparentlythemaninthescarletkerchiefhadnosuchexpectation.Hedesertedhispositionbehindthepineandranback,crouchinglowinthebrush,toanotherlittleclumpoftreesclosertothebluff.Thereasonforthiswasatfirstnotapparenttoher,butsheunderstoodpresentlywhenthemenwhohadfallenbackbehindtherollinghillocksappearedagainwellintotheedgeofthebluff.Onlybyhistimelyretreathadthemansavedhimselffrombeingoutflanked.
Itwasveryplainthattheattackersmeanttotaketheirtimetofinishhiminperfectsafety.Hewassurroundedoneverysidebyacordonofrifles,exceptwherethebarefaceofthebuttehungdownbehindhim.Toattempttoscaleitwouldhavebeentoexposehimselfasamarkfor
everyguntocertaindeath.
Itwasnowthatsheheardthemanwhoseemedtobedirectingtheattackcallouttoanotheronhisright.Shewastoofartomakeoutthewords,buttheireffectwascleartoher.Hepointedtothebrowofthebutteabove,andapuncherinwhitewoolenchapsdroppedbackoutofrangeandswungtothesaddleupononeoftheponiesbunchedintherear.Hecanteredroundinawidecircleandmadeforthebutte.Hispurposewasobviouslytocatchtheirvictimintheunprotectedrear,andfiredownuponhimfromabove.
7/31/2019 WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine
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Theyoungwomanshoutedawarning,buthervoicefailedtocarry.Foramomentshestoodwithherhandspressedtogetherindespair,thenturnedandswiftlyscuddedtohermachine.Shesprangin,sweptforward,reachedtherimofthemesa,andplungeddown.Neverbeforehadsheattemptedsoprecariousadescentinsuchwildhaste.Thecarfairlyleapedintospace,andafteritstruckswayeddizzilyasitshotdown.Thegirlhungon,herfacewhiteandset,thepulseinhertemplebeatingwildly.Shecoulddonothing,asthemachinerockeddown,buthopeagainstmanychancesthatinstantdestructionmightbeaverted.
Utterlybeyondhercontrol,themotor-carthundereddown,reachedthefootofthebutte,andsweptoveralittlehillinitswildflight.Sherushedbyamountedhorsemaninthethousandthpartofasecond.Shewasstillspeedingatatremendousvelocity,butasecondhillreducedthissomewhat.Shehadnotyetrecoveredcontrolofthemachine,but,thoughhereyesinstinctivelyfollowedthewhiteroadthatflashedpast,sheagainhadphotographedonherbrainthesceneoftheturbidtragedyinwhichshewasintervening.
Atthefootofthebuttetheroadcircledanddippedintothecoulee.Shebracedherselffortheshock,but,thoughthewheelsskiddedtillherheartwasinherthroat,theautomobile,hangingonthebalanceofdisaster,sweptroundinsafety.
Herhornscreamedaninstantwarningtothetrappedman.Shecouldnotseehim,andforaninstantherheartsankwiththefearthattheyhadkilledhim.Butshesawthenthattheywerestillfiring,andshecontinuedherhonkinginvitationasthecarleapedforwardintothezoneofspittingbullets.
Bythistimeshewasrecoveringcontrolofthemotor,andshedarednotletherattentionwander,butoutofthecornerofhereyesheappreciatedthesituation.Temporarily,outofsheeramazeatthisapparitionfromtheblue,thegunsceasedtheirsniping.Shebecameawarethatalightcurlyhead,crouchedlowinthesage-brush,wasmovingrapidlytomeetheratrightangles,andindoingsowas
approachingdirectlythelineoffire.Shecouldseehimdodgingtoandfroashemovedforward,fortherifleswereagainbarking.
Shewaswithintwohundredyardsofhim,stillgoingrapidly,butnotwiththesameheadlongrushasbefore,whenthecurlyheaddisappearedinthesage-brush.Itwasupagainpresently,butshecouldseethatthemancamelimping,andsouncertainlythattwicehepitchedforwardtotheground.Incautiouslyoneofhisassailantsranforwardwithashoutthesecondtimehisheadwentdown.Crack!Theunerringriflerangout,andtheimpetuousonedroppedinhistracks.
Assheapproached,theyoungwomanslowedwithoutstopping,andasthecarsweptpastCurlyHeadflunghimselfinheadlong.Hepickedhimself
upfromherfeet,creptpasthertotheseatbeyond,andalmostinstantlywhippedhisrifletohisshoulderinpromptdefianceofthefirethatwasnowconvergedonthem.
Yetinafewmomentsthesounddiedaway,foravoicemidwayinthecrescenthadshoutedanamazeddiscovery:
"ByGod,it'sawoman!"
Thecarskimmedforwardovertheunevengroundtowardtheendofthe
7/31/2019 WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine
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semicircle,andpassedwithinfiftyyardsofthesecondmanfromtheend,theoneshehadpickedoutastheleaderoftheparty.Hewasablack,swarthyfellowinplainleatherchapsandblueshirt.Astheypassedhetookalong,steadyaim.
"Duck!"shoutedthemanbesideher,anddraggedherdownontheseatsothathisbodycoveredhers.
Apuffofwindfannedthegirl'scheek.
"Nearthing,"hercompanionsaidcoolly.Helookedbackattheswarthymanandlaughedsoftly."Somedayyou'llmebbewishyouhadsentyourpillsstraighter,Mr.JuddMorgan."
Yetafewwheel-turnsandtheyhaddippedforwardoutofrangeamongthegreatlandwavesthatseemedtostretchbeforethemforever.Theunexpectedhadhappened,andshehadachievedarescueinthefaceoftheimpossible.
"Hurtbadly?"thegirlinquiredbriefly,herdark-blueeyesmeetinghisasfranklyasthoseofaboy.
"Noneedforanundertaker.IreckonI'llsurvive,ma'am."
"Whereareyouhit?"
"Ijustgotatelegramfrommyanklesayingtherewasacargoofleadarrivedthereunexpected,"hedrawledeasily.
"Hurtsagooddeal,doesn'tit?"
"Nomorethanisneedfultokeepmymemoryjoggedup.It'sasortofaforget-me-notsouvenir.Foragoodboy;complimentsofMr.JimHenson,"heexplained.
Herdarkglanceswepthimsearchingly.Shedisapprovedtheassuranceofhismannerevenwhiletheyouthinherapplaudedhisreckless
sufficiency.Hisgaycourageheldherunconsentingadmirationevenwhilesheresentedit.Hewasatrifletoomuchathiseaseforonewhohadjustbeensnatchedfromdireperil.Yeteveninhisinsouciancetherewassomethingengaging;somethingalmostofdistinction.
"Whatwasthetrouble?"
Mirthbubbledinhisgrayeyes."Igathered,ma'am,thattheywantedtocollectmyscalp."
"Dowhat?"shefrowned.
"Bumpmeoff--sendmeacrossthedivide."
"Oh,Iknowthat.Butwhy?"
Heseemedtoreproachhimself."NowhowcouldIbesoneglectful?Icleanforgottoask."
"That'sridiculous,"washersharpverdict.
"Yes,ma'am,plumbridiculous.MyonlyexcuseisthattheybeganscatteringleadsosuddenIdidn'thavetimetoaskmany'Whyfors.'I
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reckonwe'lljusthavetocallitaWyomingdifferenceofopinion,"heconcludedpleasantly.
"Whichmeans,Isuppose,thatyouarenotgoingtotellme."
"Igotsomuchelsetotelly'uthat'saheapmoreimportant,"helaughed."Y'usee,I'menjoyin'myfirstautomobileride.Itwascertainlythoughtfulofy'utoaskmetogoridingwithy'u,MissMessiter."
"Soyouknowmyname.MayIaskhow?"washerastonishedquestion.
Hegavethelowlaughthatalwaysseemedtosuggestaprivatesourceofamusementofhisown."IsuspicionedthatmightbeyournamewhenIsayy'ucomea-sailin'downfromheaventogathermeuplikeEnoch."
"Why?"
"Well,ma'am,IhappenedtodriftintoGimletButtetwoorthreedaysago,andwhileIwasupatthedepotlookingforsomefreightatrainsashaidinandsidetrackedaflatcar.TherewasanautomobileonthatcaraddressedtoMissHelenMessiter.Now,automobilesareawfulseldominthiscountry.Idon'tseemtorememberhavingseenonebefore."
"Isee.You'requiteaSherlockHolmes.Doyouknowanythingmoreaboutme?"
"Iknowy'uhavejustfallenheirtotheLazyD.Theysayy'uareaschoolmarm,butIdon'tbelieveit."
"Well,Iam."Then,"Whydon'tyoubelieveit?"sheadded.
Hesurveyedherwithhissmileaudacious,lethisamusedeyeswanderdownfromthemobilefacewiththewild-rosebloomtotheslimyoungfiguresolongandsupple,thenserenelymetherfrown.
"Y'udon'tlookit."
"No?Areyoutheownerofacompositephotographoftheteachersofthecountry?"
Heenjoyedagainhisprivatemirth."Ishouldlikerightwelltohavethepicturesofsomeofthem."
Sheglancedathimsharply,buthewasgazingsoinnocentlyatthepurpleShoshonesinthedistancethatshecouldnotgivehimthesnubshethoughtheneeded.
"Youareright.MynameisHelenMessiter,"shesaid,bywayofstimulatingacounterfundofinformation.For,thoughshewasayoung
womannotmuchgiventocuriosity,shewasawareofaninterestinthisspare,broad-shoulderedyouthwhowassuchanincarnationofbronzedvigor.
"Gladtomeety'u,MissMessiter,"heresponded,andofferedhisfirmbrownhandinWesternfashion.
Butsheobservedresentfullythathedidnotmentionhisownname.Itwasimpossibletosupposethatheknewnobetter,andshewasdriventoconcludethathewassilentofsetpurpose.Verywell!Ifhedidnot
7/31/2019 WYOMING: A STORY OF THE OUTDOOR WEST By William MacLeod Raine
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wanttointroducehimselfshewasnotgoingtourgeituponhim.Inabusinesslikemannershegaveherattentiontoeatingupthedustymiles.
"Yes,ma'am.IreckonIneverwasmoregladtodeathtomeetaladythanIwastomeetupwithy'u,"hecontinued,cheerily."Y'usurelookedgoodtomeasy'ucomea-foggin'downtheroad.Ifairhadbeenyearnin'forcompanybutwassomediscouragedforfeartheinvitationhadmiscarried."Hebrokeoffhissardonicrailleryandlethislevelgazepossessherforalongmoment."MissMessiter,I'mcertainlyunderanobligationtoy'uIcan'trepay.Y'usavedmylife,"hefinishedgravely.
"Nonsense."
"Fact."
"Itisn'tapersonalmatteratall,"sheassuredhim,withatouchofimpatienthauteur.
"It'saheappersonaltome."
Inspiteofherhealthyyoungresentmentshelaughedatthewayinwhichhedrawledthisout,andwithaswiftsweepherboyisheyestookinagainhiscompellingdevil-may-carecharm.Shewasatenderfoot,but
intuitionaswellasexperiencetaughtherthathewasunusualenoughtobeoneoftenthousand.NoyoungGreekgod'sheadcouldhaverisenmoresuperblyabovethebrick-tannedcolumnoftheneckthanthisclose-croppedcurlyone.Grayeyes,deepandunwaveringandmasterful,lookedoutofafaceasbrownasWyoming.Hewasgotupwithnothoughtofeffect,butthetigerishlitheness,thepicturesquecompetencyofhim,spakelouderthancostuming.
"Aren'tyoureallyhurtworsethanyoupretend?I'msureyourankleoughttobeattendedtoassoonaspossible."
"Don'ttellmeyou'realadydoctor,ma'am,"heburlesquedhisalarm.
"Canyoutellmewherethenearestranchhouseis?"sheasked,ignoringhisdiversion.
"TheLazyDisthenearest,Ireckon."
"Whichdirection?"
"Northbyeast,ma'am."
"ThenI'lltakethemostdirectroadtoit.
"InthatcaseI'llthanky'uformyrideandgetouthere."
"But--why?"
Hewavedajauntyhandtowardtherecentbattlefield."TheLazyDliesrightbackofthathill.Iexpect,mebbe,thosewolvesmighthowlagainifwewentback."
"Where,then,shallItakeyou?"
"Ihatetotroubley'utogooutofyourway.
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"Idaresay,butI'mgoingjustthesame,"shetoldhim,dryly.
"Ifyou'rerightdetermined--"Heinterruptedhimselftopointtothesouth."Doy'useethatcamel-backpeakoverthere?"
"Theonewiththesunshineonitsloweredge?"
"That'sit,MissMessiter.TheycallthosetwohumpstheAntelopePeaks.Ify'ucandropmesomewherenearthereIthinkI'llmanageallright."
"I'mnotgoingtoleaveyoutillwereachahouse,"sheinformedhimpromptly."You'renotfittowalkfiftyyards."
"That'srightkindofy'u,butIcouldnotthinkofaskingsomuch.Myfriendswillfindmeify'uleavemewhereIcanworkaheliograph."
"Oryourenemies,"shecutin.
"Ihopenot.I'dnotlikelyhavethelucktogetanotherinvitationrightthentogoridingwithafriendlyyounglady."
Shegavehimdirect,cool,black-blueeyesthatmetandsearchedhis."I'mnotatallsuresheisfriendly.IshallwanttofindoutthecauseofthetroubleyouhavejusthadbeforeImakeupmymindastothat."
"Ijudgepeoplebytheiractions.Y'udidn'twaittofindoutbeforebringingtheambulanceintoaction,"helaughed.
"Iseeyoudonotmeantotellme."
"You'requitealawyer,ma'am,"heevaded.
"Ifindyouaveryslipperywitness,then."
"Askanythingy'ulikeandI'lltellyou."
"Verywell.Whowerethosemen,andwhyweretheytryingtokillyou?"
"TheyturnedtheirwolflooseonmebecauseIshotuponeofthemyesterday."
"Dearme!Isityourbusinesstogoaroundshootingpeople?That'sthreeIhappentoknowthatyouhaveshot.Howmanymore?"
"Nomore,ma'am--notrecently."
"Well,threeisquiteenough--recently,"shemimicked."Youseemtomeagooddealofadesperado."
"Yes,ma'am."
"Don'tsay'Yes,ma'am,'likethat,asifitdidn'tmatterintheleastwhetheryouareornot,"sheordered.
"No,ma'am."
"Oh!"Shebrokeoffwithagestureofimpatienceathisburlesqueofobedience."YouknowwhatImean--thatyououghttodenyit;oughttobefuriousatmeforsuggestingit."
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"OughtI?"
"Ofcourseyouought."
"There'saheapofwaysIain'tuptospecifications,"headmitted,cheerfully.
"Andwhoarethey--thementhatwereattackingyou?"
Therewasagleamofirrepressiblehumorintheboldeyes."Yourcow-punchers,ma'am."
"Mycow-punchers?"
"Theyce'tainlybelongtotheLazyDoutfit."
"Andyousaythatyoushotoneofmymenyesterday?"Hecouldseehergettingreadyforadeclarationofwar.
"DownbyWillowCreek--Yes,ma'am,"heanswered,comfortably.
"Andwhy,mayIask?"sheflamed
"That'salongstory,MissMessiter.Itwouldn'tbesquareformetoget
myversioninbeforeyourboys.Y'uaskthem."Hepermittedhimselfagenialsmile,somewhatironic."Ishouldn'twonderbutwhatthey'llgivemeagiltedgedtestimonialasanunhangedhorsethief."
"Isn'ttheresuchathingaslawinWyoming?"thegirldemanded.
"Lotsofit.Y'ucanbuyjustasgoodlawrighthereasinKalamazoo."
"IwishIknewwheretofindit."
"Liketoputmeinthecalaboose?"
"Inthepenitentiary.Yes,sir!"Amomentlaterthequestionthatwasin
herthoughtsleapedhotlyfromherlips."Whoareyou,sir,thatdaretocommitmurderandboastofit?"
Shehadflickedhimontherawatlast.Somethingthatwasneartopainrestedforasecondinhiseyes."Murderisahardname,ma'am.AndIdidn'tsayhewasdaid,oranyofthethree,"camehisgentleanswer.
"YouMEANTtokillthem,anyhow."
"DidI?"Therewastheghostofasadsmileabouthiseyes.
"Thewayyouact,apersonmightthinkyouoneofNedBannister'smen,"shetoldhim,scornfully.
"Iexpectyou'reright."
Sherepentedheralittleatachargesounjust."Ifyouarenotashamedofyournamewhyareyousoloathtopartwithit?"
"Y'udidn'taskmemyname,"hesaid,adarkflushsweepinghisface.
"Iaskitnow."
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Likethelightfromasnuffedcandletheboyishrecklessnesshadgoneoutofhisface.Hisjawsweresetlikeaviseandhelookedhardashammeredsteel.
"MynameisBannister,"hesaid,coldly.
"NedBannister,theoutlaw,"sheletslip,andwasawareofastrangesinkingoftheheart.
Itseemedtoherthatsomethingsinistercametothesurfaceinhishandsomeface."Ireckonwemightaswellletitgoatthat,"hereturned,withbitterbriefness.
CHAPTER2.THEKINGOFTHEBIGHORNCOUNTRY
TwomonthsbeforethistimeHelenMessiterhadbeenserenelyteachingasecondgradeatKalamazoo,Michigan,notwithstandingtheearnesteffortsofseveralyouthsofthatcitytoinducehertoretiretodomesticity"What'stheuseofbeingaschoolmarm?"hadbeentheburdenoftheirplaint."AnyspinstercanteachkidsC-A-T,Cat,butonlyoneinseveralthousandcanbetheprettiestbrideinKalamazoo."Noneofthem,however,hadbeenabletodrivethepointsufficientlyhome,andit
isprobablethatshewouldhavecontinuedtodevoteherselftoYoungAmericaifanuncleshehadneverseenhadnotdiedwithoutawillandleftheraranchinWyomingyclepttheLazyD.
WhenherlawyerproposedtoputtheranchonthemarketMissHelenhadawordtosay.
"Ithinknot.I'llgooutandseeitfirst,anyhow,"shesaid.
"Butreally,mydearyounglady,itisn'tatallnecessary.Factis,I'vealreadyhadanofferofahundredthousanddollarsforit.Now,Ishouldjudgethatafairprice."
"Verylikely,"hisclientinterrupted,quietly."But,yousee,Idon'tcaretosell."
"Thenwhatintheworldareyougoingtodowithit?"
"Runit."
"But,mydearMissMessiter,itisn'tanautomobileoranyotherkindoftoy.Youmustrememberthatittakesabusinessheadandagreatdealofexperiencetomakesuchaninvestmentpay.Ireallythink--"
"MyschoolendsonthefourteenthofJune.I'llgetasubstituteforthelasttwomonths.IshallstartforWyomingontheeighteenthofApril."
Themanoflawgasped,explainedthedifficultiesagaincarefullyastoachild,foundthathewaswastinghisbreath,andwiselygaveitup.
MissMessiterhadstartedontheeighteenthofApril,asshehadannounced.WhenshereachedGimletButte,thenearestrailroadpointtotheLazyD,shefoundagroupofcurious,weatherbeatenindividualsgatheredroundamachineforeigntotheirexperience.Itwasonaflatcar,andthegeneralopinionranthegamutfromanewfangledsewingmachinetoathresher.Intothisguessingcontestcameitsownerwith
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sobriskandbusinesslikeanenergythatinsideoftwohoursshewastestingitupanddownthewidestreetofGimletButte,tothewonderanddelightofanaudiencetowhicheachoneoftheelevensaloonsofthecityhadcontributeditsadmiringquota.
Meanwhiletheyoungwomanattendedstrictlytobusiness.ShehaddisappearedforhalfanhourwithasuitcaseintotheElkHouse;andwhenshereturnedinashort-skirtedcorduroysuit,leggingsandwide-brimmedgrayStetsonhat,allGimletButtetookanabsorbinginterestinthedetailsofthisdelightfuladventurethathadhappenedtothetown.Thepopulationwasoutenmassetowatchherslipdowntheroadonatrialtrip.
Presently"Soapy"Sothern,driftinginonhisbuckskinfromtheHoodooPeakcountry,whereforprivatereasonsofhisownhehadbeenforthepastmonthasojourner,reportedthathehadseentheprettiestsightintheStateclimbingunderagasolinebroncwithamonkey-wrenchinherhand.Where?Rightoverthehillontheedgeoftown.Theimmediatestampedeforthecowponieswasavertedbyawarningchug-chugthatsoundeddowntheroad,followedbytheappearanceofaflashingwhirthatmadetheponiesdanceontheirhindlegs.
"Thegasolinebroncladysuremakesahitwithme,"announced"Texas,"gravely."IallowI'llrustleajobwiththeLazyDoutfit."
"Shece'tainlyridesherdonthatmachinelikeachampeen,"admittedSoapy."IreckonI'lldriftovertotheLazyDwithyoutolookafteryoreremains,Tex,whenthelightninghitsyou."
MissMessiterswungtheautomobileroundinaswiftcircle,cametoanabrupthaltinfrontofthehotel,andalightedwithoutdelay.Asshepassedinthroughthehalfscoreofadmirersshehadwon,herdarkeyessweptsmilinglyoverassembledCattleland.Shehadalreadymetmostofthematthelaunchingofthemachinefromtheflatcar,andhaddirectedtheirperspiringenergiesastheylaboredtofollowherorders.Nowshenoddedarecognitionwithalittlerippleofgaylaughter.
"I'mdelightedtobeabletocontributetotheentertainmentofGimletButte,"shesaid,asshesweptin.ForthisyoungwomanwaspossessedofWesternadaptation.Itgavehernoconscientiousqualmstoexchangeconversationfraternalwiththesegenialsavages.
TheElkHousedidnotrejoiceinaprivatediningroom,andcompetitionstrenuousensuedastowhoshouldhavethepleasureofsittingbesidetheguestofhonor.Toavoidillfeeling,thematterwasdeterminedbyagameoffreeze-out,inwhichTexasandamaturegentlemannamed,fromhiscomplexion,"Beet"Collins,weretheluckyvictors.Texasimmediatelyrepairedtothegeneralstore,wherehepurchasedanewscarletbandannafortheoccasion;alsoacakeofsoapwithwhichtoroutthealkalidustthathadfilteredintoeveryporeofhishandsand
facefromalongrideacrossthedesert.
CamesupperandTexassimultaneously,thecow-puncher'sfacescrubbedtoanappleshine.AtthelastmomentCollinsdefaulted,hisnervecompletelygone.Since,however,hewasathriftysoul,hesoldhisplacetoSoapyfortendollars,andproceededtoinvesttheproceedsinanimmediatedrunk.
DuringthefirsttenminutesofsupperMissMessiterdidnotappear,andthetwoguardianswhoflankedherchairsolicitouslyweretheobjectof
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muchbadinage.
"ShegotoneglimpseofthatredhaidofTexandtheporelady'stooktothesage,"explainedYorky.
"AndhimscrubbedsoshinyfusttimesinceChristmasbeforethebigblizzard,"sighedDocRogers.
"Shucks!Sheain'tscaredofnosawed-off,hammered-downruntlikeTexas,No,siree!MissMessiter'sontheabsentlist'causeshe'safraidshecayn'tresisttheblandishmentsofSoapy.Didyo'everhearaboutSoapyandthatCasparhashslinger?"
"Forgetit,Slim,"advisedSoapy,promptly.HehadbeenengagedinloftyandobliviousconversationwithTexas,buthedidnotintendtoallowreminiscencestogetunderwayjustnow.
Atthisopportunejuncturearrivedthemistressofthe"gasolinebronc,"neatlycladinasimplewhitelawnwithbluetrimmings.Shelookedlikeagleamofsunshineinherfresh,sweetyouth;andnoteveninherownschoolroomhadsheeverfoundherselfthefocusofacleaner,moreunstintedadmiration.FortheoutdoorsWesttakesoffitshatreverentlytowomenworthyofrespect,especiallywhentheyareyoungandfriendly.
HelenMessiterhadcometoWyomingbecausethecallofadventure,thedesireforexperienceoutsideofruttedconvention,werestirringherwarm-bloodedyouth.Shehadseenenoughoflifelivedinaparlor,andwhentherecameknockingatherdoorachancetoknowthebig,untamedoutdoorsatfirsthandshehadatonceembraceditlikealover.Shewaseagerforhernewlife,andshesetoutskillfullytomakethesementellherwhatshewantedtoknow.Tothem,ofcourse,itwasanoldstory,andwhateverofromanceitheldwasunconscious.ButsinceshewantedtotalkoftheWesttheyweremorethanreadytopleaseher.
Soshelistened,anddrewthemoutwithadroitquestionswhenitwasnecessary.Shemadethemtalkoflifeontheopenrange,ofrustlersandthosewholivedoutsidethelawintheupperShoshonecountry,ofthe
deadlywarwagingbetweenthecattleandsheepindustries.
"ArethereanysheepneartheLazyDranch?"sheasked,intenselyinterestedinSoapy'staleofhowcattleandsheepcouldnomorebegottomixthanoilandwater.
Foraninstantnobodyansweredherquestion;thenSoapyreplied,withwhatseemedelaboratecarelessness:
"NedBannisterrunsabunchofabouttwelvethousandnotmore'nfifteenortwentymilesfromyourplace."
"Andyousaytheyarespoilingtherange?"
"They'rece'tainlyspoilingitforcows."
"Butcan'tsomethingbedone?IfmycowsweretherefirstIdon'tseewhatrighthehastobringhissheepthere,"thegirlfrowned.
Theassembledcompanyattendedstrictlytosupper.Thegirl,surprisedatthestillness,lookedround."Well?"
"Nowyou'reshouting,ma'am!That'swhatwesay,"enthusedTexas,
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spurringtotherescue.
"Itdoesn'tmuchmatterwhatyousay.Whatdoyoudo?"askedHelen,impatiently."DoyouliedownandletMr.Bannisterandhiskinddrivetheirsheepoveryou?"
"Dowe,Soapy?"grinnedTexas.Yetitseemedtoherhissmilewasnotquitecarefree.
"I'mnotacowmanmyself,"explainedSoapytothegirl."NordoIrunsheep.I--"
"TellMissMessiterwhatyorebusinessis,Soapy,"advisedYorkyfromtheendofthetable,withamouthfulofbiscuitswellinghischeeks.
SoapycrushedtheirrepressibleYorkywithalook,butthatyoungmanhitbacksmilingly.
"Soapy,hesellssoap,ma'am.He'sasortercitysalesman,Ireckon."
"Ishouldneverhaveguessedit.Mr.SotherndoesnotLOOKlikeasalesman,"saidthegirl,withaglanceathisshrewd,hard,expressionlessface.
"Yes,ma'am,he'safirst-classsellerofsoap,isMr.Sothern,"chuckledthecow-puncher,kickinghisfriendsgaylyunderthetable.
"YoucanseeIneversoldHIMany,MissMessiter,"camebackSoapy,sorrowfully.
AllthiswasGreektotheyoungladyfromKalamazoo.HowwasshetoknowthatMr.Sothernhadvendedhissoapinsmallcubesonstreetcorners,andthathewrappedbanknotesofvariousdenominationsinthebars,whichsamewereretailedtoeagercustomersforthesmallsumoffiftycents,afteraguaranteethatthesoapwasgood?Hiscustomersrarelypatronizedhimtwice;andfrequentlytheyusedbadlanguagebecausethesoapwrappingwasnotasvaluableastheyhadexpected.Thiswas
manifestlyunfair,forMr.Sothern,whomadenoclaimstophilanthropy,oftenwarnedthemthatthesoapshouldbeboughtonitsmerits,andnotwithaneyesingletothepremiumthatmightormightnotaccompanythepackage.
"Istartedtotellyou,ma'am,whenthatinfantinterrupted,thatthecowmendon'taimtoquitbusinessyetawhile.They'vedrawnadead-line,MissMessiter."
"Adead-line?"
"Yes,ma'am,beyondwhichnosheepherderistorunhisbunch."
"Andifhedoes?"thegirlasked,openeyed.
"Hedon'tdoittwict,ma'am.Whydon'tyoupassthefritterstoMissMessiter,Slim?"
"AndaboutthisBannisterWhoishe?"
Herinnocentquestionseemedtoringabellforsilence;seemedtocarrywithitsomehiddenportentthatstoppedidleconversationasastrikingclockthatmarksthehourofanexecution.
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Thesmilethathadbeengaygrewgrim,andmenforgotthesubjectoftheirlight,casualtalk.ItwasSothernthatansweredher,andsheobservedthathisvoicewasgrave,hisfacestudiouslywithoutexpression.
"Mr.Bannister,ma'am,isasheepman."
"SoIunderstood,but--"Hereyestraveledswiftlyroundthetable,andappraisedthesuddensenseofresponsibilitythathadfallenonthesereckless,carelessfrontiersmen."Iamwonderingwhatelseheis.Really,heseemstobethebogeymanofGimletButte."
Therewasanotherinstantsilence,andagainitwasSoapythatliftedit."Iexpaictyou'lllikeWyoming,MissMessiter;leastwaysIhopeyouwill.There'sarightsmartofcountryhere."Hisgazewentoutoftheopendoortothevastseaofspacethatswaminthefinesunsetlight."Yes,mostfolksthatain'tplumbspoiltwithcitywayslikesit."
"Sureshe'lllikeit.Y'uwanttogetagood,easy-ridinghawss,MissMessiter,"advisedSlim.
"Andarifle,"addedTexas,promptly.
Itoccurredtoherthattheywereallworkingtogethertodrifttheconversationbacktoasafetopic.Shefollowedtheleadgivenher,butshemadeuphermindtoknowwhatitwasaboutherneighbor,Mr.Bannister,thesheepherder,thatneededtobehandledwithsuchwarinessandcircumspectionofspeech.
Herchancecamehalfanhourlater,whenshestoodtalkingtothelandladyonthehotelporchinthemellowtwilightthatseemedtorestonthelandlikeamoonlitaura.Forthemomenttheywerealone.
"WhatisitaboutthismanBannisterthatmakesmenafraidtospeakofhim?"shedemanded,withswiftimpulse.
Herlandlady'sstartledeyeswentalertlyroundtoseethattheywerealone."Hush,child!Youmustn'tspeakofhimlikethat,"warnedtheolderwoman.
"Whymustn'tI?That'swhatIwanttoknow."
"Isisn'thealthy."
"Whatdoyoumean?"
Againthatanxiouslookflashedroundinthedusk."TheBannisteroutfitistheworstintheland.NedBannisteriskingofthewholeBigHorncountryandbeyondthattotheTetons."
"Andyoumeantotellmethateverybodyisafraidofhim--thatmenlikeMr.Sotherndarenotsaytheirsoulistheirown?"thenewcomerasked,contemptuously.
"Notsoloud,child.HehasspieseverywhereThat'sthetrouble.Youdon'tknowwhoisinwithhim.He'sgotthewholeregionterrified."
"Ishesobad?"
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"Heisadevil.LastyearheandhishellriderssweptdownonTopazandkilledtwobartendersjusttoseethemkick,NedBannistersaid.Folksallowtheyknewtoomuch."
"Butthelaw--theGovernment?Haven'tyouasheriffandofficers?"
"Bannisterhas.Heelectsthesheriffinthiscounty."
"Aren'ttheremorehonestpeopleherethanvillains?"
"Tentimesasmany,butthetroubleisthatthehonestfolkscan'ttrusteachother.Yousee,ifoneofthemmadeamistakeandconfidedinthewrongman--well,somefinedayhewouldgoridingherdandwouldnotturnupatnight.Nextweek,ornextmonth,maybe,oneofhispartnersmightfindapileofbonesinanarroyo.
"HaveyoueverseenthisBannister?"
"YouMUSTspeaklowerwhenyoutalkofhim,MissMessiter,"thewomaninsisted."Yes,Isawhimonce;atleastIthinkIdid.Mightyfewfolksknowforsurethattheyhaveseenhim.Heisamystery,andhetravelsundermanynamesanddisguises."
"Whenwasityouthinkyousawhim?"
"TwoyearsagoatAyr.Thebankwaslootedthatnightandrobbedofthirtythousanddollars.Theyrousedthecashierfromhisbedandmadehimgivethecombination.Hedidn'twantto,andNedBannister"--hervoicesanktoatremulouswhisper--"putred-hotrunning-ironsbetweenhisfingerstillheweakened.Itwasamoonlightnight--muchsuchanightasthis--andafteritwasdoneIpeepedthroughtheblindofmyroomandsawthemrideaway.Herodeinfrontofthemandsanglikeanangel--diditoutofdaredeviltrytomockthepeopleofthetownthathadn'tnerveenoughtoshoothim.Yousee,heknewthatnobodywoulddarehurthim'countoftherevengeofhismen."
"Whatwashelike?"themistressoftheLazyDasked,strangelyawedat
thisrecitaloftranscendentvillainy.
"'Coursehewasmasked,andIdidn'tseehisface.ButI'dknowhimanywhere.He'salong,slimfellow,builtlikeamountainlion.Youcouldn'tlookathimandeverforgethim.He'soneofthesegraceful,easymenthatgosofurwithfoolwomen;oneofthekindthathalfshutshisdark,devileyesandmastersthemwithoutseemingtotry."
"Sohe'sawomankiller,too,ishe?AnymoreoutstandinginconsistenciesinthisversatileJesseJames?"
"He'splumbcrazyaboutmusic,theysay.HasapianoandplaysGriggandChopping,andallthatclassicalkindofmusic.Hewentcleardownto
DenverlastyeartohearMrs.Shoemansing."
Helensmiled,guessingatSchumann-Heinkasthesingerinquestion,andGriegandChopinasthecomposersnamed.Herinterestwasincrediblyaroused.ShehadexpectedtheWestanditsproductstoexhilarateher,butshehadnotlookedtofindsofinishedaMephistoamongitsvaunted"badmen."Hewasprobablyoverrated;consideredawonderbecausehisaccomplishmentsoutsteppedthoseoftherange.ButHelenMessiterhadquitedeterminedononething.Shewasgoingtomeetthisredoubtablevillainandmakeuphermindforherself.Already,beforeshehadbeen
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inWyomingsixhours,thisemancipatedyoungwomanhaddecidedonthat.
CHAPTER3.ANINVITATIONGIVENANDACCEPTED
Andalreadyshehadmethim.Notonlymethim,butsavedhimfromthejustvengeanceabouttofalluponhim.Shehadnotyetseenherownranch,hadnotspokentoasingleoneofheremployees,forithadbeenapartofherplantodropinunexpectedandexaminethesituationbeforeherforemanhadachancetoputhisbestfootforward.SoshehadstartedalonefromGimletButtethatmorninginhermachine,andhadcomealmostinsightoftheLazyDranchhouseswhenthebattleinthecouleeinvitedhertotakeahand.
Shehadactedongenerousimpulse,andtheunforeseenresulthadbeentosavethisdesperadofromjustice.Buttheworstofitwasthatshecouldnotfinditinherhearttoregretit.Grantedthathewasavillain,double-dyedandbeyondhope,yethewasthehomeofsuchcourage,suchvirility,thatherunconsentingadmirationwentoutinspiteofherself.Hewas,atanyrate,aMAN,square-jawed,resolute,implacable.Inthesinuoustrailofhislifemightliearson,robbery,murder,buthestillheldtothatdynamicsparkofself-respectthatisakintothedivine.Norwasitpossibletobelievethatthoseunblinkinggrayeyes,with
thecapabilityofalatentsadnessofdespairinthem,expressedasoulentirelywithoutnobility.Hehadacertaingallantease,acertainattractivecandor,thatdidnotconsistwithvillainyunadulterated.
ItwascharacteristicevenofherimpulsivenessthatHelenMessitercurbedtheswiftcondemnationthatleapedtoherlipswhensheknewthatthemansittingbesideherwasthenotoriousbanditoftheShoshonefastnesses.Shewasnotintheleastafraid.Asureinstincttoldherhewasnotthekindofamanofwhomawomanneedhavefearsolongasherownanchorheldfast.Ingoodtimeshemeanttolethimhaveherunvarnishedopinionofhim,butshedidnotmeanittobeanunconsideredone.Whereforeshedrovethemachineforwardtowardthecamelbackedpeakhehadindicated,hereyesstraightbeforeher,afrown
corrugatingherforehead.
Forhim,havingmadehisdramaticannouncement,heseemedcontentforthepresentwithsilence.Heleanedbackinthecarandappreciatedherwithacoolnessthatjustmissedimpudence.Certainlyherappearanceproclaimedherverymuchworthwhile.Todwellonthelonglinesofhersuppleyoungbody,theexquisitethroatandchincurve,wasapleasurewithathrilltoit.Asaphysicalcreation,amereinnocentyounganimal,hethoughtherperfect;attunedtoafineharmonyofgraceandcolor.Butitwastheanimatingvitalityofher,thelightnessofmotion,thefireandsparkleofexpressionthatgaveherthecaptivatingcharmshepossessed.
Theyweretwomilesnearerthecamel-backedpeakbeforehebrokethesilence.
"Beatsabroncoforgettingovertheground.ThinkI'llhavetogetone,"hemusedaloud.
"WiththemoneyyoutookfromtheAyrbank?"sheflashed.
"Imightdriveoffsomeofyourcowsandsellthem,"hecountered,promptly."Abouthowmuchwilltheyholdmeupforamachinelikethis?"
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"Thisisonlyarunabout.Youcangetonefortwelveorfourteenhundreddollarsofanybody'smoney."
"Ofyours?"helaughed.
"Ihaven'tthatmuchwithme.Ifyou'llcomeoverandholduptheranchperhapswemightraiseitamongus,"shejeered.
Hismirthwasgenuine."ButrightnowIcouldn'tgetmorethanhowmuchoffy'u?"
"Sixty-threedollarsisallIhavewithme,andIcouldn'tgiveyoumore--NOTEVENIFYOUPUTREDHOTIRONSBETWEENMYFINGERS."Shegaveittohimstraight,herblueeyesfixedsteadilyonhim.
Yetshewasnotpreparedfortheeffectofherwords.Thelastthingshehadexpectedwastoseethebloodwashoutofhisbronzedface,toseehissensitivenostrilstwitchwithpain.Hemadeherfeelasifshehadinsultedhim,asifshehadbeenneedlesslycruel.Andbecauseofitshehardenedherheart.Whyshouldshesparehimthementionofit?Hehadnothesitatedattheshamelessdeeditself.Whyshouldsheshrinkbeforethatwoundedlookthatleapedtohisfineeyesinthatflashoftimebeforehehardenedthemtosteel?
"Youdidit--didn'tyou?"shedemanded.
"That'swhattheysay."Hisgazemetherdefiantly.
"Anditistrue,isn'tit?"
"Oh,anythingistrueofamanthatherdssheep,"hereturned,bitterly.
"IfthatistrueitwouldnotbepossibleforyoutounderstandhowmuchIdespiseyou."
"Thankyou,"heretorted,ironically.
"Idon'tunderstandatall.Idon'tseehowyoucanbethemantheysayyouare.BeforeImetyouitwaseasytounderstand.Butsomehow--Idon'tknow--youdon'tLOOKlikeavillain."Shefoundherselfstrangelyvoicingthedeephopeofherheart.Itwassurelyimpossibletolookathimandbelievehimguiltyofthethingsofwhich,hewasaccused.Andyetheofferednodenial,suggestednodefense.
Hertroubledeyeswentoverhisthin,sunbakedfacewithitstouch,ofbitterness,andshedidnotfinditpossibletodismissthesubjectwithoutgivinghimachancetosethimselfright.
"Youcan'tbeasbadastheysay.Youarenot,areyou?"sheasked,
naively.
"Whatdoy'uthink?"heresponded,coolly.
Sheflushedangrilyatwhatsheacceptedashisinsolence."Amanofanydecencywouldhavejumpedatthechancetoexplain."
"Butifthereisnothingtoexplain?"
"Youarethenguilty."
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Theireyesmet,andneitherofthemquailed.
"IfIpleadednotguiltywouldy'ubelieveme?"
Shehesitated."Idon'tknow.HowcouldIwhenitisknownbyeverybody?Andyet--"
Hesmiled."WhyshouldItroubley'u,then,withexplanations?Ireckonwe'llletitgoatguilty."
"Isthatallyoucansayforyourself?"
Heseemedtohangindoubtaninstant,thenshookhisheadandrefusedtheopening.
"IexpectifwechangedthesubjectIcouldsayagooddealfory'u,"hedrawled."Ineversawanythingpluckierthanthewayy'uflewdownfromthemesaandconductedthecutting-outexpedition.Y'usuredrilledthroughyourpuncherslikeastreakoflightning."
"Ididn'tknowwhoyouwere,"sheexplained,proudly.
"Wouldithavemadeanydifferenceify'uhad?"
Againtheangryflushtouchedhercheeks."Notabit.Iwouldhavesavedyouinordertohaveyouproperlyhangedlater,"shecutbackpromptly.
Heshookhisheadgayly."I'mce'tainlygoingtodisappointy'usome.Yourenterprisingpunchersmaycollectmeyet,butnotalive,Ireckon."
"I'llgivethemstrictorderstobringyouinalive."
"Didyoueverwantthemoonwheny'uwasalittlekid?"heasked.
"We'llsee,Mr.OutlawBannister."
Helaughedsoftly,inthequiet,indolentfashionthatwouldhavebeenpleasantifithadnotbeenather."It'srightkindofyoutotakesomuchinterestinme.I'dmostbewillingtoobligebylettingyourboysropemetorenewthisacquaintance,ma'am."Then,"IgetouthereMissMessiter,"headded.
Shestoppedontheinstant.Plainlyshecouldnotgetridofhimtoosoon."Haven'tyouforgotonething?"sheasked,ironically.
"Yes,ma'am.Tothankyouproperforwhaty'udidforme."Helimpedgingerlydownfromthecarandstoodwithhishandononeofthetires."Ihavebeentryingtothinkhowtosayitright;butIguessI'llhavetogiveitup.AllisthatifIevergetachancetoeventhescore--"
Shewavedhisthanksasideimpatiently"Ididn'tmeanthat.Youhaveforgottentotakemypurse."
Hisgravitywasbrokenontheinstant,andhislaughterwascertainlydelightfullyfresh."Icleanforgot,butIexpectI'lldropovertotheranchforitsomeday."
"We'lltrytomaketomakeyouwelcome,Mr.Bannister."
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"Don'tputyourselfoutatall.I'lltakepot-luckwhenIcome."
"Howmanyofyoumayweexpect?"sheasked,defiantly.
"Oh,Iallowtocomealone."
"You'llverylikelyforget."
"No,ma'am,Idon'tknowsomanyladiesthatI'mliabletosuchanoversight.
"Ihaveheardadifferentstory.Butifyoudoremembertocome,andwillletusknowwhenyouexpecttohonortheLazyD,I'llhavemessengerssenttomeetyou."
Heperfectlyunderstoodhertomeanleadenones,andthehumorousgleaminhiseyesparkledinappreciationofherspirit."Idon'twantallthatfussmadeoverme.IreckonI'lldropinunexpected,"hesaid.
Shenoddedcurtly."Good-bye.Hopeyouranklewon'ttroubleyouverymuch."
"Thanky'u,ma'am.Ireckonitwon't.Good-bye,MissMessiter."
OutofthetailofhereyeshesawhimbowinglikeanItalianoperasinger,asimpudentlyinsouciant,asgracefullygracelessasanystagevillaininhermemory.Onceagainshesawhim,whenhermachinesweptroundacurveandshecouldlookbackwithoutseemingtodoso,limpingacrossthroughthesagebrushtowardalittlehillockneartheroad.Andasshelookedthebare,curlyheadwasinclinedtowardherinanotherlow,mockingbow.Hewascertainlythegallantestvagabondunhanged.
CHAPTER4.ATTHELAZYDRANCH
HelenMessiterwasayoungwomanverymuchalive,whichimpliesthatshe
wasgiventoemotions;andashermachineskimmedoverthegroundtotheLazyDshehadthemtospare.Forfromthefirstthisyoungmanhadtakenhereye,andithadcomeuponherwithadistinctshockthathewasthenotoriousscoundrelwhowasterrorizingthecountryside.Shetoldherselfalmostpassionatelythatshewouldneverhavebelieveditifhehadnotsaidsohimself.Sheknewquitewellthatthecoldnessthathadclutchedherheartwhenhegavehisnamehadhadnothingtodowithfear.Therehadbeenchagrin,disappointment,butnothingintheleastliketheterrorshemighthaveexpected.Thesimpletruthwasthathehadseemedsomuchamanthatithadhurthertofindhimalsoawildbeast.
Deepinherheartsheresentedtheconvictionforceduponher.Reckless
heundoubtedlywas,atoddswiththelawsurely,butitwashardtoadmitthatattractivepersonalitytobethemaskoffiendishcrueltyandsinistermalice.Andyet--thefactsspokeforthemselves.Hehadnotevenattemptedadenial.Stilltherewasamysteryabouthim,elsehowwasitpossiblefortwosodistinctpersonalitiestodwelltogetherinthesamebody.
Shehatedhimwithallherlustyyoungwill;notonlyforwhathewas,butalsoforwhatshehadbeendisappointedinnotfindinghimafterherfirstinstinctiveliking.Yetitwaswithanoddlittlethrillthat
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sherandownagainintothecouleewhereherprosaiclifehadfounditsfirstrealadventure.Hemightbealltheysaid,butnothingcouldwipeoutthefactsthatshehadofferedherlifetosavehis,andthathehadlentherhisbodyasalivingshieldforoneexhilaratingmomentofdanger.
Asshereachedthehillsummitbeyondthecoulee,HelenMessiterwasawarethatariderinungainlychapsofwhitewoolwasrapidlyapproaching.Hedippeddownintothenextdepressionwithoutseeingher;andwhentheycamefacetofaceatthetopoftherisetheresultwasinstantaneous.Hisponydidananimatedtwo-stepnotontheprogramme.Ittookoneglanceatthediabolicalmachine,andwentuponitshindlegs,preliminarytogivinganelaborateexhibitionofpitching.Theriderindulgedinvividprofanityandpliedhisquirtvigorously.Butthebronco,withthefearofthisunknownevilonitssoul,varieditsbuckingsoeffectivelythatthepuncherastrideitshurricanedeckwasforced,inthelanguageofhiskind,to"takethedust."
Hisredheadsailedthroughtheairandlandedinthewhitesandatthegirl'sfeet.Foramomenthesatintheroadandgazedwithchagrinafterthevanishingheelsofhismount.Thenhiswrathfuleyescameroundtotheownerofthemachinethathadcausedtheeruption.Hismouthhadopenedtogiveadequateexpressiontohisfeelings,whenhediscoveredanewtheforgottenfactthathewasdealingwithawoman.
