[Illustration: See p. 34 "I'M AWFULLY SORRY, TOO, DAD"]

FLOWING GOLD

By Rex Beach

TO THE ONE WHOSE FAITH, ENTHUSIASM, AND DEVOTION CONSTITUTE ANEVER-FAILING SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, MY WIFE, SWEETHEART, ANDPARTNER. 

FLOWING GOLD

CHAPTER I

Room service at the Ajax is of a quality befitting the newest, thelargest, and the most expensive hotel in Dallas. While thestandard of excellence is uniformly high, nevertheless some extracare usually attaches to a breakfast ordered from the Governor'ssuite--most elegant and most expensive of all the suites--hencethe waiter checked over his card and made a final, flutteringexamination to be sure that the chilled fruit was chilled and thatthe hot plates were hot before he rapped on the door. A voice, loud and cheery, bade him enter. 

Would the gentleman wish his breakfast served in the parlor or--No, the gentleman would have it right in his bedroom; but first, where were his cigarettes? He hoped above all things that thewaiter had not forgotten his cigarettes. Some people began theirdays with cold showers--nothing less than a cruel shock to alanguid nervous system. An atrocious practice, the speaker calledit--a relic of barbarism--a fetish of ignorance. Much preferablewas a hygienic, stimulating cigarette which served the samepurpose and left no deleterious aftereffects. 

The pajama-clad guest struck a light, inhaled with abundantsatisfaction, and then cast a hungry eye over the contents of therubber-tired breakfast table. He, too, tested the temperature of themelon and felt the cover of the toast plate. 

"Splendid!" he cried. "Nice rooms, prompt service, a pleasant-facedwaiter. Why, I couldn't fare better in my best club. Thanks to you, my first impression of Dallas is wholly delightful. " He seated himselfin a padded boudoir chair, unfolded a snowy serviette and attacked hisbreakfast with the enthusiasm of a perfectly healthy animal. 

"Is this your first visit here, sir?"

"Absolutely. Dallas is as foreign to me as Lhasa. It is the Baghdadof my dreams and its streets are strange. Perhaps they are full ofadventure for me. I hope so. Anything exciting can happen in atown where one has neither friends nor acquaintances, eh? You area well-read man, I take it. "

"I? Why--"

"At any rate, you have heard it said that this is a small world. "

"Yes, sir. "

"Good! I merely wish to deny authorship of the saying, for it isfalse. This is a large world. What is more, it is a world full ofcities like Dallas where men like you and me, Heaven be praised, have neither friends, acquaintances, nor relatives. In thatrespect, it is a fine world and we should devoutly give thanks forits Dallases and its--Dalsatians. Jove! This ham is delicious!"

The waiter was accustomed to "morning talkers, " but this gentlemanwas different. He had an air of consequence, and his voice, sodeep, so well modulated, so pleasant, invested him with unusualdistinction. Probably he was an actor! But no! Not in theGovernor's suite. More likely he was one of the big men of theStandard, or the Gulf, or the Texas. To make sure, the waiterinquired:

"May I ask if you are in oil, sir?"

"In oil? Bless me, what a nauseating question--at this hour of theday!"

"'Most everybody here is in oil. We turn dozens away every day, we're that full. It's the boom. I'm in oil myself--in a small way, of course. It's like this: sometimes gentlemen like--well, likeyou, sir--give me tips. They drop a hint, like, about their stocks, and I've done well--in a small way, of course. It doesn't cost themanything and--some of them are very kind. You'd really be surprised. "

"Oh, not at all. " The occupant of the Governor's suite leaned backin his chair and smiled widely. "As a matter of fact, I amflattered, for it is evident that you are endowed with the money-making instinct and that you unerringly recognize it in others. Very well, I shall see what I can do for you. But while we are onthe subject of tips, would you mind helping yourself to a dollarout of my trousers pocket?"

The waiter proceeded to do as directed, but a moment laterannounced, apologetically: "Here's all I find, sir. It's mostlypennies. " He exposed a handful of small coins. 

"Look in my coat, if you will. "

But the second search resulted as had the first. "Strange!"murmured the guest, without rising. "I must have been robbed. Iremember now, a fellow crowded me as I left my train. Um--m!Robbed--at the very gates of Baghdad! Dallas _is_ a City ofAdventure. Please add your tip to the check, and--make it twodollars. I'd like to have you serve me every morning, for I cannotabide an acid face at breakfast. It sours my whole day. "

Calvin Gray finished his breakfast, smoked a second cigarette ashe scanned the morning paper, then he dressed himself withmeticulous care. He possessed a tall, erect, athletic form, hisperfectly fitting clothes had that touch of individuality affectedby a certain few of New York's exclusive tailors, and when hefinally surveyed himself in the glass, there was no denying thefact that he presented an appearance of unusual distinction. As heturned away, his eyes fell upon the scanty handful of small coinswhich the waiter had removed from his pocket and for a moment hestared at them reflectively, then he scooped them into his palmand, with a smile, announced to his image:

"It would seem that it is time for us to introduce ourselves tothe management. "

He was humming a tune as he strode out of his richly furnishedquarters. 

The Governor's suite at the Ajax is on the mezzanine floor, at thehead of the grand staircase. As Gray descended the spacious marblesteps, he saw that the hotel was indeed doing a big business, foralready the lobby was thickly peopled and at the desk a group of newarrivals were plaintively arguing with a bored and supercilious roomclerk. 

