movements, for he was as supple, as properly poised,
and as sinewy as a panther.

"You're a great boy," she said to him when he came back. "I like you, I
want to do something for you. Get into my carriage, and let me tell you
of some plans."

He looked down at his faded woolen shirt and lifted his hand to his
greasy sombrero. "Oh, no! I can't do that."

She laughed. "You ought to be able to stand it if I can. I'd be rather
proud of having 'Black Mose' in my carriage."

"I guess not," he said. There was a cadence in these three words to
which she bowed her head. She surrendered her notion quickly.

"Come down to the Palace with me."

"All right, I'll do that," he replied without interest.

"Meet me there in half an hour."

"All right."

"Good-by till then."

He did not reply but took her extended hand, while the young fellow in
the postal cage grinned with profound appreciation. After the princess
went out this clerk said, "Pard, you've struck it rich."

Mose turned and his eyebrows lowered dangerously. "Keep to your letter
punchin', young feller, and you'll enjoy better health."

Those who happened to be standing in the room held their breath, for in
that menacing, steady glare they recognized battle.

The clerk gasped and stammered, "I didn't mean anything."

"That's all right. You're lately from the East, or you wouldn't get gay
with strangers in this country. See if there is any mail for Mose
Harding--or Harry Excell."

"Sorry, sir--nothing for Mr. Harding, nothing for Mr. Excell."

Mose turned back to the desk and scrawled a short letter to Jack Burns
asking him to let him know at once where Mary was, and whether it would
be safe for him to visit her.

As he went out in the street to mount his horse the marshal met him
again, and Mose, irritated and hungry, said sharply:

"See here, pardner, you act most cussedly like a man keeping watch on
me."

The marshal hastened to say, "Nothing of the kind. I like you, that's
all. I want to talk with you--in fact I'm under orders from the princess
to help you get a job if you want one. I've got an offer now. The
Express Company want you to act as guard between here and Canon City.
Pay is one hundred dollars a month, ammunition furnished."

Mose threw out his hand. "I'll do it--take it all back."

The marshal shook hands without resentment, considering the apology
ample, and together they sauntered down the street.

"Now, pardner, let me tell you how