Hisjawhungopenforaninstantinamaze;andwhenherememberedtheuneditedvocabularyhehadturnedlooseontheworldafloodofpurpleswepthistannedface.
Shewantedtolaugh,butwiselyrefrained."I'mverysorry,"waswhatshesaid.
Hestaredinsilenceasheslowlypickedhimselffromtheground.Hisredhairroselikethequillsofaporcupineaboveafacethathadtheappearanceofbeingunfinished.Neithernosenormouthnorchinseemedtobequitedefiniteenough.
Shechokeddownhergayetyandofferedrenewedapologies.
"Iwasgoingforadoc,"heexplained,bywayofopeninghisshareoftheconversation.
"ThenperhapsyouhadbetterjumpinwithmeandridebacktotheLazyD.Isupposethat'swhereyoucamefrom?"
Hescratchedhisvividheadhelplessly."Yes,ma'am."
"Thenjumpin."
"IwasgoingtoBearCreek,ma'am,"headdeddubiously.
"Howfarisit?"
"'Bouttwenty-fivemiles,andthensome."
"Youdon'texpecttowalk,doyou?"
"No;Iallowed--"
"I'lltakeyoubacktotheranch,whereyoucangetanotherhorse."
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"Ireckon,ma'am,I'drutherwalk."
"Nonsense!Why?"
"Iain'tusedtothemgaswagons."
"It'squitesafe.Thereisnothingtobeafraidof."
Reluctantlyhegotinbesideher,ashappyasacalfinabrandingpen.
"AreyoutheladythatsashaidoffwithNedBannister?"heaskedpresently,afterhehadhadtimetosmothersuccessivelysomeofhisfear,wonderanddelightattheirsmooth,swiftprogress.
"Yes.Why?"
"Theboysallowyouhadn'toughterhavedoneit."Then,toplacetheresponsibilityproperlyonshouldersbroaderthanhisown,headded:"That'swhatJuddsays."
"AndwhoisJudd?"
"Judd,he'stheforemanoftheLazyD."
Belowthemappearedthecorralsandhousesofaranchnestlinginalittlevalleyflankedbyhills.
"Thisyere'stheLazyD,"announcedtheyouth,withpride,andinthespiritoffriendlinesssuggestedacaution."Judd,he'ssomepeppery.Youwantersmoothhimdownsome,seeingashe'sriledupto-day."
Aflickerofsteelcameintotheblueeyes."Indeed!Well,hereweare."
"Ifitain'tReddy,ANDtheladywiththeflyingmachine,"murmuredafreckledyouthnamedMcWilliams,emergingfromthebunkhousewithapanofwaterwhichhadbeenusedtobathethewoundofoneofthepuncturedcombatants.
"What'sthat?"snappedavoicefromwithin;andimmediatelyitsownerappearedinthedoorwayandboredwithnarrowedblackeyestheyoungwomaninthemachine.
"Whoareyou?"hedemanded,brusquely.
"Yourtarget,"sheanswered,quietly."Wouldyouliketotakeanothershotatme?"
Thefreckledladbrokeoutintoagurgleoflaughter,atwhichtheblack,swarthymanbesidehimwheeledroundinarage."Whatyoucacklin'at,Mac?"hedemanded,inalowvoice.
"Oh,thethingsInotice,"returnedthatyouthjauntily,meetingtheother'sangerwithouttheflickerofaneyelid.
"Itain'thealthytobesonoticin',"insinuatedtheother.
"Y'udon'tsay,"cametheprompt,sarcasticretort."Ifyou'resuchadarnedgoodjudgeofhealth,y'ubetterbeattendingtosomeofyourpatients."Hejerkedacasualthumboverhisshouldertowardthebunksonwhichlaythewoundedmen.
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"Ishouldn'twonderbutwhattheremightbeanotherpatientformetoattendto,"snarledtheforeman.
"Thatso?Well,turnyourwolfloosewheny'ugettofeelin'realdevilish,"jeeredtheundismayedone,strollingforwardtoassistMissMessitertoalight.
ThemistressoftheLazyDhadbeenawareofthebyplay,butshehadcaughtneitherthewordsnortheirimport.Shetooktheofferedbrownhandsmilingly,forhereagainshelookedintothefrankeyesoftheWest,unafraidandsteady.Shejudgedhimnotmorethantwenty-two,buttheschoolwherehehadlearnedoflifehadheldopenandstrenuoussessioneverydaysincehecouldremember.
"Gladtomeety'u,ma'am,"heassuredher,inthecurrentphraseofthesemi-aridlands.
"I'msureIamgladtomeetYOU,"sheanswered,heartily."CanyoutellmewhereistheforemanoftheLazyD?"
Heintroducedwithasmiletheswarthymaninthedoorway."Thisishimma'am--Mr.JuddMorgan."
NowithappenedthatMr.JuddMorganwassimmeringwithsuppressedspleen.
"AllI'vegottosayisthatyouhadnobusinessmixingupinthatshootin'affairbackthere.Perhapsyoudon'tknowthatthemanyousavedisNedBannister,theoutlaw,"washissurlygreeting.
"Oh,yes,Iknowthat."
"Thenwhatd'yemean--Whoareyou,anyway?"Hisinsolenteyescoastedmalevolentlyoverher.
"HelenMessiterismyname."
Itwasludicroustoseethechangethatcameovertheman.Hehadbeenpreparedtobullyher;andwithawordshehadprickedthebubbleofhisarrogance.Heswallowedhisangerandgotamechanicalsmileinworkingorder.
"Gladtoseeyouhere,MissMessiter,"hesaid,hissinistergazeattemptingtomeethersfrankly"Ibeenlookingforyoueveryday."
"Buty'umanagedtosurprisehim,afterallma'am,"chuckledMac.
"Where'syo'hawss,Reddy?"inquiredatallyoungman,whohadappearedsilentlyinthedoorwayofthebunkhouse.
Reddypinkedviolently."Ihadanaccident,Denver,"heexplained."Thisladyyereshe--"
"Scoopedy'urightoffyorehawss.Y'udon'tsay,"sympathizedMacsobreathlesslythatevenReddyjoinedinthechorusoflaughterthatwentupathisexpense.
Theyoungwomanthoughttomakeiteasyforhim,andsuggestedanexplanation.
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"Hishorseisn'tusedtoautomobiles,andsowhenitmetthisone--"
"Igotoff,"interposedReddyhastily,displayingacomplexionlikeaboiledbeet.
"Hegotoff,"Macexplainedgravelytotheincreasingaudience.
Denvernoddedwithanimperturbableface."Hegotoff."
MacintroducedMissMessitertosuchofheremployeesaswereonhand."ShakehandswithMissMessiter,Missou,"wastheformula,thenamealonevaryingtosuittheembarrassedgentlemeninleathers.Eachoftheminturnpresentedahugehand,inwhichherlittleonedisappearedforthetime,andwassawedupanddownintheairlikeapump-handle.Yetifshewasamusedshedidnotshowit;andherpleasureatmeetingthesimple,elementalproductsoftheplainsoutweighedagreatdealhersenseoftheludicrous.
"Howareyourpatientsgettingalong?"shepresentlyaskedofherforeman.
"Ireckonallright.IsentReddyforadoc,but--"
"Hegotoff,"murmuredMacpensively.
"I'llgoropeanotherhawss,"putinthemanwhohadgotoff.
"Getajumponyou,then.MissMessiter,wouldyouliketolookovertheplace?"
"Notnow.Iwanttoseethementhatwerehurt.PerhapsIcanhelpthem.OnceItookafewweeksinnursing."
"Bullyforyou,ma'am,"whoopedMac."I'veanotionthoseboysaresufferin'forawomantoputthediamond-hitchonthembandages."
"Bringthatsuit-casein,"shecommandedDenver,inthegentlestvoicehehadeverheard,aftershehadmadeahastyinspectionofthefirstwoundedman.
Fromthesuit-caseshetookalittleleathermedicine-case,thekindthatcanbeboughtalreadypreparedforuse.Itheldamongotherthingsarollofmedicatedcotton,someantiseptictablets,andalittlesteelinstrumentforprobing.
"Somewarmwater,please;andhavesomeboilingontherange,"werehernextcommands.
Macflewtoexecutethem.
Itwasapleasuretoseeherwork,sodeftlytheskillfulhandsaccomplishedwhatherbraintoldthem.Inadmiringawethepunchersstoodawkwardlyaroundwhileshewashedanddressedthehurts.Twoofthebulletshadgonethroughthefleshypartofthearmandleftcleanwounds.Inthecaseofthethirdmanshehadtoprobeforthelead,butfortunatelyfounditwithlittledifficulty.Meanwhileshesoothedthevictimwithgentlewomanlysympathy.
"Iknowithurtsagooddeal.JustaminuteandI'llbethrough."
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Hishandsclutchedtightlytheedgesofhisbunk."That'sallright,doc.YouattendtoropingthatpillandI'llendurethegrief."
Alongsighofreliefwentupfromtheassembledcowboyswhenshedrewthebulletout.
Thesinewyhandsfastenedonthewoodenbunkrelaxedsuddenly.
"'Frisco'sdaid,"gaspedthecook,whoborethetitleofWunHopfornoreasonexceptthathewasanIrishmaninaplaceformerlyheldbyaChinese.
"Hehasonlyfainted,"shesaidquietly,andcontinuedwiththeantisepticdressing.
Whenitwasallover,thebig,tannedmengatheredattheentrancetothecalfcorralandexpandedinadmirationoftheirnewboss.
"She'sapureforfair.Shegradesupanyoldwayyuhtakehertothebestcorn-fedarticleonthemarket,"pronouncedDenver,withenthusiasm.
"Igottoridetheboundary,"sighedMissou."Ikinderhatetogoright
now."
"Here,too,"acquiescedanother."Igotaround-uponWindCreektocutoutthemtwo-year-olds.If'twasmysay-so,I'dorderMaconthatjob."
"Rightkindofy'u.Seemstome"--Mac'ssarcasticeyetrailedaroundtoincludeallthosewhohadbeensingingherpraises--"thenewqueenofthishaciendawon'thavenotroubleatallpickingaprinceconsortwhenshegetsroundtoit.Here'sWunHop,notwhaty'umightcallanxious,butce'tainlywilling.ThenDenver'ssomeintheturtle-dovebusiness,accordingtothathash-slingerinCheyenne.Missoumightbeinducedtoacceptifitwasofferedhimproper;andIallowJimain'tturnedthecolorofRedtop'shairjestforinstance.Idon'twanttoleaveout
'FriscoandtheotherboyscarryingBannister'spills--"
"NorMcWilliams.I'dadmiretoincludehim,"murmuredDenver.
Thatsunburned,nonchalantyouthlaughedmusically."Surething.I'dhatetobeleftout.Theonlydifferenceis--"
"Well?"
Hisrovingeyecircledblandlyround."Istandaboutoneshowinamillion.Y'uroughnecksaredeadonesalready."
WithwhichcoldcomforthesaunteredawaytojoinMissMessiterand
theforeman,whonowappearedtogetheratthedooroftheranchhouse,preparedtomakeatourofthebuildingsandtheimmediatecorrals.
"Isn'tthereawomanontheplace?"shewasaskingMorgan.
"No'm,thereain't.Henderson'sdaughterwouldcomeandstaywithy'uawhileIreckon."
"Pleasesendforheratonce,then,andaskhertocometo-day."
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"Allright.I'llsendoneoftheboysrightaway."
"Howdidy'uleave'Frisco,ma'am?"askedMac,bywayofincludinghimselfeasily.
"He'srestingquietly.Unlessblood-poisoningsetsintheyoughtalltodowell."
"It'srightluckyforthemy'uhappenedalong.Thisisthehawsscorral,ma'am,"explainedtheyoungmanjustasMorganopenedhisthinlipstotellher.
Juddcontrivedtogetridofhimpromptly."Slaponasaddle,Mac,andrunuptheremudasoMissMessitercanseethehawssesforherself,"heordered.
"Mebbeshe'dratherridedownandlookatthebunch,"suggestedthecapableMcWilliams.
Asitchanced,shedidprefertoridedownthepastureandlookovertheplacefromonhorseback.Shewasinlovewithherranchalready.Itsspaciousdistances,thethousandsofcattleandthehorses,thesepicturesqueretainerswhoservedhereventothesheddingofanenemy'sblood;theyallstruckanansweringechoinhergallantyoungheart
thatnothinginKalamazoohadbeenabletostir.Shebubbledoverwithenthusiasm,thewhileMorgancovertlysneeredandMcWilliamswarmedtotheuntamedyouthinher.
"WhataboutthismanBannister?"sheflungoutsuddenly,aftertheyhadcanteredbacktothehousewhentheremudahadbeeninspected.
Herabruptquestionbroughtagaintheshort,tensesilenceshehadbecomeusedtoexpect.
"Herunssheepabouttwentyorthirtymilessouthwestofhere,"explainedMcWilliams,inacarefullycasualtone.
"Soeverybodytellsme,butitseemstomehespillsagooddealofleadonmymen,"sheansweredimpatiently."What'sthetrouble?"
"Lastweekhecrossedthedead-linewithabunchoffivethousandsheep."
"Whodrawsthisdead-line?"
"Thecattlemengottogetheranddrewit.Yourunclewasoneofthosethatmarkeditoff,ma'am."
"AndBannistercrossedit?"
"Yes,ma'am.Yesterday'Friscocomeonhimandoneofhisherderswithabigbunchofthemlessthanfifteenmilesfromhere.Hedidn'tknowitwasBannister,andtookapot-shotathim.'CourseBannistercamebackathim,andhegotFriscointhelaig."
"Didn'tknowitwasBannister?WhatdifferenceWOULDthatmake?"shesaidimpatiently.
Maclaughed."Whatdifferencewoulditmake,Judd?"
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Morganscowled,andtheyoungmanansweredhisownquestion."Wedon'tanyofusgooutofourwaymore'namiletocrossBannister'strail,"hedrawled.
"Doyouwearthisforanornament?Areyouupholsteredwithhardwaretocatchtheeyesofsomegirl?"sheasked,touchingwiththeendofherwhiptherevolverintheholsterstrappedtohischaps.
Hisserene,gaysmileflashedather."Arey'uorderingmetogooutandgetNedBannister'sscalp?"
"No,Iamnot,"sheexplainedpromptly."WhatIamtryingtodiscoveriswhyyouallseemtobeafraidofoneman.Heisonlyaman,isn'the?"
Aveiloficeseemedtofallovertheboyishfaceandleaveitchiseledmarble.Hisunspeakingeyesrestedontheswarthyforemanasheanswered:
"Idon'tknowwhatheis,ma'am.Hemaybeoneman,orhemaybeahundred.What'smore,Iain'tparticularlysufferingtofindout.Factis,Ihaven'tlostanyBannisters."
Thegirlbecameawarethatherforemanwaslookingatherwithawarysilentvigilancesinisterinitsintensity.
"Inshort,you'reliketherestofthepeopleinthissection.You'reafraid."
"Nowy'u'reshoutin',MissMessiter.Isureamwhenitcomestoshootin'offmymouthaboutBannister."
"Andyou,Mr.Morgan?"
Itstruckherthattheyoungpuncherwaitedwithacuriousinterestfortheansweroftheforeman.
"DiditlooklikeIwasafraidthismawnin',ma'am?"heasked,with
narrowedeyes.
"No,youallseemedbraveenoughthen,whenyouhadhimeighttoone."
"Iwasn'tthere,"hastilyputinMcWilliams."Idon'tgogunningformymanwithoutgivinghimashow."
"Ido,"retortedMorgancruelly."I'dgoifwewasfiftytoone.We'd'a'gothim,too,ifithadn'tbeenforMissMessiter.'Twasachanceweain'tlikelytogetagainforayear."
"Itwasn'tyourfaultyoudidn'tkillhim,Mr.Morgan,"shesaid,lookinghardathim."Youmaybeinterestedtoknowthatyourlastshot
missedhimonlyaboutsixinches,andmeaboutfour."
"Ididn'tknowwhoyouwere,"hesullenlydefended.
"Isee.Youonlyshootatwomenwhenyoudon'tknowwhotheyare."SheturnedherbackonhimpointedlyandaddressedherselftoMcWilliams."YoucantellthemenworkingonthisranchthatIwon'thaveanymoresuchattacksonthismanBannister.Idon'tcarewhatorwhoheis.Idon'tproposetohavehimmurderedbymyemployees.Letthelawtakehimandhanghim.Doyouhear?"
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"Ice'tainlydo,andtheboyswillgetthewordstraight,"hereplied.
"ItakeitsinceyuharegivingyourordersthroughMac,yuhdon'tneedmeanylongerforyourforeman,"bulliedMorgan.
"Youtakeitright,sir,"camehercrispreply."McWilliamswillbemyforemanfromto-day."
Theman'sface,malignantandwolfish,suddenlylostitsmask.Thatshewouldsopromptlycallhisbluffwasthelastthinghehadexpected."That'sallright.Ireckonyuhthinkyuhknowyourownbusiness,butI'llputittoyuhstraight.Longasyuhliveyou'llbesorryforthis."
Andwiththathewheeledaway.
Sheturnedtohernewforemanandfoundhimlessradiantthanshecouldhavedesired."I'mrightsorryy'udidthat.I'mafraidy'u'llmaketroubleforyourself,"hesaidquietly.
"Why?"
"Idon'tknowmyselfjustwhy."Hehesitatedbeforeadding:"TheysayhimandBannisteristhickerthanthey'doughttobe.It'sacinchthat
he'sincahootssomehowwiththatShoshonebunchofbadmen."
"But--why,that'sridiculous.OnlythismorninghewastryingtokillBannisterhimself."
"That'swhatIdon'tjustsavvy.There'sawholelotaboutthatbusinessIdon'tgetnextto.IguessBannisterisattheheadofthem.Everybodyseemsagreedaboutthat.Butthewholethingisatangleofcontradictiontome.I'vemilleditoveraheapinmymind,too."
"Whataresomeofthecontradictions?"
"Well,here'sonerightoffthebat,asweusedtosaybackinthe
States.Bannisterisagreatmusician,theyclaim;finesinger,andallthat.NowIhappentoknowhecan'tsinganymorethanabellowingyearling."
"Howdoyouknow?"sheasked,hereyesshiningwithinterest.
"BecauseIheardhimtryit.'TwasonedaylastsummerwhenIwasoutcuttingtrailofabunchofstraysdownbyDeadCowCreek.Thedaywashot,andIlaydownbehindacottonwoodanddroppedofftosleep.WhenIawakeneditdidn'ttakemelonger'nanhourtodiscoverwhathadwokeme.Somebodyontheothersideofthecreekwastryingtosing.Itwasce'tainlythelimit.PrettysoonhecomeoutofthebrushandIseenitwasBannister."
"You'resureitwasBannister?"
"Ifseeingisbelieving,I'msure."
"Andwashissingingreallysobad?"
"I'dhateevertohearworse."
"Washesingingwhenyousawhim?"
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"No,he'djustquit.Hecaughtsightofmyponygrazing,andhuntedcoverrealprompt."
"Thenitmighthavebeenanothermansinginginthethicket."
"Itmight,butitwasn't.Y'usee,I'dfollowedhimthroughthebushbyhissong,andheshowedupthemomentIexpectedhim."
"Stilltheremighthavebeenanothermantheresinging."
"Onechanceinamillion,"heconceded.
Asuddenhopeflamedupliketowinherheart.Perhaps,afterall,NedBannisterwasnottheleaderoftheoutlaws.Perhapssomebodyelsewasmasqueradinginhisname,usingBannister'sunpopularityasashieldtocoverhisiniquities.Still,thiswasanunlikelyhypothesis,shehadtoadmit.Forwhyshouldheallowhisgoodnametobedraggedinthedustwithoutanyefforttosaveit?OnasuddenimpulsethegirlconfidedherdoubttoMcWilliams.
"Youdon'tsupposetherecanbeanymistake,doyou?SomehowIcan'tthinkhimasbadastheysay.Helooksawfullyreckless,butonefeelsonecouldtrusthisface."
"Samehere,"agreedthenewforeman."FirstoffwhenIsawhimmythinkwas,'I'dliketohavethatmanbackingmyplaywhenI'msittinginthegamewithOldManHardLuckreachingoutformybluechips.'"
"Youdon'tthinkfaceslie,doyou?"
"I'veseenthemthatdid,but,gen'rallyspeaking,tonguesareaheaplikeliertogettangledwiththetruth.ButIreckonthereain'tanydoubtaboutBannister.He'sknownoverallthisWesterncountry."
Theyoungwomansighed."I'mafraidyou'reright."
CHAPTER5.THEDANCEATFRASER'S
"HeardtellyetofthedanceovertoFraser's?"
HewasayoungmanofabrickredcountenanceandheworelooselyroundhisneckthebestpolkadotsilkhandkerchiefthatcouldbeboughtinGimletButte,alsosuchgalaattireaswasusuallyreservedonlyforeventsofimportance.Sittinghishorsecarelesslyintheplainsman'sindolentfashion,heaskedhisquestionofMcWilliamsinfrontoftheLazyDbunkhouse.
"Nope.Whendoestheshindigcomeoff?"
"Fridaynight.Bigthing.Y'uwanttobethere.Ally'ulads."
"Mebbesomeofuswillrideover."
Heofthepolkadotkerchiefdidnotappearquitesatisfied.Hisglancewanderedtowardthehouse,asithadbeendoingoccasionallysincethemomentofhisarrival.
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"Y'ubetthisdanceisacehigh,Mac.Fancycostumesandmasks.Y'ucanrentthecostumesovertoSlauson'sforthreeper.Texas,he'sgoingtocallthedances.MusicfromGimletButte.Y'uwanttogetittuckedawayinyourthinkerthatthisdanceain'tontheorderofculls.No,sirree,it'scornfed."
"Gladtohearofit.I'llcipheroutsomehowtobethere,Slim."
Slim'sglancetookintheranchhouseagain.Hehadriddentwenty-threemilesoutofhiswaytocatchaglimpseofthenewlyarrivedmistressoftheLazyD,thereportofwhosegoodlooksandadventureshadtraveledhandinhandthroughmanycanonseventotheheartoftheTetons.IthadbeenonSkunkCreekthathehadheardofherthreedaysbefore,andnowhehadcometoverifythetongueofrumor,toseeherquitecasually,ofcourse,anddohisownappraising.Itbegantolookasifheweregoingtohavetorideoffwithoutaglimpseofher.
Henoddedtowardthehouse,turningashademorepurplethanhisnativecholerichue."Y'uwanttobringyourbosswithy'u,Mac.Webeenhearingarightsmartlotaboutherandtheboyswouldadmiretohaveherpresent.It'sgoingtobestrictlyaccordingtoHoyle--norough-houseplaysgo,y'understand."
"I'llspeaktoheraboutit."Mac'sdeepamusementdidnotreachthe
surface.HewasquitewellawarethatSlimwasplayingfortimeandthathewastoobashfultoplumpoutthedesirethatwasinhim."Greatthewaycowsarejumpin',ain'tit?"
"Sure.Well,I'llbemovin'alongtoSlauson's.Ijustdrappedinonmyway.Thoughtmebbey'uhadn'theardtellofthedance."
"Muchobliged.WasitforoldmanSlausony'udugupallthemtogs,Slim?He'llce'tainlyadmiretoseey'uinthatsilktableclothy'ugotroundyourneck."
Slim'spurpledeepenedagain."Y'ugotograss,Mac.Idon'taimtoasky'utobemyvalleyyetawhile."
"C'rect.IwasjustwonderingdoalltheTriangleBarboysridetherangesohandsome?"
"Don'ty'uworryabouttheTriangleBarboys,"advisedtheembarrassedSlim,gatheringuphisbridlereins.
Withonemorereluctantglanceinthedirectionofthehouseherodeaway.Whenhereachedthecorralhelookedbackagain.Hisgazeshowedhimtheboyishforemandoubledupwithlaughter;alsothesweepofawhiteskirtdescendingfromthepiazza.
"Now,ain'tthathoodooedluck?"theaggrievedrideroftheTriangleBar
outfitdemandedofhimself,"Imademygetawayaboutthreeshakestoosoon,bygum!"
HerforemanwasinthethroesofmirthwhenHelenMessiterreachedhim.
"Includemeinthejoke,"shesuggested.
"Oh,Iwasjustthinkin',"heexplainedinadequately.
"Doesitalwaystakeyouthatway?"
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"Abouttheseboysthatdropinsofrequentonbusinessthesedays.Funnyhowfondthey'regettingoftheLazyD.Therewasthatstockdetectivehappenedinyesterdaytoshowhowanxioushewasaboutyourcows.ThenthetwoWillowCreekridersthatwantedajobpunchingfory'u,nottomentionmentiontheShoshoneminerandthestorekeeperfromGimletButteandSoapySothernand--"
"StillIdon'tquiteseethejoke."
"Itain'tanyjokewiththem.Seriousbusiness,ma'am."
"Whathappenedtostartyouonthisline?"
"Theladridingdowntheroadonthatpiebaldpinto.Hecometwentymilesoutofhisway,plumbdressedforawedding,alltogivemeaninvitetoadanceatFraser's.Y'uwouldcallthatrealthoughtfulofhim,Iexpect."
Shegaylysparkled."Arealranchdance--thekindyouhavebeentellingmeabout.AreIdaandIinvited?"
"Invited?SlimhintedatalynchingifIcamewithouty'u."
Shelaughedsoftly,merryeyesflashingswiftlyathim."HowgallantyouWesternersare,eventhoughyoudoturnitintoburlesque."
Hisyounglaughechoedhers."Burlesquenothing.Mylifewouldn'tbeworthathingifIwentalone.Honest,Iwouldn'tdare."
"Sincetheranchcan'taffordtoloseitsforemanIdaandIwillgoalong,"shepromised."Thatis,ifitisconsideredproperhere."
"Proper.Goodgracious,ma'am!Everyladyforthirtymilesroundwillbethere,fromsixmonthsoldtoeightyoddyears.Itwouldn'tbePROPERtostayathome."
TheforemandrovehertoFraser'sinasurreywithIdaHendersonandoneoftheLazyDpunchersonthebackseat.Thedrivewasovertwenty-fivemiles,butinthatsilentstarrynighteverymilewasadelight.Partofthewayledthroughabeautifulcanon,alongtherockymountainroadofwhichtheyoungmanguidedtherigwithunerringskill.Beyondthegorgethecountrydebouchedintoagrassyparkthatfellawayfromtheirfeetformiles.ItwasinthisbasinthattheFraserranchlay.
Thestrainsofthefiddleandthethumpingoffeetcouldbeheardastheydroveup.Alreadytheroomsseemedtobeprettywellfilled,asHelennoticedwhentheyentered.Threesetswereonthefloorforaquadrilleandthehouseshookwiththeenergyofthedancers.Onbenchesagainstthewallswereseatedthespectators,andononeofthemstood
Texascallingthedance.
"Alemaneleft.Righthandt'yerpardnerandgrandrightandleft.Ev-v-rybodyswing,"chantedthecaller.
Adozenroughyoungfellowswereclusterednearthefrontdoor,apparentlyafraidtoventurefartherlesttheirescapebecutoff.ThroughtheseMcWilliamspushedawayforhischarges,thecowboysfallingbackrespectfullyatoncewhentheydiscoveredthepresenceofMissMessiter.
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InthebedroomwheresheleftherwrapsthemistressoftheLazyDfoundadozenormoreinfantsandseveraloftheirmothers.Inthekitchenwerestillotherwomenandbabies,someoftheformerveryoldandofthelatterveryyoung.Afewofthebabieswereasleep,butmostofthemwerestillverymuchalivetothissceneofunwontedhilarityintheiryounglives.
AssoonassheemergedintothegeneralpublicityofthedancingroomherforemanpounceduponHelenandledhertoaplaceintheheadsetthatwasmakingup.Thefloorwasrough,themusicjerkyanduncertain,thequadrillinganexhibitionofjoyousandawkwardabandon;butitspicturesquelackofconventionappealedtothegirlfromMichigan.Itratherstartledhertobeswungsovigorously,butaglanceabouttheroomshowedthatthesehumorous-eyedWesternersweremerelylivinguptothedutyofthehourastheyunderstoodit.
AtthecloseofthequadrilleHelenfoundherselfbeingintroducedto"Mr.Robins,"aliasSlim,whodrewoneofhisfeetbackinanembarrassedbow.
"Ienjoytomeety'u,ma'am,"heassuredher,andsupplementedthiswitharequestforthenextdance,afterwhichhefellintosilencethatwaspainfulinitsintensity.
Nearlyallthedancesweresquares,asfewofthosepresentunderstoodtheintricaciesofthewaltzandtwo-step.HenceithappenedthattheproficientMcWilliamssecuredthreerounddanceswithhismistress.
Itwasduringthelunchofsandwiches,cakeandcoffeethatHelenperceivedanadditiontothecompany.Theaffairhadbeenadvertisedacostumeball,butmostofthosepresenthadconstruedthisveryliberally.Sheherself,tobesure,hadcomeasMaryQueenofScots,Macwasarrayedinthescarlettunicandtight-fittingbreechesoftheNorthwestMountedPolice,andperhapseightortenothershadmadesomeattemptatrepresentingsomeoneotherthantheywere.Shenowsawanother,apparentlyanewarrival,standinginthedoorwaynegligently.
Aglancetoldherthathewasmadeupforaroadagentandthathisrevolversandmaskwereapartofthenecessarycostuming.
Slowlyhisgazecircledtheroomandcameroundtoher.Hiseyeswerehardasdiamondsandasflashing,sothattheimpactoftheirmeetinglooksseemedtoshockherphysically.Hewasatallman,swarthyofhue,andhecarriedhimselfwithalighteasethatlookedsilkenstrong.Somethinginthebearingwasfamiliaryetnotquitefamiliareither.Itseemedtosuggestaresemblancetosomebodysheknew.AndinthenextthoughtsheknewthatthesomebodywasNedBannister.
ThemanspoketoFraser,justthenpassingwithacupofcoffee,andHelensawthetwomenapproach.Thestrangerwascomingtobeformally
introduced.
"ShakehandswithMr.Holloway,MissMessiter.He'sfromupinthehillcountryandherodetoourfrolic.Y'u'vegotthreeguessestofigureoutwhathe'smadeupas."
"Onewillbequiteenough,Ithink,"sheansweredcoldly.
Fraserdepartedonhisdestinationwiththecoffeeandthenewcomersatdownonthebenchbesideher.
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"One'senough,isit?"hedrawledsmilingly.
"Quite,butI'msurprisedsofewcameincostume.Whydidn'tyou?ButIsupposeyouhadyourreasons."
"Didn'tI?I'msupposedtobeabadmanfromthehills."
Sheswepthimcasuallywithanindifferentglance."Andisn'tthatwhatyouareinreallife?"
Hissharpscrutinychiseledintoher."What'sthat?"
"Youwon'tmindifIforgetandcallyouMr.BannisterinsteadofMr.Holloway?"
Shethoughthiscounterfeitastonishmentperfect.
"SoI'mNedBannister,amI?"
Theireyesclashed.
"Aren'tyou?"
Shefeltsureofit,andyettherewasalurkingdoubt.Fortherewasinhismannersomethingindescribablymoresinisterthanshehadfeltinhimonthatoccasionwhenshehadsavedhislife.Thenadebonairrecklessnesshadbeentheoutstandingnote,butnowtherewassomethingribaldandwickedinhim.
"Sincey'uputitasaquestion,commonpolitenessdemandsananswer.NedBannisterismyname."
"Youaretheterrorofthiscountry?"
"Ishan'tbeaterrortoy'u,ma'am,ifIcanhelpit,"hesmiled.
"Butyouarethemantheycalltheking?"
"Ihavethathonor."
"HONOR?"
Atthesharpscornofheraccenthelaughed.
"Doyoumeanthatyouareproudofyourvillainy?"shedemanded.
"Y'u'vece'tainlygottheteacherhabitofaskingquestions,"herepliedwithalaughthatwasasneer.
Ashadowfellacrossthemandavoicesaidquietly,"Shedidn'twaittoaskanywhenshesavedyourlifedowninthecouleebackoftheLazyD."
TheshadowwasJimMcWilliams's,anditsownerlookeddownatthemanbesidethegirlwithsteady,hostileeyes.
"Isthisyourputin,sir?"theotherflashedback.
"Yes,seh,itis.Theboysdon'tquitelikeseeingyourhardwaresoprominentatasocialgathering.Inthiscommunitygunsdon'tcomeinto
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thehouseataranchdance.I'macommitteetomentionthesubjectandtocollectyourthirty-eightsify'uagreewithus."
"AndifIdon'tagreewithyou?"
"There'salloutdoorsreadytoreceivey'u,seh.Itwouldbeapitytostayintheonespotwhereyourwelcome'sworethin."
"StillImaychoosetostay."
"Ce'tainly,butify'udecidethatwayy'ubetterstepoutontheporchandtalkitoverwithuswherethereain'tladiespresent."
"Isn'tthisacostumedance?What'sthematterwithmyguns?I'manoutlaw,ain'tI?"
"Idon'tknowwhethery'uareornot,seh.Ify'usayy'uarewe'rereadytotakeyourword.Thegunshavetobeshuckedify'ustayhere.Theymightgooffaccidentalandscaretheladies."
Themanroseblackly."I'llrememberthis.Ify'uknewwhoy'uweregettingsogaywith--"
"Icanguess,Mr.Holloway,thekindofanoutfity'ufreightwith,and
IexpectIcouldputahandletoanothernameforyou."
"ByGod,ify'udaretosay--"
"Idon'tdare,especiallyamongsomanyladies,"cameMcWilliams'sjauntyanswer.
Theeyesofthetwomengripped,afterwhichHollowayswungonhisheelandswaggereddefiantlyoutofthehouse.
Presentlytherecamethesoundofapony'sfeetgallopingdowntheroad.IthadnotyetdiedawaywhenTexasannouncedthatthesupperintermissionwasover.
"Pardnersforaquadrille.Ladies'choice."
Thedancewasonagainfullswing.Thefiddlersweretuningupandcouplesgatheringforaquadrille.DenvercametoclaimMissMessiterforapartner.ApparentlyeventheexistenceofthevanishedHollowaywasforgotten.ButHelenrememberedit,andponderedovertheaffairlongafterdaylighthadcomeandbroughtwithitanendtothefestivities.
CHAPTER6.APARTYCALL
ThemistressoftheLazyD,justthroughwithhermorningvisittothehospitalinthebunkhouse,stoppedtoreadthegaudypostertackedtothewall.Itwasembellishedwiththedrawingofaplacidriderastridetheembodimentoffuryincarnate,underwhichwasthelegend:"SticktoYourSaddle."
BIGFOURTHOFJULYCELEBRATIONATGIMLETBUTTE.ROPINGANDBRONCOBUSTINGCONTESTSFORTHECHAMPIONSHIPOFTHEWORLDANDBIGPRIZES,Including$1,000fortheBestRiderandtheSameforBestRoper.Cow
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PonyRaces,Ladies'RacesandLadies'RidingContest,Fireworks,ANDFREEBARBECUE!!!!EVERYBODYCOMEANDTURNYOURWOLFLOOSE.
Asuddenthudofpoundinghoofs,asnatchofragtime,andherforemansweptupinacloudofwhitedust.Hisponycamefromagalloptoaninstanthalt,andsimultaneouslyMaclandedbesideher,onehandholdingthewide-brimmedhathehadsnatchedoffinhisdescent,theotherhitchedbyacasualthumbtothebeltofhischaps.
Shelaughed."Youreallydiditverywell."
Macblushed.Hewasstillyoungenoughtotakeprideinhispicturesqueregalia,topreferthedramaticwayofdoingacommonplacething.But,thoughhelikedthisgirl'strickoflaughingathimwithaperfectlygravefaceoutofthosedark,long-lashedeyes,hewouldhavelikeditbetterifsometimestheyhadgivenbacktheapplausehethoughthislittletricksmerited.
"Sho!That'sfoolishness,"hedeprecated.
"Isupposetheygotyoutositforthispicture;"andsheindicatedtheposterwithawaveofherhand.
"Thatain'tarealpicture,"heexplained,andwhenshesmiledadded,
"asofcoursey'uknow.Nohawsseverpitchedthatway--andthesaddleain'tright.Factis,it'sallwrong."
"Howdiditcomehere?Itwasn'therelastnight."
"IreckonDenverbroughtitfromSlauson's.Hewasridin'thatcountryyesterday,andastheboyswasoutofsmokin'hecomehomethatway."
"Isupposeyou'llallgo?"
"Ireckon."
"Andyou'llride?"
"Iaimtositin."
"Attheroping,too?"
"No,m'm.Iain'tsomuchwiththerope.IttakesaMexicantosnakearope."
"ThenI'llbeabletoborrowonlyathousanddollarsfromyoutohelpbuythatbunchofyoungcowswewerespeakingabout,"shemocked.
"Onlyathousand,"hegrinned."Anditain'tacinchI'llwin.Therearethreeorfourstraightupridersonthisrange.Afellowcomefromthe
Hole-in-the-Wallandwonoutlastyear."
"Andwherewereyou?"
"Oh,Itooksecondprize,"heexplained,withobviousindifference.
"Well,youhadbettergetfirstthisyear.We'llhavetoshowthemtheLazyDhasn'tgonetosleep."
"Surething,"heagreed.
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"HasthatbuyerfromCheyenneturnedupyet?"sheasked,revertingtobusiness.
"Notyet.Doy'uwantIshouldmakethecutsoonashecomes?"
"Don'tyouthinkhispriceisalittlelow--twentydollarsfrombrandup?"
"It'sascrubbunch.Wewanttogetridofthem,anyway.Butyou'rethedoctor,"heconcludedslangily.
Shethoughtamoment."We'lllethimhavethem,butdon'tmakethecuttillIcomeback.I'mgoingtorideovertotheTwinButtes."
Hisadmiringeyesfollowedherasshewenttowardtheponythatwaswaitingsaddledwiththereinthrowntotheground.Shecarriedherslim,lithefigurewithagrace,alightness,thatfewwomencouldhaverivaled.Whenshehadswungtothesaddle,shehalf-turnedinherseattocallanordertotheforeman.
"Ithink,Mac,youhadbetterrunupthosehorsesfromEagleCreek.HaveDenverandMissoulookafterthem."
"Sure,ma'am,"hesaidaloud;andtohimself:"She'sce'tainlyathoroughbred.Doeseverythingwellshetackles.Ineversawanythinglikeit.I'maChinkifshedoesn'trunthisranchlikeshehadbeenatitfortyyears.Samethingwithhergasolinebronc.Thatpinto,too.He'sgotabadeyeforfair,butshemakeshimeatoutofherhand.Ireckonthepintoisliketherestofus--cleanmashed."Heputhisarmsonthecorralfenceandgrewintrospective."BlamedifIknowwhatitisabouther.'Courseshe'sawinneronlooks,butthatain'titalone.Iguessit'sonaccountofherbeingsuchagamelittlegentleman.Whensheturnsthatsmilelooseonafellow--well,there'ssuresunshineintheair.Andgame--why,NedBannisterain'tgamerhimself."
McWilliamshadclimbedlazilytothetopboardofthefence.Hewasan
energeticyouth,buthelikedtodohisthinkingathisease.Now,ashisgazestillfolloweditslodestar,hesuddenlyslippedfromhisseatandranforward,pullingtherevolverfromitsscabbardasheran.Intohiseyeshadcreptatensealertness,theshiningwatchfulnessofthetigerreadyforitsspring.
ThecauseofthechangeintheforemanoftheLazyDwasasimpleone,andonitsfaceinnocentenough.Itwasmerelythatastrangerhadswungincasuallyatthegateoftheshortstablelane,andwasduetomeetMissMessiterinabouttenseconds.Sofargoodenough.Adozentravelersdroppedineveryday,butthisparticularonehappenedtobeNedBannister.
Fromthestabledoorashotrangout.Bannisterduckedandshoutedgenially:"Tryagain."
ButHelenMessiterwhirledherponyasonahalf-dollar,andchargeddownonthestable.
"Whofiredthatshot?"shedemanded,hereyesblazing.
Thehorse-wranglershowedembarrassment.Hehadfoundtimeonlytoleantherifleagainstthewall.
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"IreckonIdid,ma'am.Y'usee--"
"Didyougetmyordersaboutthisfeud?"sheinterruptedcrisply.
"Yes,ma'am,but--"
"Thenyoumaycallforyourtime.WhenIgivemymenordersIexpectthemtoobey."
"Iwouldn't'a'shotifI'dknowedy'uwassonearhim.Y'uwasbehindthatsummerkitchen,"heexplainedlamely.
"YouonlyexpecttoobeyorderswhenI'minsight.Isthatit?"sheaskedhotly,andwithoutwaitingforananswerdeliveredherultimatum."Well,Iwon'thaveit.IrunthisranchaslongasIamitsowner.Doyouunderstand?"
"Yes,ma'am.Ihadn'toughttohavedidit,butwhenIseenBannisteritcomeovermeIowedhimapillfortheonehesentmelastweekdowninthecoulee.SoIupandgrabbedtherifleandlethimhaveit."
"ThenyoumayupandgrabyourtrunkforMedicineHill.Shortywilldriveyoutomorrow."
Whenshereturnedtoherunexpectedguest,HelenfoundhiminconversationwithMcWilliams.Thelatter'sgunhadfoundagainitsholster,buthisbrown,gracefulhandhoveredclosetoitsbutt.
"SeemslikealongtimesincetheLazyDhasbeenhonoredbyavisitfromMr.Bannister,"hewassaying,withgentleirony.
"That'sright.SoIhavecometomakeupforlosttime,"cameBannister'squietretort.
MissMessiterdidnotknowmuchaboutWyominghumannatureintheraw,butshehadlearnedenoughtobesurethatthesoftcourtesyofthese
twoyouthscoveredastarkcouragethatmightleaptolifeanymoment.Whereforesheinterposed.
"We'llbepleasedtoshowyouovertheplace,Mr.Bannister.Asithappens,weareclosetothehospital.Shallwebeginthere?"
Hercool,silkendefianceearnedasmilefromthevisitor."Allyourcasesdoingwell,ma'am?"
"It'sverykindofyoutoask.IsupposeyoutakeaninterestbecausetheyareYOURcases,too,inawayofspeaking?"
"Mine?Indeed!"
"Yes.IfitwerenotforyouI'mafraidourhospitalwouldbeempty."
"ItmustberightpleasanttobenursedbyMissMessiter.Ireckontheboysaregratefultomeforscatteringmyleadsopromiscuous."
"Iheardonesayhewouldliketolamyourhaidtenderly,"murmuredMcWilliams.
"Withatwo-by-four,Isuppose,"laughedBannister.
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"Shouldn'twonder.But,lookingy'uovercasual,itoccurstomehemightgetsickofhisjobbefo'heturnedy'uloose,"McWilliamsadmitted,withaglanceofadmirationatthecleanpowershowingintheother'ssupplelines.
Norcouldeithertheforemanorhismistressdenythetributeoftheirrespecttothebravadoofthisscampwhosatsojauntilyhisseatregardlessofwhatthenextmomentmightbringforth.Threewoundedmenwereabouttheplace,allpresumablyquitewillingtogetacleanshotathimintheopen.Oneofthemhadtakenhischancealready,andmissed.Theirvisitorhadnowarrantforknowingthatasecondmightnotanyinstanttryhisluckwithbettersuccess.Yethelookedeveryinchthemanonhorseback,nowhitdisturbed,nottheleastconsciousofanydanger.Tall,spare,broadshouldered,thisberry-brownyoungman,crownedwithclose-croppedcurls,satatthegatesoftheenemyverymuchathisinsolentcase.
"Icameovertopaymypartycall,"heexplained.
"Itreallywasn'tnecessary.Aruninthemachineisnotaformalfunction."
"MaybenotinKalamazoo."
"Ithoughtperhapsyouhadcometogetmypurseandthesixty-threedollars,"shederided.
"No,ma'am;noryettogetthatbunchofcowsIwasgoingtorustlefromyoutobuyanauto.Icametoaskyoutogoridingwithme."
Theaudacityofittookherbreath.Ofalltheoutrageousthingsshehadeverheard,thiswasthecream.Anacknowledgedoutlaw,engagedinfeudwithherretainersoverthatdeadlyquestionoftherunoftherange,hehadsaunteredovertotheranchwherelivedadozenofhisenemies,threeofthemstillscarredwithhisbullets,merelytoaskhertogoridingwithhim.Themagnificenceofhisbravadoalmostobliteratedits
impudence.Ofcourseshewouldnotthinkofgoing.Theidea!Buthereyesglowedwithappreciationofhiscourage,notthelessbecausetheconsciousnessofitwassoconspicuouslyabsentfromhismanner.
"Ithinknot,Mr.Bannister"andherfacealmostimperceptiblystiffened."Idon'tgoridingwithstrangers,norwithmenwhoshootmyboys.AndI'llgiveyouapieceofadvice,sir.Thatis,toburnthewindbacktoyourhome.OtherwiseIwon'tanswerforyourlife.Mypunchersdon'tloveyou,andIdon'tknowhowlongIcankeepthemfromyou.You'renotwantedhereanymorethanyouwereatthedancetheotherevening."
McWilliamsnodded."That'sright.Y'ubetterrollyourtrail,seh;and
ify'utakemyadvice,you'llthrowgravellively.Iseentwooftheboyscuttingacrostthatpasturefiveminutesago.Theylookedasiftheymightbehaidedtocuty'uoff,andIallowitmaybetheirnighttohowl.MissMessiterdon'twanttoberesponsiblefory'ugettingleadpoisoning."
"Indeed!"Theirvisitorlookedpolitelyinterested."Thissolicitudeformeisverytouching.Iobservethatbothofyouarecarefullyblockingmefromthebunkhouseinordertopreventanotherpractice-shot.IfIcan'tpersuadeyoutojoinmeinaride,MissMessiter,IreckonI'll
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gowhileI'mstillunpunctured."Hebowed,andgatheredthereinsfordeparture.
"Onemoment!Mr.McWilliamsandIaregoingwithyou,"thegirlannounced.
"Changedyourmind?Thinkyou'lltakealittlepasear,afterall?"
"Idon'twanttoberesponsibleforyourkilling.We'llseeyousafeofftheplace,"sheansweredcurtly.
TheforemanfellinononesideofBannister,hismistressontheother.Theyrodeincloseformation,tolessenthechanceofanambuscade.Bannisteralonechattedathisdebonairease,ignoringtheresponsibilitytheyfeltforhissafety.