Some men possess an effortless knack of commanding attention andinspiring courtesy. Calvin Gray was one of these. Before manymoments, he was in the manager's office, explaining, suavely, "Nowthat I have introduced myself, I wish to thank you for taking careof me upon such short notice. "

"It was the only space we had. If you wish, I'll have your roomschanged as soon as--"

"Have you something better?"

Haviland, the manager, laughed and shook his head. "Scarcely! Thatsuite is our pet and our pride. There's nothing to beat it in thewhole Southwest. "

"It is very nice. May I inquire the rate?"

"Twenty-five dollars a day. "

"Quite reasonable. " Mr. Gray beamed his satisfaction. 

"It is the only suite we have left. We've put beds in the parlorsof the others, and frequently we have to double up our guests. This oil excitement is a blessing to us poor innkeepers. I presumeit's oil that brings you here?"

Gray met the speaker's interrogatory gaze with a negative shake ofthe head and a smile peculiarly noncommittal. "No, " he declared. "I'm not in the oil business and I have no money to invest in it. I don't even represent a syndicate of Eastern capitalists. On thecontrary, I am a penniless adventurer whom chance alone has castupon your hospitable grand staircase. " These words were spokenwith a suggestion of mock modesty that had precisely theeffect of a deliberate wink, and Mr. Haviland smiled and noddedhis complete comprehension. 

"I get you, " said he. "And you're right. The lease hounds woulddevil you to death if you gave them a chance. Now then, if there'sany way in which I can be of service--"

"There is. " Gray's tone was at once businesslike. "Please give methe names of your leading bankers. I mean the strongest and themost--well, discreet. "

During the next few minutes Gray received and swiftly tabulatedin his mind a deal of inside information usually denied to theaverage stranger; the impression his swift, searching questionsmade upon the hotel manager was evident when the latter told himas he rose to go:

"Don't feel that you have to identify yourself at the banks to-day. If we can accommodate you--cash a check or the like--"

"Thank you. " The caller shook his head and smiled his appreciationof the offer. "Your manner of conducting a hotel impresses medeeply, and I shall speak of it to some of my Eastern friends. Live executives are hard to find. "

It is impossible to analyze or to describe that quality ofmagnetic charm which we commonly term personality, nevertheless itis the most potent influence in our social and our business lives. It is a gift of the gods, and most conspicuous successes, inwhatever line, are due to it. Now and then comes an individual whois cold, even repellent, and yet who rises to full accomplishmentby reason of pure intellectual force or strength of character; butnine times out of ten the man who gets ahead, be he merchant, banker, promoter, or crook, does so by reason of this abstractasset, this intangible birthright. 

Gray possessed that happy quality. It had made itself felt by thewaiter who brought his breakfast and by the manager of the hotel;its effect was equally noticeable upon the girl behind the cigarcounter, where he next went. An intimate word or two and she wasin a flutter. She sidetracked her chewing gum, completely ignoredher other customers, and helped him select a handful of herchoicest sixty-cent Havanas. When he finally decided to have hersend the rest of the box of fifty up to his room and signed forthem, she considered the transaction a tribute to her beautyrather than to her ability as a saleswoman. Her admiring eyesfollowed him clear across the lobby. 

Even the blase bell-captain, by virtue of his calling a person offew enthusiasms and no illusions, edged up to the desk andinquired the name of the distinguished stranger "from the No'th. "

Gray appeared to know exactly what he wanted to do, for he stoppedat the telephone booths, inquired the number of the leadingafternoon newspaper, and put in a call for it. When it camethrough he asked for the city editor. He closed the sound-proofdoor before voicing his message, then he began, rapidly:

"City editor? Well, I'm from the Ajax Hotel, and I have a tip foryou. I'm one of the room clerks. Listen! Calvin Gray is registeredhere--got in last night, on gum shoes. .. . Gray! _Calvin Gray_!Better shoot a reporter around and get a story. .. . You _don't_?Well, other people know him. He's a character--globe trotter, soldier of fortune, financier. He's been everywhere and doneeverything, and you can get a great story if you've got a manclever enough to make him talk. But he won't loosen easily. .. . Oil, I suppose, but--. .. Sure! Under cover. Mystery stuff! Anotherbig syndicate probably. .. . Oh, that's all right. I'm an oldnewspaper man myself. Don't mention it. "

All American cities, these days, are much the same. Character, atmosphere, distinctiveness, have been squeezed out in the generalmold. For all Calvin Gray could see, as he made his firstacquaintance with Dallas, he might have been treading the streetsof Los Angeles, of Indianapolis, of Portland, Maine, or ofPortland, Oregon. A California brightness and a Florida warmth to the air, a New England alertness to the pedestrians, a Manhattan majesty tosome of the newer office buildings, these were the mostoutstanding of his first impressions. 

Into the largest and the newest of these buildings Gray went, awhite tile and stone skyscraper, the entire lower floor of whichwas devoted to an impressive banking room. He sent his card in tothe president, and spent perhaps ten minutes with that gentleman. He had called merely to get acquainted, so he explained; he wishedto meet only the heads of the strongest financial institutions; hehad no favors to ask--as yet, and he might have no businesswhatever with them. On the other hand--well, he was a slow andcareful investigator, but when he moved, it was with promptitudeand vigor, and in such an event he wished them to know who he was. Meanwhile, he desired no publicity, and he hoped his presence inDallas would not become generally known--it might seriouslyinterfere with his plans. 

