," the lank man approved after he
had tested the rope.

"I'd like to get a lick at you fellows. I will, too, some day,"
mentioned Moore casually.

"When you meet up with us we'll be there," retorted the heavy-weight.
"Let's go, Steve."

The long man nodded. "_Adios_, boys."

"See you later, and when I meet up with you, it'll be me 'n' you to a
finish," the Texan called.

The thud of the retreating, hoofs grew faint and died. Already Moore was
busy with the rope that tied them together.

"What's the matter, kid? You shakin' for the drinks? Didn't you see from
the first we weren't in any danger? If they'd wanted to harm us, they
could have shot us from the brush. How much was in that belt?"

"Six thousand dollars," the boy groaned.

"Well, it doesn't cost you a cent. Cheer up, son."

By this time Moore had both his arms free and was loosening one of the
knots.

"I was in charge of it. I'll never dare face Mr. Wadley."

"Sho! It was his own fault. How in Mexico come he to send a boy to
market for such a big stake?"

"Nobody was to have known what I came for. I don't see how it got out."

"Must 'a' been a leak somewhere. Don't you care. Play the hand that's
dealt you and let the boss worry. Take it from me, you're lucky not to
be even powder-burnt when a shot from the chaparral might have done yore
business."

"If you only hadn't fallen asleep!"

"Reckon I dozed off. I was up 'most all last night." Moore untied the
last knot and stepped out from the loop. "I'm goin' to saddle the
broncs. You ride in to Tascosa and tell Wadley. I'll take up the trail
an' follow it while it's warm. We'll see if a pair of shorthorns can run
a sandy like that on me." He fell suddenly into the violent, pungent
speech of the mule-skinner.

"I'll go with you," announced Ridley. He had no desire to face Clint
Wadley with such a lame tale.

The cold eyes of the Texan drilled into his. "No, you won't. You'll go
to town an' tell the old man what's happened. Tell him to send his posse
across the _malpais_ toward the rim-rock. I'll meet him at Two Buck
Crossin' with any news I've got."

A quarter of an hour later the hoofs of his horse flung back faint
echoes from the distance. The boy collapsed. His head sank into his
hands and his misery found vent in sobs.

CHAPTER VII

THE DANCE

Long since the sun had slid behind the horizon edge and given place to a
desert night of shimmering moonlight and far stars. From the e