"Igotmyride,afterall,"hepresentlychuckled."Tobesure,Iwasn'texpectingMr.McWilliamstochaperonus.Butthat'sanaddedpleasure."
"Woulditbeanaddedpleasuretogetbumpedofftokingdomcome?"drawledtheforeman,givingareluctantadmirationtohisaplomb.
"Thinkingofthosewillingboysofyoursagain,areyou?"laughedBannister."They'rece'tainlyaheapprevalentwiththeirhardware,but
theirhuntingdon'tseemtobringhomeanymeat."
"Bytheway,howISyourankle,Mr.Bannister?Iforgottoask."Thisshotfromtheyoungwoman.
Heenjoyeditwithinternalmirth."Theydidhappenonthetargetthattime,"headmitted."Oh,it'sgettingalongfine,butIaimtodomostofmywalkingonhorsebackforawhile."
Theysweptpastthefirstdangerousgroveofcottonwoodsinsafety,androundedtheboundaryfencecorner.
"They'reinthatbunchofpinesoverthere,"saidtheforeman,aftera
singlesweepofhiseyesinthatdirection.
"Yes,Iseetheyare.Yououghtn'ttoletyourboyswearredbandannaswhentheygogunning,MissMessiter.It'sanawfulcarelesshabit."
Helenherselfcouldseenosignoflifeinthegroupofpines,butsheknewtheirkeen,trainedeyeshadfoundwhatherscouldnot.Ridingwithoneoranotherofhercowboys,shehadoftennoticedhowinfalliblytheycouldreadthecountryformilesaround.Ascatteredpatchonadistanthillside,thoughitmightbeahalf-hour'sridefromthem,toldthemagreatdealmorethanseemedpossible.Toherthedarkspotssiftedonthatslopemeantscrubunderbrush,iftherewasanymeaningatallinthem.Butherriderscouldtellnotonlywhethertheywerealive,but
coulddifferentiatebetweensheepandcattle.Indeed,McWilliamscouldnearlyalwaystellwhethertheywereHERcattleornot.Hewasunabletoexplaintoherhowhedidit.Byasortofinstinct,shesupposed.
Thepineswerenegotiatedinsafety,andonthepartofthemenwithacarelessnessshecouldnotunderstand.Foraftertheyhadpassedtherewasaspotbetweenhershoulder-bladesthatseemedtotingleinexpectationofapossiblebulletboringitswaythrough.Butshewouldhavediedratherthanletthemknowhowshefelt.
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PerhapsBannisterunderstood,however,forheremarkedcasually:"Iwouldn'tbeamblingpastsoleisurelyifIwasridingalone.Itmakesaheapofdifferencewhoyourcompanyis,too.Thosepuncherswouldn'ttakeachanceatmenowforamilliondollars."
"No,they'resomehaidstrong,buttheyain'tplumblocoed,"agreedMac.
FifteenminuteslaterHelendrewupatthelinecorner."We'llpartcompanyhere,Mr.Bannister.Idon'tthinkthereisanymoredangerfrommymen."
"BeforewepartthereissomethingIwanttosay.Iholdthatamanhasasmuchrighttorunsheeponthesehillsascows.It'sgovernmentland,andneitheroneofusownsit.It'sboundtobeacaseofthesurvivalofthefittest.Ifsheeparehardierandmoreadaptedtothecountry,thencowshavegottovamos.That'snature,asitlookstome.Thebuffaloandtheantelopehavegone,andIguesscowshavegottotaketheirturn."
Herscornfuleyesburnedhim."Youcametotellmethat,didyou?Well,Idon'tbelieveawordofit.I'llnotyieldmyrightswithoutafight.Youmaydependonthat."
"Here,too,"noddedherforeman."I'mwithmybosscleardowntheline.
Andassoonassheletsmeturnloosemysix-gun,you'llhearitpop,seh."
"Ihavenotadoubtofit,Mr.McWilliams,"returnedthesheepmanblithely."InthemeantimeIwasgoingtosaythatthoughmostofmyinterestsareinsheepinsteadofcattle--"
"Ithoughtmostofyourinterestswereinotherpeople'sproperty,"interruptedtheyoungwoman.
"Itgoesintosheepultimately,"hesmiled."Now,whatIamtryingtogetatisthis:I'mindebttoyouaheap,MissMessiter,andsinceI'mnotallyellowcur,Iintendtoplayfairwithyou.Ihaveorderedmy
sheepbackacrossthedeadline.Youcanhavethisrangetoyourselfforyourcattle.Thefight'soffsofaraswepersonallyareconcerned."
Ahintofdeepercolortouchedhercheeks.Hermannerhadbeencavalieratbest;forthemostpartfranklyhostile;andallthetimethemanwasonanerrandofgood-will.Certainlyhehadscoredatherexpense,andshewasashamedofherself.
"Y'umeanthatyou'regoingtorespectthedeadline?askedMacinsurprise.
"Ididn'tsayquitethat,"explainedthesheepman."WhatIsaidwasthatImeanttokeeponmysideofitsofarastheLazyDcattleare
concerned.I'llletyourrangealone."
"Buty'umeantocrossitdownbelowwheretheBarDouble-Ecowsrun?"
Bannister'sgaysmiletouchedthesardonicface."Doyouinvitethepublictoexamineyourhandwhenyousitintoagameofpoker,Mr.McWilliams?"
"You'redeadright.It'snoneofmybusinesswhaty'udosolongasy'ukeepoffourrange,"admittedtheforeman."Andnexttimethe
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conversationhappensonMr.Bannister,I'llputinmylittlesay-sothatheain'tallblack."
"That'sverygoodofyou,sir,"wastheother'sironicalretort.
Thegirl'sgauntletedhandoffereditselfimpulsively."Wecan'tbefriendsunderexistingcircumstances,Mr.Bannister.ButthatdoesnotalterthefactthatIoweyouanapology.Youcameasapeaceenvoy,andoneofmymenshotatyou.Ofcourse,hedidnotunderstandthereasonwhyyoucame,butthatdoesnotmatter.Ididnotknowyourreasonmyself,andIknowIhavebeenveryinhospitable."
"AreyoushakinghandswithNedBannisterthesheepmanorNedBannistertheoutlaw?"askedtheownerofthatname,withaqueerlittlesmilethatseemedtomockhimself.
"WithNedBannisterthegentleman.IfthereisanothersidetohimIdon'tknowitpersonally."
Heflushedunderneaththetan,butveryplainlywithpleasure."YouropinionsarerightcontrarytoHoyle,ma'am.Aren'tyouawarethatasheepmanisthelowestthingthatwalks?AskMr.McWilliams."
"Ihaveknownstockmenofthatopinion,but--"
Theforeman'ssentencewasneverfinished.Fromaclumpofbushesahundredyardsawaycamethecrackofarifle.Abulletsangpast,cuttingalinethatleftononesideofitBannister,ontheotherMissMessiterandherforeman.Instantlythetwomenslidfromtheirhorsesonthefartherside,draggeddowntheyoungwomanbehindthecoverofthebroncos,andarrangedthethreeponiessoastogiveherthegreatestprotectionavailable.Somehowtheweaponsthatgarnishedthemhadleapedtotheirhandsbeforetheirfeettouchedtheground.
"Thatcoyoteisn'toneofourmen.I'llbackthatopinionhigh,"saidMcWilliamspromptly.
"Whoishe?"thegirlwhispered.
"That'swhatwe'regoingtofindoutprettysoon,"returnedBannistergrimly."Chancesareit'smeheistryingtogather.Now,I'mgoingtomakeabreakforthatcottonwood.WhenIgo,youbetterrunupawhitehandkerchiefandmovebackfromthefiring-line.TurnBuckloosewhenyouleave.He'llstayaroundandcomewhenIwhistle."
Hemadearunforit,zigzaggingthroughthesage-brushsoswiftlyastooffertheleastcertainmarkpossibleforasharpshooter.Yettwicetheriflespokebeforehereachedthecottonwood.
MeanwhileMachadfastenedthehandkerchiefofhismistressontheend
ofaswitchhehadpickedupandwasedgingoutofrange.Histense,narrowedgazeneverleftthebush-clumpfromwhichtheshotswerebeingpumped,andhewascarefulduringtheirretreattoremainonthedangersideoftheroad,inordertocoverHelen.
"IguessBannister'sright.Hedon'twantus,whoeverheis."
Andevenashemurmuredit,thewindofabulletliftedhishatfromhishead.Hepickeditupandexaminedit.Thecourseofthebulletwasmarkedbyaholeinthewidebrim,andtwomoreinthesideandcrown.
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"Hece'tainlyventilateditproper.Ireckon,ma'am,we'llmakearunforit.Lielowonthepinto'sneck,withyourhaidontheoffside.That'sright.Lethimout."
AmileandahalffartheruptheroadMacreinedin,andmadetheIndianpeace-sign.TwodejectedfigurescameoverthehillandresolvedthemselvesintopunchersoftheLazyD.Eachofthemtrailedariflebyhisside.
"You'reafinepairofring-tailedsnorters,ain'ty'u?"jeeredtheforeman."Gottogetgayandgoprojectin'roundontheshootaftery'ugotyourorderstostayhitched.Anythingtosayforyo'selves?"
Iftheyhaditwassaidverysilently.
"Now,MissMessiterisgoingtopassitupthistime,butfromnowony'udon'tgooffonanyprivatemassacreeswhiley'upunchattheLazyD.Gitthat?Thishyeristhelastcallforsupperinthedining-cah.Ify'umissit,y'u'llfeedatsomeotherchuckhouse."Suddenlythedrawlofhissarcasmvanished.Hisvoicecarriedtheringofperemptorycommand."Jim,y'ugobacktotheranchwithMissMessiter,ANDKEEPYOUREYESOPEN.Missou,Ineedy'u.We'regoingback.Ireckony'ubetterhangontothestirrup,forwegottotravelsome.Adios,
senorita!"
Hewasoffataslowlopeontheroadhehadjustcome,theothermanrunningbesidethehorse.Presentlyhestopped,asifthearrangementwerenotsatisfactory;andthesecondmanswungbehindhimonthepony.Later,whensheturnedinhersaddle,shesawthattheyhadlefttheroadandwerecuttingacrosstheplain,asiftotakethesharpshooterintherear.
Hertroubledthoughtsstayedwithherevenaftershehadreachedtheranch.Shewasnervouslyexcited,keyeduptoahighpitch;forsheknewthatoutonthedesert,withinamileortwoofher,menwerestalkingeachotherwithlifeordeathinthebalanceasthepriceofvigilance,
skillandanunflawedsteelnerve.Whilesheherselfhadbeenindanger,shehadbeenmistressofherfear.Butnowshecoulddonothingbutwait,afterorderingoutsuchreinforcementsasshecouldrecruitwithoutdelay;andtheinactiontolduponherswift,impulsivetemperament.Once,twice,thewindbroughttoherafaintsound.
Shehadbeenpacingtheporch,butshestopped,whiteasasheet.Behindthosefaintexplosionsmightlieasinistertragedy.Hermindprojecteditselfintoascoreofimaginarypossibilities.Shelistened,breathlessinhertensity,butnofurtherechoofthatbattlefieldreachedher.ThesunstillshonewarmlyonbrownWyoming.Shelookeddownintoarollingplainthatblurredinthedistancefromknobsandflatspacesintoasinglestretchthatincludedathousandrisesanddepressions.Thatroll
ofcountryteemedwithlife,butthesteady,inexorablesunbeatdownonwhatseemedashining,primevalwasteofspace.Yetsomewhereinthatspacethetragedywasbeingdetermined--unlessithadbeenalreadyenacted.
Shewantedtoscream.Theverystillnessmockedher.So,too,didtheclickingwindmill,withitsmonotonousregularity.Herponystillstoodsaddledintheyard.Sheknewthatherplacewasathome,andshefoughtdownadozentimesthetremendousimpulsetomountandflytothefieldofcombat.
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Shelookedatherwatch.Howslowlytheminutesdragged!Itcouldnotbeonlyfiveminutessinceshehadlookedlasttime.Againshefelltopacingthelongwestporch,andinterruptedherselfadozentimestostopandlisten.
"Icanbearitnolonger,"shetoldherselfatlast,andinanothermomentwasinthesaddleplyingherpintowiththequirt.
Butbeforeshereachedthefirstcottonwoodsshesawthemcoming.Herglassessweptthedistantgroup,andwithashivershemadeoutthedreadfultruth.Theywerecomingslowly,carryingsomethingbetweenthem.Thegirldidnotneedtobetoldthattheobjecttheywerebringinghomewastheirdeadorwounded.
Afigureonhorsebackdetacheditselffromthehuddleofmenandgallopedtowardsher.Hewascomingtobreakthenews.Butwhowasthevictim?BannisterorMcWilliamsshefeltsure,byreasonofthesinkingheartinher;andthenitcamehomethatshewouldbehardhitifitwereeither.
Theapproachingriderbegantotakedistinctformthroughherglasses.Ashepoundedforwardsherecognizedhim.ItwasthemannicknamedDenver.Thewindwasblowingstronglyfromhertohim,andwhilehewas
stillahundredyardsawayshehurledherquestion.
Hisanswerwaslostinthewindsweep,butonewordofitshecaught.Thatwordwas"Mac."
CHAPTER7.THEMANFROMTHESHOSHONEFASTNESSES
Thoughthesharpshooter'sriflecrackedtwiceduringhisrunforthecottonwood,thesheepmanreachedthetreeinsafety.HecoulddodgethroughthebrushaselusivelyasanymaninWyoming.Itwasatrickhehadlearnedonthewhitewashedfootballgridiron.Forinhisburiedpast
thismanhadbeenthenotedhalf-backofafamouscollege,andoneofhisspecialtieshadbeenrunningtheballbackafteracatchthroughabrokenfieldofopponents.Thelessonthatexperiencehadthenthumpedintohimhadsincesavedhislifeonmorethanoneoccasion.
Havingreachedthetree,Bannistertookimmediateadvantageofthelieofthegroundtosnakeforwardunobservedforanotherhundredfeet.Therewasadipfromthefootofthetree,downwhichherolledintothesagebelow.Hewormedhiswaythroughthethickscrubbrushtotheedgeofadrycreek,intothebedofwhichheslid.Thenswiftly,hisbodybentbeneaththelevelofthebank,heranforwardinthesand.Hemovednoiselessly,eyesandearsalerttoaidhim,andclimbedthebankatapointwherealiveoakgrew.
Warilyhepeepedoutfrombehinditstrunkandswepttheplainforhisfoe.Nothingwastobeseenofhim.Slowlyandpatientlyhiseyesagainwentoverthesemi-circlebeforehim,forwheredeathmaylurkbehindeveryfootofvegetation,everybumporhillock,theplainsmanleavesaslittleasmaybetochance.Nofaintestmovementcouldescapethesheepman'seyes,noleaststirfailtoapprisehisears.Yetformanyminuteshewaitedinvain,andthedelaytoldhimthathehadtodowithatrainedhunterratherthanamererecklesscow-puncher.Forsomewhereintheroughcountrybeforehimhisenemylaymotionless,everyfaculty
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alivetotheleasthintofhispresence.
ItwasthewhirringflightofastartleddovethattoldBannisterthewhereaboutsofhisfoe.Twohundredyardsfromhimthebirdrose,andthedirectionittookshowedthatthemanmusthavebeentrailingforwardfromtheoppositequarter.Thesheepmanslippedbackintothedrycreekbed,retracedhisstepsforaboutastone-throw,andagaincrawledupthebank.
Foralongtimehelayfacedowninthegrass,hisgazerivetedtothespotwhereheknewhisopponenttobehidden.Afaintrustlenotbornofthewindstirredthesage.StillBannisterwaited.Alessexperiencedplainsmanwouldhaveblazedawayandexposedhisownposition.Butnotthisyoungmanwiththesteel-wirenerves.Silentasthecomingofdusk,nobreakingtwigordisplacedbrushbetrayedhisself-containedpresence.
Somethingintheclumphewatchedwriggledforwardandshowedindistinctlythroughanopeningintheunderscrub.Hewhippedhisrifleintopositionandfiredtwice.Thehuddledbrownmasslurchedforwardanddisappeared.
"WonderifIgothim?SeemstomeIcouldn'thavemissedclean,"thoughtBannister.
Silenceasbefore,vastandunbroken.
Ascrambleofrunningfeettearingapaththroughthebrush,acrouchingbodyshowingdarklyforaneyeflash,andthenthepoundingofahorse'sretreatingfeet.
Bannisterleapedup,ranlightlyacrosstheinterveningspace,andwithhisrepeatertookapotshotatthegallopinghorseman.
"Missed!"hemuttered,andatoncegaveasharpwhistlethatbroughthisponytohimonthetrot.Hevaultedtothesaddleandgavechase.Itwasroughgoing,butnothinginreasoncanstopacow-pony.Assurefooted
asamountaingoat,asgoodaclimberalmostasacat,Buckfollowedtheflyinghorsemanoverperilousrockrimsandacrossdeep-cutcreekbeds.Pantherlikeheclimbedupthesteepcreeksideswithouthesitation,fortheround-uphadtaughthimnevertofalteratstiffgoingsolongashisriderputhimatit.
ItwaswhilehewasclamberingoutofthesheersidesofawashthatBannistermadeadiscovery.Themanhepursuedwaswounded.Somethinginthemannerofthefellow'sridinghadsuggestedthistohim,butadropofbloodsplashedonastonethathappenedtomeethiseyemadethesurmiseacertainty.
Hewasgainingnow--notfast,almostimperceptibly,butnonetheless
surely.Hecouldseethemanlookingoverhisshoulder,once,twice,andthenagain,withthathurried,fearfulglancethatmeasurestheapproachofretribution.Barringaccidents,themanwashis.
Buttheunforeseenhappened.Bucksteppedintheholeofaprairiedogandwentdown.Overhisheadflewtheriderlikeastonefromacatapult.
HowlongNedBannisterlayunconsciousheneverknew.Butwhenhecametohimselfitwasnonetoosoon.Hesatupdizzilyandpassedhishand
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overhishead.Somethinghadhappened.
Whatwasit?Oh,yes,hehadbeenthrownfromhishorse.Awaveofrecollectionpassedoverhim,andhismindwasclearoncemore.PresentlyhegottohisfeetandmovedratheruncertainlytowardBuck,forthehorsewasgrazingquietlyafewyardsfromhim.
Buthalfwaytotheponyhestopped.Voices,approachingbywayofthebedofDryCreek,driftedtohim.
"Hemust'a'turnedandgoneback.Mebbeheguessedwewasthere."
AndavoicethatBannisterknew,onethathadastrangelypenetrant,cruelringofpowerthroughthedrawl,madeanswer:"JuddsaidbeforehefaintedhewassurethemanwasNedBannister.I'dce'tainlyliketomeetupwithmybelovedcousinrightnowandevenupafewoldscores.ByGod,I'dmakehimsickbeforeIfinishedwithhim!"
"I'llbety'uwould,Cap,"returnedtheother,admiringly."Thinkwe'dbetterdeployhereandbeatupthesceneryafewaswego?"
Therearetimeswhenthemindworkslikelightning,flashesitsmessagesonthewingsofanelectriccurrent.ForBannisterthiswasoneofthem.Thewholesituationlightedforhimplainlyasifithadbeenexplained
foranhour.
Hiscousinhadbeenoutwithabandofhiscut-throatsonsomeerrand,andwhilereturningtothefastnessesoftheShoshoneMountainshadstoppedtonoonatacowspringthreeorfourmilesfromtheLazyD.JuddMorgan,whomheknewtobealieutenantofthenotoriousbandit,hadriddentowardtheranchinthehopeofgettinganopportunitytoventhisangeragainstitsmistressorsomeofhermen.WhilepursuingtherenegadeBannisterhadstumbledintoahornet'snest,andwasinimminentdangerofbeingstungtodeath.Evennowthelastspeakerwasscramblingupthebanktowardhim.
Thesheepmanhadtochoosebetweenleavinghisrifleandimmediate
flight.ThelatterwassuchaforlornhopethathegaveupBuckforthemoment,andranbacktotheplacewherehisrepeatingWinchesterhadfallen.Withoutstoppinghescoopedtherifleupashepassed.Inhisdayhehadbeenafamoussprinter,andhescuddednowfordearlife.Itwasnolongeraquestionofsecrecy.Thesoundofmenbreakingtheirhurriedwaythroughtheheavybrushofthecreekbankcamecrisplytohim.Avoicebehindshoutedawarning,andfromnotahundredyardsinfrontofhimcameanansweringshout.Hemmedinfromtheforeandtherear,heswungoffatarightangle.Anopenstretchlaybeforehim,buthehadtotakehisdesperatechancewithoutcover.Anythingwasbetterthantobetrappedlikeawildbeastdrivenbythebeaterstotheguns.
Acrossthebare,brownmesaheplunged;andbeforehehadtakenadozen
stepsthefirstriflehadlocateditspreyandwassnipingathim.Hehadperhapsahundredyardstocovererethemesafellawayintoahollow,wherehemightfindtemporaryprotectioninthescrubpines.Andnowasecondmarksmanjoinedhimselftothefirst.Buthewasgoingfast,alreadyhadcoveredhalfthedistance,anditisnoeasythingtobringdownalive,dodgingtarget.
Againthefirstgunspoke,andscoredanothermiss,whereatamocking,devilishlaughrangoutinthesunshine.
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"Y'uboyssplashaheapofuselessleadaroundthehorizon.IreckonCousinNed'smymeat.Y'usee,Igethimintheflapperwithoutspoilinghimcomplete."Andatthewordheflungtherifletohisshoulderandfiredwithnoapparentaim.
Therunningmandoubleduplikeacottontail,butfoundhisfeetagaininaninstant,thoughonearmhunglimpbyhisside.Hewaswithinadozenfeetofthehilldropandmomentarysafety.
"ShallItakehim,Cap?"criedoneofthemen.
"No;he'smine."Theriflesmokedoncemoreandagaintherunnerwentdown.Butthistimeheplungedheadlongdowntheslopeandoutofsight.
Theoutlawchiefturnedonhisheel."Ireckonhe'llnotrunanymoreto-day.Bringhimintocampandwe'lltakehimalongwithus,"hesaidcarelessly,andwalkedawaytohishorseinthecreekbed.
Twoofthemenstartedforward,buttheystoppedhalfway,asifrootedtotheground.Foragallopinghorsemansuddenlydrewupattheverypointforwhichtheywerestarting.Heleapedtothegroundandwarnedthembackwithhisrifle.WhilehecoveredthemasecondmanrodeupandliftedBannistertohissaddle.
"Ready,Mac,"hegavetheword,andbothhorsesdisappearedwiththeirridersoverthebrowofthehill.Whenthesurpriseddesperadoesrecoveredthemselvesandreachedthatpointtherescuershaddisappearedintheheavybrush.
Thealarmwasatoncegiven,andtheircaptain,cursingtheminaraucousbellowfortheirblunder,orderedimmediatepursuit.Itwassomelittletimebeforethetrailofthefugitiveswaspickedup,butoncediscoveredtheywereoverhauledrapidly.
"We'renotgoingtogetoutwithoutswappinglead,"McWilliamsadmittedanxiously."Iwishty'uwasn'thamperedwiththatload,butIreckonI'llhavetotrytostandthemoffalone."
"WebuckedintoasliceofluckwhenIopenedonhisbroncmaverickingaroundalone.Hadn'tbeenforthatwecouldneverhavemadeit,"saidMissou,whonevercrossedabridgeuntilhecametoit.
"Wehaven'tmadeityet,oldhoss,notbyalongmile,andtwomoreontopo'that.They'rebeginningtopumpleadalready.Huh!Gottodrapyourpillscloser'nthat'forey'uworryme."
"Ibelievehe'sdaid,anyway,"saidMissoupresently,peeringdownintothewhitefaceoftheunconsciousman.
"Gottohangontotheremains,anyhow,forMissHelen.Thosecoyotesare
toomuchofthewolfbreedtoleavehimwiththem."
"Lookslikethey'regittin'theaimsomebetter,"equablyremarkedtheotheraminutelater,whenaspurtofsandflewupinfrontofhim.
"They'rece'tainlycrowdingus.IexpaictIbettersendthema'How-de-do?'soastodiscouragethemafew."Hetookascarefulaimashecouldonthegallopinghorse,buthisbulletwentwide.
"They'regaininglikesixty.It'smyoffhandopinionwebetterstopat
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thatbunchoftreesandarguesomewiththem.Nousebuck-jumpin'alongtoburnthewindwhiletheydrillstreaksoflightthroughus."
"Allright.Takethetrees.Y'u'llbeabletogetintothegamesomethen."
Theydebouchedfromtheroadtothelittlegroveandslippedfromtheirhorses.
"Deader'nhell,"murmuredMissou,asheliftedthelimpbodyfromhishorse."ButIguesswe'llpackwhat'sleftbacktothelittleladyattheLazyD."
Theleaderofthepursuershaltedhismenjustoutofrangeandcameforwardalone,holdinghisrighthandupintheusualsignalofpeace.InappearancehewasnotunlikeNedBannister.Therewasthesamelong,slim,tigerbuild,withtheflowingmusclesripplingeasilybeneaththelooseshirt;thesameeffectofpoweranddominance,thesameclean,springystride.Theposeofthehead,too,eventhesweepofsalientjaw,boreamarkedresemblance.Butsimilarityceasedattheexpression.Forinsteadoffranknesstherelurkedherethathintofthedevilofstrongpassionuncontrolled.Hewasthevictimofhisownmoods,andinthespaceofanhouronemight,perhaps,readinthatfacecoldcunning,cruelmalignity,leeringribaldry,aswellasthehard-bittenvirtuesof
unflinchingcourageandimplacablepurpose.
"Ireckonyou'renearenough,"suggestedMac,whenthemanhadapproachedtowithinahundredfeetofthetreeclump.
"Y'u'redrawingthedead-line,"theotheracknowledged,indolently."Itwon'ttaketenwordstotelly'uwhatIwantandmeantohave.I'mgivingy'utwominutestohandmeoverthebodyofNedBannister.Ify'udon'tseeitthatwayI'llcomeandmakealeadmineofyourwholeoutfit."
"Y'ucan'tcometooquick,seh.We'reherea-shootin',anddon'ty'uforgetit,"wasMcWilliams'spromptanswer.
ThesinisterfaceofthemanfromtheShoshonesdarkened."Y'u'vesignedyourowndeathwarrants,"heletoutthroughsetteeth,andatthewordswungonhisheel.
"Theball'sabouttoopen.Pardnersforawaltz.Haveadust-cutter,Mac,beforeshegrowswarm."
Thepuncherhandedoverhisflask,andtheotherhelditbeforehiseyeandappraisedthecontentsinapprovedfashion."Don'tmindifIdo.Here'show!"
"How!"echoedMissou,inturn,andtippedupthebottletilltheliquor
gurgleddownhisbakedthroat.
"He'sfanningouthismensoasto,getusbothatthefrontandbackdoor.Luckythereain'tbutfourofthem."
"Iguesswebetterliebacktoback,"proposedMissou."Ifourluck'sgoodIreckonthey'regoingtohaveagaytimerushingthisfort."
Afewdesultoryshotshadalreadybeendroppedamongthecottonwoods,andreturnedbythedefendantswhenMissouletoutayelloftriumph.
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"GloryHallelujah!Herecomestheboyssplittin'downtheroadhell-for-leather.Thatlopsided,ring-tailedsnorterofahawss-thiefisgatheringhiswolvesforahikebacktothetalltimber.Feedmeacigareet,Mac.Iplumbwanttocelebrate."
Itwasasthecow-puncherhadsaid.Downtheroadacloudofdustwassweepingtowardthem,inthecentreofwhichtheymadeoutthreehardridingcowboysfromtheranch.Fartherback,inthedistance,wasanotherdustwhirl.Theoutlawchief'shard,vigilantgazesweptoverthereinforcements!anddecidedinstantlythatthegamehadgoneagainsthimforthepresent.Hewhistledshrillytwice,andbeganaslowretreattowardthehills.Themiscreantsflungafewdefiantshotsattheadvancingcowmen,anddisappeared,swallowedupintheearthswells.
Thehomewardmarchwasaslowone,forBannisterhadbeguntoshowsignsofconsciousnessanditwasnecessarytocarryhimwithextremecare.Whiletheywerestillamilefromtheranchhousethepintoanditsridercouldbeseenlopingtowardthem.
"Rideforward,Denver,andtellMissHelenwe'recoming.Betterhavehergeteverythingfixedtodoctorhimsoonaswegetthere.Givehimthebestshowintheworld,andhe'llstillbesailingawfulclosetothedivide.I'llbetahundredplunkshe'llcashin,anyway."
"DONE!"
Thevoicecamefaintlyfromtheimprovisedlitter.Macturnedwithastart,forhehadnotknownthatBannisterwasawaketohissurroundings.Themanappearedthepictureofhelplessness,allthelustypowerandvigorstrickenoutofhim;buthisindomitablespiritstilltriumphedoverthephysicalcollapse,forastheforemanlookedafaintsmiletouchedtheashenlips.Itseemedtosay:"Stillinthering,oldman."
CHAPTER8.INTHELAZYDHOSPITAL
Helen'sfirstswiftglanceshowedthatthewoundedmanwasBannister.Sheturnedincrispcommandtoherforeman.
"Havehimtakentomyroomandputtobedthere.Wehavenotimetoprepareanother.Andsendoneoftheboysonyourbesthorseforadoctor."
Theycarriedthelimpfigureinwithroughtendernessandlaidhiminthebed.McWilliamsunbuckledthebeltanddrewoffthechaps;then,withthehelpofDenver,undressedthewoundedmanandcoveredhimwithquilts.SoHelenfoundhimwhenshecameintoattendhiswounds,
bringingwithhersuchthingsassheneededforhertask.Mrs.Winslow,thehousekeeper,assistedher,andtheforemanstayedtohelp,butitwasonthemistressoftheranchthattheresponsibilityofsavinghimfell.MissouwasalreadygallopingtoBearCreekforadoctor,butthegirlknewthatthebattlemustbefoughtandtheissuedecidedbeforehecouldarrive.
Hehadfallenagainintoinsensibilityandsherinsedanddressedhiswounds,workingwiththequietimpersonalcertaintyoftouchthatdidnotbetraytheinnerturmoilofhersoul.ButMcWilliams,hiseyes
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followinghereverymotionandalerttoanticipateherneeds,sawthatthecolorhadwashedfromherfaceandthatshewascontrollingherselfonlytomeetthedemandsoftheoccasion.
Asshewasfinishing,thesheepmanopenedhiseyesandlookedather.
"Youarenottospeakoraskquestions.Youhavebeenwoundedandwearegoingtotakecareofyou,"sheordered.
"That'srightgoodofy'u.Ice'tainlyfeetmightytrifling."Hiswideeyestraveledroundtilltheyfellontheforeman."Y'useeIcamebacktohelpfillyourhospital.AmItherenow?WhereamI?"HisgazereturnedtoHelenwiththesuddenirritationoftheirresponsiblesick.
"YouareattheLazyD,inmyroom.Youarenottoworryaboutanything.Everything'sallright."
Hetookheratherwordandhiseyesclosed;butpresentlyhebegantomutterunconnectedwordsandphrases.Whenhislidsliftedagaintherewasawilderlookinhiseyes,andsheknewthatdeliriumwasbeginning.Atintervalsitlastedforlong;indeed,untilthedoctorcamenextmorninginthesmallhours.HetalkedofmanythingsHelenMessiterdidnotunderstand,ofincidentsinhispastlife,someofthemjerkywiththeexcitementofatensemoment,othersapparentlysnatchesoftalk
withrelatives.Itwaslikethebabblingofachild,irrelevantandyetofteninsistent.Hewouldinonebreathgiveordersconnectedwiththelambingofhissheep,inthenextbreakintofootballtalk,callingoutsignalsandimploringhismentoholdthemortobreakthroughandgettheball.Oncehebrokeintocurses,buthisveryoathsseemedtocomefromacleanheartandmissedthevulgaritytheymighthavehad.Againhistalkrambledinconsequentlyoverhisyouth,andhewouldurgehimselforsomeoneelseofthesamenametobetterlife.
"Ned,Ned,rememberyourmother,"hewouldbeseech."Sheaskedmetolookafteryou.Don'tgowrong."Orelseitwouldbe,"Don'tdisgracethegeneral,Ned.You'llbreakhisheartifyoublackentheoldname."Tothisthemeherecurredrepeatedly,andshenoticedthatwhenhe
imaginedhimselfintheEasthislanguagewascorrectandhisintonationcultured,thoughstillwithasuggestionofaSouthernsoftness.
ButwhenhespokeofherhisspeechlapsedintothefamiliardrawlofCattleland."Iain'tsuchasweepasy'uthink,girl.SomedayI'llsuretelly'uallaboutit,andhowIhavelovedy'ueversincey'uscoopedmeupinyourcar.You'rethegamestlittlelady!Toseey'ucomea-sailin'downafterme,sosteadyandbusinesslike,notturningahairwhenthebulletshummed--Isuredolovey'u,Helen."Andthenhefelluponherfirstnameandcalledherbyitahundredtimessoftlytohimself.
Thishappenedwhenshewasalonewithhim,justbeforethedoctorcame.
Shehearditwithstarryeyesandwithaheartthatflushedforjoyawarmercolorintohercheeks.Brushingbacktheshortcurls,shekissedhisdampforehead.Itwasinthethickofthebattle,beforehehadweatheredthatpointwheretheissuesoflifeanddeathpressedclosely,andeveninthemidstofhergreatfearsitbroughthercomfort.Shewastothinkoftenofitlater,andalwaysthememorywastobemusicinherheart.Evenwhenshedeniedherloveforhim,assuredherselfitwasimpossibleshecouldcareforsoshamefulavillain,eventhenitwasasweettorturetoallowherselftheluxuryofrecallinghisbrokendeliriousphrases.Attheveryworsthecouldnotbeasbadas
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theysaid;someinstincttoldherthiswasimpossible.Hisfearlessdevil-may-caresmile,hisjaunty,gallantbearing,thesepleadedagainsttheevidenceforhim.Andyetwasitconceivablethatamanofspirit,agentlemanbytrainingatleast,wouldlethimselflieundertheodiumofsuchachargeifhewerenotguilty?Hertangledthoughtsfoughtthisprofitlessconflictfordays.Norcouldshedismissitfromhermind.Evenafterhebegantomendshewasstillontherack.Forinsomesnatchofgoodtalk,whenthefinequalityofthemanseemedtoglowinhisface,poignantremembrancewouldstabherwithrecollectionofthedifferencebetweenwhathewasandwhatheseemedtobe.
OneofthethingsthathadbeenacontinualsurprisetoHelenwastheshorttimerequiredbythesedeep-cheatedandclean-bloodedWesternerstorecoverfromapparentlyseriouswounds.ItwasscarcemorethantwoweekssinceBannisterhadfilledthebunkhousewithwoundedmen,andalreadytwoofthemwerebackatworkandthethirdalmostfitforservice.Forperhapsthreedaysthesheepman'slifehunginthebalance,afterwhichhissplendidconstitutionandhisoutdoorlifebegantotell.Thethermometershowedthatthefeverhadslippeddownanotch,andhewasnowsleepingwholesomelyagoodpartofhistime.Altogether,unlessforsomeunseencontingency,thedoctorprophesiedthatthesheepmanwasgoingtoupsettheprobabilitiesandgetwell.
"Whichmerelyshows,ma'am,whatispossiblewhenyougiveasoundman
twenty-fourhoursadayinourhillsforafewyears,"headded."Thankstoyournursinghe'sgoingtoshavethroughbythenarrowestmarginpossible.Itoldhimto-daythatheowedhislifetoyou,MissMessiter."
"Idon'tthinkyouneedhavetoldhimthatDoctor,"returnedthatyoungwoman,notalittlevexedathim,"especiallysinceyouhavejustbeentellingmethatheowesittoWyomingairandhisownsoundnessofconstitution."
Whenshereturnedtothesickroomtogiveherpatienthismedicinehewantedtotellherwhatthedoctorhadsaid,butshecuthimoffruthlesslyandtoldhimnottotalk.
"Mayn'tIevensay'Thankyou?'"hewantedtoknow.
"No;youtalkfartoomuchasitis."
Hesmiled"Allright.Y'usitthereinthatchair,whereIcanseey'udoingthatfancyworkandI'llnotsayaword.It'llkeep,allright,whatIwanttosay."
"Inoticeyoukeeptalking,"shetoldhim,dryly.
"Yes,ma'am.Y'uhadbetterhaveletmesaywhatIwantedto,butI'llbegoodnow."
Hefellasleepwatchingher,andwhenheawokeshewasstillsittingthere,thoughitwasbeginningtogrowdark.Hespokebeforesheknewhewasawake.
"I'mgoingtogetwell,thedoctorthinks."
"Yes,hetoldme,"sheanswered.
"Didhetelly'uitwasyournursingsavedme?"
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"Pleasedon'tthinkaboutthat."
"WhatamItothinkabout?Iowey'uaheap,anditkeepspilingup.Ireckony'udoitallbecauseit'syourChristianduty?"hedemanded.
"Itismyduty,isn'tit?"
"Ididn'tsayitwasn't,thoughIexpaictBighornCountywillforgettogivey'uaunanimousvoteofthanksfordoingit.Iaskedify'udiditbecauseitwasyourduty?"
"Thereasondoesn'tmattersothatIdoit,"sheanswered,steadily.
"Reasonsmattersome,too,thoughtheyain'tasimportantasactionsoutinthiscountry.BackinBostontheyfiguremore,andsincey'uusedtogotoschoolbacktherey'uhadn'toughttothrowdownyourprofessorofethics."
"Don'tyouthinkyouhavetalkedenoughforthepresent?"shesmiled,andadded:"IfImakeyoutalkwheneverIsitbesideyouIshallhavetostayaway."
"That'swherey'u'vece'tainlygotthedroponme,ma'am.I'maclam
tilly'ugivetheword."
Beforeaweekhewasabletositupinachairforanhourortwo,andsoonaftercouldlimpintothelivingroomwiththeaidofawalkingstickandhishostess.Underthetanhestillworeaninterestingpallor,buttherecouldbenoquestionthathewasontheroadtohealth.
"Amandoesn'tknowwhathe'smissinguntilhegetsshotupandisbroughttotheLazyDhospital,soastoletMissMessiterexerciseherChristiandutyonhim,"hedrawled,cheerfully,observingthesuddenglowonhercheekbroughtbythereferencetohisunansweredquestion.
Hemadetheloungeinthebigsunnywindowhisheadquarters.Fromithecouldlookoutonsomeoftheranchactivitieswhenshewasnotwithhim,couldwatchthelineridersastheypassedtoandfroandcommandaviewofoneofthecorrals.Therewasalways,too,theturquoisesky,outofwhichpouredafloodoflightontherollofhilltops.Sometimeshereadtohimself,buthewasstilleasilytired,andpreferredusuallytorest.Moreoftenshereadaloudtohimwhilehelaybackwithhisleveledeyesgravelyonhertillthegentle,coolabstractionsheaffectedwasdisturbedandherperplexedlashesrosetoreproachtheintensityofhisgaze.
Shewasofthosewomenwhohavetheheavenbornfacultyofmakinghomeofsuchfortuitouselementsasaretotheirhands.Exceptherpianoand
suchknickknacksasshehadbroughtinasingletrunkshehadhadtodependupontheresourcesoftheestablishmenttowhichshehadcome,butitiswonderfulhowmuchcanbedonewithsomeNavajorugs,abearskin,afewbitsofIndianpotteryandwovenbasketsandajudiciousarrangementofscenicphotographs.InafewdaysshewouldhaveherpicturesfromKalamazoo,pendingwhichhertouchhadtransformedthebiglivingroomfromacheerlessbarnintoaspotthatwasacomforttotheeyeandheart.Tothewoundedmanwholaythereslowlyrenewingthebloodhehadlosttheroomwastheapotheosisofhome,less,perhaps,byreasonofwhatitwasinitselfthanbecauseitwasthesettingforher
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presence--forhergrave,sympatheticeyes,thesoundofherclearvoice,thelightgraceofhermotion.Herejoicedinthedelightfulintimacythecircumstancesmadenecessary.Tohearsnatchesofjoyoussongandgaylaughterevenfromadistance,towatchherasshecameinandoutonherdailytasks,tocontestheropinionsofbooksandlifeandseehoweagerlyshedefendedthem;hewonderedhimselfatthestrengthoftheappealthesesimplethingsmadetohim.Alreadyhewasdreadingthedaywhenhemustmounthishorseandridebackintotheturbulentlifefromwhichshehadforatime,snatchedhim.
"I'llhatetogobacktosheepherding,"hetoldheronedayatlunch,lookingatheracrossasnow-whitetableclothuponwhichwereaserviceofshiningsilver,fragilechinateacupsandplatesstampedLimoges.
HewasatthemomentbutteringadeliciousFrenchrollandshewasdaintilypouringteafromanoldfamilyheirloom.Thecontrastbetweenthisandthedustandthegreaseofamiddaymealattheendofa"chuckwagon"lentaccenttohissmilinglamentation.
"Alotofsheepherdingyoudo,"shederided.
"Ashepherdhastolookafterhissheep,y'uknow."
"YouherdsheepjustaboutasmuchasIpunchcows."
"Ihavetoherdmyherders,anyhow,andthatkeepsmeonthemove."
"I'mgladthereisn'tgoingtobeanymoretroublebetweenyouandtheLazyD.Andthatremindsmeofanotherthing.I'veoftenwoneredwhothosemencouldhavebeenthatattackedyouthedayyouwerehurt."
Shehadaskedthequestionalmostcarelessly,withoutanythoughtthatthismightbesomethinghewishedtoconceal,butsherecognizedhermistakebythewarinessthatfilmedhiseyesinstantly.
"Roomthereforarightinterestingguessingcontest,"hereplied.
"Youwouldn'tneedtoguess,"shecharged,onswiftimpulse.
"MeaningthatIknow?"
"Youdoknow.Youcan'tdenythatyounow."
"Well,saythatIknow?"
"Aren'tyougoingtotell?"
Heshookhishead."Notjustyet.I'vegotprivatereasonsforkeepingitquietawhile."
"I'msuretheyarecreditabletoyou,"cameherswiftironicretort.
"Sure,"heagreed,whimsically."Imustliveuptotheprofessionalstandard.Honoramongthieves,y'uknow."
CHAPTER9.MISSDARLINGARRIVES
MissMessiterclungtocivilizationenough,atleast,topreferthather
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chambermaidshouldbeawomanratherthanaChinese.ItdidnotsuitherpreconceivedideaoftheproperthingthatLeeMingshouldsweepfloors,dustbric-a-brac,andmakethebeds.Toseehimslosh-sloshingaroundinhisfeltslippersmadeherhomesickforKalamazoo.Therewereotherreasonswhytheproprietieswouldbebetterservedbyhavinganotherwomanabouttheplace;reasonsthathadtodowiththechaperonesystemthatevenintheuncombedWestmakeitsclaimsuponunmarriedyoungwomenofrespectability.Shehadwithherforthepresentfourteen-year-oldIdaHenderson,butthisarrangementwasmerelytemporary.
WhereforeonthemorningafterherarrivalHelenhadsenttwolettersbackto"theStates."OneofthesehadbeentoMrs.Winslow,awidowoffifty-five,invitinghertocomeoutonabusinessbasisashousekeeperoftheLazyD.ThebuxomwidowhadlovedHelensinceshehadbeenatoddlingbaby,andherreplywasimmediateandenthusiastic.Eightdayslatershehadreportedinperson.ThesecondletterboretheaffectionateaddressofNoraDarling,Detroit,Michigan.Thisalsointimeborefruitattheranchinamannerworthyofspecialmention.
ItwasthefourthdayafterNedBannisterhadbeencarriedbacktotheLazyDthatHelenMessitercameouttotheporchofthehousewithaletterinherhand.Shefoundherforemansittingonthestepswaitingforher,buthegotupassoonasheheardthefallofherlight
footstepsbehindhim.
"Yousentforme,ma'am?"heasked,hatinhand.
"Yes;IwantyoutodriveintoGimletButteandbringbackapersonwhomyou'llfindattheElkHousewaitingforyou.Ihadratheryouwouldgoyourself,becauseIknowyou'rereliable."
"Thankyou,ma'am.HowwillIknowhim?"
"It'sawoman--aspinster.She'scomingtohelpMrs.Winslow.InquireforMissDarling.Sheisn'tusedtojoltingtwodaysinarig,butIknowyouwillbecarefulofher."
"I'llsurelybeascarefuloftheoldladyasifshewasmyownmother."
Themistressoftheranchsmotheredadesiretolaugh.
"I'msureyouwill.Atherageshemayneedagooddealofcare.Becertainyoutakerugenough."
"I'lltakecareofherthebestIknowhow.Expectshe'slikelyrheumatic,butI'llwropheruptillshelookslikeaCheyennesquawwhentourististryingtogetafreeshootatherwithcamera."
"Pleasedo.IwanthertogetagoodimpressionofWyomingsothatshe
willstay.Idon'knowabouttherheumatism,butyoumightaskher."
Therewerepinpointsofmerrimentbehindtheguilelessinnocenceofhereyes,buttheycametothesurfaceonlyaftertheforemanhaddeparted.
McWilliamsorderedateamofyounghorsehitched,andpresentlysetoutonhistwoday;journeytoGimletButte.Hereachedthattowningoodseason,lefttheteamatacorralandwalkedbacktotheElkHouse.Thewhitedustoftheplainswasheavyonhim,fromthebandannathatlooselyembracedthebrownthroatabovetheflannelshirttothe
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encrustedbootsbutthroughitthegoodhumorofhistannedfacesmiledfraternallyonayoungwomanhepassesattheentrancetothehotel.Hergaysmilemethiscordially,andshewasstillinhismindwhileheranhiseyedowntheregisterinsearchofthenamehewanted.Thereitwas--MissNoraDarling,Detroit,Michigan--intheneatestoflittleroundletters,underdateofthepreviousday'sarrivals.
"IsMissDarlingin?"askedMcWilliamsofthehalf-grownsonofthelandladywhoservedinlieuofclerkandporter.
"Nope!Wentoutalittlewhileago.Saidtotellanybodytowaitthataskedforher."
Macnodded,relievedtofindthatdutyhadpostponeditselflongenoughforhimtopursuethefriendlysmilethathadnotbeenwastedonhimafewsecondsbefore.Hestrolledouttotheporchanddecidedatoncethatheneededacigarmorethananythingelseonearth.Hewashelpedtoarealizationofhisneedbyseeingtheownerofthesmiledisappearinanadjoiningdrugstore.