Before he left the bank Gray had met the other officers, and fromtheir manner he saw that he had created a decided impression uponthem. The bank president himself walked with him to the marblerailing, then said:

"I'd like to have you wait and meet my son, Lieutenant Roswell. He's just back from overseas, and--the boy served with somedistinction. A father's pride, you understand?"

"Was Lieutenant Roswell in France?" Gray inquired, quickly. 

"Oh yes. He'll be in at any minute. "

A shadow of regret crossed the caller's face. "I'm sorry, but I'vearranged to call on the mayor, and I've no time to lose. What unitwas your son with?"

"The Ninety-eighth Field Artillery. "

The shadow fled. Mr. Gray was vexed at the necessity for haste, but he would look forward to meeting the young hero later. 

"And meanwhile, " Roswell, senior, said, warmly, "if we can be ofservice to you, please feel free to call upon us. I dare say we'dbe safe in honoring a small check. " He laughed pleasantly andclapped his caller on the back. 

A fine man, Gray decided as he paused outside the bank. And herewas another offer to cash a check--the second this morning. Goodaddress and an expensive tailor certainly did count: with them ascapital, a man could take a profit at any time. Gray's fingersstrayed to the small change in his trousers pocket and he turnedlonging eyes back toward the bank interior. Without doubt it was atemptation, especially inasmuch as at that moment his well-manicured right hand held in its grasp every cent that hepossessed. 

This was not the first time he had been broke. On the contrary, during his younger days he had more than once found himself inthat condition and had looked upon it as an exciting experience, as a not unpleasant form of adventure. To be strapped in a miningcamp, for instance, was no more than a mild embarrassment. But tofind oneself thirty-eight years old, friendless and without fundsin a city the size of Dallas--well, that was more than anadventure, and it afforded a sort of excitement that he believedhe could very well do without. Dallas was no open-handed frontiertown; it was a small New York, where life is settled, where menare suspicious, and where fortunes are slow in the making. Hewondered now if hard, fast living had robbed him of the punch tomake a new beginning; he wondered, too, if the vague plans at theback of his mind had anything to them or if they were entirelyimpracticable. Here was opportunity, definite, concrete, andspelled with a capital O, here was a deliberate invitation toavail himself of a short cut out of his embarrassment. A merescratch of a pen and he would have money enough to move on to someother Dallas, and there gain the start he needed--enough, atleast, so that he could tip his waiter and pay cash for hisCoronas. Business men are too gullible, any how; it would be agood lesson to Roswell and Haviland. Why not--?

Calvin Gray started, he recoiled slightly, the abstracted starewas wiped from his face, for an officer in uniform had brushedpast him and entered the bank. That damned khaki again! Thoseservice stripes! They were forever obtruding themselves, itseemed. Was there no place where one could escape the hatefulsight of them? His chain of thought had been snapped, and herealized that there could be no short cut for him. He had climbedthrough the ropes, taken his corner, and the gong had rung; it wasnow a fight to a finish, with no quarter given. He squared hisshoulders and set out for the hotel, where he felt sure he wouldfind a reporter awaiting him. 

CHAPTER II

The representative of the Dallas _Post_ had anticipated somedifficulty in interviewing the elusive Calvin Gray--whoever hemight be--but luck appeared to be with him, for shortly after hisarrival at the hotel the object of his quest appeared. Mr. Graywas annoyed at being discovered; he was, in fact, loath toacknowledge his identity. Having just returned from an importantconference with some of the leading financiers of the city, hismind was burdened with affairs of weight, and then, too, the mayorwas expecting him--luncheon probably--hence he was in no mood tobe interviewed. Usually Mr. Gray's secretary saw interviewers. However, now that his identity was known, he had not the heart tobe discourteous to a fellow journalist. Yes! He had once owned anewspaper--in Alaska. Incidentally, it was the farthest-northpublication in the world. 

Alaska! The reporter pricked up his ears. He managed to elicit thefact that Mr. Gray had operated mines and built railroads there;that he had been forced into the newspaper game merely to protecthis interests from the depredations of a gang of politicalgrafters, and that it had been a sensational fight while itlasted. This item was duly jotted down in the reportorial memory. 

Alaska was a hard country, quite so, but nothing like Mexicoduring the revolution. Mexican sugar and mahogany, it transpired, had occupied Mr. Gray's attention for a time, as had Argentinecattle, Yucatan hennequin, and an engineering enterprise inBolivia, not to mention other investments closer to home. 

Once the speaker had become reconciled to the distastefulnecessity of talking about himself, he suggested an adjournment tohis rooms, where he would perhaps suffer less embarrassment by reasonof his unavoidable use of the personal pronoun. 

Gray noted the effect upon his visitor of the Governor's suite andsoon had the young man at ease, with a Corona between his teeth. Then followed a full three-quarters of an hour, during which thevisitor discoursed in his very best style and his caller satspellbound, making occasional hieroglyphic hen tracks upon hisnote paper and congratulating himself upon his good luck instriking a man like this in one of his rare, talkative moods. Grayhad set himself deliberately to the task of selling himself tothis gentleman of the press, and, having succeeded, he was enoughof a salesman to avoid the fatal error of overselling. 

