Part 16 (1/2)

”Do you think he'll stick: or will he get out?”

”He'll stick.”

”I don't know----” I argued, doubtfully.

”I do,” with great positiveness.

”Why are you so sure?”

”There are men in the brush all around his ranch to see that he does.”

”For heaven's sake how many have you got together?” I cried, astonished.

”About three hundred,” said Jed.

”What's the plan?”

”I don't know. They were chewing over it when I left. But I'll bet something's going to pop. There's a bunch of 'em on that sweet little list you-all dug up.”

We rode slowly. It was near five o'clock when we pulled down the lane toward the big corrals. The latter were full of riding horses, and the fences were topped with neatly arranged saddles. Men were everywhere, seated in rows on top rails, gathered in groups, leaning idly against the ranch buildings. There was a feeling of waiting.

We were discovered and acclaimed with a wild yell that brought everybody running. Immediately we were surrounded. Escorted by a clamouring mult.i.tude we moved slowly down the lane and into the enclosure.

There awaited us a dozen men headed by Buck Johnson. They emerged from the office as we drew up. At sight of them the cowboys stopped, and we moved forward alone. For here were the substantial men of this part of the territory, the old timers, who had come in the early days and who had persisted through the Indian wars, the border forays, the cattle rustlings, through drought and enmity and bad years. A grim, elderly, four-square, unsmiling little band of granite-faced pioneers, their very appearance carried a conviction of direct and, if necessary, ruthless action. At sight of them my heart leaped. Twenty-four hours previous my case had seemed none too joyful. Now, mainly by my own efforts, after all, I was no longer alone.

They did not waste time in vain congratulations or query. The occasion was too grave for such side issues. Buck Johnson said something very brief to the effect that he was glad to see us safe.

”If this young lady will come in first,” he suggested.

But I was emboldened to speak up.

”This young lady has not had a bite to eat since last night,” I interposed.

The senor bent on me his grave look.

”Thank you,” said he. ”Sing!” he roared, and then to the Chinaman who showed up in a nervous hover: ”Give this lady grub, savvy? If you'll go with him, ma'am, he'll get you up something. Then we'd like to see you.”

”I can perfectly well wait----” she began.

”I'd rather not, ma'am,” said Buck with such grave finality that she merely bowed and followed the cook.

CHAPTER XV

They had no tender feelings about me, however. n.o.body cared whether I ever ate or not. I was led into the little ranch office and catechized to a fare-ye-well. They sat and roosted and squatted about, emitting solemn puffs of smoke and speaking never a word; and the sun went down in shafts of light through the murk, and the old shadows of former days crept from the corners. When I had finished my story it was dusk.

And on the heels of my recital came the sound of hoofs in a hurry; and presently loomed in the doorway the gigantic figure of Tom Thorne, the sheriff. He peered, seeing nothing through the smoke and the twilight; and the old timers sat tight and smoked.

”Buck Johnson here?” asked Thorne in his big voice.