Shewasbeginningonanutsundaewhenthepuncherdriftedin.Shecontinuedtodevoteevenhereyestoitsconsumption,whiletheforemanopenedacasualconversationwiththedrugclerkandlithiscigar.
"HowarethingscominginGimletButte?"heasked,bywayofprolonginghisstayratherthanoutofdesireforinformation.
Yes,shecertainlyhadthelongest,softestlasheshehadeverseen,andtheripestofcherrylips,behindthesmilingdepthsofwhichsparkledtworowsoftinypearls.HewishedshewouldlookatHIMandsmileagain.Therewasn'tanyusetryingtomeltasundaewithit,anyhow.
"Sure,it'sagoodyearontherangeandthepriceofcowsjumping,"heheardhissub-consciousselfmakeanswertothepatronizinginquiriesofhimofthe"boiled"shirt.
"Funnyhowprettyhairofthatcolorwasespeciallywhentherewasso
muchofit.Youmightcallitasortofcopperygoldwherethelittlecurlsescapedintendrilsandranwild.Afellow--"
"Yes,IreckonmostoftheboyswilldroparoundtotheFourthofJulycelebration.Gottocutlooseonceinawhile,y'uknow."
Ashyglanceshothimandsethima-tinglewithaqueerdelight.Gracious,whatprettydarkvelvetylashesshehad!
Shewasrisingalready,andasshepaidfortheicecreamthatinnocentgazesmotehimagainwiththebrightestofIrisheyesconceivable.Itlingeredforjustaponderablesunlitmomentorhim.Shehadsmiledoncemore.
AfteradecentintervalMacpursuedhispetitcharmertothehotel.Shewasseatedontheporchreadingamagazine,andwasabsorbedlyunconsciousofhimwhenhepassed.Forafewawkwardmomentshehungaroundtheoffice,thenreturnedtotheporchandtookthechairmostdistantfromher.Hehadsattherealongtenminutesbeforesheletherhandsandthemagazinefallintoherlapanddemurelygavehimhischance.
"CanyoutellmehowfaritistotheLazyDranch?"
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"Seventy-twomilesasthecrowflies,ma'am."
"Thankyou."
Theconversationthreatenedtodiebeforeitwaswellborn.DesperatelyMcWilliamstriedtothinkofsomethingtosaytokeepitalivewithoutbeingtoobold.
"Ify'uwerethinkingoftravelingoutthatwayIcouldgivey'ualift.Ijustcameintogetanotherlady--anoldladythathasjustcometothiscountry."
"Thankyou,butI'mexpectingaconveyancetomeetmehere.Youdidn'thappentopassoneontheway,Isuppose?"
"No,Ididn't.Whatranchwerey'ugoingto,ma'am?
"MissMessiter's--theLazyD."
Asuspicionbegantopenetratetheforeman'sbrain."Y'uain'tMissDarling?"
"WhatmakesyousosureI'mnot?"sheasked,tiltingherdimpledchin
towardhimaggressively.
"Y'u'retooyoung,"heprotested,helplessly.
"I'mnoyoungerthanyouare,"cameherquick,indignantretort.
Thusboldlyaccusedofhisyouth,theforemanblushed."Ididn'tmeanthat.MissMessitersaidshewasanoldlady--"
"Youneedn'ttellfibsaboutit.Shecouldn'thavesaidanythingofthekind.Whoareyou,anyhow?"thegirldemanded,withspirit.
"I'mtheforemanoftheLazyD,cometogetMissDarling.Mynameis
McWilliams--JimMcWilliams."
"Idon'tneedyourfirstname,Mr.McWilliams,"sheassuredhim,sweetly."Andwillyoupleasetellmewhyyouhavekeptmewaitingheremorethanthirtyhours?"
"MissMessiterdidn'tgetyourletterintime.Y'usee,wedon'tgetmaileverydayattheLazyD,"heexplained,thewhilehehopefullywonderedjustwhenshewasgoingtoneedhislastname.
"Idon'tseewhyyoudon'tgoafteryourmaileverydayatleast,especiallywhenMissMessiterwasexpectingme.Toleavemewaitingherethirtyhours--I'llnotstandit.Whendoesthenexttrainleavefor
Detroit?"sheasked,imperiously.
Thesituationseemedtocallfordiplomacy,andJimMcWilliamsmovedtoanearerchair."I'mrightsorryithappened,ma'am,andI'llbetMissMessiteris,too.Y'usee,webeenawfulbusyonewayand'nother,andIplumbneglectedtosendoneoftheboystothepost-office."
"Whydidn'toneofthemwalkoveraftersupper?"shedemanded,severely.
Hecurbedthesmilethatwastwitchingathisfacialmuscles.
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"Well,o'courseitain'tsofar,--onlyforty-threemiles--still--"
"Forty-threemilestothepost-office?"
"Yes,ma'am,onlyforty-three.Ifyou'llexcusemethistime--"
"Isitreallyforty-three?"
Hesawthathersuddensmilehadbroughtoutthedimplesintheovalfaceandthatherpetulancehadbeensweptawaybyhisastoundinginformation.
"Forty-three,sureasshootin',excepttwictaweekwhenitcomestoSlauson's,andthat'sonlytwentymiles,"heassuredher."Usedtobeseventy-two,buttheGovernmentgotbusywithitsruralfreedelivery,andnowwegetitrightatourdoors."
"Youmusthavebigdoors,"shelaughed.
"Allouto'doors,"hepunned."Y'usee,ourhouseisunderourhat,andlikeasnotthat'stwentymilesfromtheranchhousewhennightfalls."
"Dearme!"Sheswepthisgracefulfiguresarcastically."And,ofcourse,
twentymilesfromabrush,too."
Helaughedwithdeepdelightatherthrust,forthewarmyouthinhimdidnotaskforpointedwitonthepartofayoungwomansoattractiveandwithamannersodelightfullyprovoking.
"IexpaictIhavegatheredupsomesceneryonthejourney.I'llgobrushitoffandgetreadyforsupper.I'dadmiretositbesidey'uandpassthebutterandthehashify'udon'tobject.Y'usee,Idon'toftenmeetupwithladies,andI'doughttoimprovemytablemannerswhenIgetachanctwithonesomucholderthanIamando'coursesomuchmoreexperienced."
"Iseeyoudon'tintendtopassanyhoneywiththehash,"sheflashed,withaglimpseofthepearls.
"DIDN'Ty'usayy'uwasolderthanme?IbelieveI'veplumbforgothowoldy'usaidy'uwas,MissDarling."
"Yourmemory'ssuchasieveitwouldn'tbeworthwhiletellingyou.Afteryou'vebeentoschoolawhilelongermaybeI'lltryyouagain."
"Someladieslike'emyoung,"hesuggested,amiably.
"Butfullgrown,"sheamended.
"Doy'ujudgebymylooksormyways?"heinquired,anxiously.
"Byboth."
"That'srightstrange,"hemusedaloud."Forjudgingbysomeofyourwaysyou'rethespinsterMissMessiterwastellingmeabout,butjudgingbyyourlooksy'u'reonlytheprettiestandsassiesttwenty-year-oldinWyoming."
Andwiththisshothefled,toseewhattransformationhecouldeffect
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withtheaidofawhiskbroom,atinpanofalkaliwaterandarollertowel.
Whenshemethimatthesuppertableherfirstquestionwas,"DidMissMessitersayIwasanoldmaid?"
"Sho!Iwouldn'tletthattroublemeifIwasy'u.Awomanain'tanyolderthanshelooks.Youragedon'tshowtospeakof."
"Butdidshe?"
"IreckonshelaidatrapformeandIshovedmypawin.Shewantedtogivemeapleasantsurprise."
"Oh!"
"Don'ty'ugrowanxiousaboutbeinganoldmaid.Thereain'tanyinWyomingtospeakof.Ify'ulikeI'lltelltheboysyou'reworriedandsomeofthemwillbeJohnnie-on-the-Spot.They'reawfulgallant,cowpunchersare."
"Someofthemmaybe,"shediffered."IfyouwanttoknowI'mjusttwenty-one."
Hesawedindustriouslyathissteak."Y'udon'tsay!Justoldenoughtovote--likethissteerwasbeforetheymassacreedhim."
Shegavehimonelook,andthereafterpunishedhimwithsilence.
TheyleftGimletButteearlynextmorningandreachedtheLazyDshortlyafternoononthesucceedingday.McWilliamsunderstoodperfectlythatstrenuouscompetitionwouldinevitablyensueassoonastheLazyDbeheldtheattractionhehadbroughtintotheirmidst.NordidheneedaphrenologisttotellhimthatNorawasabornflirtandthathershyslantglancesweremeanttopenetratetoughhidestotenderhearts.Butthisdidnotdiscouragehim,andhesetaboutmakinghisindividualimpressionwhilehehadheralltohimself.Hewasn'tatallsurehow
deepthiswent,buthehadthesatisfactionofhearinghisfirstname,theoneshehadtoldhimshehadnoneedof,falltentativelyfromherprettylipsbeforetheotherboyscaughtaglimpseofher.
ShortlyafterhisarrivalattheranchMacwenttomakehisreporttohismistressofsomebusinessmattersconnectedwiththetrip.
"Iseeyougotbacksafelywiththeoldlady,"shelaughedwhenshecaughtsightofhim.
Hislookreproachedher."Y'usaidaspinster."
"Butitwasyouthatinsistedontherheumatism.Bytheway,didyouask
heraboutit?"
"Wedidn'tgetthatfar,"heparried.
"Oh!Howfardidyouget?"Sheperchedherselfontheporchrailingandmockedhimwithherfriendlyeyes.Herheartwaslightwithinherandshewasreadyforanythinginthewayoffun,forthedoctorhadjustpronouncedherpatientoutofdangerifhetookpropercareofhimself.
"AboutasfurasIgotwithy'u,ma'am,"heaudaciouslyretorted.
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"Wemightdisagreeastohowfarthatis,"sheflungbackgaylywithheightenedcolor.
"No,ma'am,Idon'tthinkwewould."
"But,gracious!You'renotaMormon.Youdon'twantusboth,doyou?"shedemanded,hereyessparklingwiththeexhilarationofthetilt.
"CouldIgeteitheroneofy'u,doy'ureckon?That'swhat'sworryingme."
"Isee,andsoyouintendtokeepusbothonthestring."
Hisjoyouslaughterechoedhers."Iexpaicty'uwouldcallthatpresumptionorsomeotherdictionaryword,wouldn'ty'u?"
"Inanybodyelseperhaps,butsurelynotinMr.McWilliams."
"I'mawfulgladtobetrottinginaclassbymyself."
"Andyou'llletusknowwhenyouhavemadeyourmindupwhichofusitistobe?"
"Well,mineain'ttheonlymindthathastobemadeup,"hedrawled.
Shetookthisupgleefully."Ican'tanswerforNora,butI'lljumpatthechance--ifyoudecidetogiveittome."
Helaugheddelightedlyintothehathewasmomentarilyexpectingtoputon."I'llmillitoveraspellandlety'uknow,ma'am."
"Yes,thinkitoverfromallpointsofview.Ofcoursesheisprettier,butthenI'mnotafflictedwithrheumatismandprobablywouldn'tflirtasmuchafterward.Ihaveagoodtemper,too,asarule,butthensohasNora."
"Oh,she'sprettier,isshe?"Withboyishaudacityhegrinnedather.
"Whatdoyouthink?"
Heshookhishead."I'llhavetogotothefootoftheclassonthat,ma'am.Givemeaneasierone."
"I'llhavetochooseanothersubjectthen.WhatdidyoudoaboutthatbunchofCircle66cowsyoulookedatonyourwayin?"
Theydiscussedbusinessforafewminutes,afterwhichshewentbacktoherpatientandhetohiswork.
"Ain'tsheastraight-uplittlegentlemanforfair?"theforemanaskedhimselfinrhetoricalandexuberantquestion,slappinghishatagainsthislegashestrodetowardthecorral."Thinkofhercomingatmelikeshedid,theblamedlittlethoroughbred.Y'ubetsheknowsmedowntothegroundandhowsuddenIgotoveranyfoolnotionsImighta-startedtogetinmycocoanut.Butthewayshecamebackatme,quickaslightningandthensome,pretendin'allthatfoolishnessandknowin'allthetimeI'dsavezthegame."
BothMcWilliamsandhismistresshadguessedrightintheirsurmiseas
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toNoraDarling'spopularityinthecowcountry.Shemadeanimmediateandpronouncedhit.Itwasastonishinghowmanyerrandsthemenfoundtotakethemto"thehouse,"astheycalledthebuildingwherethemistressoftheranchdwelt.Bannisterservedforatimeasanexcellentexcuse.Judgingfromthenumberoftheinquirieswhichthemenfounditnecessarytomakeastohisprogress,Helenwouldhaveguessedhimexceedinglypopularwithherriders.Havingasenseofhumor,shementionedthistoMcWilliamsoneday.
Helaughed,andtriedtoturnitintoacomplimenttohismistress.Butshewouldhavenoneofit.
"Iknowbetter,sir.Theydon'tcomeheretoseeme.Noraistheattraction,andIhavesenseenoughtoknowit.Mynoseisquiteoutofjoint,"shelaughed.
Maclookedwithgayearnestnessatthefeatureshehadmentioned."There'saheapofdifferenceinnoses,"hemurmured,apparentlyaproposofnothing.
"That'sanotherwayoftellingmethatNora'spugisthesweetestthingyoueversaw,"shecharged.
"Iain'thalfsuchabadactorassomeoftheboys,"hedeprecated.
"Meaninginwhatway?"
"TheNoraDarlingway."
Hepronouncedhernamesomuchasifitwereacaressthathismistresslaughed,andhejoinedinit.
"It'syourficklenessthatisbreakingmyheart,thoughIknewIwaslostassoonasIsawyourbeatificlookonthedayyougotbackwithNora.ThefirstweekIcamenoneofyoucoulddoenoughforme.Nowit'sallNora,darling."Shemimickedgaylyhisintonation.
"Well,ma'am,it'sthisway,"explainedtheforemanwithagrin."Y'u'rerightpleasantandfriendly,buttheboyshavegotasavvywaydowndeepthaty'u'dshuckthatfriendlinessawfulsuddenifanyofthemdroppedaroundwith'Object,Matrimony'intheirmanner.Consequenceis,they'reloadeddowntothegroundwithadmirationoftheirboss,buttheyain'tpresumptuousenoughtoexpaictanymore.Ihadnotions,mebbe,I'dcutmoreice,mebeingnotafflictedwithbashfulness.Mynotionsfaded,ma'am,inaboutaweek."
"ThenNoracame?"shelaughed.
"No,ma'am,theyhadgoneglimmeringlongbeforeshearrived.Iwasjustconvalescentenoughtoneedbeingcheeredupwhenshedrappedin."
"Andareyoucheeredupyet?"hismistressasked.
Hetookoffhisdustyhatandscratchedhishead."Iain'trightcertain,yet,ma'am.SoonasIknowI'mconsoled,I'llberoundwithaninvitetothewedding."
"Thatis,ifyouare."
"IfIam--yes.Y'ucan'tmostalwaystellwhentheyhaveeyeslike
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hers."
"You'requiteanauthorityonthesexconsideringyouryears."
"Yes,ma'am."Helookedaggrieved,thinkinghimselfamangrown."Howdidy'usayMr.Bannisterwas?"
"Wait,andI'llsendNoraouttotellyou,"sheflashed,anddisappearedinthehouse.
Conversationatthebunkhouseandthechucktentsometimescircledaroundtheyoungwomenatthehouse,butitspersonalityrarelygrewpronounced.ReferencestoHelenMessiterandthehousemaidwereusuallybywayofreparteeateachother.ForachangehadcomeoverthespiritoftheLazyDmen,and,thoughacheerfulprofanitystillflowedfreelywhentheywerealonetogether,vulgaritywaslargelybanished.
ThemorningafterhisconversationwithMissMessiter,McWilliamswaswashingintheforeman'sroomwhenthetrianglebeatthecallforbreakfast,andheheardthecook'sraucous"Comeandgetit."Therewastheusualstampedeforthetent,andaminutelaterMacflungbacktheflapandentered.Hetooktheseatattheheadofthetable,alongthebenchesonbothsidesofwhichthepuncherswereplyingbusyknivesandforks.
"Astackofchips,"orderedtheforeman;andthecook's"Comingup"wasscarcelymorepromptthantheplateofhotcakeshesetbeforetheyoungman.
"Henfruit,sunnysideup,"shoutedReddy,whowasfurtheradvancedinhismeal.
"Tamethatfog-horn,son,"advisedWunHop;butpresentlyheslidthreefriedeggsfromafrying-panintotheplateofthehungryone.
"Iwanty'uboystofinishflankin'thatbunchofhillcalvesto-day,"saidtheforeman,emptyinghalfajugofsyrupoverhiscakes.
"Redtop,heain'tgotnoappetitethesedays,"grinnedDenver,asthegentlemanmentionedcleanedupasecondloadedplateofham,eggsandfriedpotatoes."IseehimstudyingaWindRiverBible*yesterday.Curioushowinthespringayoungman'sfancygitstowanderingonhousefurnishing.Red,hewastakingthecataloguealphabetically.Carpetswasabsorbin'hisattention,chairsondeck,andchandeliersinthehole,asweusedtosaywhenwewasbaseballkids."
[*AWindRiverBibleintheNorthwestranchcountryisacatalogueofoneofthebigChicagodepartmentstoresthatdoesalargeshippingbusinessintheWest.]
"Ain'tawordoftruthinit,"indignantlydeniedtheassailed,hisunfinishednoseandchingivinghimapathetic,whippedpuppylook."Sho!Iwasjustlookingupsaddles.Can'tafellowbuyanewsaddlewithoutaskingleaveofDenver?"
"CyarpetsusedtobeginwithaCinmyspelling-book,butsaddlesgotoffrightfootfustwithaS,"suggestedMacamiably.
"Hewasce'tainlytryingtotreehissaddleamongtheC's.HewaslookingawfullovingataTurkishrug.Reckonhethoughtitwasa
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saddle-blanket,"deridedDenvercheerfully.
"Huh!Y'u'reawfulsmart,Denver,"retaliatedReddy,hiscomplexionmatchinghishair."Y'utalkaheapwithyourmouth.Nobodybelievesawordofwhaty'usay."
Denverrelaxedintoarangesongbywayofrepartee:
"Iwantmightybadtobemarried,Tohaveagardenandahome;Ice'tainlyaimtogitmarried,Andhaveagyurlformyown."
"Aw!Y'ufreshguysmakemetired.Y'udon'tdevilmeabit,notabit.WhyforshouldIcarewhaty'usay?Iguessthisoutfitain'tgotnosurcingleonme."Nevertheless,hemadeahurriedendofhisbreakfastandflungoutofthetent.
"Y'uboyshadn'toughttowoundReddy'stenderfeelings,andhimsobentonmatrimony!"saidDenverinnocently."Getamoveonthemfriedspudsandsashaythemdownthisway,ifthere'sanyleftwheny'ufillyourplate,Missou."
NorwasReddytheonlyyoungmanwhohaddreamsthosedaysattheLazyD.Cupidmusthavehadhishandsfull,forhisdartspuncturedmorethanonehonestplainsman'sheart.Thereputationoftheyoungwomenatthe
LazyDseemedtotravelonthewingsofthewind,andfromfarandnearCattlelandsentdevoteestothisshrineofyouthandbeauty.Socasuallythevictimsdriftedin,alwayswithagoodbusinessexcusewarrantedtoendurerailleryandsarcasm,thatitwasimpossibletosaytheyhadcomeofsetpurposetosunthemselvesinfemininesmiles.
AsforNora,itisnottoomuchtosaythatshewashavingthetimeofherlife.Detroit,Michigan,couldoffernosuchfieldforherexpansivecharmsastheBighorncountry,Wyoming.Hereshemighthaveherpickofahundred,andeveryoneofthempicturesquelybegirtwithflannelshirt,knottedscarfatneck,anarsenalthatbristled,andasun-tanthatcouldbeachievedonlyintheoutdoorsoftheRockies.Certainlytheseknightsofthesaddleradiatedaromancewithwhichevenher
floorwalker"gentlemanfriend"couldnotcompete.
CHAPTER10.ASHEPHERDOFTHEDESERT
IthadbeenHelenMessiter'sdailycustomeithertotakearideonherponyoraspininhermotorcar,butsinceBannisterhadbeenquarteredattheLazyDhertimehadbeensofullyoccupiedthatshehadgiventhisupforthepresent.ThearrivalofNoraDarling,however,tooksomuchworkoffherhandsthatshebegantocontinueherridesanddrives.
Herpatientwasbythistimesofarrecoveredthathedidnotneedher
constantattendanceandtherewerereasonswhyshedecideditbesttospendonlyaminimumofhertimewithhim.Thesehadtodowithherincreasinginterestinthemanandtheneedshefelttodiscourageit.Ithadcometoaprettypass,shetoldherselfscornfully,whenshefoundherselfinventingexcusestotakeherintotheroomwherethismostpicturesqueofunhangedscampswaslying.Mostgoodwomenareatheartpuritans,andifHelenwastooliberaltojudgeothersnarrowlyshecouldbenonethelessrigidwithherself.Shemighttalktohimofherduty,butitwasherhabittobefrankinthoughtandsheknewthatsomethingnearerthanthatabstractionhadmovedhereffortsinhis
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behalf.Shehadfoughtforhislifebecauseshelovedhim.Shecoulddenyitnolonger.Norwastheshamewithwhichsheconfesseditunmingledwithpride.Hewasamantocompellove,oneofthemoodimperative,chain-armoredintheoutdoorvirtuesofstrengthandenduranceandstarkcourage.Herabasementbeganonlywherehissuperlationended.Thatabeingsogodlikeinequipmentshouldhavebeenfashionedwithoutasoul,andthatsheshouldhavegivenherhearttohim.Thiswasthefountofherdegradation.
ItwasofthesethingsshethoughtasshedroveinthelateafternoontowardthoseAntelopePeakshehadfirstpointedouttoher.Shesweptpastthesceneofthebattleanddippeddownintotheplainsforaruntothatwesternhorizonbehindthejaggedmountainlineofwhichthesunwasradiantlysettinginasplashofgloriouscolors.Lostinthought,spaceslippedunderherwheelsunnoticed.Nottillhercarrefusedthespurandslowedtoadespondenthaltdidsheobservethatvelvetnightwasfallingovertheland.
Sheprowledroundthemachineafterthefashionofthemotorist,examiningdetailsthatmightbethecauseofthetrouble.Shediscoveredsoonenoughwithinstantdismaythatthegasolenetankwasempty.Reddy,alwaysunreliable,musthaveforgottentofillitwhenshetoldhimto.
Bytheroadshemustbethirtymilesfromhomeifshewereastep;
acrosscountryasthecrowflies,perhapstwenty.Shewasayoungwomanofresolution,andshewastednotimeintearsorregrets.TheXIXranch,ownedbyasmall"nester"namedHenderson,couldnotbemorethanfiveorsixmilestothesoutheast.Ifshestruckacrossthehillsshewouldbesuretorunintooneofthebarblines.AttheXIXshecouldgetahorseandreachtheLazyDbymidnight.Withoutanyhesitationshestruckout.Itwasunfortunatethatshedidnothaveonherheavylacedhighboots,butsherealizedthatshemusttakethingsasshefoundthem.Thingsmighthavebeenagooddealworse,shereflectedphilosophically.
Andbeforelongtheywereworse,fortheincreasingdarknessblottedoutthelandmarksshewasusingasguidesandshewaslostamongthehill
wavesthatrolledoneafteranotheracrosstherange.Stillshedidnotgiveway,tellingherselfthatitwouldbebetterafterthemoonwasup.Shecouldthentellnorthfromsouth,andsohavealinebywhichtotravel.Butwhenatlengththestarscameout,thousandsuponthousandsofthem,andlookeddownonalandmagicallyfloodedwithchillmoonlight,thegirlfoundthatthetransformationofWyomingintothissenseofsilverylovelinesshadtonedthedistantmountainlinetoanindefinitehazethatmadeitimpossibleforhertodistinguishonepeakfromanother.
Shewanderedforhours,hungryandtiredandfrightened,thoughthislastshewouldnotconfess.
"There'snothingtobeafraidof,"shetoldherselfoverandover."EvenifIhavetostayoutallnightitwilldomenoharm.There'snoneedtobeababyaboutit."
Buttrytoevadeitasshewould,therewassomethinginthelonelinessofthislimitlessstretchofhilltopthatgotonhernerves.Theveryshadowscastbythemoonshineseemedtoofantasticforreality.Somethingeerieandunearthlyhoveredoveritall,andbeforesheknewitasobchokedupherthroat.
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Vaguefanciesfilteredthroughhermind,weirdimaginingsbornofthenightinamindthathadbeensweptfromthemooringsofreason.Sothatwithnosensiblesurprisetherecametoherinthatmoonlitseaofdesertthesoundofavoiceaclearsweettenorswellingbravelyinsongwiththeveryecstacyofpathos.
Itwastheprisonsongfrom"IlTrovatore,"andthedesolationofitsliftedappealwenttotheheartlikewatertotherootsofflowers.
Ah!Ihavesigh'dtorestme.Deepinthequietgrave.
Thegirl'ssobcaughtinherbreast,stilledwiththeaweofthatheavenlymusic.Soforaninstantshewaitedbeforeitwasborneinonherthatthevoicewasahumanone,andthattheheavenfromwhichitdescendedwasthehilltopaboveher.
Awildlaugh,followedbyanoath,cutthedyingechoesofthesong.Shecouldheartheswishofaquirtfallingagainandagain,andthesoundoftramplinghoofsthuddingonthehard,sun-crackedground.Startled,shesprangtoherfeet,andsawsilhouettedagainsttheskylineahorseandhisriderfightingformastery.
Thebattlewassuperbwhileitlasted.Thehorsehadbeenafamous
outlaw,brokentothesaddlebyitsowneroutofthesheerpassionforvictory,butthereweretimeswhenitssavagestrengthrebelledatabjectsubmission,andthiswasoneofthem.Itswungitselfskyward,andcamedownlikeapile-driver,camel-backed,andwithoutjointsinthelegs.Swiftlyitroseagainlungingforwardandwhirlingintheair,thenjarreddownatanangle.Thebrutediditsmalevolentbest,afuryincarnate.Buttheride,wasamatch,andmorethanamatch,forit.HesatthesaddlelikeaCentaur,withtheperfect:unconsciousgraceofabornmaster,swayinginhisseatasneedwas,andspurringthehorsetoablinderfury.
Suddenashadbeenthestart,nolesssuddenwasthefinishofthebattle.Thebroncopoundedtoastiff-leggedstandstill,trembledfor
alongminutelikeanaspen,andsanktoatamesurrender,despitethesharpspursrowelingitsbloodysides.
"Ah,mybeauty.You'vehadenough,haveyou?"demandedthecruel,triumphantvoiceoftherider."Youwouldtrythatgame,wouldyou?I'llteachyou."
"Stopspurringthathorse,youbully."
Themanstopped,insheeramazementatthisapparitionwhichhadleapedoutofthegroundalmostathisfeet.Hiswaryglancecircledthehillstomakesureshewasalone.
"Ce'tainly,ma'am.We'resuredelightedtomeetupwithyou.Ain'twe,Two-step?"
Forhimself,hespokethesimpletruth.Helivedinhissensations,spurringhimselftofreshonesashehadbutjustnowbeenspurringhishorsetosatethegreedofconquestinhim.Andthishigh-spirited,gallantcreature--hecouldfeelhervitalcourageintheveryringofhervoice--offeredararefilliptohisjadedappetite.Thedusky,long-lashedeyeswhichalwaysgiveawomananeffectofbeauty,thesplendidflingofhead,andthepiquant,finelycutfeatures,withtheir
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unconscioustaleofBrahmincaste,thelonglinesofthesupplebody,willowyandyetplumpasapartridge--theywenttohisheadlikestrongwine.Herewasanadventurefromthegods--astubbornwilltobend,theprideofahaughtyyoungbeautytotrailinthedust,heruntamedhearttobreakifneedbe.Thelustofthebattlewasonhimalready.Shewasawomantodreamabout,
"SweeterthanthelidsofJuno'seyes,OrCytherea'sbreath,"
hetoldhimselfexultantlyasheslidfromhishorseandstoodbowingbeforeher.
Andhe,forhispart,wasatakingenoughpictureofdevil-may-caregallantrygonetoseed.Thetouchofjauntyimpudenceinhishumility,notlessthanthedaringadmirationofhishandsomeeyesandtheeasy,sinuousgraceofhisflexedmuscles,labeledhimwhathewas--amanboldandcapabletodowhathewilled,andavillaineveryinchofhim.
Saidshe,afterthatfirstclashofstormyeyeswithbold,admiringones:
"Iamlost--fromtheLazyDranch."
"Why,no,you'refound,"hecorrected,whiteteethflashinginasmile.
"Mymotorranoutofgasolenethisafternoon.I'vebeen"--therewasacatchinhervoice--"wanderingeversince."
"You'replayedout,ofcourse,andy'u'vehadnosupper,"hesaid,hisquietclosegazeonher.
"Yes,I'mplayedoutandmynerve'sgone."Shelaughedalittlehysterically."IexpectI'mhungryandthirsty,too,thoughIhadn'tnoticeditbefore."
Hewhirledtohissaddle,andhadthecanteenthongsunloosedina
moment.Whileshedrankherummagedfromhissaddle-bagssomesandwichesofjerkyandaflaskofwhiskey.Sheatethesandwiches,hethewhilewatchingherwithamusedsympathyinhisswarthycountenance.
"Youain'thalf-badatthechuck-wagon,MissMessiter,"hetoldher.
Shestopped,thesandwichpartwaytohermouth."Idon'trememberyourface.I'vemetsomanypeoplesinceIcametotheLazyD.Still,IthinkIshouldrememberyou."
Heimmediatelyrelievedofdutyherquasiapology."Youhaven'tseenmyfacebefore,"helaughed,and,thoughshepuzzledoverthedoublemeaningthatseemedtolurkbehindhiswordsandamusehim,shecould
notfindthekeytoit.
Itwastoodarktomakeouthisfeaturesatallclearly,butshewassureshehadseenhimbeforeorsomebodythatlookedverymuchlikehim.
"Lifeontherangeain'tjustwhaty'ucancallexciting,"hecontinued,"andwhenayoungladyfreshfrombackEastdropsamonguswhilesixgunsarepopping,breaksupalikelyfeudandmendsrightneatlyalltheventilatedfeudistsit'sacorollarytoherfunthat'ssheisgoingtobecomefamous."
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Whathesaidwastrueenough.Theunsolicitednotorietyherexploithadbroughtuponherhadbeenitschiefpenalty.GarbledversionsofithadappearedwithfakepicturesinNewYorkandChicagoSundaysupplements,andallCattlelandhadheardanddiscussedit.Nomatterintowhatunfrequentedcanonsherode,somesilentcowpuncherwouldlookatherastheymetwithadmiringeyesbehindwhichshereadaknowledgeofthestory.Itwasalonelydesolatecountry,fullofthewidedeepsilencesofutteremptiness,yettherecouldbenofootfallbutthewhisperofitwasbruitedonthewingsofthewind.
"DoyouknowwheretheLazyDranchisfromhere?"sheasked.
Henodded.
"Canyoutakemehome?"
"Isurelycan.Butnotto-night.You'remoretiredthany'uknow.We'llcamphere,andinthemo'ningwe'llhitthetrailbrightandearly."
Thisdidnotsuitheratall."IsitfartotheLazyD?"sheinquiredanxiously.
"Everyinchoffortymiles.There'sacreeknotmorethantwohundred
yardsfromhere.We'llstaytheretillmorning,"hemadeanswerinamatterofcoursevoice,leadingthewaytotheplacehehadmentioned.
Shefollowed,protesting.Yetthoughitwasnotinaccordwithhercivilizedsenseoffitness,sheknewthatwhatheproposedwasthecommonsensesolution.Shewastiredandwornout,andshecouldseethathisbronchohadtraveledfar.
Havingreachedthebankofthecreek,heunsaddled,wateredhishorseandpicketedit,andstartedafire.Uneasilyshewatchedhim.
"Idon'tliketosleepout.Isn'ttherearanchhousenear?"
"Y'uwouldn'tcallitnearbythetimewehadreachedit.What'stohinderyoursleepinghere?Isn'tthisroomairyenough?Anddon'ty'ulikethesystemoflighting?'TwaspatentedIforgethowmanymillionyearsago.Y'uain'tgoingtoplayparlorgirlnowaftergettingthereputationy'u'vegotforgameness,arey'u?"
Butheknewwellenoughthatitwasnosillyschoolgirlfearshehad,butsomedeepinstinctinherthatdistrustedhimandwarnedhertobeware.So,lightlyhetookuptheburdenofthetalkwhilehegatheredcottonwoodbranchesforthefire.
"NowifI'donlythoughttobringaloadoflumberandsomecarpenters--andachaperon,"hechidedhimselfinburlesque,hisbold
eyescloselyonthegirl'sfacetogloatonthecolorthatflewtohercheeksathissuggestion.
Shehastenedtodisclaimlightlythefeelinghehadunmaskedinher."Itisapity,butitcan'tbehelpednow.IsupposeIamcrossanddon'tseemverygrateful.I'mtiredoutandnervous,butIamsurethatI'llenjoysleepingout.IfIdon'tIshallnotbesoungenerousastoblameyou."
Hesoonhadacupofsteamingcoffeereadyforher,andtheheatofit
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madeanewwomanofher.Shesatinthewarmfireglow,andbegantofeelstealingoverheradelightfulreactionoflanguor.Shetoldherselfseverelyitwasridiculoustohavebeensofoolishlyprimabouttheinevitable.
"Sinceyouknowmyname,isn'titfairthatIshouldknowyours?"shesmilinglyasked,moreamiablythanshehadyetspokentohim.
"Well,sinceIhavefoundthelambthatwaslost,y'umaycallmeashepherdofthedesert."
"Then,Mr.Shepherd,I'mverygladtomeetyou.Idon'trememberwhenIeverwasmoregladtomeetastranger."Andsheaddedwithalittlelaugh:"It'sapityI'mtoosleepytodomydutybyyouinasocialway."
"We'llletthatwaittillto-morrow.Y'u'llentertainmeplentythen.I'llmakeyourbunkuprightaway."
Shewaspresentlylyingwithherfeettothefire,snuglyrolledinhissaddleblankets.Butthoughhereyeswereheavy,herbrainwasstilltooactivetopermithertosleepimmediately.Theexcitementofheradventurewastoonear,theemotionsofthedaytoopoignantlyvivid,tolosetheirholdonheratonce.Forthefirsttimeinherlifeshe
laylappedintheillimitablevelvetnight,countlessunwinkingstarslightingtheblue-blackdreaminwhichshefloated.Theenchantmentofthenight'slovelinesssweptthroughhersensitivepulsesandthrilledherwiththemysteryofthegreatlifeofwhichshewasanatom.Aweheldherawillingcaptive.
Shethoughtofmanythings,ofherpastlifeanditsincongruitywiththepresent,ofthemanwholaywoundedattheLazyD,ofthisotherwide-shoulderedvagabondwhowasjustnowintheshadowsbeyondthefirelight,pacingupanddownwithlong,lightevenstridesashelookedtohishorseandfedthefire.Shewatchedhimmakeanendofthethingshefoundtodoandthentakehisplaceoppositeher.Whoandwhatwashe,thisfascinatingscampwhoonemomentfloodedthemoonlitdesert
withinspiredsnatchesfromtheoperasunginthevoiceofanangel,andthenextlashedathishorselikeadevilincarnate?Howreconciletheoutstandinginconsistenciesinhim?Forhiseveryinflection,everymotion,proclaimedthestrainofgoodbloodgonewrongandtrampledunderfootofset,sardonicpurpose,indicatedhimamanofcultureinahellofhisownchoosing.Loungingonhiselbowintheflickeringshadows,socarelesslyinsouciantineverypicturesqueinchofhim,heseemedtoradiatethemelodramaoftheuntamedfrontier,justasherguestoftarnishedreputationnowattheranchseemedtobreatheforthitsromance.
"Sleepwell,littlepartner.Don'tbeafraid;nothingcanharmyou,"thismanhadtoldher.
Promptlyshehadanswered,"I'mnotafraid,thankyou,intheleast";andafteramomenthadadded,nottoseemhostile,"Goodnight,bigpartner."
Butdespitehercalmassurancesheknewshedidnotfeelsoentirelysafeasifithadbeenoneofherownranchboysontheothersideofthefire,oreventhatothervagabondwhohadmadesodirectanappealtoherheart.Ifshewerenotafraid,atleastsheknewsomevaguehintofanxiety.
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Shewasstillthinkingofhimwhenshefellasleep,andwhensheawakenedthefirstsoundthatfellonherearswashistunefulwhistle.Indeedshehadanindistinctmemoryofhiminthenight,wrappingtheblanketscloseraboutherwhenthechillairhadhalfstirredherfromherslumber.Thedaywasstillveryyoung,buttheabundantdesertlightdismissedsleepsummarily.Sheshookandbrushedthewrinklesoutofherclothesandwentdowntothecreektowashherfacewiththeinadequatefacilitiesathand.Afterredressingherhairshereturnedtothefire,uponwhichacoffeepotwasalreadysimmering.
Shecameupnoiselesslybehindhim,buthistrainedsenseswereapprisedofherapproach.
"Goodmo'ning!Howdidy'ufindyourbedroom?"heasked,withoutturningfromthebaconhewasbroilingontheendofastick.
"Quiteuptothespecifications.WithallWyomingforafloorandtheskyforaceiling,IneverhadaroomIlikedbetter.Buthaveyoueyesinthebackofyourhead?"
Helaughedgrimly."Ihavetobealleyesandearsinmybusiness."
"Isyourbusinessofanaturesosensitive?"
"AsmuchsoasstocksonWallStreet.Andwehaven'tanytickertowarnustogetundercover.Doyoutakecreaminyourcoffee,MissMessiter?"
Shelookedroundinsurprise."Cream?"
"We'reintin-canland,youknow,andliveonair-tights.Imilkmycowwithacan-opener.Letmerecommendthisquailontoast."Hehandedherabatteredtinplate,andpreparedtohelpherfromthefrying-pan.
"Isupposethatisanothernameforpork?"
"No,really.Ihappenedtobagacoupleofhootersbeforeyouwakened."
"You'reamissionaryofthegood-foodsmovement.IshallnameyourmissionSt.Sherry's-in-the-Wilderness."
"Ah,Sherry's!That'ssincemytime.Idon'tsupposeIshouldknowmywayaboutinlittleoldNewYorknow."
Shefoundhimeagertopickupagainthebrokenstrandsthathadconnectedhimwiththebigworldfromwhichhehadoncecome.Ithadbeenlongsinceshehadenjoyedatalkmore,forheexpressedhimselfwithwitanddexterity.Butthroughherenjoymentrananoteofapprehension.Hewasforthemomentaresurrectedgentleman.Butwhatwouldhebenext?Shehadaninsistentmemoryofaheavenlyfloodof
musicbrokenbyahorriblediscordofraucousoaths.
Itwashethatlingeredovertheirbreakfast,loathtomakethefirstmovetobringhimbackintorealities;anditwasshethathadtosuggesttheneedofsettingout.Butonceonhisfeet,hesaddledandpackedswiftly,withadeftnessbornofexperience.
"We'llhavetoaskTwo-steptocarrydoubleto-day,"hesaid,ashehelpedhertoaplacebehindhim.
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Two-stephadevidentlymadeanendofthebroncospreeuponwhichhehadbeentheeveningbefore,forhesubmittedsedatelytohisunusualburden.Thefirsthilltoptheyreachedhaditssurprisetoofferthegirl.Inalittlevalleybelowthem,scarceamileaway,nestledaranchwithitscorralsandbuildings.
"Look!"sheexclaimed;andthenswiftly,"Didn'tyouknowitwasthere?"
"Yes,that'stheHilkeplace,"heansweredwithcomposure."Ithasn'tbeenoccupiedforyears."
"Isn'tthatsomeonecrossingtothecorralnow?"
"No.Astraycow,Ireckon."
Theydroppedintoahollowbetweenthehillsandlefttheranchontheirleft.Shewasnotsatisfied,andyetshehadnotgroundsenoughuponwhichtobaseasuspicion.Forsurelythefigureshehadseenhadbeenthatofaman.
CHAPTER12.MISTRESSANDMAID
Nowthatitwassafelyconcluded,Helenthoughttheadventurealmostworthwhileforthespontaneousexpressionsofgoodwillithaddrawnforthfromheradherents.Mrs.WinslowandNorahadtakenhertotheirarmsandweptandlaughedoverherinturn,andintheirsilentundemonstrativewayshehadfeltherselfhedgedinbyunusualsolicitudeonthepartofherriders.Itwasgood--nonebutsheknewhowgood--tobebackamongherown,tobaskinafriendlinessshecouldnotdoubt.ItwasbestofalltositoppositeNedBannisteragainwithnoweightonherheartfromtheconsciousnessofhisunworthiness.
Shecouldaffecttodisregardthegrayeyesthatfollowedherwithsuchmagnetizedcontentaboutthelivingroom,butbeneathhercoolself-containmentsheknewthejoyousheartinherwasstrangelybuoyant.
Helovedher,andshehadarighttoletherselflovehim.Thiswasenoughforthepresent.
"They'resoplumbgladtoseey'utheycan'tlety'ualone,"laughedBannisteratthesoundofaknockonthedoorthatwasaboutthefifthinasmanyminutes.
ThistimeitprovedtobeNora,cometofindoutwhathermistresswouldlikeforsupper.Helenturnedtotheinvalid.
"Whatwouldyoulike,Mr.Bannister?"
"Ishouldlikeaporterhousewithmushrooms,"heannouncedpromptly.
"Youcan'thaveit.Youknowwhatthedoctorsaid."Veryperemptorilyshesmiledthisathim.
"He'sanoldgranny,MissMessiter."
"Youmayhaveaneggontoast."
"Makeittwo,"hepleaded."Excitement'sjustlikecaviartotheappetite,andseeingy'usafe--"
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"Verywell--two,"sheconceded.
Theyatesuppertogetherinarenewalofthepleasantintimacysodelightfultoboth.Helayonthelounge,proppedupwithsofacushions,thewhilehewatchedherdeftfingersbutterthetoastandpreparehisegg.Itwassurelyworthwhiletobeaconvalescent,givensosweetacomradeforanurse;andafterhehadmovedovertothetableheenjoyedimmenselythegayfirmnesswithwhichshedeniedhimwhatwasnotgoodforhim.
"I'llbety'udidn'thavesupperlikethisatRobbers'Roost."hetoldher,enthusiastically.
"Itwasn'tsobad,consideringeverything."Shewaslookingdirectlyathimasshespoke."Yourcousinisratheraremarkablemaninsomeways.Hemanagestoliveonthebestthatcanbegotintin-canland."
"Didhetelly'uhewasmycousin?"heasked,slowly.
"Yes,andthathisnamewasNedBannister,too?"
"Didthatexplainanythingtoy'u?"
"Itexplainedagreatdeal,butitleftsomethingsnotclearyet."
"Forinstance?"
"Foronething,thereasonwhyyoushouldbeartheodiumofhiscrimes.Isupposeyoudon'tcareforhim,thoughIcanseehowyoumightinaway."
"Idon'tcareforhimintheleast,thoughIusedtowhenwewereboys.Astolettingmyselfbeblamedforhiscrimes.IdiditbecauseIcouldn'thelpmyself.Welookmoreorlessalike,andhewascunningenoughtomanufactureevidenceagainstme.Wewereneverseentogether,andsoveryfewknowthattherearetwoBannisters.AtfirstIusedto
protest,butIgaveitup.Therewasn'ttheleastuse.Icouldonlywaitforhimtobecapturedorkilled.Inthemeantimeitdidn'tmakemeanymorepopulartobeasheepman."
"Weren'tyoutakingalongchanceofbeingkilledfirst?Someonewithagrudgeagainsthimmighthaveshotyou."
"Theyhaven'tyet,"hesmiled.
"Youmightatleasthavetoldmehowitwas,"shereproached.
"Istartedtotelly'uthatfirstday,butitlookedsomuchofafairytaletounloadthatIpasseditup."
"Thenyououghtnottoblamemeforthinkingyouwhatyouwerenot."
"Idon'trememberblamingy'u.ThefactisIthoughtitawfulwhiteofy'utodoyourChristiandutysothorough,mebeingsuchamiscreant,"hedrawled.
"Yougavemenochancetothinkwellofyou."
"Butyety'udidyourdutyfromAtoZ."
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"We'renottalkingaboutmyduty,"sheflashedback."Mypointisthatyouweren'tfairtome.IfIthoughtillofyouhowcouldIhelpit?"
"IexpaictyourKalamazooconscienceisworryin'y'ubecausey'umisjudgedme."
"Itisn't,"shedeniedinstantly.
"Iain'tofarevengefuldisposition.I'llforgivey'ufordoingyourdutyandsavingmylifetwice,"hesaid,withasmileofwhimsicalirony.
"Idon'twantyourforgiveness."
"Well,thenforthinkingmea'badman.'"
"Yououghttobegmypardon.Iwasafriend,atleastyousayIactedlikeone--andyoudidn'tcareenoughtorightyourselfwithme."
"MaybeIcaredtoomuchtorisktryingit.Iknewtherewouldbeproofsometime,andIdecidedtolieunderthesuspicionuntilIcouldgetit.Iseenowthatwasn'tkindorfairtoyou.IamsorryIdidn'ttelly'uallaboutit.MayItelly'uthestorynow?"
"Ifyouwish."
Itwasalongstory,butthemainpointscanbetoldinaparagraph.Thegrandfatherofthetwocousins,GeneralEdwardBannister,hadworntheConfederategrayforfouryears,andhadlostanarmintheserviceoftheflagwiththestarsandbars.AfterthewarhereturnedtohishomeinVirginiatofinditinruins,hisslavesfreedandhisfieldsmortgaged.Hehadpulledhimselftogetherforanotherstart,andhadpracticedlawinthelittletownwherehisfamilyhadlivedforgenerations.Ofhistwosons,onewasane'er-do-well.Hewasoneofthosebrilliantfellowsofwhommuchisexpectedthatneverdevelops.Hehadatasteforlowcompany,marriedbeneathhim,and,afteracareer
thatwasacontinualmortificationandhumiliationtohisfather,waskilledinadrunkenbrawlunderdisgracefulcircumstances,leavingbehindasonnamedforthegeneral.ThesecondsonofGeneralBannisteralsodiedyoung,butnotbeforehehadprovedhisdevotiontohisfatherbyanexemplarylife.He,too,wasmarriedandleftanonlyson,alsonamedfortheoldsoldier.Theboyswereaboutofanageandwerewellmatchedinphysicalandmentalequipment.Butthegeneral,whohadtakenthembothtolivewithhim,soondiscoveredthattheircharacterswereasdissimilarasthepoles.Onegrandsonwasfrank,generous,openasthelight;theotherwasofanaturealmostdegenerate.Infact,eachhadinheritedthequalitiesofhisfather.Talesbegantocometotheoldgeneral'searsthatatfirstherefusedtocredit.Buteventuallyitwasmadeplaintohimthatoneoftheboyswasarakeofthemost
objectionabletype.