Alone at last, a sardonic grin crept over his features. So far, sogood. Now for the rest of those bankers and the mayor. Gray wasworking rapidly, but he knew no other way of working, and speedwas essential. It seemed to him not unlikely that delay of theslightest might force him to turn in desperation to a length oflead pipe and a mask, for--a man must live. As yet he had no verydefinite plans, he had merely undertaken to establish himself in aposition to profit by the first opportunity, whatever it might be. And opportunity of some sort would surely come. It always did. What is more, it had an agreeable way of turning up just when hewas most in need of it. 

Gray called at several other banks that morning. He strode inswiftly, introduced himself with quick incisiveness, and tarriedonly long enough to fix himself indelibly in the minds of those hehad come to see, then he left. There are right and wrong ways ofclosing a deal or of ending an interview, and Gray flatteredhimself that he possessed "terminal facilities. " He was very busy, always a bit pressed for time, always a moment late; his theory ofconstant forward motion never permitted an awkward pause inconversation. On the street, his long legs covered the ground atsomething less than a run, his eyes were keenly alert, his face setin purposeful lines. Pedestrians turned to look after him. 

At the mayor's office he was denied admission to the chiefexecutive, but insisted so peremptorily as to gain his end. Onceinside, he conveyed his compliments with such a graceful flourishthat his intrusion assumed the importance of a ceremony and thePeople's Choice was flattered. He inferred that this Calvin Graymade a practice of presenting his formal respects to thedignitaries of all the large cities he visited and deemed it afavor to them. No doubt it was, if he so considered it, for heappeared to be fully aware of his own importance. After all, itwas an agreeable practice. Since no man in public life can riskoffending people of importance, His Honor unbent. Gray turned acurrent jest upon Texas politics into a neat compliment to thecity's executive; they laughed; formality vanished; personalmagnetism made itself felt. The call ended by the two men lunchingtogether at the City Club, as Gray had assumed it would, and hetook pains that the bankers upon whom he had called earlier in themorning should see him in company with the mayor. 

He returned to his hotel that afternoon pretty well satisfied withhis efforts and hopeful that some of the seed he had sownbroadcast would be ripe for the reaping ere-long. But he receivedan electric shock as he approached the desk, for the bell captainaddressed him, saying:

"Mr. Haviland wishes to see you at once, in his office. "

"Indeed? Anything important?"

"Very important, sir. I've been waiting for you to come in. " Therewas something ominous about this unexpected summons, or perhapsabout the manner of its delivery. At any rate, suspicion leapedinto Gray's mind. 

So! Haviland was wise! Quick work that. Evidently he hadinvestigated, through those mysterious sources of informationavailable to great hotels. Or perhaps some one had seen andrecognized him. Well, that was the way his luck had run, lately--every break against him. 

Now--Gray's shoulders lifted in a shrug of resignation--therewas nothing to do except wave aside the blindfold and face thefiring squad like an officer and a gentleman. But it was a pitythat the crash had come so soon; fortune might have given him atleast a short interval of grace. Haviland was probably in a coldrage at the discovery of the fraud, and Gray could only hope thathe wouldn't get noisy over it, for scenes were always annoying andsometimes they ran to unfortunate lengths. 

There was a curious brightness to the imposter's eyes, a reckless, mocking smile upon his lips, when he stepped into the manager'soffice and stood beside the desk. He declined Haviland'sinvitation to be seated--it seemed more fitting that a man shouldtake sentence on his feet. 

"Have you seen the Post?" the manager inquired. 

"No. "

Haviland handed him a copy of the leading afternoon paper, andGray's eyes flashed to the headline of an article reading:

CALVIN GRAY, HERO OF SENSATIONAL EXPLOITS, IN DALLAS ADVENTURESREAD LIKE PAGE OF ROMANCE FAMOUS FINANCIER ADMITS LARGE OILINTERESTS BEHIND HIM

From the opening paragraph Gray judged that he had impressed thereporter even more deeply than he had supposed, but he took nosatisfaction there from, for Haviland was saying:

"I've read the whole story, but I want you to tell me somethingmore about yourself. "

"What do you wish to know?"

"Were you in France?"

Over the visitor's face there came a subtle change. Whereas, uponentering, he had worn an expression of careless defiance, now he appearedto harden in every fiber and to go on guard. 

"I have been many times in France. "

"I mean during the war. Did you serve?"

There was a pause. "I did. " Gray's eyes remained fixed upon hisinterrogator, but they had begun to smolder. 

"Then you're Colonel Gray. Colonel Calvin Gray. "

"Quite so. " The speaker's voice was harsh, and it came with aneffort. "But you didn't read _that_ in the _Post_. Come! What'sthe idea? Out with it. "

The interview had taken an unexpectedly disagreeable turn. Grayhad anticipated an unpleasant moment or two, but this--well, itwas indeed the crash. Calamity had overtaken him from the veryquarter he had least expected and most dreaded, and his mind racedoff at a tangent; a dozen unwelcome queries presented themselves. 

"Strange what circles we move in, " Haviland was saying. "Do youknow who owns the controlling interest in this hotel? Surely youmust know or can guess. Think a moment. It's somebody you met overthere and have reason to remember. "

A sound escaped, from the throat of Colonel Gray--not a cry, butrather a gasp of amazement, or of rage. 

