ely. Then, curiosity consuming him, he hazarded another
question:

"What did she say when she heard I was coming?"

"She laughed to kill herself." Pinkey seldom lied when the truth would
answer.

In the meantime, Tucker, in guarded language, was informing Canby of the
entry by telephone. From the sounds which came through the receiver he
had the impression that the land baron was pulling the telephone out by
the roots in his exasperation at the negligence of his hireling whom he
had supposed had done sufficient work to hold it.

"I'll attend to it," he answered.

Tucker thought there was no doubt about that, and he had a worthy
feeling of having earned the yearly stipend which he received from Canby
for these small services.

"We'd better sift along and git out there," Pinkey advised when they
were back at the Prouty House.

"To-day?"

"You bet you! That's no dream about Boise Bill bein' ugly, and he might
try to hold the 160 if he got wind of your filing."

"In that event?"

"In that event," Pinkey mimicked, "he's more'n likely to run you off,
unless you got the sand to fight fer it. That's what I meant in my
telegram."

"Oh," said Wallie, enlightened. "'Sand' and--er--intestines are
synonymous terms in your vernacular?"

Pinkey stared at him.

"Say, feller, you'll have to learn to sling the buckskin before we can
understand each other. Anyhow, as I was sayin', you got a good
proposition in this 160 if you can hold it."

"If I am within my rights I shall adhere to them at all hazards,"
declared Wallie, firmly. "At first, however, I shall use moral suasion."

"Can't you say things plainer?" Pinkey demanded, crossly. "Why don't you
talk United States? You sound like a Fifth Reader. If you mean you aim
to argue with him, he'll knock you down with a neck-yoke while you're
gittin' started."

"In that event, if he attempted violence, I should use my pistol--my
'gat'--and stop him."

"In that event," Pinkey relished the expression, "in that event I shall
carry a shovel along to bury you."

Riding a horse from the livery stable and accompanied by Pinkey driving
two pack-horses ahead of him, Wallie left the Prouty House shortly after
noon, followed by comments of a jocular nature from the bystanders.

"How far is it?" inquired Wallie, who was riding his English saddle and
"posting."

"Twenty for me and forty for you, if you aim to ride that way," said
Pinkey. "Why don't you let out them stirrups and