Thereweremanystormyscenesbetweenthegeneralandhisgrandson,buttheboycontinuedtogofrombadtoworse.Afterapeculiarlyflagrantcase,involvingthecharacterofarespectableyounggirl,youngNedBannisterwasforbiddenhisancestralhome.Ithadbeenbymeansofhiscousinthatthislastiniquityofhishadbeenunearthed,andtheboyhadtakenittohisgrandfatherinhotindignationasthelasthopeofprotectingthereputationoftheinjuredgirl.Fromthathourtheevilhatredofhiscousin,alwaysdormantintheheart,flamedintoactive
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heat.Thedisownedyouthsworetoberevenged.Ashorttimelaterthegeneraldied,leavingwhatlittlepropertyhehadentirelytotheonegrandson.Thisstirredagainthebitterrageoftheother.Hesetfiretothehousethathadbeenwilledhiscousin,andtookatrainthatnightforWyoming.ByastrangeironyoffatetheymetagainintheWestyearslater,andtheenmitybetweenthemwasrenewed,growingeverymonthmorebitteronthepartoftheonewhocalledhimselftheKingoftheBighornCountry.
Shebrokethesilenceafterhisstorywithagentle"Thankyou.Icanunderstandwhyyoudon'tliketotellthestory."
"Iamverygladofthechancetotellittoyou,"heanswered.
"WhenyouweredeliriousyousometimesbeggedsomeoneyoucalledNednottobreakhismother'sheart.Ithoughtthenyoumightbespeakingtoyourselfasillpeopledo.OfcourseIseenowitwasyourcousinthatwasonyourmind."
"WhenIwasoutofmyheadImusthavetalkedalotofnonsense,"hesuggested,inthevoiceofaquestion."IexpectIhadopinionsIwouldn'thavebeenscatteringaroundsofreeifI'dknownwhatIwassaying."
Hewashardlypreparedforthetideofcolorthatswepthercheeksathiswordsnorforthemomentaryconfusionthatshutteredtheshyeyeswithlonglashescastdown.
"Sickfolksdotalkfoolishness,theysay,"headded,hisgazetrainedonhersuspiciously.
"Dothey?"
"Mrs.WinslowsaysIdid.ButwhenIaskedherwhatitwasIsaidsheonlylaughedandtoldmetoasky'u.Well,I'maskin'now."
Shebecameverybusyovertheteapot."Youtalkedabouttheworkatyour
ranch--sheepdippingandsuchthings."
"Wasthatall?"
"No,aboutlotsofotherthings--footballandyourearlylife.Idon'tseewhatMrs.Winslowmeant.Willyouhavesomemoretea?"
"No,thanky'u.Ihavefinished.Yes,thatce'tainlyseemsharmless.Ididn'tknowbutIhadbeentellingsecrets."Stillhisunwaveringeyesrestedquietlyonher.
"Secrets?"Shesummonedheraplombtoletaquestionrestlightlyinthefacesheturnedtowardhim,thoughshewasafraidshemethis
eyeshardlylongenoughforcompleteinnocence"Why,yes,secrets."Hemeasuredlookswithherdeliberatelybeforehechangedthesubject,andheknewagainthedelightfulexcitementofvictory."Arey'ugoingtoreadtomethisevening?"
Shetookhisopeningsoeagerlythathesmiled,atwhichhercolormountedagain.
"Ify'ulike.WhatshallIread?"
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"SomemoreofBarrie'sbooks,ify'udon'tmind.Whenafellowisweakasakittenhesortertakestothingsthatareaboutkids."
Noracameinandclearedawaythesupperthings.ShewasjustbeginningtowashthemwhenMcWilliamsandDenverdroppedintothekitchenbydifferentdoors.Eachseemedsurprisedanddisappointedatthepresenceoftheother.Noragaveeachofthemasmileandadishcloth.
"Reddy,he'sshavin'andFrisco'sstrugglingwithabiledshirt--Imeanwithanecktie,"Denverhastilyamended."They'llbealongrightsoon,Ishouldn'twonder."
"Y'ubettergotelltheboysMissNoradon'twantherkitchenlitteredupwithsomanyofthem,"suggestedhisrival.
"Y'u'reforemanhere.Idon'taimtobuttintoyourbusiness,Mac,"grinnedbacktheother,polishingateaplatewiththetowel.
"IwanttogetsometablelinenovertoLeeMingto-night,"saidNora,presently.
"Denver,he'llbegladtotakeitfory'u,MissNora.He'srealobliging,"offeredMac,generously.
"I'vebeeninthehouseallday,soIneedawalk.Ithoughtperhapsoneofyougentlemen--"MissNoralookedfromonetotheotherofthemwithdeepinnocence.
"Sure,I'llgoalongandcarryit.JustasMacsays,I'llberealpleasedtogo,"saidDenver,hastily.
MacfelthehadbeenatrifleprecipitateinhisassumptionthatNoradidnotintendtogoherself.LeeMinghadestablishedalaundrysomehalfmilefromtheranch,andthewaytheretolaythroughmostpicturesqueshadowandmoonlight.TheforemanhadconscientiousscruplesagainstlettingDenverescortherdownsuchaveritablelovers'laneofromanticscenery.
"Idon'tknowasy'uoughttogooutinthenightairwiththatcold,Denver.I'dhateaheaptohavey'ucatchpneumony.Itdon'tseemtomeI'dbejustifiedinallowin'y'uto,"saidtheforeman,anxiously.
"You'reTHATthoughtful,Mac.ButIexpectmebbealittlesaunterwithMissNorawilldomythroatgood.We'llwalkrealslow,so'snottowearoutmystrength."
"Big,huskyfellowslikey'uareawfullikelytodropoffwithpneumony.Ibeenthinkin'Igotsomeawfulgoodmedicinethatwouldbetherightstufffory'u.It'sinthedrawerofmywash-stand.Helpyourselfliberalanditwillsurelydoy'ugood.Y'u'llfinditinabottle."
"I'llbetit'sgoodmedicine,Mac.AfterwegethomeI'lldroparound.Inthewashstand,y'usaid?"
"Ihatetohavey'utakesucharisk,"Mactriedagain."Thereain'tabitofuseiny'uexposingyourselfsocareless.Y'utakeahotfootbathandsomeofthatmedicine,Denver,thengorightstraighttobed,andinthemo'ningy'u'llbegoodasnew.Honest,y'uwon'tknowyourself."
"Y'ugotthebestheart,Mac."Noragiggled.
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"SinceI'mforemanIgottobeamothertoy'uboys,ain'tI?"
"Y'u'reliabletobeagrandmothertousify'ukeepon,"camebacktheyounggiant.
"Y'uplumbdiscourageme,Denver,"sighedtheforeman.
"No,sir!ThewayIlookatit,afellow'sgottotakesomerisk.Now,y'ucayn'ttellsomethings.IfigureIain'thalfsolikelytocatchpneumonyasy'uwouldbetogethearttroubleify'uwentwalkingwithMissNora,"returnedDenver.
Aperfectgravitysatonboththeirfacesduringtheprogressofmostoftheirrepartee.
"Ifyourthroat'ssobad,Mr.Halliday,I'llputakeroseneragrounditforyouwhenwegetback,"Norasaid,withasweetlittleglanceofsympathythattheforemandidnotenjoy.
Denver,otherwise"Mr.Halliday,"beamed."Y'u'rerealkind,ma'am.I'llbetthatwillhelpitontheoutsidemuchasMac'smedicinewillinside."
"What'lly'udoformyheart,ma'am,ifitgitsbadthewayDenverfiguresitwill?"
"Y'umighttryamustardplaster,"shegurgled,withlaughter.
Foroncethedebonairforeman'sreadytonguehadbroughthimtodefeat.HewasabouttoretirefromthefieldtemporarilywhenNoraherselfofferedfirstaidtothewounded.
"Wewouldliketohaveyoucomealongwithus,Mr.McWilliams.Iwantyoutocomeifyoucansparethetime."
Thesofteyestelegraphedaninvitationwithsuchasubtlesuggestionof
aprivateunderstandingthatMacwasinstantlyencouragedtoaccept.
Heknew,ofcourse,thatshewasplayingthemagainsteachotherandsittingbacktoenjoytheresult,buthewaspossessedofthehopecommontoyouthsinhiscasethathereallywasonabetterfootingwithherthantheotherboys.Thisopinion,itmaybeadded,wassharedbyDenver,FriscoandevenReddyasregardsthemselves.Whichismerelyanotherwayofputtingtheregrettablefactthatthisverycharmingyoungwomanwasgiventocoquettingwiththeheartsofheradmirers.
"Anytimey'ugetoneasyaboutthatcoughy'ugorightonhome,Denver.Don'tstayjestoutofpoliteness.We'llnevermissy'u,anyhow,"theforemanassuredhim.
"Thanky'u,Mac.Buty'useeIgottostaytokeepMissNorafromgettingbored."
"Wasitaphrenologiststrungy'uwiththenotiony'uwasacureforlonesomeness?"
"Shucks!Idon'tmakenosuchclaims.Theonlythingisit'sacomfortwhenyou'reboredtohavecompany.MissNora,she'ssopolite.But,y'usee,ifI'malongIcantakey'uforawalkwheny'ugettoobad."
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TheyreachedthelittletrailthatranuptoLeeMing'splace,andDenversuggestedthatMacruninwiththebundlesoastosaveNoratheclimb.
"I'dliketo,honestIwould.Butsincey'uthoughtofitfirstIwon'tstealthecreditofdoingMissNoraagoodturn.We'llwaitrightherefory'utilly'ucomeback."
"We'llallgouptogether,"decidedNora,andhonorswereeasy.
Inthepleasantmoonlighttheysaunteredback,twoofthemstillengagedinlivelybadinage,whilethethirdplayedchoruswithappreciativelittlegigglesandmurmursof"Oh,Mr.Halliday!"and"Youknowyou'rejustflatteringme,Mr.McWilliams."
Iftheyhadnotbeensoabsorbedintheirgayfoolishnessthetwomenmightnothavewalkedsoinnocentlyintothetrapwaitingforthemattheirjourney'send.Asitwas,thefirstintimationtheyhadofanythingunusualwasasterncommandtosurrender.
"Throwupyourhands.Quick,youblankfools!"
Amaskedmancoveredthem,ineachhandasix-shooter,andathis
summonsthearmsofthecow-puncherswentinstantlyintotheair.
Noragaveaninvoluntarylittlescreamofdismay.
"Y'udon'tneedtobeafraid,lady.Ain'tnobodygoingtohurtyou,Ireckon,"themaskedmangrowled.
"Suretheywon't,"Macreassuredher,addingironically:"Thisgun-playbusinessisjustneighborlyfrolic.LiabletohappenanydayinWyoming."
Asecondmaskedmansteppedup.He,toowasgarnishedwithanarsenal.
"What'sallthistalkingabout?"hedemandedsharply.
"Wejustbeenhavingalittleconversationseh?"returnedMcWilliams,gently,hisvigilanteyessearchingthroughthedisguiseoftheother"Justbeentellingtheladythatyourcallisinfriendlyspirit.Noobjections,Isuppose?"
Theswarthynewcomer,whoseemedtobeincommand,sworesourly.
"Y'uputaknotinyourtongue,Mr.Foreman."
"Ce'tainly,ify'uprefer,"returnedtheindomitableMcWilliams.
"ShutuporI'llpumpleadintoyou!"
"I'mpadlocked,seh."
NoraDarlinginterruptedthedialoguebyquietlyfainting.Theforemancaughtherasshefell.
"Seewhaty'udone,y'ublamedchump!"hesnapped.
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CHAPTER13.THETWOCOUSINS
Thesheepmanlayathisease,thestrongsupplelinesofhimstretchedlazilyonthelounge.Helenwassittingbesidehiminaneasychair,andhewatchedtheplayofherfaceinthelamplightasshereadfrom"TheLittleWhiteBird."Shewasverygoodtosee,sovitallyaliveandfullofasweetcharmthathalfrevealedandhalfconcealedherpersonality.TheimaginationwithwhichshethrewherselfintoadiscussionofthechildfanciesportrayedbytheScotchwritercapturedhisfancy.Itdelightedhimtotemptherintodiscussionsthattoldhimbysuggestionsomethingofwhatshethoughtandwas.
Theywereinanimateddebatewhenthedooropenedtoadmitsomebodyelse.Hehadsteppedinsoquietlythathestoodtherealittlewhilewithoutbeingobserved,smilingdownatthemwithtriumphantmalicebehindthemaskhewore.PerhapsitwastheblackvisorthatwasresponsiblefortheMephistoeffect,sinceithidallthefacebuttheleeringeyes.These,narrowedtoslits,swepttheroomandcamebacktoitsoccupants.Hewasatallmanandwell-knit,dressedincongruouslyinup-to-dateridingbreechesandboots,incombinationwiththeusualgrayshirt,knottedkerchiefandwide-brimmedfelthatofthehorsemanoftheplains.Thedustofthedesertlaythickonhim,withoutintheleastobscuringacertainribaldelegance,adistinctionofwickedness
thatresteduponhimashisdue.Tothisresulthisdebonairmannercontributed,thoughitcarriedwithitnosuggestionofweakness.Tothegirlwholookedupandfoundhimtherehelookedindescribablysinister.
Shehalfrosetoherfeet,dilatedeyesfixedonhim.
"Goodevenin'.Icametomakesurey'ugotsafehome,MissMessiter,"hesaid.
Theeyesofthetwomenclashed,thesheepman'ssternandunyielding,hiscousin'slitwiththedeviloftriumph.Butoutofthefacesofbothmenlookedtheinevitableconflict,thedeclarationofwarthatneverendstilldeath.
"I'vebeenaheapanxiousabouty'u--couldn'tsleepforworrying.SoIsaddledupandrodeintofindoutify'uwereallrightandtoinquirehowCousinNedwasgettingalong."
Thesheepman,notdeigningtomoveaninchfromhisposition,lookedinsilencehissteadycontempt.
"Thisconversationsoundsawholelotlikeamonologueuptodate,"hecontinued."Now,maybey'udon'tknowy'uhavethehonorofentertainingtheKingoftheBighorn."Theman'sbrownhandbrushedthemaskfromhiseyesandhebowedwithmockingdeference."MissMessiter,allowmetointroducemyselfagain--NedBannister,trainrobber,rustler,kidnapper
andgeneralbadman.ButIain'ttoldy'utheworstyet.I'mcousintoasheepherder'andthat'sthelowestthingthatwalks."
Helimpedforwardafewstepsandsatdown."Thankyou,IbelieveIwillstayawhilesincey'ubothaskmesourgent.Itisn'toftenImeetwithawelcomesoheartyandstraightfromtheheart."
Itwasnothardtoseehowthelikenessbetweenthemcontributedtothemistakethathadbeencurrentconcerningthem.Sidebyside,nomancouldhavemistakenonefortheother.Thecoloroftheireyes,
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theshadeofhair,eventhecutoftheirfeatures,weredifferent.Butbeneathalldistinctionsindetailranafamilyresemblancenottobedenied.Thismanlookedlikehiscousin,thesheepman,asthelattermighthavedoneifallhislifehehadgivenafreereintoevilpassions.
Theheight,thebuild,theelastictreadofeach,madefurthercontributionstothiseffectofsimilarity.
"Whatareyoudoinghere?"Theywerethefirstwordsspokenbythemanontheloungeandtheyrangwithacurtchallenge.
"Cometoinquireafterthehealthofmydearcousin,"camethepromptsilkenanswer.
"Youvillain!"
"Mydearcousin,y'uspeakwithsuchconvictionthaty'ualmostpersuademe.ButofcourseifI'mavillainI'vegottoliveuptomyreputation.Haven'tI,MissMessiter?"
"Wouldn'titbebettertoliveitdown?"sheaskedwithaquietnessthatbeliedherterror.Fortherehadbeeninhismannerathreat,notagainstherbutagainstthemanwhomherheartacknowledgedasher
lover.
Helaughed."Y'u'restillhopingtomakeaSundayschoolsuperintendentoutofme,Isee.Y'uhaven'tforgotallyourschoolmarmwaysyet,butI'llteachy'utoforgetthem."
Theothercousinwatchedhimwithacool,quietglancethatneverwavered.Theoutlawwasheavilyarmed,buthisweaponsweresheathed,and,thoughtherewasawaryglitterbehindthevindictiveexultationinhiseyes,hiscapablehandsbetrayednoknowledgeoftheexistenceofhisrevolvers.Itwas,heknew,tobeamoralvictory,ifoneatall.
"HopeI'mnotdisturbinganyhappyfamilycircle,"heremarked,and,
takingtwolimpingstepsforward,heliftedthebookfromthegirl'sunresistinghands."H'm!Barrie.Idon'tgomuchonhim.He'stoosissyforme.ButIcouldhaveguessedtheotherNedBannisterwouldbereadingsomethinglikethat,"heconcluded,aflickerofsneeringcontemptcrossinghisface.
"Perhapsy'u'lllearnsometimetoattendtoyourownbusiness,"saidthemanonthecouchquietly.
Hatredgleamedinthenarrowedslitsfromwhichthesouloftheothercousinlookeddownathim."I'maphilanthropist,andmybusinessisattendingtootherpeople's.Theyraisesheep,forinstance,andImarketthem."
Thegirlhastilyinterrupted.Shehadnotfearedforherself,butsheknewfearfortheindomitablemanshehadnursedbacktolife."Won'tyousitdown,Mr.Bannister?Sinceyoudon'tapproveourliterature,perhapswecanfindsomeotherdiversionmoretoyourtaste."Shesmiledfaintly.
Themanturnedinsmilingdivinationofherpurpose,andsatdowntoplaywithherasacatdoeswithamouse.
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"Thanky'u,MissMessiter,IbelieveIwill.Icalledtothanky'uforyourkindnesstomycousinaswellastoinquireaboutyou.Thewordgoesthaty'upulledmydearcousinbackwhendeathwasreachingmightystrongforhim.OfcourseIfeelgratefultoy'u.Howishegettingalongnow?"
"He'sdoingverywell,Ithink."
"That'sce'tainlygoodhearing,"washisironicalresponse."Howcomehetogethurt,didy'usay?"
Hissleeksmilewasathinghatefultosee.
"Ahoundbitme,"explainedthesheepman.
"Y'udon'tsay!Ireckony'uoughtn'ttohavegotinitsway.Didy'ukillit?"
"Notyet."
"Thatwassurelyamistake,forit'sliabletobiteagain."
Thegirlfeltasuddensicknessathishoneyedcruelty,butimmediatelypulledherselftogether.Forwhateverfiendishintentionmightbeinhis
mindshemeanttofrustrateit.
"Ihearyouareofamusicalturn,Mr.Bannister.Won'tyouplayforus?"
Shehadbychancefoundhisweakspot.Instantlyhiseyeslitup.Hesteppedacrosstothepianoandbegantolookoverthemusic,thoughnotsointentlythatheforgottokeepunderhiseyethemanonthelounge.
"H'm!Mozart,Grieg,Chopin,Raff,Beethoven.Y'uce'tainlyhavethemusichere;Iwonderify'uhavethemusician."Helookedheroverwithabold,unscrupulousgaze."It'sanoldtricktohaveclassicalmusicontherackandragtimeinyoursoul.Cany'uplaythese?"
"Youwillhavetobethejudgeofthat,"shesaid.
HeselectedtwoofGrieg'ssongsandinvitedhertothepiano.HeknewinstantlythattheNorwegian'sdelicatefancyandlyricalfeelinghadfoundinhernoinadequatemediumofexpression.Thepeculiaremotionalqualityofthesong"ILoveThee"seemedtofilltheroomassheplayed.Whensheswungroundonthestoolatitsconclusionitwastomeetashining-eyed,musicalenthusiastinsteadofthevillainshehadleftfiveminutesearlier.
"Y'uCANplay,"wasallhesaid,butthemannerofitspokevolumes.
Fornearlyanhourhekeptheratthepiano,andwhenatlastheletherstopplayingheseemedamantransformed.
"Youhavegivenmeagreatpleasure,averygreatpleasure,MissMessiter,"hethankedherwarmly,hisWesternidiomsloughedwithhisvillainyforthemoment."IthasbeenagoodmanymonthssinceIhaveheardanydecentmusic.WithyourpermissionIshallcomeagain."
Herhesitationwasimperceptible."Surely,ifyouwish."Shefeltitwouldbeworsethanidletodenythepermissionshemightnotbeableto
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refuse.
Withperfectgracehebowed,andashewheeledawaymetwithalittleshockofremembrancethegazeofhiscousin.Foralongmomenttheireyesboredintoeachother.Neitheryieldedthebeatofaneyelid,butitwastheoutlawthatspoke.
"Ihadforgotteny'u.That'sstrange,toobecauseitwasfory'uIcame.I'mgoingtotakey'uhomewithme.
"Aliveordead?"askedtheotherserenely.
"Alive,dearNed."
"Sameoldtraitscroppingoutagain.Therewasalwayssomethingfelineabouty'u.Irememberwheny'uwereaboyy'ulikedtotormentwildanimalsy'uhadtrapped."
"Iplaywithlargergamenow--andfinditmoreinteresting."
"Justso.MissMessiter,Ishallhavetoborrowaponyfromy'u,unless--"Hebrokeoffandturnedindifferentlytothebandit.
"Yes,Ibroughtahawssalongwithmefory'u,"repliedtheothertothe
unvoicedquestion."Ithoughtmaybey'umightwanttoridewithus."
"Buthecan'tride.Hecouldn'tpossibly.Itwouldkillhim,"thegirlbrokeout.
"Ireckonnot."ThemanfromtheShoshonesglancedathisvictimashedrewonhisgauntlets."He'saheaptougherthany'uthink."
"Butitwill.Ifheshouldridenow,why--Itwouldbethesameasmurder,"shegasped."Youwouldn'tmakehimridenow?"
"Didn'ty'uhearhimorderhishawss,ma'am?He'skeenonthisride.Ofcoursehedon'thavetogounlesshewantsto."Themanturnedhis
villainoussmileonhiscousin,andthelatterinterpretedittomeanthatifhepreferred,thepointofattackmightbeshiftedtothegirl.Hemightgoorhemightstay.ButifhestayedthemistressoftheLazyDwouldhavetopayforhisdecision.
"No,I'llride,"hesaidatonce.
HelenMessiterhadmissedthemeaningofthatMarconiedmessagethatflashedbetweenthem.Shesetherjawwithdecision."Well,you'llnot.It'sperfectlyridiculous.Iwon'thearofsuchathing."
"Y'useemrightwelcome.Hadn'ty'ubetterstay,Ned?"murmuredtheoutlaw,withsmilingeyesthatmocked.
"Ofcoursehehad.Hecouldn'trideamile--nothalfamile.Theideaisutterlypreposterous."
Thesheepmangottohisfeetunsteadily."I'lldofamously."
"Iwon'thaveit.Whyareyousofoolishaboutgoing?Hesaidyoudidn'tneedtogo.Youcan'trideanymorethanababycouldchopdownthatpineintheyard."
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"I'maheapstrongerthany'uthink."
"Yes,youare!"shederided."It'snothingbutobstinacy.Makehimstay,"sheappealedtotheoutlaw.
"AmImycousin'skeeper?"hedrawled."Icanadvisehimtostay,butIcan'tmakehim."
"Well,Ican.I'mhisnurse,andIsayhesha'n'tstirafootoutofthishouse--notafoot."
Thewoundedmansmiledquietly,admiringthesplendidenergyofher."I'mrightsorrytoleavey'usounceremoniously."
"You'renotgoing."Shewheeledontheoutlaw"Idon'tunderstandthisatall.Butifyouwanthimyoucanfindhimherewhenyoucomeagain.Puthimonparoleandleavehimhere.I'llnotbeapartytomurderbylettinghimgo."
"Y'uthinkI'mgoingtomurderhim?"hesmiled.
"Ithinkhecannotstandtheriding.Itwouldkillhim."
"Ahaidstrongmanisboundtohavehisway.Heseemshell-benton
riding.Allthedocssaytheoutsideofahawssisgoodfortheinsideofaman.Mebbeit'llbethemakingofhim."
"Iwon'thaveit.I'llrousethewholecountrysideagainstyou.Whydon'tyouparolehimtillheisbetter?"
"Allright.We'llleaveitthatway,"announcedtheman."I'dhatetohurtyourtenderfeelingsaftersuchapleasantevening.LethimgivehisparoletocometomewheneverIsendforhim,nomatterwherehemaybe,toquitwhateverheisdoingrightthatinstant,andcomeonthejump.Ifhewantstoleaveitthatway,we'llcallitabargain."
Againtherapier-thrustoftheireyescrossed.Thesheepmanwas
satisfiedwithwhathesawinthefaceofhisfoe.
"Allright.It'sadeal,"heagreed,andsankweaklybacktothecouch.
Therearemenwhoselooksareaprofanationtoanygoodwoman.NedBannister,oftheShoshones,wasoneofthem.Helookedathiscousin,andhisribaldeyescoastedbacktoboldscrutinyofthisyoungwoman'scharming,buoyantyouth.TherewasSomethinginhisfacethatsentaflushofshamecoursingthroughherrichblood.Nomanhadeverlookedatherlikethatbefore.
"Takeawfulgoodcareofhim,"hesneered,withsoplainanimplicationofevilthathercleanbloodboiled."ButIknowy'uwill,anddon'tlet
himgobeforehe'srealstrong."
"No,"shemurmured,hatingherselffortheflushthatbathedher.
HebowedlikeaChesterfield,andwentoutwithelasticheels,spursclicking.
Helenturnedfiercelyonherguest."Whydidyoumakemeinsistonyourstaying?AsifIwantyouhere,asif--"Shestopped,chokingwithanger;presentlyflamedout,"Ihateyou,"andranfromtheroomtohide
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herselfalonewithhertearsandhershame.
CHAPTER14.FORTHEWORLD'SCHAMPIONSHIP
ThesceneonwhichHelenMessiter'seyesrestedthatmellowFourthofJulywasvividenoughtohaveinterestedafarmorejadedmindthanhers.NowhereoutsideofCattlelandcouldithavebeenduplicated.Wyomingissparselypopulated,buttheridersoftheplainsthinknothingoftravelingahundredmilesinthesaddletobepresentata"broncobusting"contest.Largedelegations,too,hadcomeinbyrailroadfromCaspar,Billings,Sheridan,Cheyenneandascoreofotherpoints,sothattheamphitheatrethatlookeddownonthearenawasfilledtoitscapacity.
Allnightthelittletownhadriotedwithitsguests.EverythingwaswideopenatGimletButte.Saloonsweredoingaland-officebusinessandgambling-housescoiningmoney.Greatpilesofgoldhadpassedtoandfroduringthenightattheroulettewheelandthefarotable.Butwiththecomingofdayinteresthadcenteredontherough-ridingcontestfortheworld'schampionship.Saloonsanddancehallsweredeserted,andtheuniversaltrendoftravelhadbeentowardthebiggrandstands,fromwhichthesportcouldbebestviewed.
Itwasafternoonnow.Thepreliminarieshadbeenridden,andhalfadozenofthebestridershadbeenchosenbythejudgestorideagainforthefinals.Helenwaswonderfullyinterested,becauseinthesixwhoweretorideagainwereincludedthetwoBannistercousins,herforeman,McWilliams,theyoungman"Texas,"whomshehadmetthedayofherarrivalatGimletButte,andTomSanford,whohadlastyearwonthechampionship.
Shelookeddownonthearena,andherheartthrobbedwiththepurejoyoflife.AlreadyshelovedherWestanditspicturesque,chap-cladpopulation.Theirjinglingspursandtheircoloredkerchiefsknottedroundsunburnednecks,theirfrank,whole-heartedabandontothe
interestofthemoment,ledhertoregardtheseyouthsasschoolboys.Yettheywereahard-bittenlot,asonecouldsee,burnedtoabrick-redbytheuntemperedsunoftheRockies;withmusclesknitlikesteel,andheartstoughenedtoendureanyblizzardtheymightmeet.Onlythehumorouswrinklesaboutthecornersoftheireyesgavethemawayforthecheerfulsonsofmirththattheywere.
"BobAustinonTwo-Step,"announcedthemegaphoneman,andalittlestireddiedthroughthegroupgatheredatthelanebetweenthearenaandthecorral.
Ameek-lookingbuckskinwasdrivenintothearena.Theembodimentoflistlessness,itapparentlyhadnotambitionenoughtoflickaflyfrom
itsflankwithitstail.Suddenlythebronco'searspricked,itssharpeyesdilated.Amanwasridingforward,theloopofalariatcirclingabouthishead.Theropefelltrue,butthewilyponyside-stepped,andtheloopslitheredtotheground.Againtheropeshotforward,droppedoverthepony'sheadandtightened.Theroper'smustangbraceditsforefeet,andbroughtthebuckskinupshort.Anotherropesweptoveritshead.Itstoodtrembling,unabletomovewithoutstranglingitself.
Apicturesqueyouthinflannelshirtandchapscameforward,draggingblanket,saddleandbridle.Atsightofhimthehorsegaveaspasmodic
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fling,thentrembledagainviolently.Ablindwascoaxedoveritseyesandthebridleslippedon.Quicklyandwarily,withdeftfingers,theyoungmansaddledandcinched.Hewavedahandjauntilytotheropers.Thelariatswerethrownoffasthepuncherswungtothesaddle.Foraninstantthebuckskinstoodbewildered,motionlessasastatue.Therewasasuddenleapforwardhighinair,andBobAustin,alias"Texas,"swunghissombrerowithajoyouswhoop.
"Fanhim!Fanhim!"screamedthespectators,andtherider'squirtwentupanddownlikeapiston-rod.
RoundandroundwentTwo-Stepinaviciouscircle,"swappingends"withdizzyingrapidity.Suddenlyhewentforwardasfromacatapult,andcametosuddenhaltinaboutfiveseconds.ButTexas'skneesstillclung,viselike,tothesidesofthepony.Aseriesofquickbucksfollowed,thebuckskincomingdownwithbackhumped,allfourlegsstiffasironposts.Thejarontheriderwouldhavebeenlikeapile-driverfallingonhisheadhadhenotlethimselfgrowlimp.Thebuckskinplungedforwardagaininfrenziedleaps,endinginanunexpectedjumptooneside.AlasforTexas!Onemomenthewasjubilantlyplyingquirtandspurs,thenexthefoundhimselfpitchingsideways.Tosavehimselfhecaughtatthesaddle-horn.
"He'shuntingleather,"shoutedahundredvoices.
Oneofthejudgesrodeoutandwavedahand.Texasslippedtothegrounddisqualified,andmadehisdejectedwaybacktohisderidingcomrades.Someofthemhadenduredsimilarmisfortunesearlierintheday.Thereforetheyfoundmuchpleasureincondolingwithhim.
"Ifhe'donlyrecollectedtosawoffthehornofhissaddle,thenhecouldn't'a'founditwhenhewenttohuntleather,"mournfullycommentedonepuncherinashirtofrobin'seggblue.
"'Twouldhavebeenmostasgoodastotakethedust,wouldn'tit?"retortedTexasgently,andthelaughwasonthegentlemaninblue,becausehehadbeenthrownearlierintheday.
"Afellow'shandssuregetinhiswaysometimes.Ireckonifyou'dtiedyourhands,Tex,you'dbeenridingthatrocking-hawssyet,"suggestedDenveramiably.
"Sometimesit'shisfootheputsinit.Therewasonctagentdisqualifiedforridingonhisspurs,"saidTexasreminiscently.
AtwhichhitDenverretired,fornotthreehoursbeforehehadbeendetecteddigginghisspursintothecinchtohelphimsticktothesaddle.
"JimMcWilliamswillrideDeadEasy,"cametheannouncementthroughthe
megaphone,andaburstofcheeringpassedalongthegrandstand,forthesunnysmileoftheforemanoftheLazyDmadehimageneralfavorite.HelenleanedforwardandwhisperedsomethinggailytoNora,whosatintheseatinfrontofher.TheIrishgirllaughedandblushed,butwhenhermistresslookedupitwasherturntofeelthemountingcolorcreepintohercheeks.ForNedBannister,arrayedinallhisridingfinery,wasmakinghiswayalongtheaisletoher.
ShehadnotseenhimsincehehadriddenawayfromtheLazyDtendaysbefore,quitesufficientlyrecoveredfromhiswoundstotakeupthe
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routineoflifeagain.Theyhadpartednotthebestoffriends,forshehadnotyetforgivenhimforhisdeterminationtoleavewithhiscousinonthenightthatshehadbeenforcedtoinsistonhisremaining.Hehadputherinafalseposition,andhehadneverexplainedtoherwhy.Norcouldsheguessthereason--forhewasnotamantoharvestcreditforhimselfbyexplaininghisownchivalry.
Sinceherhearttoldherhowgladshewashehadcometoherboxtoseeher,shegreetedhimwiththecoolestlittlenodintheworld.
"Goodmorning,MissMessiter.MayIsitbesidey'u?"heasked.
"Oh,certainly!"Shesweptherskirtsasidecarelesslyandmaderoomforhim."Ithoughtyouweregoingtoridesoon."
"No,IridelastexceptforSanford,thechampion.Mycousinridesjustbeforeme.He'senteredunderthenameofJackHolloway."
Shewasthinkingthathehadnobusinesstoberiding,thathiswoundswerestilltoofresh,butshedidnotintendagaintoshowinterestenoughinhisaffairstointerfereevenbysuggestion.Herhearthadbeeninhermoutheverymomentofthetimethismorningwhilehehadbeentossedhitherandthitheronthebackofhismount.Inhisdeliriumhehadsaidhelovedher.Ifhedid,whyshouldhetortureherso?It
waswellenoughforsoundmentorisktheirlives,but--
Acheerswelledinthegrandstandanddiedbreathlesslyaway.McWilliamswassettingapaceitwouldtakearareexperttoequal.Hewasatrickrider,andallthespectacularfeatsthatappealedtotheonlookerwerehis.Whilehishorsewaswildlypitching,hedrankabottleofpopandtossedthebottleaway.Withthereinsinhisteethheslippedoffhiscoatandvest,andconcludedasplendidexhibitionofskillbyridingwithhisfeetoutofthestirrups.Hehadbeensmokingacigarwhenhemounted.Exceptwhilehehadbeendrinkingthepopithadbeeninhismouthfrombeginningtoend,and,afterhehadvaultedfromthepony'sback,hedeliberatelypuffedalongsmoke-spiralintotheair,toshowthathiscigarwasstillalight.Nopreviousriderhad
earnedsospontaneousaburstofapplause."He'sce'tainlyapurewhenitcomestoriding,"acknowledgedBannister."Ilooktoseehimgeteitherfirstorsecond."
"Whomdoyouthinkishismostdangerousrival?"Helenasked.
"Mycousinisastraight-uprider,too.He'smoregracefulthanMac,Ithink,butnotquitesogoodontricks.Itwillbenipandtuck."
"Howaboutyourcousin'scousin?"sheasked,withboldirony.
"Hehopeshewon'thavetotakethedust,"washislaughinganswer.
Thenextridersuffereddefeatirrevocablybeforehehadbeenthirtysecondsinthesaddle.HismountwasoneofthemostcunningoftheoutlawponiesoftheNorthwest,anditbroughthimtogriefbyjamminghisleghardagainstthefence.Hetriedinvaintospurthebroncointothemiddleofthearena,butafteritdroveatapostforthethirdtimeandgroundhislimbagainstit,hegaveuptothepainandslippedoff.
"Thatisn'tfair,isit?"Helenaskedoftheyoungmansittingbesideher.
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Heshruggedhislean,broadshoulders."Heshouldhaveknownhowtokeepthehorseintheopen.Macwouldneverhavebeencaughtthatway."
"JackHollowayonRockingHorse,"theannouncershouted.
Ittookfourmenandtwolariatstosubduethishorsetoaconditionsufficientlytametopermitofasaddlebeingslippedon.Eventhenthiscouldnotbeaccomplishedwithoutthrowingthebroncofirst.Theresultwasthatallthespiritwastakenoutoftheanimalbythepreliminaryordeal,sothatwhenthemanfromtheShoshonecountrymounted,hissteedwastoojadedtoattemptresistance.
"Thumbhim!Thumbhim!"theaudiencecried,referringtothecowboytrickofrunningthethumbsalongacertainplaceintheshouldertostirtheangerofthebucker.
Buttheriderslippedoffwithdisgust."Givemeanotherhorse,"hedemanded,andafteraminute'sconsultationamongthejudgesasecondponywasdrivenoutfromthecorral.ThisoneprovedtobeaTartar.Itwentoffinafrenzyofpitchingthemomentitsriderdroppedintothesaddle.
"Y'u'llgoalongwaybeforeyouseebetterridin'thanhisandMac's.Noticehowhegivestoitspitching,"saidBannister,ashewatchedhis
cousin'sperfecteaseinthecycloneofwhichhewasthecenter.
"Iexpectitdependsonthekindofa'hawss,'"shemocked."He'sridingwell,isn'the?"
"Idon'tknowanythatridebetter."
Thehorseputupasuperbfight,tryingeverythingitknewtounseatthisdemonclampedtoitsback.Itpossessedincombinationalltheworstvices,wasaweaver,asunfisherandafence-rower,andneverhadittriedsodesperatelytomaintainitsrecordofneverhavingbeenridden.Buttheoutlawinthesaddlewastoomuchfortheoutlawunderneath.Hewasmaster,justashewasfirstamongtheruffianswhom
heled,becausetherewasinhimared-hotdevilofwickednessthatwouldbrooknorival.
Thefuriousbroncosurrenderedwithoutaninstant'swarning,anditsriderslippedatoncetotheground.Ashesaunteredthroughthedusttowardthegrandstand,Helencouldnotfailtoseehowhisvanitysunneditselfintheapplausethatmethisperformance.Hisequipmentwasperfecttotheleastdetail.Thereflectionfromalady'slooking-glasswasnobrighterthanthesilverspurshejingledonhissprightlyheels.Strikinglyhandsomeinadark,sinisterway,onewouldsayatfirstsight,andlaterwouldchafeatthejusticeofaverdictnottobedenied.
NedBannisterrosefromhisseatbesideHelen."Wishmeluck,"hesaid,withhisgaysmile.
"Iwishyoualltheluckyoudeserve,"sheanswered.
"Oh,wishmemorethanthatify'uwantmetowin."
"Ididn'tsayIwantedyoutowin.Youtakethemostunaccountablethingsforgranted."
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"I'veagoodmindtowin,then,justtospitey'u,"helaughed.
"Asifyoucould,"shemocked;buthervoicetookasofterintonationasshecalledafterhiminalowmurmur:"Becareful,please."
Hiswhiteteethflashedasmileofreassuranceather."I'veneverbeenkilledyet."
"NedBannisteronSteamboat,"sangoutthemegaphoneman.
"I'mce'tainlyinluck.Steamboat'stheworsthawssontherange,"hetoldhimself,ashestrodedownthegrandstandtoenterthearena.
Theannouncementofhisnamecreatedforthesecondtimethatdayastirofunusualinterest.EverybodyinthatlargeaudiencehadheardofNedBannister;knewofhisrecordasa"badman"andhisprowessasthekingoftheShoshonecountry;suspectedhimofbeingatrainandbankrobberaswellasarustler.Thatheshouldhavetheboldnesstoenterthecontestinhisownnameseemedtoshowhowdefianthewasofthepublicsentimentagainsthim,andhowsecurehecountedhimselfinflauntingthiscontempt.Asforthesheepman,thenotorietythathiscousin'sodorousreputationhadthrustuponhimwasextremelydistastefulaswellasdangerous,buthehaddonenothingtodisgracehisname,andhemeanttouseitopenly.Hecouldalmostcatchthelowwhispersthatpassed
frommouthtomouthabouthim.
"Ain'titashamethatafellowlikethat,leaderofallthecriminalsthathideinthemountains,canshowhimselfopenlybeforetenthousandhonestfolks?"Thatheknewtobethepurportoftheirwhispering,andalongwithitwentarecitalofthecrimeshehadcommitted.Howhewasanoted"waddy,"orcattle-rustler;howheandhisganghadheldupthreetrainsineighteenmonths;howhehadkilledTomMooney,BobCarneyandseveralothers--thesewerethesortsofthingsthatwerebeingsaidabouthim,andfromthebottomofhissoulheresentedhisimpotencytoclearhisname.
TherewassomethinginBannister'sridingthatcaughtHelen'sfancyat
once.Itwastheunconsciousgraceoftheman,theeasewithwhichheseemedtomakehimselfaverypartofthehorse.Heattemptednotricks,rodewithoutanyflourishes.Buttheperfectpoiseofhislithebodyasitgavewiththemotionsofthehorse,proclaimedhimabornrider;sofinished,indeed,thathisveryeaseseemedtodiscounttheperformance.Steamboathadamalevolentredeyethatglaredhatredattheoppressorman,andto-dayitliveduptoitsreputationofbeingthemostviciousanduntamedanimalonthefrontier.But,thoughitdiditsbesttounseattheriderandtramplehimunderfoot,therewasnomomentwhentheissueseemedindoubtsaveonce.Thehorseflungitselfbackwardinasomersault,riskingitsownneckinordertobreakitsmaster's.Buthewasequaltotheoccasion;andwhenSteamboatstaggeredagaintoitsfeetBannisterwasstillinthesaddle.Itwasadaringandmagnificent
pieceofhorsemanship,and,thoughhewassupposedtobeadesperadoandaruffian,hisachievementmetwithabreathlessgasp,followedbythunderousapplause.
Thebattlebetweenhorseandmanwasonagain,fortheanimalwasasstrongalmostincourageastherider.ButSteamboat'sconfidencehadbeenshakenaswellasitsstrength.Itseffortsgrewlesscyclonic.Foamcovereditsmouthandfleckeditssides.Thepitcheswereeasytoforeseeandmeet.Presentlytheyceasedaltogether.
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Bannisterslidfromthesaddleandswayedunsteadilyacrossthearena.Theemergencypast,hehadscarceanounceofforceleftinhim.JimMcWilliamsranoutandslippedanarmaroundhisshoulders,regardlessofwhathisfriendsmightthinkofhimforit.
"You'reallin,oldman.Y'uhadn'toughttohaveridden,eventhoughy'udidskinusalltoafinish."
"Nonsense,Mac.Firstplacegoestoy'uor--orJackHolloway."
"Notunlessthejudgesareblind."
ButBannister'spredictionprovedtrue.Thechampion,Sanford,hadbeentravelingwithaWildWestshow,andwasfartoosofttocompetewiththeselustycowboys,whohadkepthardfromtheirdailylifeontheplains.Beforehehadriddenthreeminutesitwasapparentthathestoodnochanceofretaininghistitle,sothatthedecisionnarroweditselftoanissuebetweenthetwoBannistersandMcWilliams.Firstplacewasawardedtothelatter,thesecondprizetoJackHollowayandthethirdtoNedBannister.
ButnearlyeverybodyinthegrandstandknewthatBannisterhadbeendiscriminatedagainstbecauseofhisunpopularity.Thejudgeswerenotlocalmen,andhadnothingtofearfromtheoutlaw.Thereforethey
penalizedhimonaccountofhisreputation.ItwouldneverdofortheAssociatedPressdispatchestosendwordallovertheEastthatamurderousdesperadowaspermitted,unmolested,towalkawaywiththechampionshipbelt.
"Itain'tasquaredeal,"declaredMcWilliamspromptly.
HewassittingbesideNora,andheturnedroundtoexpresshisopiniontothetwosittingbehindhiminthebox.
"We'llnotgobehindthereturns.Y'uwonfairly.Icongratulatey'u,Mr.Champion-of-the-world,"repliedthesheepman,shakinghandscordially.
"ItoldyoutobringthatbelttotheLazyD,"smiledhismistress,assheshookhands.
Butinherheartshewascryingoutthatitwasanoutrage.
CHAPTER15.JUDDMORGANPASSES
GimletButtedevotedthenightoftheFourthtoahigholdtime.Theropingandtheothersportsweretobeonthemorrow,andmeanwhilethenighthourswerefilledwithexuberance.Thecowboy'sspreecomes
onlyonceinseveralmonths,butwhenitdoescomeheentersintotheoccasionwithsuchwhole-heartedenthusiasmastomakeupswiftlyforlosttime.Atravelingmidwayhadcastitstentsinavacantsquareincompetitionwiththeregularattractionsofthetown,andeverywherethehard-ridingpuncherswere"nightherding"infullregalia.
Therewasabigmaskedballinthestreet,andanotherintheMasonicHall,whilehereandthereflaredthelightsofthefakerwithsomethingtosell.Amongtheselastwas"Soapy"Sothern,doingathrivingbusinessinsellingsuckersandbarswrappedwithgreenbacks.Crowdstrampedthe
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streetsblowinghornsandthrowingconfetti,andeverywherewasalargesprinklingofmeninhigh-heeledboots,swingingalongwiththeawkward,stiff-leggedgaitofthecowboy.Sometimesagirlwashangingonhisarm,andagainhewas"whoopingitupwiththeboys";butineithercasetherange-rider'ssavingswereburningaholethroughhispocketswithextremerapidity.
JimMcWilliamsandthesheepmanBannisterhadthatdaysealedafriendshipthatwastobeasenduringaslife.TheownerofthesheepranchwasalreadyunderheavyobligationtotheforemanoftheLazyD,butdebtaloneisnotenoughonwhichtofoundsoulbrotherhood.Theremustbequalitiesofkinshipintheprimevalelementsofcharacter.Bothmenhadsuspectedthatthiskinshipexisted,butto-daytheyhadproveditinthewaythatonehadlostandtheotherhadwonthecovetedchampionship.Theyhadmadenovowsandnoprofessions.Thesubjecthadnotevenbeentouchedinwords;ameetingoftheeyes,followedbythehandshakewithwhichBannisterhadcongratulatedthewinner.Thathadbeenall.Butitwasenough.
