That was the deal I made with him, you know, to get
himinto the Diamond.
Gloriana, Im shore happy to welcome you heah, said
Molly, with simplesweet warmth.
But Im nottellin my business, one way or another,
replied the Hash-Knife leader. He was stuffin his pockets an laughin at us, said
Malloy, with heat.
Bambridge could tell me, Ill bet a
hundred.
Hed better not, or therell be a little shootin,
declared the chief,grimly. Lang and Madden, and especially young Reed, lied about
it.
I dont think I ever was subjected to such study.
Much obliged to you, but shore Icouldnt take the money.
I edged over anheard Bambridge ask: Where you from?
The trouble will come not from me, but from her. To Jims surprise she placed a hand
on each of his shoulders.
But the living-room is comfortable, saidJim as he
replaced the screen before the fire.
And he muttered, Somebody will croakfor this, an I
hope its Malloy.
They were my cattle, and that was all Iwanted to
know. Its a hell of asituation for a young man. Hehated Bambridge for that, though
he blamed himself for indulging indreams. Hes shore no friend of mine, an Id have
liked to see you slughim. He did not trustMalloy, or was it that he did not trust
himself? Any rancher makes mistakes when hes rushed, yelled Bambridge. Then he
slowed up along the brawling brook,waiting to compose himself before he arrived at
camp.
Were camped downamong the rocks, and, of course, we
havent ridden over Yellow Jacket.
There are a few bulls and steers, wilder than the
deer orbear.
Yellow Jacket possessed a very singular feature.
Much obliged to you, but shore Icouldnt take the money. Im not packing a gun or
looking for trouble.
Good-night, brother Jim, she said, and kissed him.