the line. The trainmen seem to
know you."

"Trainmen and others; oh, yes. It is to be expected. I have no objections
to that. I am quite able to take care of myself, sir."

We were interrupted. A near-drunken rowdy (upon whom I had kept an uneasy
corner of an eye) had been careening over the platform, a whiskey bottle
protruding from the hip pocket of his sagging jeans, a large revolver
dangling at his thigh, his slouch hat cocked rakishly upon his tousled
head. His language was extremely offensive--he had an ugly mood on, but
nobody interfered. The crowd stood aside--the natives laughing, the
tourists like myself viewing him askance, and several Indians watching
only gravely.

He sighted us, and staggered in.

"Howdy?" he uttered, with an oath. "Shay--hello, stranger. Have a smile.
Take two, one for lady. Hic!" And he thrust his bottle at me.

My Lady drew back. I civilly declined the "smile."

"Thank you. I do not drink."

"What?" He stared blearily. His tone stiffened. "The hell you say. Too
tony, eh? Too--'ic! Have a smile, I ask you, one gent to 'nother. Have a
smile, you (unmentionable) pilgrim; fer if you don't----"

"Train's starting, Jim," she interposed sharply. "If you want to get
aboard you'd better hurry."

The engine tooted, the bell was ringing, the passengers were hurrying,
incited by the conductor's shout: "All 'board!"

Without another word she tripped for the car steps. I gave the fellow one
firm look as he stood stupidly scratching his thatch as if to harrow his
ideas; and perforce left him. By the cheers he undoubtedly made in the
same direction. I was barely in time myself. The train moved as I planted
foot upon the steps of the nearest car--the foremost of the two. The train
continued; halted again abruptly, while cheers rang riotous; and when I
crossed the passageway between this car and ours the conductor and
brakeman were hauling the tipsy Jim into safety.

My Lady was ensconced.

"Did they get him?" she inquired, when I paused.

"By the scruff of the neck. The drunken fellow, you mean."

"Yes; Jim."

"You know him?"

"He's from Benton. I suppose he's been down here on a little pasear, as
they say."

"If you think he'll annoy you----?" I made bold to suggest, for I greatly
coveted the half of her seat.

"Oh, I'm not afraid of Jim. But yes, do sit down. You can put these things
back in your seat. Then we can talk."

I had no more than settled triumphantly, when the brak