in token of defeat.

Dick tossed the bridle to Yeager and swung off.

"There aren't any of them so bad, if a fellow will stay with them," he
said.

"Where did you learn your riding, partner?" asked the puncher with the
scarlet kerchief knotted around his neck.

"I used to ride for an outfit up in Wyoming," returned Dick.

"Well, I'd like to ride for that outfit, if all the boys stick to the
saddle like you," returned the kerchiefed one.

Gordon did not explain that he had been returned winner in more than one
bucking-bronco contest in the days when he rode the range.

He was already sauntering toward the house.

From a side porch Pedro, awaiting the arrival of a rig to take him back
to the ranch, sat with his bruised leg on a chair and watched the
approach of the stalwart figure that came as lightly as though it trod
on eggs. He had hobbled here and watched the other do easily what had
been beyond him.

His heart was bitter with the sense of defeat, none the less because
this man whom he had lately tried to kill had just saved his life.

"_Como_?" asked Dick, stopping in front of him to brush dust from his
trousers with a pocket-handkerchief.

Pedro mumbled something. Under his olive skin the color burned. Tears of
mortification were in his eyes.

"You saved my life, _senor_. Take it. It is yours," the boy cried.

"What shall _I_ do with it?"

"I care not. Make an end of it, as on Tuesday I tried to make an end of
yours," cried the lad wildly.

Gordon took off his hat and looked at the bullet holes casually.

"You did not miss it very far, Pedro."

"You knew then, _senor_, that I was the man?" the Mexican asked in
surprise.

"Oh, yes; I knew that."

"And you did nothing?"

"Yes; I ducked behind a rock," laughed Gordon.

"But you make no move to arrest me?"

"No."

"But, if I should shoot again?"

"I expect to carry a rifle next time I go riding, Pedro."

The Mexican considered this.

"You are a brave man, _senor_."

The Anglo-Saxon snorted scornfully.

"Because I ain't bluffed out by a kid that needs a horse-whip laid on
good and hard? Don't you make any mistake, boy. I'm going to give you
the licking of your young life. You were due for it to-day, but it will
have to be postponed, I reckon, till you're on your feet again."

Pedro's eyes glittered dangerously.

"Senor Gordon has saved my life. It is his. But no living man lays hands
on Pedro Menendez," the boy said, drawing himse