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Belding's kindly interest, Laddy's blunt and sincere cowboy eulogy, the girl's sweet eagerness and praise these warmed Gale's heart. He had fallen among simple people, into whose lives the advent of an unknown man was welcome. He found himself in a singularly agitated mood.
"Laddy's alive that's about all," replied Dick. "Where's Thorne an' Mercedes? Look here, man. I reckon you ain't packin' this crippled outfit down that awful trail?" "Had to, Jim. An hour's sun would kill both Laddy and Thorne. Come on now." For once Jim Lash's cool good nature and careless indifference gave precedence to amaze and concern. "Always knew you was a husky chap.
"Laddy's gone over to scout around and try to find out who the outfit belongs to and how many are in it," said Belding. "I reckon if they're raiders with bad intentions we wouldn't see no fires," remarked Jim, calmly. "It 'd be useless, I suppose, to send for the cavalry," said Gale. "Whatever's coming off would be over before the soldiers could be notified, let alone reach here." "Hell, fellows!
"Rojas yes yes!" cried Thorne, in passion of suspense. "Not on your life!" Ladd's voice cut in with scorn. "Gentlemen, you can gamble Yaqui 'll kill the Papago. That traitor Indian knows these sheep haunts. He's tellin' Rojas " A sharp rifle shot rang out. "Laddy's right," called Gale. "The Papago's hit his arm falls There, he tumbles!" More shots rang out.
I've about shot my bolt.... Reckon you'll do best by bringin' up blankets water salt firewood. Laddy's got one chance in a hundred. Fix him up first. Use hot salt water. If my leg's broke set it best you can. That hole in Yaqui only 'll bother him a day. Thorne's bad hurt... Now rustle Dick, old boy."
"He's alive, but that's all," said Dick, as he laid the ranger down. "Do what you can. Stop the blood. Laddy's tough as cactus, you know. I'll hurry back for Mercedes and Yaqui." Gale, like a fleet, sure-footed mountain sheep, ran along the trail. When he came across the Mexican, Rojas's last ally, Gale had evidence of the terrible execution of the .405. He did not pause.
They had instruments and were surveying. Remembering Dick, and how he always wished for an instrument to help work out his plan for irrigation, I was certainly surprised to see these strangers surveying and surveying upon Laddy's plot of land. It was a sandy road there, and Jose happened to be walking. So I reined in and asked these engineers what they were doing.
So I wraps my hankercher around. Laddy's nose to keep him from talking horse to the Injun ponies, and prepared to sneak to where I'd rather be.
I've changed many business plans to suit your whims. There are rough times ahead, maybe. I need men. I'll hire this chap Gale if he'll stay. Let Nell take her chance with him, just as she'll have to take chances with men when we get out of the desert. She'll be all the better for it." "I hope Laddy's not mistaken in his opinion of this newcomer," replied Mrs. Belding, with a sigh of resignation.
The leader, who was that same bold fellow who had followed me, seemed much pleased at being addressed. He was swaggering too friendly; not my idea of a gentleman at all. He said he was glad to tell me he was going to run water all over Altar Valley. Dad, you can bet that made me wild. That was Dick's plan, his discovery, and here were surveyors on Laddy's claim.
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