go by default.

"I've got a chance," he went on fiercely, "to make millions, if I can
only get title to those claims! And now, by grab, after all I've done
for 'em, these pikers won't advance me a cent!"

"How much would it cost?" she asked him quickly, "to finish the work
and pay off the men?"

"Two thousand dollars," he answered wearily. "But it might as well be
a million."

"Would--would four hundred dollars help you?"

She asked it eagerly, impulsively, almost in his ear, and he turned as
if he had been struck.

"Don't speak so loud," she implored him nervously. "These women in the
hotel--they're listening to everything you say. I can hear all right
if you only whisper--would four hundred dollars help you out?"

"Not of your money!" answered Rimrock hoarsely. "No, by God, I'll
never come to that!"

He started away, but she caught him by the arm and held him back till
he stopped.

"But I want to do it!" she persisted. "It's a good thing--I believe in
it--and I've got the money!"

He stopped and looked at her, almost tempted by her offer; then he
shook his great head like a bull.

"No!" he said, talking half to himself. "I won't do it--I've sunk low
enough. But a woman? Nope, I won't do it."

"Oh, quit your foolishness!" she burst out impatiently, "I guess I know
my own mind. I came out to this country to try and recoup myself and I
want to get in on this mine. No sentiment, understand me, I'm talking
straight business; and I've got the money--right here!"

"Well, what do you want for it?" he demanded roughly. "If that's the
deal, what's your cut? I never saw you before, nor you me. How much
do you want--if we win?"

"I want a share in the mine," she answered instantly. "I don't
care--whatever you say!"

"Well, I'll go you," he said. "Now give me the money and I'll try to
make both of us rich!"

His voice was trembling and he followed every movement as she stepped
back behind her desk.

"Just look out the window," she said as he waited; and Rimrock turned
his head. There was a rustle of skirts and a moment later she laid a
roll of bills in his hand.

"Just give me a share," she said again and suddenly he met her eyes.

"How about fifty-fifty--an undivided half?" he asked with a dizzy smile.

"Too much," she said. "I'm talking business."

"All right," he said. "But so am I."

CHAPTER IV

AS A LOAN

Rimrock Jones left town with four burro-loads of powder, some