Part 41 (1/2)

”Ees recipe,” Lopez affirmed.

”But where did you get the money?” Gilbert asked, incredulously.

Lopez winked. ”Ees all right.”

”Where did you get it?” the American persisted.

”I rob ze bank,” said Lopez; and thought nothing more of it.

”Robbed the bank?” Gilbert was wide-eyed now.

”Sure! Ees what I go to town for.”

Jones turned away. ”It's all off again!”

The bandit was discouraged. ”No! I am become business man what are tired myself! I take ze money to lawyer what are frand for me. 'E go to ze judge what 'ave come 'ome planty dronk. 'E tell ze judge you send 'im for pay ze moggidge. Judge say sure, and 'and 'im recipe. Ees all right.” And the bandit, convinced of his logic, strutted to the fireplace, and threw his cigarette away.

”But I--must pay him back,” Gilbert wanted to make it clear.

”I 'ave planty money. You mus' not worry, my frand. I give you ten sousand dollar which you can send back should you be so foolish.”

But Gilbert was obdurate. ”I can pay it back. The oil--”

”I am sorry. Zere is no oil,” the bandit informed him.

This was the consummating blow to the young man. ”But you said--”

”I tell you one d.a.m.n big lie,” Lopez laughed. ”But 'as she not a million dollar from ze 'usband which I kill?” He nodded toward Lucia.

”Oh!” cried she. ”How can you speak of such things--now?”

”You don't think we'd touch one penny of that, do you?” Gilbert followed up.

Lopez looked puzzled. ”Ze law is give it to you.”

Disgustedly Gilbert cried, ”The Law!”

”Ha!” The bandit saw his chance. ”Is it possible all ze law what you love is not so d.a.m.n wise, after all?” He was tickled at his own perspicacity.

”However, it makes no never mind. You shall still be rich any'ow. I shall send back all ze cattle what I steal from you.”

”You will? That's generous, to say the least.” And Jones couldn't help smiling.

”And planty more what I shall steal for you myself personal. Now zen, is all right? You 'ave ze money, ze lady, everyzing.” Surely there was nothing lacking, Lopez tried to make it plain, for complete happiness. There were no bars now in the path of content.

Yet this stupid young American was asking questions still! ”But have I everything?” he said, and, stooping, picked up the gun that Pell had dropped just before he was killed.

Lopez was amazed. ”Have you?” he said, and pointed to Lucia. ”There is it!”

”But is it all right?” the young man persisted.