WiththecasualdemocracyofthefrontiertheyhadtogetherescortedHelenMessiterandNoraDarlingthroughariotousthreehoursofcarnival,takingcaretogetthembacktotheirhotelbeforethenightreallybegan"tohowl."
Butaftertheyhadlefttheyoungwomen,neitherofthemcaredtosleepyet.Theywerestillincostume,Macdressedasamonk,andhisfriendasaStuartcavalier,andthespiritoffrolicwasyetstronginthem.
"Iexpaict,mebbe,webetterhuntincouplesifwe'regoingtohelppaintthetown,"smiledMac,andhisfriendhadimmediatelyagreed.
Itmusthavebeenwellaftermidnightthattheyfoundthemselves"buckingthetiger"inacombinationsaloonandgambling-house,whosepatronsweredecidedlycosmopolitanincharacter.Herewhiteandredandyellowmenplayedsidebyside,theOrientandtheOccidentandtheaboriginalalikeintentonthefallingcardsandthelittlerollingball.Agoodmanyofthemwerestillintheirmasksanddominos,though
these,forthemostpart,removedtheirvizorsbeforeplaying.
NeitherMcWilliamsnorhisfriendwerebettinghigh,andtheluckhadbeensoeventhatattheendoftwohours'playneitherofthemhadatanytimeeitherwonorlostmorethanfifteendollars.Inpointoffact,theywereplayingnotsomuchtowinasjusttokeepintouchwiththegay,youthfulhumorofthenight.
Theyweregettingtiredofthegamewhentwomenjingledinforadrink.Theyweretalkingloudlytogether,anditwasimpossibletomissthesubjectoftheirconversation.
McWilliamsgavealittlejerkofhisheadtowardoneofthem."Judd
Morgan,"hislipsframedwithoutmakingasound.
Bannisternodded.
"Beentankingupallday,"Macadded."Otherwisehistonguewouldnotbeshootingoffsoreckless."
Asilencehadfallenovertheassemblysaveforthebraggartsatthebar.Menlookedateachother,andthenfurtivelyatBannister.ForMorgan,ignorantofwhowassittingquietlywithhisbacktohimatthe
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faro-table,wasventinghishateofBannisterandMcWilliams.
"Bothinthesameboat.Didy'useehowMacrantohelphimto-day?Bothwaddies.Bothrustlers.Bothtrainrobbers.Sho!Igotthroughputtingapadlockonmemouth.Mantoman,I'masgoodaseitherofthem--damnsightbetter.Iwishttheywashere,oneorboth;Iwishttheywouldstepuphereandfightitout.Bannister'safalsealarm,andthatforemanoftheLazyD--"HistonguestumbledoverablurofvilificationthatendedwithafoulmentionofMissMessiter.
Instantlytwochairscrashedtothefloor.Twopairofgrayeyesmetquietly.
"Myquarrel,Bann,"saidJim,inalow,evenvoice.
Theothernodded."I'llseey'uhaveaclearfield."
ThemanwhowaswithMorgansuddenlywhisperedinhisear,andthelatterslewedhisheadinstartledfear.AlmostinstantlyabulletclippedpastMcWilliams'sshoulder.Morganhadfiredwithoutwaitingforthechallengehefeltsurewasathand.Once--twicetheforeman'srevolvermadeanswer.Morganstaggered,slippeddowntothefloor,abulletcrashingthroughthechandelierashefell.Foramomenthisbodyjerked.Thenherolledoverandlaystill.
Theforeman'sweaponcoveredhimunwaveringly,butnomoresteadilythanBannister'sgazethemanwhohadcomeinwithhimwholaylifelessonthefloor.Themanlookedatthelifelessthing,shuddered,andbackedoutofthesaloon.
"Ically'ualltowitnessthatmyfriendkilledhiminself-defense,"saidBannisterevenly."Y'uallsawhimfirefirst.Macdidnotevenhavehisgunout."
"That'sright,"agreedone,andanotheradded:"Hegotwhatwascomingtohim."
"Hesuredid,"wasthebarkeeper'sindorsement."Hecameinhuntingtrouble,butIreckonhedidn'twanttobeaccommodatedsoprompt."
"Y'u'llfindusattheGimletButteHouseifwe'rewantedforthis,"saidBannister."We'llbetheretillmorning."
Butonceoutofthegambling-houseMcWilliamsdrewhisfriendtooneside."Doy'uknowwhothatwasIkilled?"
"JuddMorgan,foremanbeforey'uattheLazyD."
"Yes,butwhatelse?"
"Whatdoy'umean?"
"ImeanthatnexttoyourcousinJuddwasleaderofthatShoshone-Tetonbunch."
"Howdoy'uknow?"
"Isuspecteditalongtime,butIknewforsurethedaythatyourcousinhelduptheranch.ThemanthatwasinchargeofthecrowdoutsidewasMorgan.Icouldsweartoit.IknewhimsoonasIclapped
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eyestohim,butIwasawfulcarefultoforgettotellhimIrecognizedhim."
"ThatmeansweareinmoreserioustroublethanIhadsupposed."
"Y'ubetitdoes.We'reinahellofahole,figureitoutanywayy'ulike.Insteadofhavingshotupacasualidiot,I'vekilledNedBannister'sright-handman.Thatwillbetheexcuse--shootingMorgan.ButtherealtroubleisthatIwonthechampionshipbeltfromyourcousin.Healreadyhatedy'ulikepoison,andhedon'tlovemeanytoohard.Hewillhaveusarrestedbyhissheriffhere.Catchthepoint.Y'U'RENEDBANNISTER,THEOUTLAW,ANDI'MHISRIGHT-BOWER.That'stheplayhe'sgoingtomake,andhe'sgoingtomakeitrightsoon."
"Idon'tcareifhedoes.We'llfighthimonhisownground.We'llprovethathe'sthemiscreantandnotus."
"Provenothing,"snarledMcWilliams."Doy'ureckonhe'llgiveusachancetoproveathing?Notonyourlife.He'llhaveusjailedfirstthing;thenhe'llstirupasentimentagainstus,andbeforemorningtherewillbealynchingbee,andy'uandIwillweartheneckties.Howdoy'ulikethelooksofit?"
"Buty'uhavealotoffriends.Theywon'tstandforanythinglike
that."
"Notiftheyhadtimetostopit.Troubleis,fellow'sfriendsthinkawfulslow.They'llarriveintimetocutusdownandbethemourners.No,sir!It'sahikeforJimmieMaconthebackofthefirstbronchecanslapasaddleon."
Bannisterfrowned."Idon'tliketorunbeforethescurvyscoundrels."
"Doy'usupposeI'menjoyingit?Nottoanyextent,Iallow.Butthatsweetrelativeofyoursholdseveryaceinthedeck,andhe'llplaythem,too.Heownsthelawinthisman'stown,andheownsthelawless.Butthebestcardheholdsisthathecangetathousandofthebest
peopleheretojoinhiminhangingthe'king'oftheShoshoneoutlaws.Explanationsnothing!Y'urodeunderthenameofBannister,didn'ty'u?He'sJackHolloway."
"Itdoesmakeastrongcombination,"admittedthesheepman.
"Strong!It'sinvincible.Icanseehimplayingit,laughinguphissleeveallthetimeatthehonestfoolsheisworking.No,sir!Idrawoutofagamelikethat.Y'udon'tgetarunforyourmoney."
"Ofcourseheknowsalreadywhathashappened,"musedBannister.
"Sureheknows.ThatfellowwithMorganmadeabee-lineforhim.Just
aboutnowhe'sroutingthesheriffoutofhisbed.Wegotnotimetolose.Thingis,toburnthewindoutofthistownwhilewehavethechance."
"Isee.Itwon'thelpusanytobespillingleadintoasheriff'sposse.Thatwouldce'tainlyputusinthewrong."
"Nowy'u'reshouting.Ifwe'rehonestmenwhydon'twesurrenderpeaceable?That'stheplaythe'king'isgoingtomakeinthistown.Nowifweshouldspoilaposseandbumpoffoneortwoofthem,wecouldn't
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pileupevidenceenoughtogetajurytoacquit.No,sir!Wecan'tsurrenderandwecan'tfight.Consequenceis,wegottorollourtailsimmediate."
"WehaveanappointmentwithMissMessiterandNoraforto-morrowmorning.We'llhavetoleavewordwecan'tkeepit."
"Sure.DenverandMissouareplayingthewheeldownattheSilverDollar.Ireckonwebettermakethoseboysjumpandrunerrandsforuswhilewelielow.I'lldropincasualandgivethemtheword.Meety'uhereintenminutes.Whatevery'udo,keepthatmaskonyourface."
"Bettermeetfartherfromthesceneoftrouble.Supposewesaythenorthgateofthegrandstand?"
"Goodenough.So-long."
ThefirstfaintstreaksofdaywerebeginningtoshowonthehorizonwhenBannisterreachedthegrandstand.Heknewthatinsideofanotherhalf-hourthelittlefrontiertownwouldbeblinkingintheearlymorningsunlightthatfallssobrilliantlythroughthelimpidatmosphere.Iftheyweregoingtoleavewithoutfightingtheirwayouttherewasnotimetolose.
Tenminutesslowlytickedaway.
Heglancedathiswatch."Fiveminutesafterfour.IwishIhadgonewithMac.Hemayhavebeenrecognized."
Butevenasthethoughtflittedthroughhismind,thesemi-darknessopenedtoletafigureoutofit.
"AllquietalongthePotomac,seh?"askedtheforeman'sblithevoice."Good.Ifoundtheboysandgotthemstarted."HeflungdownaMexicanvaquero'sgailytrimmedcostume.
"Getintothese,seh.Denvershuckedthemforme.Thatcoyotemusthave
noticedwhatweworebeforeheslidout.Y'ucanbettheordersaretowatchforusasweweredressedthen."
"Whatareyugoingtodo?"
"Me?I'mscheduledtobeAaronBurr,seh.Missouswapswithmewhenhegetsbackhere.They'regoingtorustleussomewhitemen'sclothes,too,butwecayn'twearthemtillwegetoutoftownonaccountofshowingourhandsomefaces."
"Whatabouthorses?"
"Denverisrustlingsomeforus.Y'ubetterbescribblingyourbilly-doo
tothegirly'uleavebehindy'u,seh."
"Haven'ty'ugotonetoscribble?"Bannisterretorted."Seemstomey'ubettergetbusy,too."
SoithappenedthatwhenMissouarrivedafewminuteslaterhefoundthispairofgentlemen,whowereabouttofleefortheirlives,busilyinditingwhatMcWilliamshadtermedfacetiouslybillets-doux.Eachofthemwastryingtomakehisletteralittlewarmerthanfriendshipallowedwithoutcommittinghimselftoanychanceofarebuff.Macgotas
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farasNoraDarling,absentmindedlyinsertedacommabetweenthewords,andtherestuckhopelessly.HelookedenviouslyacrossatBannister,whosepencilwastravelingrapidlydownhisnote-book.
"My,whataswifttrailyourpencilleavesonthatpaper.That'sgoingsome.Mine'sboggeddownbeforeitgotstarted.Iwishty'uwouldstartmeoff."
"Well,ifyouain'tupandstartedabusinesscollegealready.Ihadoughttohavebroughtatypewriteralongwithme,"murmuredMissouironically.
"Howarethingsstacking?Ourfriendstheenemygettingbusyyet?"askedBannister,foldingandaddressinghisnote.
"That'swhat.Ordersgoneouttoguardeveryroadsoasnottoletyoupass.What'sthematterwithmerustlinguptheboysandusholdingdownacornerofthistownourselves?"
Thesheepmanshookhishead."We'renotgoingtostartalittleprivatewarofourown.Wecouldn'tdothatwithoutspillingalotofblood.No,we'llmakearunforit."
"Thaty'u,Denver?"theforemancalledsoftly,asthesoundof
approachinghorsesreachedhim.
"Betyourlife.Gotyourownbroncs,too.SheriffBurnscalledupDanielsnottoletanyhorsesgooutfromhiscorraltoanybodywithouthisO.K.Ihappenedtobecinchingatthetimethe'phonemessagecame,soIconcludedthatorderwasn'tforme,andlitoutkinderunceremonious."
Hastilythefugitivesdonnedthenewcostumesanddominos,turnedtheirnotesovertoDenver,andswungtotheirsaddles.
"Goodluck!"thepuncherscalledafterthem,andDenveraddedanironicalpromisethattheforemanhadnodoubthewouldkeep."I'lllook
outforNora--Darling."Therewasadrawlingpausebetweenthefirstandsecondnames."I'llce'tainlyseethatshedon'thaveanytimetoworryabouty'u,Mac."
"Y'ugotoHalifax,"returnedMacgeniallyoverhisshoulderashelopedaway.
"Idoubtifwecangetoutbytheroads.Soonaswereachtheendofthestreetwebettercutacrossthathayfield,"suggestedNed.
"That'swhatever.Thenwe'llslippastthesentrieswithoutbeingseen.I'dhatetospoilanyofthemifwecanhelpit.We'reliabletogetourselvesdislikedifourgunsspattertoomuch."
Theyrodethroughthemainstreet,stillnoisywiththeshoutsoflaterevelersreturningtotheirquarters.Maskedmenwereyetinevidenceoccasionally,sothattheirhabitscausedneitherremarknorsuspicion.Agoodmanyofthepunchers,unabletostaylonger,wereslippingoutoftownafterhavingmadeanightofit.Inthegeneralexodusthetwofriendshopedtoescapeunobserved.
Theydroppedintoasidestreet,gallopeddownitfortwohundredyards,anddismountedatabarb-wirefencewhichranparallelwiththeroad.
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Theforeman'swire-clippersseveredthestrandsonebyone,andtheyledtheirhorsesthroughthegap.Theycrossedanalfalfa-field,jumpedanirrigationditch,usedtheclippersagain,andfoundthemselvesinalargepasture.Itwasgettinglightereverymoment,andwhiletheywerestillinthepastureavoicehailedthemfromtheroadinanunmistakablecommandtohalt.
Theybentlowoverthebacksoftheirponiesandgavethemthespur.Theshottheyhadexpectedrangout,passingharmlesslyoverthem.Anotherfollowed,andstillanother.
"That'sright.Shootupthescenery.Y'udon'thurtusnone,"theforemansaid,apostrophizingthemanbehindthegun.
Thenextclippedfencebroughtthemtotheopencountry.Forhalfanhourtheyrodeswiftlywithouthalt.ThenMcWilliamsdrewup.
"Wherearewemakingfor?"
"HowabouttheWindRivercountry?"
"Won'tdo.Firstoff,they'llstrikerightdownthatwayafterus.What'sthematterwithrunningupSweetwaterCreekandlyingoutinthebadlandsaroundtheRoubideaux?"
"Good.Ihaveasheep-campupthatway.IcanarrangetohavegrubsentthereforusbyamanIcantrust."
"Allright.TheRoubideauxgoes."
Whiletheywerenooningatacow-spring,Bannister,lyingonhisback,withhisfacetotheturquoisesky,becameawarethatavagrantimpulsehadcrystallizedtoafixeddetermination.Hebroacheditatoncetohiscompanion.
"Onethingisacinch,Mac.Neithery'unorIwillbesafeinthiscountrynowuntilwehavebrokenupthegangofdesperadoesthatis
terrorizingthiscountry.Ifwedon'tgetthemtheywillgetus.Thereisn'tanydoubtaboutthat.I'mnotwillingtoliedownbeforethesemiscreants.Whatdoy'usay?"
"I'mwithy'u,oldman.Butputanametoit.Whatarey'uproposing?"
"I'mproposingthaty'uandImakeitourbusinessnottohaveanyotherbusinessuntilwecleanoutthisnestofwolves.Let'sgorightafterthem,andseeifwecan'twipeouttheShoshone-Tetonoutfit."
"How?Theyownthelaw,don'tthey?"
"Theydon'towntheUnitedStatesGovernment.Whentheyheldupa
mail-traintheydidafoolthing,fortheybuckedupagainstUncleSam.WhatIproposeisthatwegetholdofoneofthegangandmakehimweaken.Then,afterwehavegotholdofsomeevidencethatwillconvict,we'llgooutandrundownmynamesakeNedBannister.Ifpeopleoncegettheideathathisholdisn'tsostrongthere'sahundredpeoplethatwilltestifyagainsthim.We'llhavehiminaGovernmentprisoninsideofsixmonths."
"Orelsehe'llhaveusinaholeintheground,"addedtheforeman,dryly.
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"Oneortheother,"admittedBannister."Arey'uinonthisthing?"
"Isurelyam.Y'u'rethebestmanI'vemetupwithinamonthofSundays,seh.Y'uain'tgotbutonefault;andthatisy'udon'tsmokecigareets.Feedyourselfaboutadozenadayandy'uwon'thaveablamedtroubleleft.Match,seh?"TheforemanoftheLazyD,alreadyfollowinghisownadvice,rolleddeftlyhissmoke,moisteneditandproceededtoblowawayhistroubles.
Bannisterlookedathisdebonairinsoucianceandlaughed."Wateroffaduck'sback,"hequoted."Iknowsomefolksthatwouldbesweatingfearrightnow.It'sce'tainlyanaggravatingsituation,thatofbeinganhonestmanhuntedasavillainbyavillain.ButIexpaictmycousin'senjoyingit."
"Heain'tenjoyingitsomuchashewouldifhisplanshadworkedoutalittlesmoother.He'sholdingthesackrightnowandcussingrightsmahtoveritbeingempty,Ireckon."
"Hedidlockthestabledooralittletoolate,"chuckledthesheepman.Butevenashespokeashadowfelloverhisface."MyGod!Ihadforgotten.Y'udon'tsupposehewouldtakeitoutofMissMessiter."
"Notunlesshe'stiredofliving,"returnedherforeman,darkly."Onething,thiscountrywon'tstandforisthat.He'sgottokeephishandsoffwomenorhelosesout.Hedassentlayahandonthemiftheydon'twanthimto.That'sthelawoftheplains,isn'tit?"
"That'stheunwrittenlawforthebadman,butInoticeitdoesn'tseemtosatisfyy'u,myfriend.Y'uandIknowthatmycousin,NedBannister,doesn'tacknowledgeanylaw,writtenorunwritten.He'sadevilandhehasnofear.Didn'thekidnapherbefore?"
"Hesurelywouldneverdaretouchthoseyoungladies.But--Idon'tknow.Bann,IguesswebetterrollalongtowardtheLazyDcountry,afterall."
"Ithinkso."Nedlookedathisfriendwithsmilingdrollery."Ithoughty'usmokedyourtroublesaway,Jim.Thisoneseemstoworryy'u."
McWilliamsgrinnedsheepishly."There'sonetroublewon'tbesmokedaway.Itkinderdwells."Then,apparentlyaproposofnothing,headded,irrelevantly:"WonderwhatDenver'sdoingrightnow?"
"Probablykeepingthatappointmenty'uranawayfrom,"banteredhisfriend.
"I'llbetheis.Funnyhowsomemenhavealltheluck,"murmuredthedespondentforeman.
CHAPTER16.HUNTINGBIGGAME
Inpointoffact,Denver'soccupationatthatmomentwaspreciselywhattheyhadguessedittobe.HewassittingbesideNoraDarlinginthegrandstand,explainingtoherthefinepointsof"roping."Mr.BobAustin,commonlyknownas"Texas,"wasmeanwhiletryingtomakehimselfagreeabletoHelenMessiter.Truthtotell,bothyoungwomenlistened
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withdividedinteresttotheiradmirers.Bothofthemhadheardthestoryofthenight,andeachofthemhadtuckedawayinhercorsageascribblednoteshewantedtogetbacktoherroomandreadagain.Thatthepursuitwasstilloneverybodyknew,andthoseontheinsidewereawarethatthe"King,"masqueradingunderthenameofJackHolloway,wastheactivepowerbehindthesheriffstimulatingthechase.
Itwasaftertheropinghadbegun,andAustinhadbeencalledawaytotakehisturn,thattheoutlawchiefsaunteredalongtheaisleofthegrandstandtotheboxinwhichwasseatedthemistressoftheLazyD.
"Beautifulmo'ning,isn'tit?Delightfullycrispandclear,"hesaidbywayofintroduction,stoppingatherbox.
Sheunderstoodthesubtlejeerinhismanner,andherfinecouragerosetomeetit.Therewasadaringlightinhereye,abuoyantchallengeinhervoiceassheanswered:
"Itisasplendidmorning.I'mnotsurprisedyouareenjoyingit."
"DidIsayIwasenjoyingit?"Helaughedasheliftedthebar,cameintoherboxandtookaseat.
"Ofcoursenot.Howcarelessofme!Ihadforgottenyouwereinmourning
foradeceasedfriend."
Hisdarkeyesflashed."I'llnotmournforhimlong.Hewasamightytriflingfellow,anyhow.SoonasIcatchandhanghismurderersI'llquitwearingblack."
"Youmaywearoutseveralsuitsbeforethen,"shehitback.
"Don'ty'ubelieveit;whenIwantathingIdon'tquittillit'sdone."
Shemethisgaze,andtheimpactofeyesseemedtoshockherphysically.Thewickednessinhimthreatened,gloated,dominated.Sheshiveredinthewarmsunlight,andwouldnothavehadhimknowitforworlds.
"Dearme!Howconfidentyoutalk.Aren'tyousometimesdisappointed?"
"Temporarily.ButwhenIwantathingItakeitintheend."
Sheknewhewasservingnoticeonherthathemeanttowinher;andagainthelittlespinalshiverracedoverher.Shecouldnotlookathissardonic,evilfacewithoutfear,andshecouldnotlookawaywithoutbeingawareofhiseyespossessingher.Whatwastheuseofcourageagainstsuchacreatureasthis?
"Yes,Iunderstandyoutakeagooddealthatisn'tyours,"sheretortedcarelessly,hereyesonthearena.
"ImakeitminewhenItakeit,"heansweredcoolly,admiringthegamenesswhichsheworeasasuitofchainarmoragainsthisthrusts.
"Isn'titalittledangeroussometimes?"herevenvoicecountered."Whenyoutakewhatbelongstoothersyourunarisk,don'tyou?"
"That'spartoftherules.ExceptforthatIshouldn'tlikeitsowell.Ihuntbiggame,andthebiggerthegamethemorerisk.That'swhyy'uguessedrightwheny'usaidIwasenjoyingthemo'ning."
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"Meaning--yourcousin?"
"Well,no.Iwasn'tthinkingofhim,thoughhe'ssomesizable.ButI'mhuntingbiggergamethanheis,andIexpecttobagit."
Sheletherscornfuleyesdriftslowlyoverhim."Imightpretendtomisunderstandyou.ButIwon't.Youmayhaveyouranswernow.Iamnotafraidofyou,forsinceyouareabullyyoumustbeacoward.Isawarattlesnakelastweekinthehills.ItremindedmeofsomeoneIhaveseen.I'llleaveyoutoguesswho."
Heranswerdrewblood.Theblacktideracedundertheswarthytanofhisface.Heleanedforwardtillhisbeadyeyeswereclosetoherdefiantones."Y'uhaveforgottenonething,MissMessiter.Arattlesnakecansting.Iasknothingofyou.Can'tIbreakyourheartwithoutyourlovingme?You'reonlyawoman--andnotthefirstIhavebroken,byGod--"
Hisslim,lithebodywasleaningforwardsothatitcutoffothers,andleftthemtoallintentsalone.Atatouchofherfingersthehandbaginherlapflewopenandalittleivory-hiltedrevolverlayinherhand.
"Youmaybreakme,butyou'llneverbendmeaninch."
Helookedatthelittlegunandlaughedironically."Sho!Ify'ushouldhitmewiththatandIshouldfinditoutImightgetmadaty'u."
"DidIsayitwasforyou?"shesaidcoldly;andagaintheshockofjoinedeyesendedindrawnbattle.
"Havey'uthenerve?"Helookedherover,sodaintyandsoresolute,sosilkenstrong;andheknewhehadhisanswer.
Hissmolderingeyesburnedwithdesiretosnatchhertohimandrideawayintothehills.Forhewasamanwholivedinhissensations.Hehadwonmanywomentotheirhurt,butitwasthejoyofconflictthat
madethepursuitworthwhiletohim;andthisyoungwoman,whocouldsodelightfullybubblewithlittlelaughsreadytospilloverandwasyetpossessedofaspiritsofinelysuperiortothetendernessofhersoft,round,maidenlycurves,alluredhimmightilytotheattack.
Shedroppedtherevolverbackintothebagandshuttheclaspwithaclick,"AndnowIthink,Mr.Bannister,thatI'llnotdetainyouanylonger.Weunderstandeachothersufficiently."
Herosewithalaughthatmocked."Iexpaicttospendquiteabitoftimeunderstandingy'uoneofthesedays.Inthemeantimethisistoourbetteracquaintance."
Deliberately,withouttheleasthaste,hestoopedandkissedherbeforeshecouldrallyfromthestaggeringsurpriseoftheintentionshereadinhiseyestoolatetoelude.Then,withthecoolestbravadointheworld,heturnedonhisheelandstrolledaway.
Angrysapphiresgleamedathimfromunderthelong,brownlashes.Shewasfurious,aghast,daunted.Bythemerestchanceshewassittinginacornerofthebox,soscreenedfromobservationthatnonecouldsee.Buttheinsolenceofhim,therecklessdefianceofallstandardsofsociety,shookherevenwhileitenragedher.Hehadputforthhisclaimlike
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abraggart,buthehadmadegoodwithanaudacitysuperbinitseffrontery.Howshehatedhim!Howshefearedhim!Thethoughtswerewoveninseparablyinhermind.Mephistohimselfcouldnothaveimpressedhimselfmoreimperativelythanthisstrutting,heartlessmasterartistinvice.
Shesawhimagainpresentlydowninthearena,foritwashisturntoshowhisskillatroping.Texashaddonewell;verywell,indeed.Hehadmadethethrowandtieinthirty-sevenseconds,whichwastwosecondsfasterthantherecordofthepreviousyear.Butsheknewinstinctively,asherfascinatedeyeswatchedtheoutlawpreparingforthefeat,thathewasgoingtowin.Hewouldusehissuccessasaweaponagainsther;asameansofshowingherthathealwayssucceededinwhateverheundertook.Sosheinterpretedhelookheflungherashewaitedatthechuteforthewildhillsteertobedrivenintothearena.Ittakesagoodmanphysicallytomakeasuccessfulroper.Hemustbepossessedofnerve,skillandendurancefaroutoftheordinary.Hemustbequick-eyed,strong-handed,nimbleoffoot,expertofhandandbuiltlikeawildcat.SoDenverexplainedtothetwoyoungwomeninthebox,andtheonebehindhimadmittedreluctantlythatshelong,lean,suppleCentaurwaitingimpassivelyatthegatewayfittedthespecifications.
Outflashedtherough-coatedhillsteer,wildandfleetasahare,thinandleggy,withmusclesofwhipcord.Downwenttheflag,andthe
stopwatchesbegantotickofftheseconds.Likeanarrowtheoutlaw'sponyshotforward,alariatcirclingroundandroundtherider'shead.Ateveryleapthecowponylessenedthegapasitpoundedforwardontheheelsoftheflyingsteer.
Theloopsweptforwardanddroppedoverthehornsoftheanimal.Thepony,withtheperfectcraftoflongpractice,swervedtoonesidewitharush.Thedraggingropeswungupagainsttherunningsteer'slegs,grewsuddenlytaut.Downwentthesteer'shead,andnextmomentitsfeetweresweptfromunderitasitwentheavilytotheground.Manandhorsewereperfectintheirteamwork.Asthesuppleriderslidfromthebackoftheponyitrantotheendoftheropeandbraceditselftokeeptheanimalfromrising.Bannisterleapedonthesteer,tie-ropeinhand.
Swiftlyhisdefthandspassedtoandfro,makingthenecessaryloopsandknots.Thenhishandswentintotheair.Thesteerwashog-tied.
Forafewsecondsthejudgesconsultedtogether."Twenty-nineseconds,"announcedtheirspokesman,andatthewordsagreatcheerwentup.Bannisterhadmadehistieinrecordtime.
Impudentlythescoundrelsauntereduptothegrandstand,bowedelaboratelytoMissMessiter,andperchedhimselfonthefence,wherehemightbetheobservedofallobservers.Itwascurious,shethought,howhisvanitywalkedhandinhandwithsomuchpowerandforce.Hewasreallyextraordinarilystrong,butnodebutante'sself-sufficiencycouldhaveexcelledhis.Hewassofranklyanegotistthatitceasedtobea
weakness.
BackinherroomatthehotelanhourlaterHelenpacedupanddownunderanervousstrainforeigntohertemperament.Shewasafraid;forthefirsttimeinherlifedefinitelyafraid.Thismanpittedagainstherhaddeliberatelydivorcedhislifefrommorality.Inhimlaynoappealtoanyconsciencecourtoflastresort.Buttheterrorofthiswasnotforherselfprincipally,butforherflyinglover.Withhisindubitablepower,backedbytheunpopularityofthesheepmaninthiscattlecountry,theKingoftheBighorncoulddestroyhiscousinif
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hesethimselftodoso.Ofthisshewasconvinced,andherconvictioncarriedacertaintythathehadthewillaswellasthemeans.Ifhehadlackedanythinginmotivesheherselfhadsuppliedone.Forshewasafraidthatthisvillainhadreadherheart.
Andasherhandwentflutteringtoherheartshefoundsmallcomfortinthepaperlyingnextitthatonlyafewhoursbeforehadbroughtherjoy.Foratanymomentamessengermightcomeintotellherthatthewriterofithadbeencapturedandwastobedealtwithsummarilyinfrontierfashion.Atbestherloverandherfriendwerebutfugitivesfromjustice.Againstthemwerearrayednotonlytheruffianfollowersoftheirenemy,butalsothelawfullyconstitutedauthoritiesofthecounty.Eveniftheyshouldescapeto-daythenetwouldtightenonthem,andtheywouldeventuallybecaptured.
ForthethirdtimesincecomingtoWyomingHelenfoundrefugeintears.
CHAPTER17.RUNTOEARTH
WhenwordcametoDenverandtheotherpunchersoftheLazyDthatReddyhadbeenpressedintoserviceasaguideforthepossethatwaspursuingthefugitivestheygaveventtotheirfeelingsinchoiceprofanity.
"Now,ain'tthatlikehim?HadtorunaroundlikealocoedcalftellingallheknowedandmoretillBurnsropeshimin,"commentedthedisgustedMissou.
"TroublewithReddyishesetshismouthtoworkingandthengoesawayandleavesit,"mournedJimHenson.
"I'dhatetofeelassoreasReddywillwhentheboysgetthroughplayingwithhimafterhegetsbacktotheranch,"Denvercontributed,whenhehadexhaustedhisvocabulary.
MeanwhileReddy,unawareofbeingacauseofoffense,wascheerfully
happyintheunexpectedhonorthathadbeenthrustuponhim.Hiswillwasofputty,moldedintotheopinionofwhomeverhehappenedatthemomenttobewith.Justnow,withtheironiceyeofSheriffBurnsuponhim,hewasstrongforlawenforcement.
"Afellerhadn'toughttobesopromiscuouswithhishardware.Thisherethingofshootingupcitizensdon'tdoWyomingnogoodthesedays.Capitalain'ta-goingtocomeinwhensuchgoings-onoccur,"hesagelyopined,unconsciouslyparrotingthesentimentBurnshadjustbeeninstillingintohim.
"That'sright,sir.Ifthatain'thorsesenseIdon'tknowany.Yougotaheadonyou,allright,"answeredtheadmiringsheriff.
TheflatteredReddypleadedguiltytobeingwiserthanmostmen."JestbecauseIpunchcowsain'tanyreasonwhyI'manybody'sfool.I'llshowthemsmartboysattheLazyDIdon'thavetotakethedustofanyofthebunchwhenitcomestousingmythinktank."
"Iwould,"sympathizedBurns."Youbetthey'llallbealmightyjealouswhentheylearnhowyouwaschosenoutofthewholeoutfitonthisjob."
Alldaytheyrode,andthatnightcampedafewmilesfromtheLazyD.
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Earlynextmorningtheyhailedasolitaryriderashepassed.Themanturnedouttobeacowman,withasmallranchnotfarfromtheoneownedbyMissMessiter.
"Hello,Henderson!y'useenanythingofJimMcWilliamsandanotherfellowridingacrostthisway?"askedReddy.
"Nope,"answeredthecowmanpromptly.ButimmediatelyhemodifiedhisstatementtoaddthathehadseentwomenridingtowardDryCreekacoupleofhoursago."Theywasgoingkinderslow.Lookedtomesorterlikeoneofthemwashurtandtheotherwashelpinghimout,"hevolunteered.
Thesherifflookedsignificantlyatoneofhismenandnodded.
"Youdidn'trecognizethehorses,Ireckon?"
"Cometothinkofit,oneoftheponiesdidlooklikeJim'sroan.What'sup,boys?Anythingdoing?"
"Nothingparticular.WewanttoseeJim,that'sall.Solong."
WhatHendersonhadguessedwasthetruth.ThecontinuoushardridinghadbeentoomuchforBannisterandhiswoundhadopenedanew.Theywereat
thetimeonlyafewmilesfromashackonDryCreek,wheretheLazyDpuncherssometimesputup.McWilliamshadattendedthewoundasbesthecould,andafterafewhours'resthadheadedforthecabininthehills.Theywerecompelledtotravelveryslowly,sincethemotionkeptthesheepman'swoundcontinuallybleeding.ButaboutnoontheyreachedtherefugetheyhadbeenseekingandBannisterlaydownonthebunkwiththeirsaddleblanketsunderhim.Hesoonfellasleep,andMactookadvantageofthistosetoutonaforagingexpeditiontoaranchnotfardistant.Herehegotsomebread,bacon,milkandeggsfromamanhecouldtrustandreturnedtohisfriend.
Itwasdarkbythetimehereachedthecabin.Hedismounted,andwithhisarmsfullofprovisionspushedintothehut.
"Awake,Bann?"heaskedinalowvoice.
Theanswerwasunexpected.Somethingheavystruckhischestandflunghimbackagainstthewall.Beforehecouldrecoverhisbalancehewaspinionedfast.Fourmenhadhurledthemselvesuponhim.
"We'vegotyou,Jim.Notamiteo'useresisting,"counseledthesheriff.
"ThinkIdon'tsavezthat?IcantakeahintwhenawholeMethodistchurchfallsonme.Whoarey'u,anyhow?"
"Somebodylightalantern,"orderedBurns.
BythedimlightitcastMacmadethemout,andsawNedBannistergaggedandhandcuffedonthebed.HeknewamomentofsurprisewhenhiseyesfellonReddy.
"Soitwasy'ubroughtthemhere,Red?"hesaidquietly.
Contrarytohisownexpectations,thegentlemannamedwasembarrassed"Thesheriff,hesummonedmetoserve,"washislamedefense.
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"Andsoy'uthrewdownyourfriends.Goodboy!"
"Aman'sgottobackthelawup,ain'the?"
Macturnedhisshoulderonhimratherpointedly."Thereisn'tanyneedofkeepingthatgaginmyfriend'smouthanylonger,"hesuggestedtoBurns.
"That'sright,too.Takeitout,boys.Igottodomyduty,butIdon'taimtomakeanygentlemanmoreuncomfortablethanIcanhelp.Iwanteverythingtobepleasantallround."
"I'mrightgladtohearthat,Burns,becausemyfriendisn'tfittotravel.Y'ucantakemebackandleavehimoutherewithaguard,"theforemanrepliedquickly.
"SorryIcan'taccommodateyou,Jim,butIgottotakey'ubothwithme."
"ThosearetheordersoftheKing,arethey?"
Burnsflusheddarkly."Itain'tgoingtodoyouanygoodtotalkthatway.YouknowmightywellthisheremanwithyouisBannister.Iain't
goingtotakenochancesonlosinghimnowI'vegotmyhandonhim."
"Y'uce'tainlydeserveare-election,andI'llbety'ugetitallright.Anymansogivenovertoduty,soplumbloadeddowntothehockswithconscienceasy'u,willsurelycomebackwithabigmajoritynextNovember."
"Iain'taskin'forYOURvote,Mac."
"Oh,y'udon'tneedvotes.JustgettheKingtoO.K.yournominationandy'u'llwininawalk."
"Myfriend,y'ubettermindyourownbusiness.FarasIcanmakeouty'u
gottroublesenoughofyourown,"retortedthenettledsheriff.
"Y'udon'tneedtotellmethat,TomBurns'Y'uain'taman--nothingbutastuffedskinworkedbyastring.WhenthatmiscreantBannisterpullsthestringy'ujump.He'sjerkeditnow,soy'u'retakingusbacktohim.IcanprovethatcoyoteMorganshotatmefirst,butthatdoesn'tcutanyicewithyou."
"Whatmadeyoulightoutsosudden,then?"demandedtheaggrievedBurnstriumphantly.
"BecauseIknewyou.That'saplentygoodreason.I'mnotaskinganythingformyself.AllIsayisthatmyfriendisn'tfittotravel
yet.Lethimstayhereunderaguardtillheis."
"Hewasfitenoughtogethere.Bythunder,he'sfittogoback!"
"Y'u'vesaidenough,Mac,"brokeinBannister."It'sawfullygoodofy'utospeakforme,butIwouldratherseeitoutwithyoutoafinish.Idon'twantanyfavorsfromthisyellowdogofmycousin."
The"yellowdog"sethisteethandsworevindictivelybehindthem.Hewasalreadyimagininganhourwhentheseinsolentprisonersofhiswould
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singanothertune.
CHAPTER18.PLAYINGFORTIME
"They'vegot'em.CaughtthemonDryCreek,justbelowGreenForks."
HelenMessiter,justfinishingherbreakfastatthehotelpreparatorytoleavinginhermachinefortheranch,laiddownherknifeandforkandlookedwithdilatedeyesatDenver,whohadbrokeninwiththenews.
"Areyousure?"Thecolorhadwashedfromherfaceandleftherverywhite,butshefrontedthesituationquietlywithouthystericsorfussofanykind.
"Yes,ma'am.They'rebringingtheminnowtojail.Watchoutandy'u'llseethempasshereinafewminutes.SeemsthatBannister'swoundopeneduponhimandhecouldn'tgoanyfarther.CourseMacwouldn'tleavehim.SheriffBurnsandhispossedroppedinonthemandhadthemcoveredbeforeMaccouldchirp."
"Youaresurethisman--thisdesperadoBannister--willdonothingtillnight?"
"NotthewayIfigureit.He'llhavethejailwatchedallday.Buthe'sgottoworkthetownuptoalynching.Iexpectthebarswillbefreeforallto-day.Bynighttheworstpartofthistownwillbereadyforanything.TherestofthecitizensaregoingtositdownanddonothingjustbecauseitisBannister."
"Butitisn'tBannister--nottheBannistertheythinkitis."
Heshookhishead."Nouse,ma'am.I'vetalkedtillmythroataches,butitdon'tdoamiteofgood.NobodybelievesawordofwhatIsay.Y'usee,weain'tgotanyproof."
"Proof!Wehaveenough,Godknows!didn'tthisvillain--thisoutlawthatcallshimselfJackHolloway--attackandtrytomurderhim?"
"That'swhatwebelieve,butthereportoutisthatoneofuspunchersshothimupforcrossingthedead-line."
"Didn'tthisfellowholduptheranchandtrytotakeNedBannisterawaywithhim?"
"Yes,ma'am.Butthatdoesn'tlookgoodtomostpeople.Theysayhehadhisfriendscometotakehimawaysoy'uwouldn'tholdhimandletusboysgethim.Thiscousinbusinessisafairytalethewaytheysizeitup.Howcomethiscousintolethimgoifhehelduptheranchtoput
thesickmanoutofbusiness?No,miss.ThiscountryhasmadeupitsmindthatyourfriendistheoriginalNedBannister.Myopinionisthatnothingonearthcansavehim."
"Idon'twantyouropinion.I'mgoingtosavehim,Itellyou;andyouaregoingtohelp.Arehisfriendsnothingbutabunchofquitters?"shecried,withsparklingeyes.
"Ididn'tknowIwassuchagreatfriendofhis,"answeredthecowboysulkily.
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"You'reafriendofJimMcWilliams,aren'tyou?Areyougoingtosneakawayandletthesecurshanghim?"
Denverflushed."Y'u'redeadright,MissHelen.IguessI'llseeitoutwithyou.What'stheorders?"
"Iwantyoutohelpmeorganizeadefense.GetallMac'sfriendsstirreduptomakeafightforhim.Bringasmanyofthemintoseemeduringthedayasyoucan.IfyouseeanyoftherestoftheLazyDboyssendthemintomeforinstructions.Reportyourselfeveryhourtome.Andmakesurethatatleastthreeofyourfriendsthatyoucantrustarehangingroundthejailalldaysoastobereadyincaseanyattemptismadetostormitbeforedark."
"I'llseetoit."Denverhungonhisheelamomentbeforeleaving."It'sonlysquaretotelly'u,MissHelen,thatthismeanswarheretonight.Thesestreetsaregoingtorunwithbloodifwetrytosavethem."
"I'mtakingthatresponsibility,"shetoldhimcurtly;butamomentlatersheaddedgently:"Ihaveaplan,myfriend,thatmaystopthisoutrageyet.Butyoumustdoyourbestforme."Shesmiledsadlyathim."You'remyforeman,to-day,youknow."
"I'mgoingtodomylevelbest,y'umaytietothat,"hetoldherearnestly.
"Iknowyouwill."Andtheirfingerstouchedforaninstant.
Throughawindowthegirlcouldseeacrowdpouringdownthestreettowardthehotel.Sheflewupthestairsandoutuponthesecond-storypiazzathatlookeddownupontheroad.
Fromherpointofvantagesheeasilypickedthemout--thetwounarmedmenridingwiththeirhandstiedbehindtheirbacks,encircledbyadozenridersarmedtotheteeth.Bannister'shathadapparentlyfallenofffartherdownthestreet,forthemanbesidehimwasdustingit.The
woundedprisonerlookedabouthimwithoutfear,butitwasplainhewasnearthelimitofendurance.Hewaspaleasasheet,andhisfaircurlsclungmoistlytohisdampforehead.
McWilliamscaughtsightofherfirst,andshecouldseehimturnandsayawordtohiscomrade.Bannisterlookedup,caughtsightofher,andsmiled.Thatsmile,sopaleandwan,wenttoherheartlikeaknife.Butthemessageofhereyeswashope.Theytoldtheprisonerssilentlytobeofgoodcheer,thatatleasttheywerenotdesertedtotheirfate.
"Whatisitabout--thecrowd?"Noraaskedofhermistressasthelatterwasreturningtotheheadofthestairs.
InasfewwordsasshecouldHelentoldher,repressingsharplythetearsthegirlbegantoshed."Thisisnotthetimetoweep--notyet.Wemustsavethem.Youcandoyourpart.Mr.Bannisteriswounded.Getadoctoroverthetelephoneandseethatheattendshimattheprison.Don'tleavethe'phoneuntilyouhavegotonetopromisetogoimmediately."
"Yes,miss.Isthereanythingelse?"
"AskthedoctortocallyouupfromtheprisonandtellyouhowMr.
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Bannisteris.Makeitplaintohimthatheistogiveuphisotherpractice,ifnecessary,andistokeepusinformedthroughthedayabouthispatient'scondition.Iwillberesponsibleforhisbill."
Helenherselfhurriedtothetelegraphofficeatthedepot.Shewroteoutalongdispatchandhandedittotheoperator."Sendthisatonceplease."
Hewasoneofthosesuperciliousyoungidiotsthatmakethemostofsuchsmallpoweraseverdriftsdowntothem.Takingthemessage,hetosseditonthetable."I'llsenditwhenIgettime."
"You'llsenditnow."
"What--what'sthat?"
Hersteadyeyescaughtandheldhisshiftingones."Isayyouaregoingtosenditnow--thisveryminute."
"Iguessnot.Theline'sbusy,"hebluffed.
"Ifyoudon'tbeginsendingthatmessagethisminuteI'llmakeitmybusinesstoseethatyouloseyourposition,"shetoldhimcalmly.
Hesnatchedupthepaperfromtheplacewherehehadtossedit."Oh,well,ifit'ssodarnedimportant,"he-concededungraciously.
Shestoodquietlyabovehimwhilehesentthetelegram,eventhoughhecontrivedtomakeeverymomentofherstayanunvoicedinsult.HerwirewastothewifeoftheGovernoroftheState.Theyhadbeenclosefriendsatschool,andthelatterhadbeenurgingHelentopayavisittoCheyenne.Themessageshesentwasasfollows:
Battleimminentbetweenoutlawsandcattlemenhere.Bloodshedcertainto-night.Myforemanlastnightkilledinself-defenseadesperado.Bannister'sgang,inleaguewithtownauthorities,meantolynchhimandoneofmyotherfriendsafterdarkthisevening.Sheriffwilldo
nothing.Canyourhusbandsendsoldiersimmediately?Wireanswer.
Theoperatorlookedupsullenlyafterhisfingershadfinishedthelasttap."Well?"
"Justonethingmore,"Helentoldhim."Youunderstandtherulesofthecompanyaboutsecrecy.NobodyyouknowsIamsendingthismessage.Ifbyanychanceitshouldleakout,Ishallknowthroughwhom.Ifyouwanttoholdyourposition,youwillkeepquiet."
"Iknowmybusiness,"hegrowled.Nevertheless,shehadspokeninseason,forhehadhaditinhismindtogiveatipwhereheknewitwouldbeunderstoodtohastenthejaildeliveryandaccompanying
lynching.
Whenshereturnedtothehotel?HelenfoundMissouwaitingforher.Sheimmediatelysenthimbacktotheoffice,andtoldhimtowaitthereuntiltheanswerwasreceived."I'llsendoneoftheboysuptorelieveyousothatyoumaycomewiththetelegramassoonasitarrives.Iwanttheoperatorwatchedallday.Oh,here'sJimHenson!Denverhasexplainedthesituationtoyou,Ipresume.Iwantyoutogouptothetelegraphofficeandstaythereallday.Gotolunchwiththeoperatorwhenhegoes.Don'tlethimtalkprivatelytoanybody,notevenfora
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fewseconds.Idon'twantyoutoseemtohavehimunderguardbeforeoutsiders,butlethimknowitveryplainly.HeisnottomentionawireIsentortheanswertoit--nottoanybody,Jim.Isthatplain?"
"Y'ubet!He'saclam,allright,tilltheorderiscountermanded."AndtheyoungmandepartedwithacheerfulgrinthatassuredHelenshehadnothingtofearfromofficialleaks.
