e gently. "What I'm
thinking is that both of us would be better for a good night's rest. Why
not throw off an' camp in the darkness? While we're sleepin' Sanders an'
his posse will be ridin' the hearts out of their horses. It looks like
good business to me to let 'em go to it."

"No," said Jim obstinately. "No. We'll keep ridin'."

Prince knew that the other understood what he was trying to do, and that
his pride--and perhaps something better than pride--would not accept
such a sacrifice. Billie said no more, but his mind still wrestled with
the problem before him. It was impossible, while his comrade was so badly
hurt, to hold a pace that would keep them ahead of the Lazy S M riders.
Already Sanders must be gaining on them, and to make matters worse
Clanton drew down to a walk. His high-pitched voice and disjointed
expressions told the older man that he was at the beginning of delirium.

"What do you mean, standing there and grinnin' at me like a wolf, Dave
Roush? I killed you once. You're dead an' buried. How come you alive
again? Then shoot, both of you! Come out from cover, Hugh Roush." He
stopped, and took the matter up from another angle. "You're a liar, you
coyote. I'm not runnin' away. Two to one ... two to one ... I'll ride
back an' gun you both. I'm a-comin' now."

He pulled up and turned his horse. Faintly there came to Billie the
thudding of horses' hoofs. In five minutes it would be too late to save
either the sick man or himself. It never occurred to him for a moment to
desert Clanton. Somehow he must get him into the chaparral, and without
an instant's delay. His mind seized on the delirious fancy of the young
fellow.

"You're sure right, Jim," he said quietly. "I'd go an' gun them too. I'll
ride with you an' see fair play. They're out here in the brush. Come on."

"No. They're back in town. Leave 'em to me. Don't you draw, Billie."

"All right. But they're over here to our right. I saw 'em there. Come.
We'll sneak up on 'em so that they can't run when they hear you."

Billie turned. He swung his horse into the mesquite. His heart was heavy
with anxiety. Would the wounded man accept his lead? Or would his
obstinacy prevail?

"Here they are. Right ahead here," continued Prince.

Followed a moment of suspense, then came the crashing of brush as Clanton
moved after him.

"S-sh! Ride softly, Jim. We don't want 'em to hear us an' get away."

"Tha's right. Tha's sure right. You said somethin' then,