"Aha!" Haviland grinned in triumph. "I thought--"

His guest leaned forward over the desk, with face twitching. Passion had driven the blood from it, and his whole expression wasone of such hatred, such fury, the metamorphosis was so startling, that the hotel man stiffened in his chair and stared upward insudden amazement. 

"_Nelson!_" Gray ejaculated. "Nelson! By God! So! He's _here_!"

During the moment that Haviland sat petrified, Gray turned hishead slowly, his blazing eyes searched the office as if expectingto discover a presence concealed somewhere; they returned to thehotel man's face, and he inquired:

"Well, where is he?"

Haviland stirred. "I don't know what you're talking about. Who'sNelson?" After a second he exclaimed: "Good Lord! I thought I hada pleasant surprise for you, and I was gracefully leading up toit, but--I must have jazzed it all up. I was going to tell youthat the hotel and everything in it is yours. "

"Eh?"

"Why, the Ajax is one of the Dietz chain! Herman Dietz ofCincinnati owns it. He left for the North not an hour ago. At thelast minute he heard you were here--read this story in the paper--and had bellboys scouring the place for you. You must know why hewanted to see you, and what he said when he found that he'd haveto leave before you came in. "

Colonel Gray uttered another exclamation, this time an expletiveof deep relief. He fought with himself a moment, then murmured anapology. "Sorry. You gave me a start-decidedly. Herman Dietz, eh?Well, well! You made me think for a moment that I was a guest inthe house of some other--friend. "

"_Friend?_"

"Exactly!" Gray was himself again now. He ran a loosening fingerbetween his collar and throat. "Quite a start, I'll admit, but--some of my friends are great practical jokers. They have a way ofjumping out at me and crying 'Boo!' when I least expect it. "

"Um-m! I see. Mr. Dietz told me that he was under lifelongobligation to a certain Colonel Calvin Gray. Something to do withpassports--"

"I once rendered him a slight favor. "

"He doesn't regard the favor as 'slight. ' He was about to beimprisoned for the duration of the war and you managed to get himback home. "

"Merely a matter of official routine. I felt sure he was a loyalAmerican citizen. "

"Exactly. But he makes more of the incident than you do, and hegave me my instructions. So--what can I do for you on his behalf?You have only to ask. "

Gray pondered the unexpected offer. He was still a bit shaken, for a moment ago he had been more deeply stirred even thanHaviland suspected, and the emotional reaction had left him weak. After all the hollow pretense of this day a genuine proffer of aidwas welcome, and the temptation to accept was strong. Herman Dietzwas indeed indebted to him, and he believed the old German-American would do anything, lend him any amount of money, forinstance, that he might ask for. Gray wondered why he had notthought of Dietz before he came to Texas; it would have madethings much easier. But the offer had come too late, it seemed tohim; at this moment he could see no means of profiting by itwithout wrecking the flimsy house of cards he had that very dayerected and exposing himself to ridicule, to obloquy as a rankfour-flusher. The scarcely dry headlines of that afternoon paperran before his eyes--"_Famous Financier Admits Large Oil InterestsBehind Him_. " Probably there were other things in the body of thearticle that would not harmonize with an appeal to Haviland forfunds, nor sound well to Mr. Dietz, once he learned the truth. Themore Gray pondered the matter, the more regretfully he realizedthat he had overplayed his hand, as it were. 

Here was a situation indeed! To be occupying the most expensivesuite in the hotel of a man who wished to lend him money, to beunable to pay one day's rent therefore, and yet to be stopped fromaccepting aid. There was a grim irony about it, for a fact. Then, too, the seed he had sown in banking circles, and his luncheonwith the mayor! Haviland had a sense of humor; it would make astory too good to keep--the new oil operator, the magnificent andmysterious New York financier, a "deadhead" at the Ajax. Oh, murder!

"Well, name your poison! Isn't there something, anything we can dofor you?" Haviland repeated. 

"There is, decidedly. " Gray smiled his warm appreciation of thetender. "If it is not too great a drain upon the Dietz millions, you may keep a supply of cut flowers in my room. I'm passionatelyfond of roses, and I should like to have my vases filled every morning. "

"You shall dwell in a perfumed bridal bower. "

Gray paused at the door to light one of those sixty-cent cigarsand between puffs observed: "Please assure Mr. Dietz that--hisobligation is squared and that I am--deeply touched. I shall revelin the scent of those flowers. "

That evening, when Calvin Gray, formally and faultlessly attired, strolled into the Ajax dining room he was conscious of attractingno little attention. For one thing, few of the other guests werein evening dress, and also that article in the _Post_, which hehad read with a curiously detached amusement, had been of a natureto excite general notice. The interview had jarred upon him inonly one respect--_viz_. , in describing him as a "typical soldierof fortune. " No doubt the reporter had intended that phrase in thekindest spirit; nevertheless, it implied a certain recklessnessand instability of character that did not completely harmonizewith Gray's inchoate, undeveloped banking projects. Bankers arewary of anything that sounds adventurous--or they pretend to be. As a matter of fact, Gray had learned enough that very day aboutTexas bankers to convince him that most of them were good, gamegamblers, and that a large part of the dividends paid by most ofthe local institutions of finance were derived from oil profits. However, the newspaper story, as a whole, was such as to give himthe publicity he desired, and he was well content with it. 

