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I knew the boys would pull it off for me, but I didn't reckon on it so durn soon." "Shut up!" ordered the man behind the gun, without moving his eyes from Flatray. "I'm a clam," retorted the other. "I'm waiting for those hands to go up; but I'll not wait long, seh." Jack's hands went up reluctantly. "You've got the call," he admitted.
"Now, I wonder what that means?" the sheriff mused aloud. He was not left long in doubt. The four men rode swiftly, straight toward the man and the girl above. One of them swung from the saddle and stepped forward. He spoke to West, who appeared to make urgent protest. The dismounted rider answered. Melissy began to run. Very faintly there came to Flatray her startled cry.
He was still a hundred yards from the nearest hut when dogs bayed warning of his approach. He waited, rifle in hand. No sign of human life showed except the two lights shining from as many windows. Flatray counted four other cabins as dark as Egypt. Very slowly he crept forward, always with one eye to his retreat. Why did nobody answer the barking of the dogs? Was he being watched all the time?
In the confusion Flatray ran up his horse from the pasture, slapped on the saddle, and melted into the night. An hour later Melissy asked her father what had become of him. "Doggone that boy, I don't know where he went. Reckon he thought he'd be in the way. Mighty funny he didn't give us a chanct to tell him to stay."
He was rather at a loss to account for the exotic, flamelike beauty into which she had suddenly sparkled; but he was inclined to attribute it to the arrival of Flatray. Melissy sat on a flat rock beside West, swinging her foot occasionally with the sheer active joy of life, the while she munched sandwiches and pickles.
From his neck he untied the silk kerchief and wrapped it tightly around the ankle. "That will have to do till I get you home." "I'll not trouble you, sir. If you'll stop and tell my father that is all I'll ask." "Different here," he retorted cheerfully. "Just so as to avoid any argument, I'll announce right now that Jack Flatray is going to see you home. It's his say-so." She rose.
MacQueen has gathered a bunch that ought to be cleaned out, and I reckon now's the time to do it. I've been reading about him for a year. I've got a notion he's about the ablest thing in bad men this Territory has seen for a good many years." Flatray sat down on the seat opposite O'Connor. A smile flicked across his face, and vanished. "I'm of that opinion myself, lieutenant."
Bellamy turned and rode away. At the corner of the corral he met Jack Flatray riding up. "Been having a little difference of opinion with our friend, haven't you, seh?" the deputy asked pleasantly. "Yes." Bellamy gave him only the crisp monosyllable and changed the subject immediately. "What about this stage robbery? Have you been able to make anything of it, Mr. Flatray?" "Why, yes.
"Why, what's up, boys?" the rancher asked, his glance passing from one to another. "You ain't in this, Lee," Boone informed him. Then, to Flatray: "See you later." The deputy nodded carelessly. "Any time you like." The lank old Confederate took a step forward to call Boone back, but Melissy caught him by the sleeve. "Let him go," she whispered emphatically.
He slouched to his horse, under propulsion of the revolver, and led the animal into the gulch. Both mounted, Jack keeping the captive covered every moment of the time; and they began to retrace the way by which the young cattleman had just come. After they had ridden about a quarter of a mile Flatray made a readjustment of the rope.
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