Nora,fromansweringatelephonecall,cametoreporttothegeneralincharge."ThedoctorsaysthathehaslookedafterMr.Bannister,andthereisnoimmediatedanger.Ifhekeepsquietforafewdaysheoughttodowell.Mr.McWilliamssentamessagebyhimtosaythatwearen'ttoworryabouthim.Hesaidhewould--would--ropeaheapofcowsontheLazyDyet."
Nora,burstingintotears,flungherselfintoHelen'sarms."Theyaregoingtokillhim.Iknowtheyare,and--and'twasonlyyesterday,ma'am,Itoldhimnotto--togetgay,thepoorboy.Whenhetriedto--to--"Shebrokedownandsobbed.
Hermistresssmiledinspiteofherself,thoughshewasbitterlyawarethatevenNora'sgriefwasonlysuperficiallyludicrous.
"We'regoingtosavehim,Nora,ifwecan.There'shopewhilethere's
life.Yousee,Machimselfisfullofcourage.HEhasn'tgivenup.Wemustkeepupourcourage,too."
"Yes,ma'am,butthisisthefirstgentlemanfriendIeverhadhanged,and--"Shebrokeoff,sobbing,leavingtherestasaguess.
Helenfilleditoutaloud."Andyouweregoingtosaythatyoucaremoreforhimthananyoftheothers.Well,youmuststopcoquettingandtellhimsowhenwehavesavedhim."
"Yes,ma'am,"agreedNora,veryrepentantforthemomentofthefactthatitwashernaturetoplaywiththeheartsofthoseofthemalepersuasion.Immediatelysheadded:"HewasTHATkind,ma'am,
tender-hearted."
Helen,whoseownheartwasbreaking,continuedtosootheher."Don'tsayWAS,child.Youaretobebrave,andnotthinkofhimthatway."
"Yes,ma'am.Hetoldmehewasgoingtobuycowswiththethousanddollarshewonyesterday.Iknewhemeant--"
"Yes,ofcourse.It'sacowboy'swayofsayingthathemeanstostarthousekeeping.Haveyouthetelegram,Missou?"Forthatyoungmanwasstandinginthedoorway.
Hehandedhertheyellowslip.Sherippedopentheenvelopeandread:
CompanyBenroute.RailroadconnectionsuncertainPostponecrisislongaspossible.MayreachGimletButtebyten-thirty.
Herfirstthoughtwasofunspeakablerelief.Themilitiawasgoingtotakeahand.Theboysinkhakiwouldcomemarchingdownthestreet,andeverythingwouldbeallright.Buthardontheheelsofherinstinctivegladnesstrodthesobersecondthought.Ten-thirtyatbest,andperhapslater!Wouldtheywaitthatlong,orwouldtheydotheircowardlyworkassoonasnightfellShemustcontrivetodelaythemtillthetraindrewin.Shemustplayforthosetwoliveswithallherwoman'swit;
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mustmatchtheoutlaw'ssinistercunningandfoolhimintodelay.Sheknewhewouldcomeifshesentforhim.Buthowlongcouldshekeephim?Aslongashewasamusedatheragony,aslongashispleasureintormentingherwasgreaterthanhisimpatiencetobeathisruffianlywork.Oh,ifsheeverneededallherpoweritwouldbeto-night.
ThroughoutthedayshecontinuedtoreceivehourlyreportsfromDenver,whoalwaysbroughtwithhimfourorfivehonestcowpunchersfromup-countrytolistentothestrangetalesheunfoldedtothem.Itwas,ofcourse,inpart,thespellofhersweetpersonality,ofthatshyappealshemadetothemanhoodinthem;butofthosewhocame,nearlyallbelieved,forthetimeatleast,andalignedthemselvesonhersideinthestrugglethatwasimpending.Someofthesewereswayedfromtheirallegianceinthecourseoftheday,butafewsheknewwouldremaintrue.
Meanwhile,allthroughtheday,theenemywasbusilyatwork.AsDenverhadpredicted,freeliquorwasservedtoallwhowoulddrink.Thetownanditsguestswerestartedonagranddebauchthatwastoendinviolencethatmightshocktheirsoberintelligence.Everywherepoisonedwhisperswerebeingflungbroadcastagainstthetwomenwaitinginthejailforwhatthenightwouldbringforth.
Duskfellonatowncrazedbybadwhiskeyandevilreport.Thedeedsof
Bannisterwerehashedandrehashedateverybar,andnobodyrelatedthemwithmoreironicgustothanthemanwhocalledhimselfJackHolloway.Therewerepeopleintownwhoknewhisrealnameandcharacter,butofthesethemajoritywereeitherinalliancewithhimordarednotvoicetheirknowledge.OnlyMissMessiterandherpuncherstoldthetruth,andtheirwordswereblownawaylikechaff.
FromthefirstmomentofdarknessHelenhadtheoutlawleaderdoggedbytwoofhermen.Sinceneitherofthesewereherownridersthiswasdonewithoutsuspicion.Atintervalsofeveryquarterofanhourtheyreportedtoherinturn.Bannisterwasbeginningtodrinkheavily,andshedidnotwanttocutshorthisdissipationbyasingleminute.Yetshehadtomakesureofgettinghisattentionbeforehewenttoofar.
Itwasclosetoninewhenshesenthimanote,notdaringtodelayaminutelonger.Forthereportsofhermenwerealltothesameeffect,thatthecrisiswouldnotnowbelongpostponed.Bannister,orHolloway,ashechosetocallhimself,wasatthebarwithhislieutenantsinevilwhenthenotereachedhim.Hereaditwithasatisfactionhecouldnotconceal.So!Hehadbroughtheralreadytoherknees.Beforehewasthroughwithhersheshouldgrovelinthedustbeforehim.
"I'llbebackinafewminutes.DonothingtillIreturn,"heordered,andwentjinglingawaytotheElkHouse.
Theyoungwoman'sanxietywaspitiable,butsherepresseditsternly
whenshewenttomeetthemanshefeared;andneverhaditbeenmoreinevidencethaninthishourofhergreatesttorture.Blithelyshecameforwardtomeethim,eyechallengingeyegayly.Nohintofheranguishescapedintohermanner.Hereadthereonlycoquetry,theeternalsexconflict,thewinsomedefianceofawomanhithertothevirginmistressofallassaultsuponherheart'scitadel.Itwasthelastthinghehadexpectedtosee,butitwasinfinitelymorepiquant,moreintoxicating,thandesperation.Sheseemedtogivethelietohisimpressionofherloveforhiscousin;andthat,too,delightedhispride.
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"Youwillsitdown?"
Carelessly,almostindolently,sheputthequestion,herraisedeyebrowsindicatingachairwithperfunctoryhospitality.Hehadnotmeanttosit,hadexpectedonlytogloatafewminutesoverherdespair;butthissituationcalledformoredeliberation.Hehadyettoestablishthemasteryhisvanitydemanded.Thereforehetookachair.
"Thisisce'tainlyanunexpectedhonor.Didy'usendformetoexplainsomemoreaboutthatsufficientunderstandingbetweenus?"hesneered.
Itwasagreatrelieftohertoseethat,thoughhehadbeendrinking,asshehadheard,hewasentirelymasterofhimself.HereffortsmightstillbedirectedtoPhilipsober.
"Isentforyoutocongratulateyou,"sheanswered,withasmile."YouareabiggermanthanIthought.Youhavedonewhatyousaidyouwoulddo,andIpresumeyoucanveryshortlygooutofmourning."
Heradiatedvanity,seemedtovisiblyexpand"Doy'ugoinwhenIgoout?"heaskedbrutally.
Shelaughedlightly."Hardly.ButitdoesseemasifI'munluckyinmyforemen.Theyallseemtohaveengagementsacrossthedivide."
"I'llgetyuanother."
"Thankyou.Iwasgoingtoaskasmuchofyou.Canyousuggestonenow?"
"I'marightgoodcattlemanmyself."
"And--canyoustaywithmeareasonabletime?"
Helaughed."IhavenoengagementsacrosstheStyx,ma'am."
"Myotherforementhoughttheywerepermanentfixtureshere,too."
"We'reallliabletomistakes."
"Evenyou,Isuppose."
"I'llsignaleasetogivey'upossessionofmyskillforaslongasy'ulike."
Shesettledherselfcomfortablybackinaneasychair,asalluringapictureofbuoyant,radiantyouthashehadseeninmanyaday."Buttheterms.IamafraidIcan'tofferyouasmuchasyoumakeatyourpresentoccupation."
"Icouldkeepthatupasaside-line."
"Soyoucould.Butifyouusemytimeforyourownprofit,yououghttopaymearoyaltyonyourintake."
Hiseyeslitwithlaughter."Ireckonthatcanbearranged.AnypercentageyouthinkfairItwillallbeinthefamily,anyway."
"Ithinkthatisoneofthethingsaboutwhichwedon'tagree,"shemadeanswersoftly,flashinghimtheproperlookofinvitingdisdainfromunderhersilkenlashes.
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Heleanedforward,elbowonthechair-armandchininhand."We'llagreeaboutitoneofthesedays."
"Thinkso?"shereturnedairily.
"Idon'tthink.Iknow."
Justaneyebeathergazemethis,withthathintofshyquestioning,ofpuzzleddoubtthatshowedagrowinginterest."Iwonder,"shemurmured,andrecoveredherselflittlelaugh.
Howshehatedhertask,andhim!Shewasasingularlyhonestwoman,butshemustplaythesiren;mustallurethisscoundreltoforgetfulness,withahurriedandyeteludetheveryfamiliarityhermannerinvited.Sheknewherpart,theheartlessenticingcoquette,compoundedhalfofpassionandhalfofselfishness.Itwasahatefulthingtodo,thissacrificeofherpersonalreticence,oftheindividualabstractioninwhichshewrappedherselfasacloak,inordertohintatapossibilityofsomeintimacyoffeelingbetweenthem.Sheshrankfromitwitharepugnancehardlytobeovercome,butsheheldherselfwithanironwillandconsummatearttotheroleshehadundertaken.Twoliveshungonhersuccess.Shemustnotforgetthat.Shewouldnotletherselfforgetthat--andoneofthemthatofthemansheloved.
So,bravelysheplayedherpart,repellingalwayswithahintofinvitation,denyingwiththepromiseinherfascinatedeyesofultimatesurrendertohisardor.Inthezestofthepursuittheminutesslippedawayunnoticed.Neverhadawomanseemedtohimmoresubtlyelusive,andneverhadhefeltmoresureofhimself.Hercharmgrewonhim,stirredhispulsestoafasterbeat.Foritwashisfavoritesport,andthiswarm,suppleyoungcreature,whowastobethevictimofhisbowandarrow,showedherselfworthyofhismettle.
Theclockdownstairsstruckthehalf-hour,andBannister,remindedofwhatlaybeforehimoutside,madeamovetogo.Heralerteyeshadbeenexpectingit,andsheforestalledhimbyachangeoftactics.Moved
apparentlybyimpulse,sheseatedherselfonthepiano-stool,sweptthekeysforaninstantwithherfingers,andplungedintothebrilliant"Carmen"overture.Susceptibleasthismanwastotheinfluenceofmusic,hecouldnotfailtobearrestedbysoperfectaninterpretationofhismood.Hestoodrooted,wascarriedbackagaininimaginationtoagreatartiste'srenderingofthatstoryoffiercepassionandachingdesiresobrilliantlyenactedunderthewhitesunbeatofacountryofcloudlessskies.Imperceptiblyshedriftedintootherpartsoftheopera.Wasitthewild,gypsyseductivenessofCarmenthathefelt,or,rather,thisAmericangirl'sallurement?From"Lovewilllikeabirdlingfly"sheslippedintotheexquisitelygracefulsnatchesofsongwithwhichCarmenanswerstheofficer'squestions.Theirrarebuoyancymarchedwithhismood,andfromthemshecarriedhimintothesong
"Overthehill,"thatissoperfectandromanticanexpressionofthewanderlust.
Howlongshecouldhaveheldhimshewillneverknow,foratthatinopportunetimecameblunderingoneofhismenintotheroomwithacallforhispresencetotakechargeofthesituationoutside.
"Whatdoy'uwant,Bostwick?"hedemanded,withcurtperemptoriness.
Themanwhisperedinhisear.
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"Can'twaitanylonger,can'tthey?"snappedhischief."Y'utellthemthey'llwaittillIgivetheword.Understand?"
Healmostflungthemanoutoftheroom,butHelennoticedthatshehadlosthim.Hisinterestwasperfunctory,and,thoughheremainedalittletimelonger,itwastoestablishhisauthoritywiththemenratherthantolistentoher.Twicehelookedathiswatchwithinfiveminutes.
Herosetogo."ThereisalittlepieceofbusinessIhavetoputthrough.SoI'llhavetoasky'utoexcuseme.Ihavehadadelightfulhour,andIhatetogo."Hesmiled,andquotedwithmocksentimentality:
"ThehoursIspentwiththee,dearheart,Areasastringofpearlstome;Icountthemover,everyoneapart,Myrosary!Myrosary!"
"Dearme!Onecertainlylivesandlearns.HowcouldIhaveguessedthat,withyourreputation,youcouldaffordtoindulgeinarosary?"shemocked.
"Goodnight."Heofferedhishand.
"Don'tgoyet,"shecoaxed.
Heshookhishead."Duty,y'uknow."
"Stayonlyalittlelonger.Justtenminutesmore."
Hisvanitypurred,sosoftlyshestrokedit."Can't.WishIcould.Y'uhearhownoisythingsaregetting.I'vegottotakecharge.So-long."
Shestoodclose,lookingupathimwithafaceofseductiveappeal.
"Don'tgoyet.Please!"
Thetriumphofvictorymountedtohishead."I'llcomebackwhenI'vedonewhatI'vegottodo."
"No,no.Stayalittlelongerjustalittle."
"Notaminute,sweetheart."
Hebenttokissher,andalittleclenchedfiststruckhisface.
"Don'tyoudare!"shecried.
Theoutragedwomaninher,curbedalleveningwithanironbit,escapedfromcontrol.Delightedlyhelaughed.Thehotspiritinherpleasedhimmightily.Hetookherlittlehandsandheldtheminoneofhiswhilehesmileddownather."Iguessthatkisswillkeep,mygirl,tillIcome
back."
"MyGod!Areyougoingtokillyourowncousin?"
Allherterror,allherdetestationandhatredofhim,lookedhaggardlyoutofherunmaskedface.Hisnarrowedeyessearchedherheart,andhiscountenancegreweverysecondmoresinister,
"Y'uhavebeenfoolingmeallevening,then?"
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"Yes,andhatingyoueveryminuteofthetime."
"Y'udared?"Hisfacewasblackwithrage.
"Youwouldliketokillme.Whydon'tyou?"
"BecauseIknowabetterrevenge.I'mgoingouttotakeitnow.Afteryourloverisdead,I'llcomebackandmakelovetoy'uagain,"hesneered.
"Never!"Shestoodbeforehimlikeaqueeninherlissom,brave,defiantyouth."Andasforyourcousin,youmaykillhim,butyoucan'tdestroyhiscontemptforyou.Hewilldiedespisingyouforacowardandascoundrel."
Itwastrue,andheknewit.Inhishearthecursedher,whilehevainlysoughtsomeweaponthatwouldstrikehomethroughherimperviousarmor.
"Y'ulovehim.I'llrememberthatwhenIseehimkick,"hetaunted.
"Imakeyouapresentoftheinformation.Ilovehim,andIdespiseyou.Nothingcanchangethosefacts,"sheretortedwhitely.
"Mebbe,butsomedayy'u'llcrawlonyourkneestobegmypardonfor
havingtoldmeso."
"Thereisyouroverweeningvanityagain,"shecommented.
"I'mgoingtobreaky'u,mybeauty,sothaty'u'llcomerunningwhenIsnapmyfingers."
"We'llsee."
"AndinthemeantimeI'llgohangyourlover."Hebowedironically,swungonhisjinglingheel,andstrodeoutoftheroom.
Shestoodtherelisteningtohisdyingfootfalls,thencoveredher
facewithherhands,asiftopressbackthedreadfulvisionhermindconjured.
CHAPTER19.WESTPOINTTOTHERESCUE
Itwasunderstoodthatthesheriffshouldmakeaperfunctorydefenseagainstthemobinorderto"square"himwiththevotersattheelectionsoontobeheld.Butthewordhadbeenquietlypassedthatthebulletsoftheprisonguardswouldbefiredovertheheadsoftheattackers.ThisassurancelentanaddedbraggadociototheDutchcourageofthelynchers.Manyofthemwhowouldotherwisehavehungbackdistinguished
themselvesbytheenthusiasmwhichtheydisplayed.
Bannisterhimselfgeneraledtheaffair,detailingsquadstobatterdowntheouterdoor,toguardeverysideoftheprison,andtooverpowerthesheriff'sguard.Thatofficial,accordingtoprogramme,appearedatawindowandmadealittlespeech,declaringhisintentionofperforminghisdutyatwhatevercost.Hewashooteddownwithjeersandlaughter,andimmediatelytheattackcommenced.
Theyellsoftheattackersmingledwiththesoundoftheaxe-blowsand
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thereportofrevolversfrominsidethebuilding.AmongthosenearesttothedoorbeingbattereddownwereDenverandthefewmenhehadwithhim.Hisplanofferedmerelyaforlornhope.Itwasthatinthefirstscrambletogetinafterthewaywasopenedheandhisfriendsmightpushupthestairsinthevan,andholdthecorridorforaslongastheycouldagainstthefuriousmob.
Ittooklessthanaquarterofanhourtobatterdownthedoor,andamongthefirstofthosewhosprangacrossthethresholdwereDenver,Missou,Friscoandtheirallies.Whileothersstoppedtooverpowerthestrugglingdeputiesaccordingtothearrangedfarce,theyhurriedupstairsanddiscoveredthecellinwhichtheirfriendswerefastened.
FriscopassedarevolverthroughthegratingtoMcWilliams,andanothertoBannister."Haven'tgotthekeys,soIcan'tlety'uout,oldhoss,"hetoldtheforeman."Butmebbey'uwon'tfeelsolonesomewiththeselittletoystoplaywith."
MeanwhileDenver,ayounggiantofseventy-sixinches,heldtheheadofthestairs,withfourstalwartplainsmenbackofhim.Therushofmanyfeetcameuppell-mell,andheflungtheleadersbackonthosebehind.
"Holdonthere.Thisisn'tafree-lunchcounter.Don'tyouseewe'recrowdedupherealready?"
"What'seatingyou?Whyfor,can'twecome?"growledoneoftheforemostnursinganinjurednose.
"I'vejustexplainedtoyou,son,thatit'scrowded.Folksareprevalentenoughuphererightnow.Sendupthatbunchofkeysandwe'llbringyourmeattoyoufastenough."
"What'sthat?What'sthat?"Theoutlawchiefpushedhiswaythroughthedensemobatthedoorandreachedthestairway.
"Hewon'tletusup,"growledoneofthem.
"Whowon't?"demandedBannistersharply,andatoncecameleapingupthestairs.
"Nothingdoing,"drawledFrisco,andtossedhimovertherailingontotheheadsofhisfollowersbelow.
TheycarriedBannisterintotheopenair,forhisheadhadstruckthenewel-postinhisdescent.Thisgavethedefenseafewminutesrespite.
"They'regoingtocomea-shootingnexttime,"remarkedDenver."Justassoonashecomesbackfrombye-lowlandyou'llseethingshum."
"Y'ubet,"agreedMissou."We'lllastaboutthreeminuteswhenthe
stampedebegins."
Thescreamofanenginepiercedthenight.
Denver'sfacelit."Makeitfiveminutes,Missou,andMacissafe.Atleast,I'mhopingsoawfulhard.MissHelenwiredforthemilitiafromSheridanthisnothing.Chancesarethey'reonthattrain.Icouldn'ttellyouearlierbecauseshemademepromisenotto.Shewasafraiditmightleakoutandgetthingsstartedsooner."
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Weakbutfurious,themiscreantfromtheShoshonesreturnedtotheattack."Breakinthebackdoorandsneakupbehindonthosefellows.We'llhavethemenwewantinsideoffifteenminutes,"hepromisedthemob.
"We'llrushthemfrombothsides,andshowthoseguysonthelandingwhethertheycanstopus,"addedBostwick.
Suddenlysomeoneraisedthecry,"Thesoldiers!"Bannisterlookedupthestreetandsworeaviciousoath.Swingingdowntheroadatdoubletimecameacompanyofmilitiainkhaki.Hewasmadwithbaffledfury,buthemadegoodhisretreatatonceanddisappearedpromptlyintothenearestdarkalley.
Themobscatteredbyuniversalimpulse;disintegratedsopromptlythatwithinfiveminutesthesoldiersheldthegroundalone,savefortheofficialsoftheprisonandDenver'slittleband.
AboyishlieutenantlatelyoutofthePoint,andjustcomeintoalieutenancyinthemilitia,wasincommand."Intime?"heaskedanxiously,forthiswashisfirstindependentexpedition.
"Y'ubet,"chuckledDenver."We'rerightgladtoseeyou,andI'llbetthoseboysinthecageain'tregrettingyourarrivalany.Fifteen
minuteslaterandyouwouldhavebeenintimetoholdthefuneralservices,Ireckon."
"WhereisMissMessiter?"askedtheyoungofficer.
"She'sattheElkHouse,colonel.Iexpectsomeofusbetterdriftoverthereandtellherit'sallright.She'sthegamestlittlewomanthatevercrossedtheWyomingline.Hadn'tbeenforhertheseboyswouldhavebeenacrossthedividehoursago.She'saplumbthoroughbred.Wouldn'tgiveupaninch.Alldayshehasgeneraledthisthing;playedamightyweakhandforaheapmorethanitwasworth.Sand?Seh:she'sgritclearthrough,ifanybodyasksyou."AndDenvertoldthestoryoftheday,makingmuchofherunflinchingcourageandnothingofhermen's
readinesstobackwhateverstepsshedecidedupon.
Itwastenminutespastelevenwhenasmoothyoung,apple-cheekedladinkhakipresentedhimselfbeforeHelenMessiterwithabowneverinventedoutsideofWestPoint.
"IamLieutenantBeecher.GovernorRaleighpresentshiscomplimentsbyme,MissMessiter,andisverygladtobeabletoputatyourservicesuchforcesasareneededtoquietthetown."
"Youwereintime?"shebreathed.
"Withaboutfiveminutestospare.Iamhavingtheprisonersbrought
hereforthenightifyoudonotobject.InthemorningIshallinvestigatetheaffair,andtakesuchstepsasarenecessary.Inthemeantimeyoumayrestassuredthattherewillbenofurtherdisturbance."
"ThankyouIamsurethatwithyouincommandeverythingwillnowbeallright,andIamquiteofyouropinionthattheprisonershadbetterstayhereforthenight.Oneofthemiswounded,andoughttobegiventhebestattention.But,ofcourse,youwillseetothat,lieutenant."
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Theyoungmanblushed.Thiswastherightkindofappreciation.HewishedhisoldclassmatesatthePointcouldhearhowimplicitlythissweetgirlreliedonhim.
"Certainly.Andnow,MissMessiter,ifthereisnothingyouwish,Ishallretireforthenight.Youmaysleepwithperfectconfidence."
"IamsureImay,lieutenant."Shegavehimabroadsideoftrustingeyesfullofadmiration."Butperhapsyouwouldlikemetoseemyforemanfirst,justtorelievemymind.And,asyouwereabouttosay,hisfriendmightbebroughtin,too,sincetheyaretogether."
Theyoungmanpromptlyassented,thoughhehadnotbeenawarethathewasabouttosayanythingofthekind.
Theycameintogether,BannistersupportedbyMcWilliams'sarm.Theeyesofbothmistressandmaidbrimmedoverwithtearswhentheysawthem.Helendraggedforwardachairforthesheepman,andhesankintoit.Fromitsdepthshelookedupwithhisrare,sweetsmile.
"I'veheardaboutit,"hetoldher,inalowvoice."I'veheardhowy'ufoughtformylifeallday.There'snothingIcansay.Iowedy'ueverythingalreadytwice,andnowIoweitalloveragain.GivemealifetimeandIcouldn'tgeteven."
Helen'sswiftglancesweptoverNoraandtheforeman.Theywereinadarkalcove,obliviousofanybodyelse.Alsotheywereineachother'sarmsfrankly.ForsomereasonwineflowedintothecreamofHelen'scheeks.
"Doyouhaveto'geteven'?Amongfriendsisthatnecessary?"sheaskedshyly.
"Ihopenot.Ifitis,I'msurebankruptEvenmythanksseemtostayathome.Ify'uhadn'tdonesomuchforme,perhapsIcouldtelly'uhowmuchy'uhaddoneButIhavenowordstosayit."
"Thendon't,"sheadvised.
"Y'u'rethebestfriendamaneverhad.That'sallIcansay."
"It'senough,sinceyoumeanit,eventhoughitisn'ttrue,"sheansweredgently.
Theireyesmet,fastenedforaninstant,andbycommonconsentlookedaway.
Asitchancedtheywereclosetothewindow,theirshadowsreflectedontheblind.Aman,slippingpastinthestreetonhorseback,stoppedatsightofthatlightedwindow,withthemovingshadows,inan
uncontrollablewhitefury.Heslidfromthesaddle,threwthereinsoverthehorse'sheadtotheground,andslippedhisrevolverfromitsholsterandbacktomakesurethathecoulddrawiteasily.Thenhepassedspringilyacrosstheroadtothehotelandupthestairs.Hetrodlightly,stealthily,andbyhisverywarinessdefeatedhispurposeofeludingobservation.Forapairofkeeneyesfromthehotelofficeglimpsedthefigurestealingpastsonoiselessly,andpromptlyfollowedupthestairway.
"HopeIdon'tintrudeatthishappyfamilygathering."
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Helen,whohadbeenpouringaglassofcordialforthespentandwoundedsheepman,puttheglassdownonthetableandturnedatsoundofthesilken,sinistervoice.Afteroneglanceatthevindictiveface,fromthecoldeyesofwhichhateseemedtosmolder,shetookaninstinctivesteptowardherlover.Thecoldwavethatdrenchedherheartaccompaniedanassurancethatthemaninthedoorwaymeanttrouble.
Hissleeksmilearrestedher.Hewasstandingwithhisfeetapart,hishandsclaspedlightlybehindhisback,asnattyandaswellgroomedaswashiswont.
"Ah,makethemostofwhatyeyetmayspend,Beforeye,too,intotheDustdescend;DustintoDust,andunderDusttolie,SansWine,sansSong,sansSinger,and--sansEnd!"
hemisquoted,withasneer;andimmediatelyinterruptedhisironytogivewaytooneofhissuddenblindrages.
Withincredibleswiftnesshisrighthandmovedforwardandup,catchingrevolverfromscabbardasitrose.Butbyafractionofasecondhispurposehadbeenanticipated.Aclosedfistshotforwardtothesalientjawintimetoflingthebulletsintotheceiling.Anarmencircledtheoutlaw'sneck,andflunghimbackwarddownthestairs.Therailingbroke
hisfall,andonithisbodysliddownward,theweaponfallingfromhishand.Hepulledhimselftogetheratthefootofthestairs,crouchedforanupwardrush,butchangedhismindinstantly.Theyoungofficerwhohadflunghimdownhadhimcoveredwithhisownsix-shooter.Hecouldhearfootstepsrunningtowardhim,andheknewthatinafewsecondshewouldbeinthehandsofthesoldiers.Plungingoutofthedoorway,thedesperadovaultedtothesaddleanddrovehisspurshome.Foraminutehoofspoundedonthehard,whiteroad.Thenthenightswallowedhimandtheechoofhisdisappearance.
"ThatwasBannisteroftheShoshonesandtheTetons,"thegirl'swhitelipspronouncedtoLieutenantBeecher.
"AndIlethimgetawayfromme,"thedisappointedladgroaned."Why,Ihadhimrightinmyhands.Icouldhavethrottledhimaseasy.ButhowwasItoknowhewouldhavenerveenoughtocomerushingintoahotelfullofsoldiershuntinghim?"
"Y'uhaveaverypersistentcousin,Mr.Bannister,"saidMcWilliams,comingforwardfromthealcovewithshiningeyes."AndImustsayhe'sgame.Didy'ueverhearthelike?Comebuttinginhereascoolasifhehadn'tathingtodobutsingoutorderslikehewasinhisownhome.Hewasthateasy."
"ItseemstomethatalittleofthepraiseisdueLieutenantBeecher.Ifhehadn'tdealtsocompetentlywiththesituationmurderwouldhave
beendone.DidyoulearnyourboxingattheAcademy,Lieutenant?"Helenasked,tryingtotreatthesituationlightlyinspiteofherhammeringheart.
"Iwasthechampionmiddleweightofourclass,"Beechercouldnothelpsayingboyishly,withanotherofhisblushes.
"Icaneasilybelieveit,"returnedHelen.
"Iwishy'uwouldteachmehowtodoubleupamansopromptand
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immediate,"saidtheadmiringforeman.
"IexpectI'munderparticularobligationstothatstraightrighttothechin,Lieutenant,"chimedinthesheepman."ThefactisthatIdon'tseemtobeabletogetoutanythingexceptthanksthesedays.Ioughttosendmycousinaletterthankinghimforgivingmeachancetoowesomuchkindnesstosomanypeople."
"Yourcousin?"repeatedtheuncomprehendingofficer.
"Thisdesperado,Bannister,ismycousin,"answeredthesheepmangravely.
"Butifhewasyourcousin,whyshouldhewant--tokillyou?"
"That'salongstory,Lieutenant.Willy'uhearitnow?"
"Ifyoufeelstrongenoughtotellit."
"Oh,I'mstrongenough."HeglancedatHelen."PerhapswehadbetternottireMissMessiterwithit.Ify'u'llcometomyroom--"
"Ishouldlike,aboveallthings,tohearitagain,"interruptedthatyoungwomanpromptly.
Forthemanshelovedhadjustcomebacktoherfromthebrinkofthegraveandshewasstillreluctanttolethimoutofhersight.
SoNedBannistertoldhisstoryoncemore,andoutofthealcovecamethehappyforemanandNoratolistentothetale.Whilehetoldithissweetheart'scontentedeyeswereonhim.Theexcitementofthenightburntpleasantlyinherveins,foroutofthenettledangershehadpluckedsafetyforhersheepman.
CHAPTER20.TWOCASESOFDISCIPLINE
TheFourthofJulycelebrationatGimletButtehadbeenathingofthepastforfourdaysandtheLazyDhadfallenbackintotheroutineofranchlife.TheriderswerediscussingsupperandthecontinuedabsenceofReddywhenthatyoungmandrewbacktheflapandjoinedthem.
Hestoodnearthedoorwayandgrinnedwithembarrassedguiltattheassembledcompany.
"IreckonIgottoomuchFourthofJulyatGimletButte,boys.That'showcomeItobeonpunctualgettingback."
Therewasalongsilence,duringwhichthoseatthetablelookedathim
withanexpressionlessgravitythatdidnotseemtoveilanundulywarmwelcome.
"Hello,Mac!Hello,boys!Ijustgotback,"hefurthercontributed.
WithoutcommenttheLazyDresumedsupper.ApparentlyithadnotmissedReddyornoticedhisreturn.Casualconversationwaspickedupcheerfully.Thereturnoftheprodigalwasquiteignored.
"Thenthatblamedcowgitsitsbackupandmakesabee-lineforRogers.
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Theoldmanhikesforhisponyand--"
"Seemsgoodtogitmylegsundertheoldtableagain,"interruptedReddywithcheerfulunease.
"--losesbyabouthalfasecond,"continuedMissou."IfDochadn'tropeditshindlaig--"
"Havesomecigars,boys.Ibroughtaboxbackwithme."Reddytossedahandfulonthetable,wheretheycontinuedtolieunnoticed.
"--there'snotellingwhatwouldhavehappened.As'twastheoldmangotoffwitha--"
"Y'ubet,they'regoodcigarsallright,"brokeinthepropitiatoryReddy.
Theinterruptedanecdotewentontoafinishandthementroopedoutandlefttheprodigalalonewithhishash.WhenthatyoungmanreachedthebunkhouseFriscowasindulginginareminiscence.Reddygotonlythelastofit,butthatdidnotcontributetohisserenity.
"Yep!WhenIwasworkingontheSilverDollar.Musta-beenthreeyearsago,Ireckon,whenJerryMillergotthatchapping."
"ThrewdowntheoutfitinarowtheyhadwiththeLaffertycrowd,didn'the?"askedDenver.
Frisconodded.
Macgotup,glancedround,andreachedforhishat."IreckonI'llhavetobegoing,"hesaid,andforthrightdeparted.
ReddyreachedforHIShatandrose."IgottogoandhaveatalkwithMac,"heexplained.
Denvergottothedoorfirstandhisbigframefilledit.
"Don'thurry,Reddy.Itain'tpolitetorushawayrightafterdinner.Besides,Macwillbehereallday.Heain'tstartingforNewYork."
"Y'u'regittin'blamedparticular.Machewentrightout."
"ButMacdidn'thaveamostparticularengagementwiththeboys.There'sadifference."
"Why,Iain'tgot--"Reddypausedandlookedaroundhelplessly.
"Gents,Imovey'uthatitbethehorsesenseoftheLazyDthatourfriendMr.ReddyReevesbegivengratisonechappingimmediatelyifnot
sooner.Thereasonforwhichsamebeingthatheplayedalowdowntrickontheoutfitwhosebreadhewaseating."
"Oh,quityourfoolin',boys,"besoughtthevictimanxiously.
"AndthatDenver,beingsomeable-bodiedandhavingagoodreach,berequestedtodeliversametothegentneedingit,"concludedMissou.
Reddybackedinalarmtothewall."Y'uboysdon'twanttogetgaywithme.Y'ucan'tmonkeywith--"
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Motioncarriedunanimously.
JustasReddywhippedouthisrevolverDenver'slonglegshotoutandhisfootcaughtthewristbehindtheweapon.WhenReddynexttookcognizanceofhissurroundingshewasservingasamattressfortheanatomyofthreestalwartriders.Hewasgentlydepositedfacedownonhisbunkwithaone-hundred-eighty-poundlivepegattheendofeacharmandleg.
"Allready,Denver,"announcedFriscofromtheendoftheleftfoot.
Denverselectedapairofplainleatherchapswithcareandproceededtobusiness.Whathehadtodohedidwithenergy.Itissafetosaythatatleastoneofthosepresentcanstillvividlyrememberthisandtestifytohisthoroughness.
Macdriftedinafterthedisciplining.Asforemanitwasfittingthatheshouldbediscreetlyignorantofwhathadoccurred,buthecouldnothelpsaying:
"Thaty'uIheardsinging,Reddy?Seemstomey'uhadoughttotakethatvoiceintograndopera.Thewayy'ustraddlethemhighnotesisacautionforfair.Whatwasity'uwassinging?Soundedlike'WouldI
werefarfromhere,love.'"
"Y'ugotohell,"chokedReddy,rushingpasthimfromthebunkhouse.
McWilliamslookedroundinnocently."Ijudgesomeofy'uboysmusta-beenteasingReddyfromhismanner.Seemedlikehedidn'twanttositdownandtalk."
"Ishouldn'twonderbuthe'llholdhisconversationsstandingforadayortwo,"returnedMissougravely.
AttheendofthelaughthatgreetedthisMacreplied:
"Well,y'uboyswanttobegentlewithhim.""He'ssoplumbtendernowthatIreckonhe'llgetalongwithoutanymoretreatmentinthatlinefromus,"drawledFrisco.
Macdepartedlaughing.Hehadanengagementthatrecurreddailyintheduskoftheevening,andhewasalwayscarefultobeontime.TheotherpartytotheengagementmethimatthekitchendoorandfellwithhimintothetrailthatledtoLeeMing'slaundry.
"Whatmadeyoulate?"sheasked.
"I'mnotlate,honey.Iseemlatebecauseyou'resoanxious,"heexplained.
"I'mnot,"protestedNoraindignantly."Ifyouthinkyou'retheonlymanontheplace,JimMcWilliams."
"Sho!Holdyourhawssesaminute,Nora,darling.Aspinsterlikey'u--"
"Youthinkyou'reawfulfunny--writinginmyautographalbumthataspinster'sbestfriendisherpowderbox.IlikeMr.Halliday'swaysbetter.He'saperfectgentleman."
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"Iain'tgotawordtosayagainstDenver,evenifhedidwriteinyourbook,
"'Sugarissweet,Theskyisblue,GrassisgreenAndsoareyou.'
Ireckon,beingaperfectgentleman,hemeant--"
"YouknowverywellyouwrotethatinyourselfandpretendeditwasMr.Halliday,signinghisnameandeverything.Itwasn'tabitniceofyou."
"NowdoIlooklikeaforger?"hewantedtoknowwithinnocenceonhischerubicface.
"Anywayyouknowitwasmean.Mr.Hallidaywouldn'tdosuchathing.Youtakeyourarmdownandkeepitwhereitbelongs,Mr.McWilliams."
"Thatain'tmyname,Nora,darling,andI'dliketoknowwheremyarmbelongsifitisn'troundtheprettiestgirlinWyoming.What'stheuseofbeingengagedif--"
"I'mnotsureI'mgoingtostayengagedtoyou,"announcedtheyoung
womancoolly,walkingattheoppositeedgeofthepathfromhim.
"Nowthatain'tanywaytotalk."
"Youneedn'tlectureme.I'mnotyourwifeandIdon'tthinkI'mgoingtobe,"cutinNora,whosetemperwasruffledonaccountofhavinghadtowaitforhimaswellasforotherreasons.
"Y'usurelywouldn'tmakemesuey'uforbreachofpromise,wouldy'u?"hedemanded,withaburlesqueofanxietythatwasthefinalstraw.
Noraturnedonherheelandheadedforthehouse.
"Nowdon'ty'ugetmadatme,honey.Iwasonlyjoking,"heexplainedashepursuedher.
"Youthinkyoucanlaughatmeallyouplease.I'llshowyouthatyoucan't,"sheinformedhimicily.
"Sho!Iwasn'tlaughingaty'u.Whattickledme--"
"I'mnotinterestedinyouramusement,Mr.McWilliams."
"What'stheuseofflyingoutaboutalittlethinglikethat?Honest,Idon'tevenknowwhatyou'remadatmefor,"theperplexedforemanaverred.
"I'mnotmadatyou,asyoucallit.I'msimplydisgusted."
Andwithafinal"Goodnight"flunghaughtilyoverhershoulderMissNoraDarlingdisappearedintothehouse.
Mactookoffhishatandgazedatthedoorthathadbeenclosedinhisface.Hescratchedhispuzzledpollinvain.
"Ice'tainlygotminegoodandstraightjustlikeReddygothis.But
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whatintimewasitallabout?Andmethinkin'Iwasagraduateinthestudyoftheladies.IreckonIneverdidgetjarredupso.It'splumbdiscouraging."
IfhecouldhavecaughtaglimpseofNoraatthatmoment,lyingonherbedandcryingasifherheartwouldbreak,Macmighthavefoundthesituationlesshopeless.
CHAPTER21.THESIGNALLIGHTS
Inalittlehill-riftaboutamilebackoftheLazyDRanchwasadesertedminer'scabin.
Thehutsatontheedgeofabluffthatcommandedaviewofthebuildingsbelow,whileatthesametimethepinesthatsurroundeditscreenedtheshackfromanycasualobservation.Athincurlofsmokewasrisingfromthemudchimney,andinsidethecabintwomenloungedbeforetheopenfire.
"It'shismove,andheisgoingtomakeitsoon.EverynightIlookforhimtodropdownontheranch.Hishate'skindofvolcanic,Mr.NedBannister'sis,andit'sboundtobubbleovermightysuddenoneofthese
days,"saidtheyoungerofthetwo,risingandstretchinghimself.
"Itdidbubbleoversomewhenhedrovetwothousandofmysheepoverthebluffandkilledthewholeoutfit,"suggestedthenamesakeofthemanmentioned.
"Yes,Ireckonthat'ssomeirritating,"agreedMcWilliams."ButifIknowhim,heisn'tgoingtobecontentwithsheepsolongashecantakeitoutofarealliveman."
"Orwoman,"suggestedthesheepman.
"Orwoman,"agreedtheother."Especiallywhenhethinkshecancuty'u
deeperbystrikingather.Ifhedoesn'traidtheLazyDoneofthesenights,I'mablamedpoorprophet."
Bannisternoddedagreement."He'sneartheendofhisrope.Hecouldseethatifhewereblind.WhenwecapturedBostwickandtheygotaconfessionoutofhim,thatstartedthelandslideagainsthim.Itbegantobenoisedabroadthatthegovernmentwasgoingtowipehimout.Folksbegantolosetheirterrorofhim,andafterthathiswholeoutfitbegantowanttoturnState'sevidence.Heisn'tsureofoneofthemnow;can'ttellwhenhewillbeshotinthebackbyoneofhisownscoundrelsforthattwothousanddollarsreward."
Theforemanstrollednegligentlytothedoor.Hiseyesdrifted
indolentlydownintothevalley,andimmediatelysparkledwithexcitement.
"Thesignal'sout,Bann,"heexclaimed."It'sinyourwindow."
Thesheepmanleapedtohisfeetandstrodetothedoor.Downinthevalleyalightwasgleaminginawindow.Evenwhilehelookedanotherlightappearedinasecondwindow.
"Shewantsusboth,"criedtheforeman,runningtothelittlecorral
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backofthehouse.
Hepresentlyreappearedwithtwohorses,bothsaddled,andtheytookthedownwardtrailatonce.
"IfMissHelencankeephiminplaytillwearrive,"murmuredMacanxiously.
"Shecanifhegivesherachance,andIthinkhewill.There'sakindofcatinstinctinhimtoplaywithhisprey."
"Yes,buthemissedhiskilllasttimebylettingherfoolhim.That'swhatI'mafraidof'thathewon'twait."
Theyhadreachedlowergroundnow,andcouldputtheirponiesatapoundinggallopthatateupthetrailfast.Astheyapproachedthehouses,bothmendrewreinandlookedcarefullytotheirweapons.Thentheyslidfromthesaddlesandslippednoiselesslyforward.
Whattheforemanhadsaidwasexactlytrue.HelenMessiterdidwantthemboth,andshewantedthemverymuchindeed.
AftersuppershehadbeendreamilyplayingovertoherselfoneofChopin'swaltzes,whenshebecameaware,bysomeinstinct,thatshewas
notaloneintheroom.Therehadbeennoleastsound,noslighteststirtobetrayanalienpresence.Yetthatsomeonewasintheroomsheknew,andbysomesubtlesixthsensecouldevenputanametotheintruder.
Withoutturningshecalledoverhershoulder:"ShallIfinishthewaltz?"Nofaintesttremorintheclear,sweetvoicebetrayedtheracingheart.
"Y'u'reacoolhand,myfriend,"camehisreadyanswer."ButIthinkwe'lldispensewiththemusic.Ihadenoughlasttimetoservemefortwice."
Shelaughedassheswungonthestool,withthatmusicalscornwhich
bothalluredandmaddened."Ididratherdoyouthattime,"sheallowed.
"Thisisthereturnmatch.Youwonthen.Iwinnow,"hetoldher,withalookthatchilled.
"Indeed!Butisn'tthatratherdiscountingthefuture?"
"Onlytheimmediatefuture.Y'u'remine,mybeauty,andImeantotakey'uwithme."
Justadisdainfulsweepofhereyesshegavehimassherosefromthepiano-stoolandrearrangedthelamps."Youmeansomuchthatnevercomestopass,Mr.Bannister.Theroadtothenetherregionsispavedwith
goodintentions,wearegiventounderstand.Notthatyourscanbyanystretchofimaginationbecalled'goodintentions.'"
"Contrariwise,then,perhapstheroadtoheavenmaybepavedwithevilintentions.Sincey'utraveltheroadwithme,whereveritmaylead,itwerebutgallanttohopeso."
Hetookthreesharpstepstowardherandstoodlookingdowninherface,hersweetslendernesssoclosetohimthattheperfumemountedtohisbrain.Surelynomaidenhadeverbeenmoredesirablethanthisone,who
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heldhiminsuchcontemptuousestimationthatonlyhersteadyeyesmovedathisapproach.Theseheldtohisanddefiedhim,whileshestoodleaningmotionlessagainstthetablewithsuchstrongandsupplegrace.Sheknewwhathemeanttodo,hatedhimforit,andwouldnotgivehimthesatisfactionofflyinganinchfromhimorstrugglingwithhim.
"Youreyesarepoolsofsplendor.That'sright.Makethemflashfire.Ilovetoseesuchspirit,sinceitoffersamoreenticingpleasureinbreaking,"hetoldher,withanadmirationhalfironicbutwhollygenuine."Poolsofsplendor,mybeauty!ThereforeIsalutethem."
Atthetouchofhislipsuponhereyelidsashiverranthroughher,butstillshemadenomovement,wascoldtohimasmarble."Youcoward!"shesaidsoftly,withaninfinitecontempt.
"Yourlips,"hecontinuedtocatalogue,"areripeasfreshfleshofSouthernfruit.Nocupideverpossessedsoadorableamouth.AworshiperofErosI,asnowIprove."
Thistimeitwasthemouthhekissed,thewhileherunconqueredspiritlookedoutofthebraveeyes,andfainwouldhavemurderedhim.Inturnhekissedhercoldcheeks,thetipofoneofherlittleears,thesmall,clenchedfistwithwhichshelongedtostrikehim.
"Areyouquitethrough?"
"Forthepresent,andnow,havingputthesealofmyownershiponhermoreobviouscharms,I'lltakemybridehome."
"Iwoulddiefirst."
"Nay,you'lldielater,MadamBannister,butnotformanyyears,Ihope,"hetoldher,withatheatricalbow.
"Doyouthinkmesoweakathingasyourwordsimply?"
"Rathersostrongthatthegloryofovercomingy'ufillsmewithjoy.
Believeme,madam,thoughyourmasterIamnotlessyourslave,"hemocked.
"Youareneithermymasternormyslave,butathingIdetest,"shesaid,inalowvoicethatcarriedextraordinaryintensity.
"Andobey,"headded,suavely."Come,madam,tohorse,forourhoneymoon."
"ItellyouIshallnotgo."
"Then,infaith,we'llre-enactamoderneditionof'TheTamingoftheShrew.'Y'u'llfindme,sweet,asaptatthepartasoldPetruchio."He
pacedcomplacentlyuptheroomandback,andquotedglibly:
"AndthusI'llcurbhermadandheadstronghumor.Hethatknowsbetterhowtotameashrew,Nowlethim,speak;'tischaritytoshow."