Its first results were prompt in coming. Even while the headwaiter was seating him, another diner arose and approached himwith a smile. Gray recognized the fellow instantly--one of thatvast army of casuals that march through every active man's lifeand disappear down the avenues of forgetfulness. 

After customary greetings had been exchanged, the newcomer, Coverly by name, explained that he had read the _Post_ article notfive minutes before, and was delighted to learn how well the worldhad used Gray. He was dining alone; with alacrity he accepted aninvitation to join his old friend, and straightway he launchedhimself upon the current of reminiscence. In answer to Gray'sinquiry, he confessed modestly enough:

"Oh, I'm not in your class, old man. I'm no 'modern Gil Blas, ' asthe paper calls you. No Wall Street money barons are eating out ofmy hand, and I have no international interests 'reaching from theYukon to the Plate, ' but--I stand all right in little old Dallas. I'm the V. P. Of our biggest jewelry house, and business isgreat. " After their order had been given, he recited in greaterdetail the nature of his success. 

Gray was interested. "Texas is booming, " he said, at theconclusion of the story. "I'm told the new oil towns are somethinglike our old mining camps. "

"Except that they are more so. The same excitement, the same quickfortunes, only quicker and larger. Believe me, it's fine for thejewelry business. Look here. " Coverly drew from his pocket aletter written in a painfully cramped hand upon cheap note paper, and this he spread out for his companion to read. "There's anexample in point. "

The letter, which bore the Ranger postmark, ran as follows:

 DERE SIR--Your store has bin rekomend to me for dimons and I want some for my wife and dauter. Send me prises on rings of large sises. 

 Yours truley GUS BRISKOW. 

"Um-m! Who is Mr. Briskow?"

Coverly shrugged. "Probably some nester who never saw a hundreddollars all in one place until recently. When they strike oil, they buy diamonds, nice large yellow ones, as a rule; then as themoney continues to flow in, they pay off the mortgage and buy abank--or an interest in one. "

"In Heaven's name, introduce me to the opulent Gus Briskow. "

"I wish I might. But I don't expect to make his acquaintance. The head of our firm is away and I haven't a man I'd dare trust tosend out into the field. Usually I handle these inquiries myselfwhen the victim can't tear himself away from contemplating themiraculous flow of liquid gold long enough to come here. I take anassortment of gems with me and beard the _nouveau riche_ right onhis derrick floor. Why, I've carried as much as a hundred thousanddollars' worth of merchandise on some of my trips. " Coverly sighedregretfully. "Tough luck! Too bad you're not a good jewelrysalesman?"

"I am, " Gray declared. "I can sell anything. As for diamonds--I'vebought enough in my time to know their value. "

Coverly laughed in ready agreement with this statement. "Gad! I'msore at missing this sale. "

"You needn't miss it. I'll go. "

"Don't kid an unfortunate--"

"I'm not joking. If it's worth while, pack up your saffronsolitaires--all that you dare trust me with--and I'll be yourgentlemanly representative. "

"Worth while? Good Lord! I'd probably get a ten-thousand-dollarorder!"

"Very well. It's settled. " Gray's decision had been quickly made. Opportunity had knocked--he was not one to deny her admission, nomatter how queer her garb. A hundred thousand dollars' worth ofgems! The very figures intrigued him and--diamonds are readilynegotiable. There would be a natural risk attached to the handlingof so large an amount. A thousand things might happen to atreasure chest of that size. Gray began to believe that his luckhad changed. 

"Where does Mr. Briskow live?" he inquired. 

"Out beyond Ranger, somewhere. But--"

"I'm going to visit that field, anyhow. This will give me anexcuse. "

"Nonsense!" The jeweler did not like to have fun poked at him. Forsome time he refused to take the offer seriously, and even when hishost insisted that he would enjoy the lark, he expostulated: "Why, the idea is ridiculous! You--Calvin Gray, the financier, peddlingjewelry? Ha! Outside of the fact that you wouldn't, couldn't do it, it's not the safest thing in the world to carry a small fortune instones through the oil fields. "

"Of course you insure it against theft?"

"That's the point. We can't. Have you ever heard of 'high-jackers'? That's the Texas term for hold-up men, robbers. Well, the country is full of them. "

"Excellent! There no longer is any question about my going, " Grayannounced, firmly. "I am bored; I am stale; a thrill, of whateversort, would stir my blood. Animated by purely selfish motives, Inow insist upon a serious consideration of my offer. First, yousay I 'wouldn't, couldn't'; I assure you that I would, could--and_shall_, provided I can qualify as a salesman. "

Coverly admitted without much argument that anybody could probablyeffect a sale in this instance, if the diamonds were plainlymarked with their prices; it would be a mere question ofdisplaying the goods. That was not the point. Gray was a rich, abusy man--the idea was fantastic. 

"Why, you're offering to do this as an accommodation to an oldfriend, and your time is probably worth more than our whole profiton the sale would amount to. "

"My time is worth nothing. If you hesitate to intrust this king'sransom to me, I'll go personally responsible for its value. That'sfair, isn't it?"

"Don't be silly. How could I pay you if you did go?"

"Um-m!" This idea, it seemed, had not occurred to Mr. Gray. It wasplain that money meant nothing to him. 

