The Coolidge examiner., 1933-03-10
CHAPTER Xll-continued

You have no right to risk the
lives of your poor, ignorant men to
save your property" she fiared at
him.
Il haven't? Why haven't I?
They're my men. aren't they?
Didn't I inherit them? DO not en-
Iloy them and house and feed them
and make them happy? Didn't my
father and grandfather and great
grandfather accept them and their
troubles? I'm loyal to them, am
not: They know I'd fight TO the
death for them. and lose every dol
lar have in the world before turn
ing them off to face that world
the gringo world they do not under
stand, Why shouldn't they he loyal
20 me? Whose salt eat. his song
sing 4 good slogan and a very
ancient one i'm this country"
The girl was sensible Of n vague
uneasiness rs he looked her over
sternly. She had not pleased him
and he did not diSdain to make
her aware of the fact.
I'm not a lawyer" he shot at
her suddenly. What would your
friend. Mr.. Hackett. do If he were
the owner of these sheep?"
Il imagine he'd have some sort of
theft insurance on them. so he
wouldn't worry If Dingle stole them.
He'd leave the worry and the sal
wage and the prosecution to the in
surance company"
Everything for defense but not
n cent for tribute, Bobby. It's all in
the. point of view. Well, suppose,
now you're out of the sheep busi-
ness. Bobby. you'll be going back to
Dobbs Ferry In day or two"
well. of course. would stay
over for your funeral, Jimmy" She
tried TO appear jocular. but her
Quavering voice betrayed her real
feelings.
His brown hand caressed her
shoulder. That's the girl. Act
spunky, even If you're not. Nine
times out of ten one can fool the
enemy with good bluff."
"YOu are going TO wait here until
Aurelio returns with more men and
horses? How many men have you
sent for?'
Twenty. Caraveo. the riding
boss. will pick the best. Don't talk
10 me now. Roberta. have to for
mulate battle plan"
He took out a notebook and pen
Gil and commenced writing. Here"
he said abruptly, when he had fin
ished. please hand this to Ken Ho-
bart when he reports here If no.
body returns by twilight, drive the
car hack 10 the ranch. You know
the way" He stood up. hitched
his belt and held out his hand.
Where are you going. Jimmy?"
I'm going TO circle ahead of those
sheep and get to the only water-hole
they can reach tonight. There's an
old branding corral in the valley by
that water-hole-one | built myself.
I'm going to dig in there and hold
that gang off,"
Surely you're not going alone"
Julio will follow at four O'Clock.
He's dependable. GoOd-by. Bobby
in case do not see you again. It's
been wonderful To have known you.
When you get back to Dobbs Ferry
think kindly of Jim Higgins. II he's
in the cemetery. and send him an
occasional picture postcard II he's
not. Your sheep money is In the To-
cal bank. Trust old Prudy. He
looks like a dusky idol, but he's
cutter than any fox-and honest.
GOOd-by. my dear"
He took her hand. 1t trembled In
his. Jimmy" she said in a very
small voice. "the other night you
told me you loved me. Was that
statement of fact or just-ah-
hoOeyT
ut was statement of fact. I'll
love you as long as | live. Some
day, If live. suppose I'll marry
somebody else. but in the cool of the
evening, darling, when the days
work is done and the Higuenes boy
and his thoughts are alone together
well. I'll do some thinking. And
If Mrs. Higuenes should say, James.
what are you thinking Off | shall
tell her a harmless lie."
81 shall 90 home tomorrow.
Jimmy-provided you come back to
Vale Verde. If not"
They'll plant me in a hurry and
you can go the day after, Bobby"
He took her fresh. lovely face in
his palms Bobby" he said very Sc
riously. remember me as the man
who never made love for fun" And
he kissed her on the lips and let her
go. Duly, she watched him swing
into his saddle and ride away; when
he had topped the ridge he pulled
up. looked back and waved his hand
Then he went over the skyline.
About three thirty Ken Hobart
and Julio returned and found Ro-
berta face downward in the grass