. Me, A'm gon' git nudder saddle. 'Fore you
ride little ways you bre'k you back."

"Go over to the livery barn an' tell Ross to put my reg'lar saddle on
in place of the side-saddle, an' when you come back she'll be ready."
Jennie Dodds slipped from the room as the outer door closed upon the
half-breed's departure, and returned a few minutes later with her own
riding outfit, which she tossed onto the bed.

"Jest you climb into them, dearie," she said. "Bat's right. Them
side-saddles is sure the dickens an' all, if you got any ways to go."

"But," objected Alice, "I can't run off with all your things this way!"
She reached for her purse. "I'll tell you, I'll buy them from you,
horse and all!"

"No you won't, no such thing!" Jennie Dodds assumed an injured tone.
"Pity a body can't loan a friend nuthin' without they're offered to git
payed for it. You can send the clothes back when you're through with
'em. An' here's a sack. Jest stick what you need in that. It'll tie
on behind your saddle, an' you can leave the rest of your stuff here in
your grip an I'll ship it on when you're ready for it. Better leave
them night-gowns an' corsets an' such like here. You ain't goin' to
find no use for 'em out there amongst the prickly pears an' sage brush.
Law me! I don't envy you your trip none! I'd jest like to know what
for devilment that Tex Benton's up to. Anyways, you don't need to be
afraid of him--like Purdy. But men is men, an' you got to watch 'em."

As the girl chattered on she helped Alice to dress for the trail and
when the "war-bag" was packed and tied with a stout cord, the girl
crossed to the window and drew back the shade.

"The Injun's back. You better be goin'." The girl slipped a small
revolver from her pocket and pressed it into Alice's hand. "There's a
pocket for it in the bloomers. Cinnabar Joe give it to me a long time
ago. Take care of yourself an' don't be afraid to use it if you have
to. An' mind you let me hear jest the minute you git anywheres. I'll
be a-dyin' to know what become of you."

Alice promised and as she passed through the door, leaned swiftly and
kissed the girl squarely upon the lips.

"Good-bye," she whispered. "I won't forget you," and the next moment
she stepped out to join the waiting half-breed, who with a glance of
approval at her costume, took the bag from her hand and proceeded to
secure it behind the cantle. The girl mounted without assistance, and
snubbi