"You see? We couldn't permit--"

"I have it. We'll divorce friendship and sentiment entirely fromthe discussion and reduce it to a strictly business basis. Youshall ease your conscience by paying my traveling expenses. Theemotional suspense that I undergo shall be my reward. I'll take mycommission in thrills. "

This offer evoked a light laugh from Gray's guest. "You'd getenough of 'em, " he asserted. "I'll advance a mild one, on account, at this moment. Notice the couple dining at the third table toyour left. "Gray lifted his eyes. "What do you see?"

"A rather well-dressed, hard-faced man and a decidedly attractivewoman--brunette. There's a suggestion of repressed widowhood abouther. It's the gown, probably. I am not yet in my dotage, and I hadseen her before I saw you. "

"She's living here. I don't know much about her, but the man goesby the name of Mallow. "

"No thrill yet. "

"He's been hanging about our store for the past month, making afew purchases and getting acquainted with some of the clerks. Wherever I go, lately, there he is. I'll wager if I took to-night's train for Ranger, he'd be on it. "

"And still my pulses do not leap. "

"Wait! I got a sort of report on him and it's bad. I believe, andso does the chief of police, that Mr. Mallow has something to dowith the gang of crooks that infests this country. One thing iscertain, they're not the native product, and our hold-ups aren'tstaged by rope-chokers out of work. "

Calvin Gray turned now and openly stared at the object ofCoverly's suspicions. There was an alert interest in his eyes. "You've cinched the matter with me, " he declared, after a moment. "Get out your diamonds to-morrow; I'm going to take the nighttrain to Ranger. "

Later that evening, after his guest had gone, Gray took occasiondeliberately to put himself in Mallow's way and to get intoconversation with him. This was not a difficult maneuver, for itwas nearly midnight and the lobby was well-nigh deserted;moreover, it almost appeared as if the restless Mr. Mallow wasseeking an acquaintance. 

For the better part of an hour the two men smoked and talked, and had Coverly overheard their conversation his blood would havechilled and he would have prematurely aged, for his distinguishedhost, Calvin Gray, the worldly-wise, suave man of affairs, actually permitted himself to be pumped like a farmer's son. Itwould have been a ghastly surprise to the jeweler to learn howcareless and how confiding his friend could be in an off moment;he would have swooned when Gray told about his coming trip toRanger and actually produced the misspelled Briskow letter for theedification of his chance acquaintance. Any lingering doubt as tohis friend's honesty of purpose would have vanished utterly had heheard Mallow announce that he, too, was going to Ranger, the verynext night--a curious coincidence, truly--and Gray's expression ofpleasure at the prospect of such a congenial traveling companion. The agitated Coverly no doubt would have phoned a frantic call forthe police, then and there. 

Once Gray was in his rooms, however, his manner changed, and intohis eyes there came a triumphant glitter. Hastily he rummagedthrough one of his bags, and from a collection of trinkets, souvenirs, and the like he selected an object which he examinedcarefully, then took into the bathroom for further experiment. Hisstep was springy, his lips were puckered, he was whistlingblithely when he emerged, for at last those vaguely outlined plansthat had been at the back of his mind had assumed form andpattern. His luck had turned, he had made a new start. Mallow wasindeed a crook, and Gray blessed the prompt good fortune that hadthrown both him and Coverly in his way. 

It had been a busy day; he was well content with its fruitage. 

CHAPTER III

Old Tom Parker was a "type. " He was one of a small class of men atone time common to the West, but now rapidly disappearing. Aturbulent lifetime spent in administering the law in a lawlessregion had stamped him with the characteristics of a frontierofficer--_viz_. , vigilance, caution, self-restraint, sang-froid. For more than thirty years he had worn a badge of some sort and, in the serving of warrants and other processes of law, he hadcovered, first in the saddle or on buckboard, later in Pullman caror automobile, most of that vast region lying between the Arkansasand the Pecos, the Cimarron, and the Sabine--virtually all of whatis now Texas and Oklahoma. He still spoke of the latter state, bythe way, as "the Territory, " and there were few corners of it thathe had not explored long before it ceased to be a haven of huntedmen. 

That is what Tom Parker had been--a hunter of men--and time waswhen his name had been famous. But he had played his part. Thetimes had caught up with and passed him, and no longer in theadministration of justice was there need of abilities like his, hence the shield of his calling had been taken away. 

Now Tom did not reckon himself obsolete. He was badger-gray, to besure, and stiff in one knee--a rheumatic legacy of officeinherited by reason of wet nights in the open and a too-diligentdevotion to duty--but in no other respect did he believe his ageto be apparent. His smoke-blue eyes were as bright as ever, hishand was quick; realization that he had been shunted upon a sidetrack filled him with surprise and bewilderment. It wascharacteristic of the man that he still considered himself abulwark of law and order, a _de facto_ guardian of the peace, and that from force of habit he still sat facing the door andnever passed between a lighted lamp and a window. 

Among the late comers to Wichita Falls, where he lived, Tom wasknown as a quiet-spoken, emotionless old fellow with an honorablepast, but with a gift for tiresome reminiscence quite out of placein the new and impatient order of things, and none but old-timersand his particular cronies were aware of the fact that he hadanother side to his character. It was not generally known, forinstance, that he was a kind and indulgent father and had adaughter whom he worshiped with blind adulation. This ignorancewas not strange, for Miss Barbara Parker had been away at collegefor four years now, and during that time she had not once returnedhome. 

