hundred men openly, and at the same time
arrest you all?"

"That doesn't suit his book at all. For one thing, he probably doesn't
know all of us, and he doesn't want to bag half of us and throw the rest
into immediate rebellion. It's his play not to force the issue until
after the election, Bucky. He controls all the election machinery and
will have himself declared reelected, the old scamp, notwithstanding
that he's the most unpopular man in the State. To precipitate trouble
now would be just foolishness, he argues. So he'll just capture our
arms, and after the election give me and my friends quiet hell. Nothing
public, you know--just unfortunate assassinations that he will regret
exceedingly, me bye. But I have never yit been assassinated, and, on
principle, I object to being trated so. It's very destructive to a man's
future usefulness."

"And so?" laughed the ranger.

"And so we've arranged to take a few lads up the line and have a train
hold-up. I'm the robber-in-chief. Would ye like to be second in command
of the lawless ruffians, me son?"

Bucky met his twinkling eye gaily. "Mr. O'Connor is debarred from taking
part in such an outrageous affair by international etiquette, but he
knows a gypsy lad would be right glad to join, I reckon."

"Bully for him. If you'll kindly have him here I'll come around and
collect him this evening at eight-thirty sharp."

"I hope you'll provide a pleasant entertainment for him."

"We'll do our best," grinned the revolutionist. "Music provided by
Megales' crack military band. A lively and enjoyable occasion guaranteed
to all who attend. Your friend will meet some of the smartest officers
in the State. It promises to be a most sumptuous affair."

"Then my friend accepts with pleasure."

After the conspirator had gone, Frank spoke up. "You wouldn't go away
with him and leave me here alone, would you?"

"I ce'tainly shouldn't take you with me, kid. I don't want my little
friend all shot up by greasers."

"If you're going, I want to go, too. Supposing--if anything were to
happen to you, what could I do?"

"Leave the country by the next train. Those are the orders."

"You're always talking about a square deal. Do you think that is one? I
might say that I don't want YOU shot. You don't care anything about my
feelings." The soft voice had a little break in it that Bucky loved.

He walked across to his partner, that rare, tender smile of his in his
eyes. "If I'm always talki