"Wouldyoutakemeagainstmywill?"
"Y'uhavesaidit.What'syourwilltome?WhatIwantItake.AndIsurewantmybeautifulshrew."Hishalf-shutteredeyesgloatedonherasherattledoffacouplemorelinesfromtheplayhehadmentioned.
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"Kate,likethehazel-twig,Isstraightandslender,andasbrowninhueAshazel-nuts,andsweeterthanthekernels."
Sheletaswiftglancetravelanxiouslytothedoor."Youareinaverypoeticalmoodto-day."
"Asbefitsabridegroom,myown."Hesteppedlightlytothewindowandtappedtwiceonthepane."Asignaltobringthehorsesround.Ify'uhaveanypreparationstomake,anytrousseautoprepare,y'ubettersetthatgirlofyourstowork."
"Ihavenopreparationstomake."
"Comingtomesimplyasy'uare?Good!We'llleadthesimplelife."
Nora,asitchanced,knockedandenteredathismoment.Thesightofhervividgoodlookstruckhimforthefirsttime.Atsightofhimshestopped,gazingwithpartedlips,adoublerowofpearlsshiningthrough.
Heturnedswiftlytothemistress."Y'uoughtnottobealonethereamongsomanymen.Itwouldn'tbeproper.We'lltakethegirlalongwithus."
"Where?"Nora'spartedlipsemitted.
"ToArden,mydear."Heinterruptedhimselftolookathiswatch."Iwonderwhythatfellowdoesn'tcomewiththehorses.Theyshouldpassthiswindow."
Bannister,standingjauntilywithhisfeetastrideashelookedoutofthewindow,heardsomeoneentertheroom."Didy'ubringroundthehorses?"hesnapped,withoutlookinground.
"NO,WEALLOWEDTHEYWOULDN'TBENEEDED."
Atsoundoftheslowdrawltheoutlawwheeledlikeaflash,hishandtravelingtothehiltoftherevolverthathungonhiship.Buthewastoolate.Alreadytworevolverscoveredhim,andheknewthatbothhiscousinandMcWilliamsweredeadshots.Heflashedonevenomouslookatthemistressoftheranch.
"Y'ufooledmeagain.Thatlampbusinesswasasignal,andIwastoothick-haidedtoseeit.Mycomplimentstoy'u,MissMessiter."
"Y'uareunderarrest,"announcedhiscousin.
"Y'udon'tsay."Hisvoicewasfullofsarcasticadmiration."Andyoudoneitwithyourlittlegun!My,whatawondery'uare!"
"Takeyourhandfromthebuttofthatgun.Y'ubetterrelievehimofit,Mac.He'sgotsucharestlessdispositionhemightcommitsuicidebyreachingforit."
"Whatdoy'uthinkyou'regoingtodowithmenowy'uhavegotme,CousinNed?"
"We'regoingtoturny'uovertotheUnitedStatesGovernment."
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"Guessagain.Ihaveathing,ortwotosaytothat."
"You'regoingtoGimletButtewithus,aliveordead."
Theoutlawintentionallymisunderstood."IfI'vegottotakey'u,thenwe'llsayy'ugodeadratherthanalive."
"HewasgoingtotakeNoraandmewithhim,"Helenexplainedtoherfriends.
Instantlythemanswungroundonher."ButnowI'vechangedmymind,ma'am.I'mgoingtotakemycousinwithmeinsteadofy'uladies."
Helencaughthismeaningfirst,andflasheditwhitelytoherlover.Itdawnedonhimmoreslowly.
"Iseey'uremember,MissMessiter,"hecontinued,withacruel,silkenlaugh."HegavemehisparoletogowithmewheneverIsaidtheword.I'msayingitnow."Hesatdownastrideachair,puthischinonthebackcross-bar,andgrinnedmalevolentlyfromonetoanother.
"What'scomeoverthishappyfamily?Itdon'tlooksojoyousallofasudden.Y'udon'tneedtoworry,ma'am,I'llsendhimbacktoy'uallright--aliveordead.Withhisshieldoronit,y'uknow.Ha!ha!"
"Youwillnotgowithhim?"ItwaswrungfromHelenasalowcry,andstruckherlover'sheart.
"Imust,"heanswered."Igavehimmyword,y'uremember."
"Butwhykeepit?Youknowwhatheis,howabsolutelydevoidofhonor."
"Thatisnotquitethequestion,isit?"hesmiled.
"Wouldhekeephiswordtoyou?"
"Notifaliewoulddoaswell.Butthatisn'tthepoint,either."
"It'squixotic--foolish--worsethanthat--ridiculous,"sheimplored.
"Perhaps,butthefactremainsthatIampledged."
"'Icouldnotlovethee,dear,somuchLovedInothonormore,'"
murmuredthevillaininthechair,apparentlytotheceiling."DearNed,healwayswasthesoulofhonor.I'llhavethoselinescarvedonhistombstone."
"Yousee!Heisalreadybraggingthathemeanstokillyou,"saidthe
girl.
"Ishallgoarmed,"thesheepmananswered.
"Yes,buthewilltakeyouintothemountainfastnesses,wherethementhatservehimwilldohisbidding.Whatisonemanamongsomany?"
"Twomen,ma'am,"correctedtheforeman.
"What'sthat?"Theoutlawbrokeoffthesnatchofoperahewassinging
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toslewhisheadroundatMcWilliams.
"Isaidtwo.Anyobjections,seh?"
"Yes.Thatwasn'tinthecontract."
"We'regivingy'usurplusage,that'sall.Y'uwantedoneofus,andy'ugettwo.Wedon'tchargeanythingfortheextraweight,"grinnedMac.
"Oh,Mac,willyougowithhim?"criedHelen,withshiningeyes.
"Thosearemypresentintentions,MissHelen,"laughedherforeman.
WhereatNoraemergedfromthebackgroundandflungherselfonhim."Y'ucan'tgo,Jim!Iwon'thaveyougo!"shecried.
Theyoungmanblushedabeautifulpink,andacceptedgladlythisovertevidenceofareconciliation."It'sallright,honey.Don'ty'uthinktwobig,grown-upmenaregoodtohandlethatscalawag?Sho!Don'ty'uworry."
"MissNoracancome,too,ifshelikes,"suggestedheoftheShoshones."Lookslikewewouldhavequiteaparty.Won'ty'ujoinus,too,MissMessiter,accordingtotheoriginalplan?"hesaid,extendingan
ironicalinvitation.
"Ithinkwehadbettercutitdowntomealone.We'llnotburdenyourhospitality,sir,"saidthesheepman.
"No,sir,I'minonthis.Whyforcan'tIgo?"demandedJim.
Bannister,theoutlaw,eyedhimunpleasantly."Y'ucertainlycansofarasIamconcerned.Iowey'uone,too,Mr.McWilliams.Onlyify'ucomeofyourownfreewill,asy'uaresurelywelcometodo,don'thollerify'u'renotsowelcometoleavewhenevery'utakeanotion."
"I'lltryandlookoutforthat.It'ssettled,then,thatweride
together.Whendoy'uwanttostart?"
"Wecan'tgoanysoonerthanrightnow.Ihatetotaketheseyoungmenfromy'u,lady,but,asIsaid,I'llsendthembackingoodshape.Adios,senorita.Don'tforgettowhomy'ubelong."Heswaggeredtothedoorandturned,leaningagainstthejambwithonehandagainit."Iexpecty'ucansaythoselovey-dovgood-byeswithoutmyhelp.I'mgoingintotheyard.Ify'uwanttoy'ucanplugmeinthebackthroughthewindow,"hesuggested,withasneer.
"Asy'uwouldusundersimilarcircumstances,"retortedhiscousin.
"Bewithy'uinfiveminutes,"saidtheforeman.
"Don'thurry.It'salonggood-byey'u'resaying,"returnedhisenemyplacidly.
Noraandtheyoungmanwhobelongedtoherfollowedhimfromtheroom,leavingBannisterandhishostessalone.
"ShallIeverseeyouagain?"Helenmurmured.
"Ithinkso,"thesheepmananswered."Thetruthisthatthisopportunity
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fallspat.Jimandhavebeenwantingtomeetthosemenwhoareundermycousin'sinfluenceandhaveatalkwiththem.Thereisnoquestionbutthatthegangisdisintegrating,andIbelievethatifweoffertomediatebetweenitsmembersandtheGovernmentsomethingmightbedonetostoptheoutragesthathavebeenterrorizingthiscountry.Mycousincan'tbereached,butIbelievetherestofthem,or,atleastapart,canbeinducedeithertosurrenderortofleethecountry.Anyhow,wewanttotryit."
"Butthedanger?"shebreathed.
"Islessthany'uthink.Theirleaderhasnotanywherenearlytheabsolutepowerhehadafewmonthsago.Theywouldhardlydaredoviolencetoapeaceenvoy."
"Yourcousinwould.Idon'tbelievehehasanyscruples."
"Weshallkeepaneyeonhim.Bothofuswillnotsleepatthesametime.Y'umaydependonmetobringyourforemansafelybacktoy'u,"hesmiled.
"Oh,myforeman!"
"Andyourforeman'sfriend,"headded."Ihavethebestofreasonsfor
wantingtoreturnalive.Ithinky'uknowthem.Theyhavetodowithy'u,MissHelen."
Ithadcomeatlast,but,womanlike,sheevadedtheissueherhearthadsought."Yes,Iknow.YouthinkitwouldnotbefairtothrowawayyourlifeinthisfoolishmannerafterIhavesaveditforyou--howmanytimeswasityousaid?"Theblueeyesliftedwithdeceptivefranknesstothegrayones.
"No,thatisn'tmyreason.Ihaveabetteronethanthat.Ilovey'u,girl,morethananythinginthisworld."
"Andsoyoutrytoproveittomebyrunningintoatrapsetforyouto
takeyourlife.That'saselfishkindoflove,isn'tit?OritwouldbeifIlovedyou."
"Doy'uloveme,Helen?"
"WhyshouldItellyou,sinceyoudon'tlovemeenoughtogiveupthisquixoticmadness?"
"Don'ty'usee,dear,Ican'tgiveitup?"
"Iseeyouwon't.Youcaremoreforyourpridethanforme."
"No,itisn'tthat.I'vegottogo.Itisn'tthatIwanttoleavey'u,
Godknows.ButI'vegivenmyword,andImustkeepit.Doy'uwantmetobeaquitter,andy'usogameyourself?Doy'uwantittogoalloverthiscattlecountrythatIgavemywordandtookitbackbecauseIlostmynerve?"
"Theboythattakesadareisn'tahero,ishe!There'sahighercouragethatrefusestobedrawnintosuchfoolishness,thatdoesn'tgivewaytothejeersoftheemptyheaded."
"Idon'tthinkthatisaparallelcase.I'msorry,wecan'tseethis
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alike,butI'vegottogoaheadthewaythatseemstomeright."
"You'regoingtoleaveme,then,togowiththatman?"
"Yes,ifthat'sthewayy'uhavetoputit."Helookedathersorrowfully,andaddedgently:"Ithoughtyouwouldseeit.Ithoughtsureyouwould."
Butshecouldnotbearthatheshouldleaveherso,andshecriedoutafterhim."Oh,Iseeit.Iknowyoumustgo;butIcan'tbearit."Herheadburieditselfinhiscoat."Itisn'tright--itisn'ta--asquaredealthatyoushouldgoawaynow,theveryminuteyoubelongtome."
Ahappysmileshoneinhiseyes."Ibelongtoyou,doI?That'sgoodhearing,girlo'mine."Hisarmwentroundherandhestrokedtheblackheadsoftly."I'llnotbegonelong,dear.Don'ty'uworryaboutme.I'llbebackwithy'usoon;justassoonasIhavefinishedthispieceofworkIhavetodo."
"Butifyoushouldget--ifanythingshouldhappentoyou?"
"Nothingisgoingtohappentome.Thereisaspecialprovidencelooksafterlovers,y'uknow."
"Becareful,Ned,ofyourself.Formysake,dear."
"I'lldrymysockseverytimeIgetmyfeetwetforfearoftakingcold,"helaughed.
"Butyouwill,won'tyou?"
"I'llbeverycareful,Helen,"hepromisedmoregravely.
Eventhenshecouldhardlylethimgo,clingingtohimwithareluctancetoseparatethatwasanewexperiencetoherindependent,vigorousyouth.Intheendheunloosenedherarm,kissedheronce,andhurried
outoftheroom.InthehallwayhemetMcWilliams,alsohurryinoutfromatearfulfarewellonthepartofNora.
Bannister,theoutlaw,alreadymounted,waswaitingforthem."Y'udidgetthroughatlast,"hedrawledinsolently."Well,ify'u'llkindlygiveorderstoyourseven-footdwarftopointtheWinchesteranotherwayI'llcollectmymenanwe'llbemoving."
For,thoughtheoutlawhadlefthismenincommandoftheranchwhenhewentintothehouse,hefoundthesituationreversedonhisreturn.Withthearrivalofreinforcements,inthepersonsofMcWilliamsandhisfriend,ithadbeentheturnoftheraiderstoturnovertheirweapons.
"Allright,Denver,"noddedtheforeman.
Theoutlawchiefwhistledforhismen,andwiththeirgueststheyrodeintothesilent,desertnight.
CHAPTER22.EXITTHE"KING"
Theybeddedthatnightunderthegreatvault-roofwheretwinklea
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millionstars.
Therewerethreeoftheoutlaw'smenwithhim,andbothMcwilliamsandhisfriendnoticedthattheysleptalittleapartfromtheirchief.Therewereotherindicationsamongtherustlersofacampdividedagainstitself.Bannister'sorderstothemhecontrivedtomakeaninsult,andtheirobediencewasassurlyaspossiblecompatiblewithsafety.Forallofthemenknewthathewouldnothesitatetoshootthemdowninoneofhisviolentragesshouldtheyangerhimsufficiently.
Throughoutthenighttherewasnotimethatatleasttwomenwerenotawakeinthecamp.Theforemanandthesheepmantookturnskeepingvigil;andontheothersideofthefiresatoneoftherustlersinsilentwatchfulness.Tothemanoppositehimeachofthesentinelswereoutpostsoftheenemy,buttheyfraternizedafterthemannerofarmysentries,exchangingtobaccoandoccasionalcasualconversation.
Theforemantookthefirstturn,andoppositehimsataone-eyedoldscoundrelwhohadrustlecalvesfrombigoutfitseversinceWyomingwasaterritoryandlongbefore.ChalkeyeDave,hewascalled,andsometimesmerelyChalkeye.Whathisrealnamewasnomanknew.Norwashispastasubjectforconversationinhispresence.ItwasknownthathehadbeenintheNevadapenitentiary,andthathehadkilledamaninArizona,butthesedetailsofanactivelifewererarelyresurrected.ForChalkeye
wasdeadlyontheshoot,andwasreadyforitatthedropofthehat,thoughhehadhisgoodpointstoo.Oneofthesewasaremarkablefondnessforanothermemberoftheparty,amerelad,calledbyhiscompanionsHughie.Generallysurlyandmorose,tosuchadegreethatevenhischiefwascarefultohumorhimasarule,whenwithHughieallthesofterelementsofhischaractercametothesurface.Inhisroughwayhewaseverhumorousandgenial.
JimMcWilliamsfoundhimneither,however.Hedeclinedtoengageinconversation,acceptedaprofferoftobaccowithasilent,hostilegruntandrelapsedintoalongsilencethatlastedtillhisshiftwasended.
"Hatetohavey'uleave,oldman.Y'u'resodarnedgoodcompanyI'll
ce'tainlypineforyou,"theforemansuggested,withsarcasm,whentheoldmanrolledupinhisblanketspreparatorytofallingasleepimmediately.
Chalkeye'ssuccessorwasablatantyouthmuchimpressedwithhisownimportance.Hewasbothfoul-mouthedandfoul-minded,sothatJimwasconstrainedtointerrupthisevilboastingsbypretendingtofallasleep.
Itwasnearlytwoo'clockwhentheforemanarousedhisfriendtotakehisturn.ShortlyafterthistheladHughierelievedthebragging,would-bebadman.
Hughiewasaflaxen-haired,rathergood-lookingboyofnineteen.Inhissmall,wistfulfacewasnotalineofwickedness,thoughitwasplainthathewasweak.Heseemedsounfitforthelifehewasleadingthatthesheepman'sinterestwasaroused.Foronthefrontierittakesastrong,competentmiscreanttobeabadmanandsurvive.Ineffectivesandweaklingsarequicklyweededouttotheirgravesorthepenitentiaries.
Theboywasmanifestlyundergreatfearofhischief,butthecurlyhairedyoungHermeswhokeptwatchwithhimhadaverywinningsmileand
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acharmingmannerwhenhecaredtoexertit.Almostinspiteofhimselftheyoungsterwasledtotalk.ItseemedthathehadbutlatelyjoinedtheTeton-Shoshonesoutfitofdesperadoes,andbetweenthelinesBannistereasilyreadthathiscousin'smasterfulcompulsionhadcoercedtheyoungfellow.Allhewantedwasanopportunitytowithdrawinsafety,butheknewhecouldneverdothissolongasthe"King"wasaliveandatliberty.
Underthestar-roofinthechill,breakingdayNedBannistertalkedtohimlongandgently.Itwaseasytobringtheboytotears,butitwasharderthingtostiffenawillthatwasofputtyandtoheartenasoulinmortalfear.Buthesethimselfwithallthepowerinhimtocombattheinfluenceofhiscousinoverthisboy;andbeforethecampstirredtolifeagainheknewthathehadmeasurablysucceeded.
Theyatebreakfastinthegraydawnunderthestars,andaftertheyhadfinishedtheircoffeeandbaconhorsesweresaddledandthetrailtakenupagain.Itledinandoutamongthefoot-hillssloppingupwardgraduallytowardthefirstlongbluelineoftheShoshonesthatstretchedbeforetheminthedistance.TheirnooningwasatrunningstreamcalledSmith'sCreek,andbynightfallthepartywaswellupinthehigherfoothills.
Inthecourseofthedayandthesecondnightboththesheepmanand
hisfriendmadeattempttoestablishamorecordialrelationshipwithChalkeye,butsofarasanyapparentresultswenttheireffortswerevain.Herefusedgrimlytomeettheirovertureshalfway,eventhoughitwasplainfromhismannerthatabreakbetweenhimandhischiefcouldnotlongbeavoided.
Alldaybycrookedtrailstheypushedforward,andasthepartyadvancedintothemountainsthegloomofthemournfulpinesandfrowningpeaksinvadeditsspirits.Suspicionanddistrustwentwithit,campedatnightbytherushingmountainstream,laydowntosleepintheshadowsateveryman'sshoulder.Foreachmanlookedwithanominouseyeonhisneighbor,watchfulofeverysuddenmove,ofeverycarelesswordthatmightconveyasuddenmeaning.
Alonganarrowrock-rimtrailfaraboveasteepcanon,whosewallsshotprecipitouslydown,theywereridinginsinglefile,whentheoutlawchiefpushedhishorseforwardbetweentheroadwallandhiscousin'sbronco.Thesheepmanimmediatelyfellback.
"Ireckonthistrailisn'twideenoughfortwo--unlessy'utaketheoutside,"heexplainedquietly.
Theoutlaw,whohadbeendrinkingsteadilyeversinceleavingtheLazyD,laughedhislow,sinistercackle."Afraidofme,arey'u?AfraidI'llpushy'uoff?"
"NotwhenI'minsideandyoudon'thavechance."
"'TwasaplaceaboutlikethisIdroveforthousandofyoursheepoverlastweek.WithsheepworthwhattheyareI'mafraiditmusthavecosty'uquiteabit.Notthaty'u'llmissitwhereyouaregoing,"hehastenedtoadd.
"Itwasverylikeyoutorevengeyourselfondumbanimals."
"Thinkso?"The"King's"blackgazerestedonhim."Y'u'llsinga
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differentsongsoonMr.Bannister.It'shumansI'lldrivenexttimeanddon'ty'uforgetit."
"Ifyougetthechance,"amendedhiscousingently.
"I'llgetthechance.I'mnotworryingaboutthat.Andaboutthosesheep--anymanthathasn'tgotmoresensethantorunsheepinacowcountryoughttolosethemforhispig-headedness.
"Thosesheepwereontherightsideofthedead-line.Youhadtocrossittoreachthem."Theirowner'ssteadyeyeschallengedadenial.
"Isthatso?Nowhowdoy'uknowthat?Wedidn'tleavetheherderalivetoexplainthattoy'u,didwe?"
"Youadmitmurderinghim?"
"Toy'u,dearcousin.Y'usee,Ihaveahunchthatmaybey'u'llgojoinyourherderrightsoon.Y'u'llnotdomuchtalking."
Thesheepmanfellback."IthinkI'llridealone."
Rageflaredintheother'seye."Toogoodforme,arey'u,mymealy-mouthedcousin?Y'ualwaysthoughtyourselfbetterthanme.When
y'uwereaboyyouusedtogosneakingtothatoldhypocrite,yourgrandfather--"
"Youhavesaidenough,"interruptedtheothersternly."I'llnothearanotherword.Keepyourfoultongueoffhim."
Theireyessilentlymeasuredstrength.
"Y'u'llnothearaword!"sneeredthechiefoftherustlers."Whatwilly'udo,dearcousin?
"Standupandfightlikeamanandsettlethisthingonceforall."
Stilltheirsteelyeyescrossedaswiththethrustofrapiers.Thechallengedmancrouchedtenselywithamightylongingforthetest,buthehadplannedamoreelaboraterevengeandasureronethanthis.Reluctantlyheshookhishead.
"WhyshouldI?Y'u'remine.We'refourtotwo,andsoonwe'llbeadozentotwo.I'dlikeaheaptoobligey'u,butIreckonIcan'taffordtojustnow.Y'uwillhavetowaitalittleforthatbumpingoffthat'scomingtoy'u."
"InthateventI'lltroubleyounottoinflictyoursocietyonmeanymorethanisnecessary."
"That'sallright,too.Ify'uthinkIenjoyyourconversationy'uhavegotanotherguesscoming."
SobymutualconsentthesheepmanfellinbehindtheblatantyouthwhohadweariedMcWilliamssoandrodeinsilence.
Itwasagaingettingclosetonightfall.Theslantsunwasthrowingitsraysonlessandlessofthetrail.Theycouldseetheshadowsgrowandthecoolnessofnightsiftintotheair.Theywerepushingontopasstherimofagreatvalleybasinthatlaylikeasaucerinthemountains
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inorderthattheymightcampinthevalleybyastreamallofthemknew.Duskwasbeginningtofallwhentheyatlastreachedthesauceredgeandonlytheoppositepeakswerestilltippedwiththesunrays.This,too,disappearedbeforetheyhaddescendedfar,andthegloomofthegreatmountainsthatgirtthevalleywasonalltheirspirits,evenMcWilliamsbeingaffectedbyit.
Theyweretiredwithtravel,andthelongnightwatchesdidnotimprovetempersalreadyoverstrainedwiththeexpectationofacrisistoolongdraggedout.Rainfellduringthenight,andcontinuedgentlyinamistydrizzleafterdaybroke.Itwasasituationandanatmosphereripefortragedy,anditfellonthemlikeaclapofthunderoutofasoddensky.
Hughiewascookfortheday,andhecamechillandstiff-fingeredtohistask.Summerasitwas,therelayathincoatingoficeroundtheedgesofthestream,fortheyhadcampedinanaltitudeofaboutninethousandfeet.The"King"hadwakenedinavilehumor.Hehadasplittingheadache,aswasnaturalunderthecircumstancesandhehadnotleftinhisbottleasingledrinktotidehimoverit.Hecamecursingtothestrugglingfire,whichwasmakingonlyfitfulheadwayagainsttherainwhichbeatdownuponit.
"Whydidn'ty'ubuildyourfireonthesideofthetree?"hegrowledatHughie.
Now,Hughiewasatenderfoot,andinhisknowledgeofoutdoorlifehewasstillaninfant."Ididn'tknow--"hewasbeginning,whenhismastercuthimshortwithafurioustonguelashingoutofallproportiontotheoffense.
Thelad'sfaceblanchedwithfear,andhisterrorwassomanifestthatthebully,whowasthreateninghimwithallmannerofevils,begantoenjoyhimself.Chalkeye,returningfromwateringthehorses,gotbackintimetoheartheintemperatefag-endofthescolding.HeglancedatHughie,whosehandsweretremblinginspiteofhim,andthendarklyatthebrutewhowasattackinghim.Buthesaidnotaword.
Themealproceededinsilenceexceptforjeersandtauntsofthe"King."Fornobodycaredtoventureconversationwhichmightproveamatchtoapowdermagazine.Whateverthoughtsmightbeeachmankeptthemtohimself.
"Coffee,"snappedthesingletalker,towardendofbreakfast.
Hughiejumpedup,filledthecupthatwashandedhimandsetthecoffeepotbackonfire.Ashehandedthetincupwiththecoffeetotheoutlawthelad'sfootslippedonapiecewetwood,andthehotliquidsplashedoverhischief'sleg.Themanjumpedtohisfeetinarageandstrucktheboyacrossthefacewithhiswhiponce,andthenagain.
"ByGod,that'lldoforyou!"criedChalkeyefromtheothersideofthefire,springingrevolverinhand."Draw,youcoyote!Icomea-shooting."
The"King"wheeled,findinghisweaponheturned.Twoshotsrangoutalmostsimultaneously,andChalkeyepitchedforward.Theoutlawchiefsanktohisknees,and,withonehandrestingonthegroundtosteadyhimselffiredtwomoreshotsintothetwitchingbodyontheothersideofthefire.Thenhe,too,lurchedforwardandrolledover.
Ithadcometoclimaxsoswiftlythatnotoneofthemhadmovedexcept
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thecombatants.Bannisterroseandwalkedovertotheplacewherethebodyofhiscousinlay.Hekneltdownandexaminedhim.Whenheroseitwaswithaverygraveface.
"Heisdead,"hesaidquietly.
McWilliams,whohadbeenbendingoverChalkeye,lookedup."Here,too.Anyoneoftheshotswouldhavefinishedhim."
Bannisternodded."Yes.Thatfirstexchangekilledthemboth."Helookeddownatthelimpbodyofhiscousin,butaminutebeforesofullofsupple,virilelife."Buthishatehadtoreachoutandmakesure,eventhoughhewasasgoodasdeadhimself.Hewasgame."Thensharplytotheyoungbraggart,whohadrisenandwasedgingawaywithafaceofchalk:"Sitdown,y'u!Whatdoy'utakeusfor?Thinkthisistobeamassacre?"
Themancamebackwithpalpablehesitancy."Iwasaimingtogoandgettheboystoburythem.MyGod,didyoueverseeanythingsoquick?Theydrilledthrougheachotherlikelightning."
Maclookedhimoverwithdrycontempt."Myfriend,y'u'retootenderforagenuwineA1badman.IfIwashandingy'uabunchofadviceitwouldbetogetbacktotheprosaicpathsofpeacerightprompt.Andwhile
we'reonthesubjectI'llborrowyourguns.Y'u'rescaredstiffanditmightgetintoyourfoolcoconuttoplugoneofusandlightout.I'dhatetoseey'ucommitsuiciderightbeforeus,soI'lljustnatcherallyunloady'u."
Hewastalkingtoliftthestrain,anditwasforthesamepurposethatBannistermovedovertoHughie,whosatwithhisfaceinhishands,tryingtoshutoutthehorrorofwhathehadseen.
Thesheepmandroppedahandonhisshouldergently."Braceup,boy!Don'tyouseethattheverybestthingthatcouldhavehappenedisthis.It'sbestfory'u,bestfortherestofthegangandbestforthewholecattlecountry.We'llhavepeacehereatlast.Nowhe'sgone,honestmen
aregoingtobreatheeasy.I'lltakey'uinhandandsety'uatworkononeofmystations,ify'ulike.Anyhow,you'llhaveachancetobeginlifeagaininabetterway."
"That'sright,"agreedtheblatantyouth."I'msickofrustlingthemailsandotherfolks'calves.I'mgladhegotwhatwascomingtohim,"heconcludedvindictively,withaglanceathisdeadchiefandasuddenraucousoath.
McWilliams'scoldblueeyetransfixedhim"Hadn'tyoubetterbealittlecarefulhowyourmouthgoesoff?Foronething,he'sdaidnow;andforanother,hehappenstobeMr.Bannister'scousin."
"But--weren'ttheyenemies?"
"That'showIunderstandit.Butthisman'spassedovertherange.AMANdoesn'tunloadhishatredondeadfolks--andIexpectify'u'llstudyhim,eveny'uwillbeabletofigureoutthatmyfriendmeasuresuptothesizeofarealman."
"Idon'tseewhyif--"
"No,Idon'tsupposey'udo,"interruptedtheforeman,turningonhis
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heel.ThentoBannister,whowaslookingdownathiscousinwithastonyface:"Ireckon,Bann,webettermakearrangementstohavethebodiesburiedrighthereinthevalley,"hesaidgently.
Bannisterwasthinkingofearlydays,ofthetimewhenthismiscreant,whoselighthadjustbeenputoutsoinstantaneously,hadplayedwithhimdayinanddayout.Theyhadattendedtheirfirstschooltogether,hadplayedmarblesandprisoners'baseahundredtimesagainsteachother.Hecouldrememberhowtheyusedtogetupearlyinthemorningtogofishingwitheachother.Andlater,wheneachbegan,unconsciously,tochoosethepathhewouldfollowinalreadybeginningtosettleintoanestablishedfact.Hecouldseenow,bylookingbackontriflesoftheirchildhood,thathiscousinhadbeenbadlyhandicappedinhisfightwithhimselfagainsttheevilinhim.Hehadinheriteddepravedinstinctsandtastes,andwiththemsomewhereinhimastrandofweaknessthatpreventedhimfromslayingthegiantshehadtoopposeinthemakingofagoodcharacter.Frombadtoworsehehadgone,andherehelaywiththedrizzlingrainonhiswhiteface,awarningandalessontowaywardyouthsjustsettingtheirfeetinthewrongdirection.Surelyitwaskismet.
NedBannisteruntiedthehandkerchieffromhisneckandlaiditacrossthefaceofhiskinsman.Amomentlongerhelookeddown,thenpassedhishandsacrosshiseyesandseemedtobrushawaythememoriesthat
throngedhim.Hesteppedforwardtothefireandwarmedhishands.
"We'llgoon,Mac,totherendezvoushehadappointedwithhisoutfit.Weoughttoreachtherebynoon,andtheboyscansendawagonbacktogetthebodies."
CHAPTER23.JOURNEYSENDINLOVERS'MEETING
IthadbeensixdayssincethetwoNedBannistershadriddenawaytogetherintothemountains,andeverywakinghoursincethattimehadbeenforHelenoneofharassinganxiety.Nowordhadyetreachedherof
theissueofthatdubiousundertaking,andshebothlongedanddreadedtohear.Hehadpromisedtosendamessengerassoonashehadanythingdefinitetotell,butsheknewitwouldbelikehiscousin,too,tosendhersometriumphantwordshouldheprovethevictorinthestrugglebetweenthem.Sothateverystrangersheglimpsedbroughttoherasuddenbeatingoftheheart.
ButitwasnotthenatureofHelenMessitertositdownandgiveherselfupapreytoforeboding.Heractivenaturecriedoutforworktooccupyheranddistractherattention.Fortunatelythiswastobehadinabundancejustnow.Fortheautumnround-upwason,andsinceherforemanwasawaythemistressoftheLazyDfoundplentyofworkreadytoherhand.
Themeetingplacefortheround-upriderswasatBoomCreek,fivemilesfromtheranch,andHelenrodeouttheretotakechargeofherowninterestsinperson.Withherweresixriders,andfortheuseofeachoftheminadditiontohispresentmountthreeextraponieswerebroughtintheremuda.Fortheridingissohardduringtheround-upthatahorsecanstandonlyonedayinfourofit.Attheappointedrendezvousascoreofothercowboysandownersmetthem.Withoutanydelaytheyproceededtobusiness.Mr.BobAustin,betterknownas"Texas,"waselectedbossoftheround-up,andheimmediatelyassignedthemento
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theirplacesandannouncedthattheywouldworkSquawCreek.Theymovedcampatonce,Helenreturningtotheranch.
Itwasthreeo'clockinthemorningwhenthemenwererousedbythecook'strianglecallingthemtothe"chuckwagon"forbreakfast.Itwasstillcoldanddarkastheboyscrawledfromundertheirblanketsandsquattedroundthefiretoeatjerky,biscuitsandgravy,andtodrinkcupfulsofhot,blackcoffee.BeforesunroseeverymanwasathispostfarupontheSquawCreekridgesreadytobeginthedrive.
LaterinthedayHelenrodetotheparadegrounds,towardwhichastreamofcattlewaspouringdownthecanyonofthecreek.Everygulchtributarytothecreekcontributeditsquotaofwildcowsandcalves.Thesecamerompingdownthecanyonmouth,wherefourpickedmen,withabunchoftamecowsinfrontofthem,stoppedtherushofflyingcattle.Lunchwasomitted,andbrandingbeganatonce.EverycalfbelongingtoaLazyDcow,afterbeingropedandtied,wasflankedwiththegreatDwhichindicateditsownershipbyMissMessiter,andonaccountoftherecumbentpositionofwhichlettertheranchhaditsname.
ItwasduringthebrandingthataboyishyoungfellowrodeupandhandedHelenanote.Herheartpumpedrapidlywithrelief,foroneglancetoldherthatitwasinthehandwritingoftheNedBannistersheloved.Shetoreitopenandglancedswiftlythroughit.
DEARFRIEND:Twohoursagomycousinwaskilledbyoneofhisownmen.Iamsendingbacktoyouaboywhohadbeenledastraybyhim,anditwouldbeagreatservicetomeifyouwouldgivehimsomethingtodotillIreturn.HisnameisHughRogers.Ithinkifyoutrusthimhewillproveworthyofit.
JimandIaregoingtostayhereafewdayslongertofinishtheworkthatisbegun.Wehopetomeetandtalkwithasmanyofthemenimplicatedinmycousin'slawlessnessasispossible.WhattheresultwillbeIcannotsay.Wedonotconsiderourselvesinanydangerwhatever,thoughwearenottakingchances.Ifallgoeswellweshallbebackwithinafewdays.
IhopeyouarenotmissingJimtoomuchattheroundup.Sincerely,
NEDBANNISTER
Shelikedtheletterbecausetherewasnotahintoftherelationshipbetweenthemtobereadinit.Hehadguardedheragainstthechanceofitsfallingintothewronghandsandcreatingtalkaboutthem.
SheturnedtoHughie."Canyouride?"
"Inaway,ma'am.Ican'tridelikethesemen."Hisglanceindicatedacow-puncherpoundingpastafterawildsteerthathadbrokenthroughthe
cordonofridersandwastryingtogetaway.
"Doyouwanttolearn?"
"I'dliketoifIhadachance,"heansweredwistfully.
"Allright.Youhaveyourchance.I'llseethatMr.Austinfindssomethingforyoutodo.Fromto-dayyouareinmyemploy."
Sherodebacktotheranchinthelateafternoon,whilethesunwas
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settinginagreatsplashofcrimson.Theround-upbosshadhintedthatifshewerenervousaboutridingalonehecouldfinditconvenienttoaccompanyher.Butthegirlwantedtobealonewithherownthoughts,andshehadslippedawaywhilehewasbusycuttingoutcalvesfromtheherd.IthadbeenawonderfulrelieftohertofindthatHERNedBannisterwastheonethathadsurvivedintheconflict,andherheartsangapaeanofjoyassherodeintothegoldenglowofthewesteringsun.Hewasalive--toloveandbeloved.Theunlivedyearsofherfutureseemedtounrollbeforeherasavision.Sheglowedwitharesurgenthappinessthatwasalmostanecstasy.Thewordsofabitofverseshehadonceseen--amerescrapfromamagazinethathadstuckinanobscurecornerofhermemory--sangagainandagaininherheart:
LifeandloveAndabrightskyo'erus,And--GodtakecareOfthewaybeforeus!
Ah,thewaybeforethem,beforeherandherromance-radiatinghero!Itmightberoughandhilly,butiftheytrodittogether--Hertangledthoughtswereoffagaininanothergladleapofimagination.
Thedayspassedsomehow.Shebusiedherselfwiththeaffairsoftheranch,rodeoutoftentothescenesofthecattledrivesandwatchedtheround-up,andeverytwenty-fourhoursbroughtheronedaynearertohisreturn,shetoldherself.Nora,too,wasonthelookoutunderher
longlashed,roguisheyelids;andthetwoyoungwomendiscussedthesubjectoftheirlovers'returninthatelusive,ellipticalwaycommontotheirsex.
Nodoubteachoftheseyoungwomenhadconjecturedastothemannerofthathomecomingandthemeetingthatwouldaccompanyit;butitissafetosaythatneitherofthemguessedinherday-dreamshowitactuallywastooccur.
Norahadbeeneagertoseesomethingoftheround-up,andasshewasnohorsewomanhermistresstookheroutonedayinhermotor.ThedrivehadbeenthatdayonBroncoMesa,andhadfinishedinthenaturalcorralmadebyBearCanon,fencedwithacordonofridersattheendopening
totheplainsbelow.Afterwatchingfortwohoursthebusyscenesofcuttingout,ropingandbranding,Helenwheeledhercarandstarteddownthecanyonontheirreturn.
Now,aherdofwildcattleisuncertainasanAprilday'sbehavior.Undertheinfluenceofthetamevalleycattleamongwhichtheyaredriven,afteralittlemillingaround,thewholebunchmaygentlealmostimmediately,or,ontheotherhand,itmaybreakthroughandgocrashingawayonawildstampedeatamoment'snotice.Everyexperiencedcowmanknowsenoughtoexpecttheunexpected.
AtBroncoMesatheround-uphadproceededwithunusualfacility.Scoresofwiry,long-leggedsteershaddrifteddowntheridgesorgulchesthat
ledtothecanon;andmanyacow,followedbyitscalf,hadstumbledforwardtotheherdandapparentlyacceptedtheinevitable.ButbeforeHelenMessiterhadwellstartedoutofthecanyon'smouththesituationchangedabsolutely.
Abighillsteer,whichhadnotseenamanforayear,brokethroughthehumancorralwithabellownearapointwhereReddykeptguard.Thepuncherwheeledandgavechase,Beforetheothermencouldclosetheopeningacoupleoftwo-year-oldsseizedtheopportunityandfolloweditslead.Asecondridergavechase,andatonce,asifsomeimpof
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mischiefhadstirredthem,fiftytailswentupinwildflight.Anotherminuteandthewholeherdwasinstampede.
Downthegulchthefivehundredcattlethunderedtowardthemotorcar,whichlaydirectlyintheirpath.Helenturned,appreciatedthedanger,andputthemachineatitsfullspeed.Theroadbranchedforaspaceofaboutfiftyyards,andinherexcitementshemadethemistakeofchoosingthelower,morelevel,one.Intoadeepsandbedtheyplowed,thewheelssinkingateveryturn.Slowerandslowerwentthecar;finallycametoafullstop.
Noraglancedbackinaffrightatthetwohundredandfiftytonsofbeefthatwaschargingwildlytowardthem."Whatshallwedo?"shegasped,andclamberedtotheground.
"Run!"criedHelen,followingherexampleandscuddingforthesidesofthecanyon,whichhereslopeddownlessprecipitatelythanatotherpoints.Butbeforetheyhadrunadozenstepseachofthemwasawarethattheycouldnotreachsafetyintimetoescapethehoofsrushingtowardthemsoheavilythatthegroundquaked.
"Lookout!"Aresonantcryrangoutabovethedullthudofthestampedingcattlethatwerealmostuponthem.Downthesteepsidesofthegorgetworidersweregallopingrecklessly.Itwasaraceforlife
betweenthemandthefirstoftheherd,andtheywonbyscarcemorethanalength.Acrossthesandthehorsesplowed,andastheysweptpastthetwotremblingyoungwomeneachriderbentfromthesaddlewithoutslackeningspeed,andsnatchedonealmostfromundertheveryhoofsoftheleaders.
Thedangerwasnotpast.AsthehorsesswervedandwentforwardwiththerushHelenknewthatastumblewouldflingnotonlyherandthemanwhohadsavedher,butalsothehorsedowntodeath.Theymustcontrivetoholdtheirowninthatdeadlyrushuntilawaycouldbefoundofescapingfromthepathofthelivingcyclonethattrodattheirheels,gallopedbesidethem,infront,behind.
Foritcametoherthatthehorsewastiringinthatrushthroughthesandwithdoubleweightuponitsback.
"Courage!"criedthemanbehindherasherfearfuleyesmethis.
Ashespoketheyreachedtheendofthecanyonandfirmgroundsimultaneously.Helensawthatherrescuerhadnowarevolverinhishand,andthathewasfiringinsuchawayastodeflecttheleaderstotheleft.Atfirstthechangeincoursewashardlyperceptible,butpresentlyshenoticedthattheyweregettingclosertotheoutskirtsoftheherd,workinggraduallytotheextremeright,edginginchbyinch,eversowarily,towardsafety.Goingparalleltotheircourse,runningneckandneckwiththecowpony,lumberedagreatdunsteer.
Unconsciouslyitblockedeveryeffortofthehorsemantoescape.Hehadoneshotleftinhisrevolver,andthistimehedidnotfireintotheair.Itwasamightyrisk,fortheanimalinfallingmightstaggeragainstthehorseandhuntthemalldowntodeath.Butthemantookitwithoutapparenthesitation.Intotheearofthebullockhesenttheleadcrashing.Thebrutestumbledandwentdownheadoverheels.Itsflyinghoofsstrucktheflanksofthepony,butthebroncostucktoitsfeet,andnextmomentstaggeredoutfromamongtheherdstragglersandcametohalt.
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Themanslidfromitsbackandlifteddownthehalf-faintinggirl.Sheclungtohim,whiteatrembling."Oh,itwashorrible,Ned!"Shecouldstilllookdowninimaginationupontheseaofdunbacksthatswayedandsurgedaboutthemlikestorm-tossedwaves.
"Itwasanearthing,butwemadeit,girl.SodidJim.Hegotoutbeforewedid.It'sallpastnow.Youcanrememberitasthemostexcitingexperienceofyourlife."
Sheshuddered."Idon'twanttorememberitatall."Andsoshakenwasshethatshedidnotrealizethathisarmwasaboutherthewhileshesobbedonhisshoulder.
"Acattlestampedeisanastythingtogetinfrontof.Nevermind.It'sdonewithnowandeverybody'ssafe."
Shedrewalongbreath."Yes,everybody'ssafeandyouarebackhome.Whydidn'tyoucomeafteryourcousinwaskilled?"
"Ihadtofinishmywork."
"AndDIDyoufinishit?"
"Ithinkwedid.TherewillbenomoreShoshonegang.It'smembershave
scattedinalldirections."
"I'mgladyoustayed,then.Wecanliveatpeacenow."Andpresentlysheadded:"Iknewyouwouldnotcomebackuntilyouhaddonewhatyousetouttodo.You'reveryobstinate,sir.Doyouknowthat?"
"Perseverance,Icallit,"hesmiled,gladtoseethatshewasrecoveringherlightnessoftone.
"Youdon'talwaysinsistonputtingyouractionsinthemostfavorablelight.DoyourememberthefirstdayIeversawyou?"
"AmIlikelyevertoforgetit?"hesmiledfondly.
"Ididn'tmeanTHAT.WhatIwasgettingatwasthatyouletmegoawayfromyouthinkingyouwere'theking.'Ihaven'tforgivenyouentirelyforthat."
"Iexpecty'u'llalwayshavetobeforgivingmethings."
"IfyouvaluedmygoodopinionIdon'tseehowyoucouldletmegowithouttellingme.Wasitfairorkind?"
"Ify'ucometothat,wasitsofairandkindtoconvictmesopromptlyonsuspicion?"heretaliatedwithasmile.
"No,itwasn't.But--"Sheflushedwithadivineshyness."ButIlovedyouallthetime,evenwhentheysaidyouwereavillain."
"Evenwhiley'ubelievedmeone?"
"Ididn't.Ineverwouldbelieveyouone--notdeepinmyheart.Iwouldn'tletmyself.Imadeexcusesforyou--explainedeverythingtomyself."
"Yetyourreasontoldy'uIwasguilty."
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"Yes,Ithinkmymindhatedyouandmyheartlovedyou."
Headoredherforthefranksimplicityofherconfession,thatoutofthegreatnessofherloveshedaredtomakenosecretofittohim.Directasaboy,shewasyetaswhollysweetasthemostretiringgirlcouldbe.
"Y'ualwaysswampmyvocabulary,sweetheart.Ican'tevertelly'u--lifewouldn'tbelongenough--howmuchIcareforyou."
"I'mglad,"shesaidsimply.
Theystoodlookingateachother,palmspressedtopalmsinmeetinghands,supremelyhappyinthismiracleoflovethathadbefallenthem.Theywerealone--forNoraandJimhadgoneintotemporaryeclipsebehindahillandseemedinnohurrytoemerge--aloneinthesunshinewiththiswonderthatflowedfromonetoanotherbyshiningeyes,byfingertouch,andthenbymeetinglips.Heheldherclose,knewthesweetdelightofcontactwiththesupple,surrenderedfigure,thenreleasedherasshedrewawayinmaidenlyreserve.
"Whenshallwebemarried,Helen?Istheearlypartofnextweektoolate?"heasked.
Stillblushing,shestraightenedherhat."That'sridiculous,sir.Ihaven'tgotusedtothethoughtofyouyet."
"Plentyoftimeforthatafterward.Thenwe'llsaynextweekifthatsuitsy'u."
"Butitdoesn't.Don'tyouknowthatitisthelady'sprivilegetonametheday?Besides,IwanttimetochangemymindifIshoulddecideto."
"That'swhatI'mafraidof,"helaughedjoyfully."SoIhavetoinsistonanearlymarriage."
"Insist?"shedemurred.
"I'vebeentoldonthebestofauthoritythatI'mveryobstinate,"hegaylyanswered.
"Ihaveamindofmyownmyself.IfIevermarryyoubesureIshallnametheday,sir."
"Willy'umarrymethedayNoradoesJim?"
"We'llsee."Theeyesslantedathimunderthecurvedlashes,teasedhimdelightfully."DidNoratellyoushewasgoingtomarryJim?"
Bannisterlookedmildlyhurt."Mycommonsensehasbeentellingittomeamonth."
"Howlonghasyourcommonsensebeentellingyouaboutus?"
"Ididn'tuseitwhenIfellinlovewithy'u,"heboldlylaughed.
"Ofallthingstosay!"
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