eyes
were clear and steady.

"Bud told me about yesterday," he began, anticipating Sundown's
leisurely and erratic recital. "I understand you found me on the trail
and went for help."

"Yes. I thought you was needin' some about then."

"How did you come to find me?"

"Got lost. Hoss he took me there."

"Did you see any one on the trail?"

"Nope."

"Hear any shooting?"

"Nope. But I seen some turkeys."

"Well, I expect the sheriff will be here tomorrow. He'll want to talk
to you. Answer him straight. Don't try to help me in any way. Just
tell him what you know--not what you think."

"I sure will, boss. Wish Chance could talk. He could tell."

Corliss smiled faintly. "Yes, I suppose he could. You followed him to
Fernando's camp?"

"Uhuh."

"All right. Now, I've had a talk with Bud about something that has
been bothering me. I think I can trust you. I want you to ride to
Antelope to-morrow morning and give a letter from me to the lawyer
there, Kennedy. He'll tell you what to do after that. I don't feel
like talking much, but I'll say this: You remember the water-hole
ranch. Well, I want you to file application to homestead it. Kennedy
will tell you what to do. Don't ask any questions, but do as he says.
You'll have to go to Usher by train and he'll go with you. You won't
lose anything by it."

"Me? Homestead? Huh! And have cows and pigs and things? I don't
jest get you, boss, but what you say goes. Why, I'd homestead a ranch
in hell and take chances on findin' water if you said it. Say,
boss,"--and Sundown leaned toward Corliss confidentially and lowered
his voice,--"I ain't what you'd call a nervy man, but say, I got
somethin' jest as good. I--I--" and Sundown staggered around feeling
for the word he wanted.

"I know. We'll look it up in the dictionary some day when we're in
town. Here's ten dollars for your trip. If you need more, Kennedy
will give it to you."

Sundown departed, thrilled with the thought that his employer had
placed so much confidence in him. He wanted to write a poem, but
circumstances forbade his signaling to his muse. On his way to the
bunk-house he hesitated and retraced his steps to the ranch office.
Corliss told him to come in. He approached his employer deferentially
as though about to ask a favor.

"Say, boss," he began, "they's two things just hit me to onct. Can I
take Chance with me?"

"If you like. Part of your trip will be on the