There was a perfectly good reason for this protracted separationof father and daughter; since Old Tom was no longer on pay, ittook all he could rake and scrape to meet her bills, and railroadfares are high. That Hudson River institution was indeed afinishing school; not only had it polished off Barbara, but alsoit had about administered the _coup de grace_ to her father. Therehad been a ranch over near Electra with some "shallow production, "from which Tom had derived a small royalty--this was when BarbaraParker went East and before the Burk-burnett wells hit deep sand--but income from that source had been used up faster than it hadcome in, and "Bob, " as Tom insisted upon calling her, would havehad to come home had it not been for an interesting discovery onher father's part--_viz. _, the discovery of a quaint device of thelaw entitled a "mortgage. " Mortgages had to do with a departmentof the law unfamiliar to Tom, his wit, his intelligence, and hisdexterity of hand having been exercised solely in upholding thedignity of the criminal branch, but once he had realized that amortgage, so called, was no more than a meaningless banking termused to cloak the impulsive generosity of moneyed men, he availedhimself of this discovery and was duly grateful. 

Tom carried on a nominal fire-insurance business, but as amatter of fact the tiny two-roomed frame structure that bore hispainted sign was nothing more or less than a loafing place for himand his rheumatic friends, and a place in which the owner couldspend the heat of the day in a position of comfort to his stiffleg--that is to say, asleep in a high-backed office chair, hisfeet propped upon his desk. It was here that Tom could usually befound, and when one of those hateful statements arrived from theEast he merely roused himself, put on his wide gray hat, limpedaround to the bank, and pledged more of his oil royalties orsigned another mortgage. What insurance policies he wrote werebrought to him by his old pals; the money derived there from hesent on to "Bob" with love and an admonition to be a good girl andstudy hard and hurry home, because he was dying to see her. Thisoffice, by the way, no longer suited Tom; it was becoming toonoisy and he would have sold it and sought another farther out hadit not been mortgaged for more than it was worth. So, too, was thehouse where he lived amid the dirt and disorder of all bachelorestablishments. 

Now Old Tom would have resented an accusation of indolence; thebare implication of such a charge would have aroused his instantindignation, and Tom Parker indignant was a man to shun. As amatter of fact, he believed himself sadly overworked, and wasforever complaining about it. 

The time came, however, when he was forced to shed his habit ofslothfulness as completely as a snake sheds its skin, and that wasduring the week before "Bob's" arrival. Then, indeed, he swept andhe dusted, he mopped and he polished, he rubbed and he scrubbed, trying his best to put the house in order. Never in all his lifehad he labored as he did then, for four years of "batching" willmake a bear's nest out of the most orderly house, but he wasjealous of his task and he refused to share it with other hands. Pots and pans, rusty from disuse or bearing the accumulated evidenceof many hastily prepared meals, he took out in the back yard andscrubbed with sand, leaving his bony knuckles skinned and bleeding fromthe process; he put down a new carpet in "Bob's" room, no easy taskfor a man with an ossified knee joint--incidentally, the "damnthing" kept him awake for two nights thereafter; he nailed upfresh curtains, or they looked fresh to him, at her windows, andsmashed a perfectly good thumb-nail in doing so. This and manyother abominable duties he performed. But love means suffering, and every pang gave Old Tom a thrill of fierce delight for--"Bob"was coming. The lonely, hungry, aching wait was over. 

Constant familiarity with the house had mercifully dulled theoccupant's appreciation of its natural deterioration and theeffects of his neglect, so when he finally straightened his achingback and regarded the results of his heroic efforts, it seemed tohim that everything shone like new and that the place was as neatand as clean as on the day "Bob" went away. Probably Herculesthought the Augean stables were spotless and fragrant when he hadfinished with them. And perhaps they were, but Tom Parker was nodemigod. He was just a clumsy old man, unaccustomed to indoor"doings, " and his eyes at times during the last few days had beenunaccountably dim--as, for instance, while he was at work inBarbara's chamber. 

He did not sleep much on the night before the girl's arrival. Hesat until late with the framed photograph of Barbara's mother onhis knee, and tried to tell the dead and gone original that he haddone his best for the girl so far, and if he had failed, it wasbecause he knew nothing about raising girls and--nature hadn't cuthim out to be a father, anyhow. He had been considerably olderthan Barbara's mother when he married her, and he had never ceasedto wonder what there had been in him to win the love of a womanlike her, or to regret that fate had not taken him instead of her. Heaven knows his calling had been risky enough. But--that was howthings went sometimes--the wheat was taken and the chaff remained. 

And in the morning! Tom was up before daylight and had his disheswashed and his things in order long ere the town was awake. Thenhe went down to the office and waited--with the jumps. Repeatedlyhe consulted his heavy gold watch, engraved: "With the admirationand gratitude of the citizens of Burlingame. November fifth, 1892. " It was still two hours of train time when he locked up andlimped off toward the station, but--it was well to be there early. 

Of course he met Judge Halloran on the street--he always did--andof course the judge asked when "Bob" was coming home. The judgealways did that, too. Old Tom had lied diligently to the judgeevery day for a month now, for he had no intention of sharing thisday of days with a tiresome old pest, and now he again made anevasive answer. 

"Mendacity is at once the lowest and the commonest form ofdeceit, " the judge indignantly announced. "You know perfectly wellwhen she's coming, damn you!"

"Honest, I don't--not exactly. "

But the judge was unconvinced. "You've been as mysterious as abootlegger for the last week, but I could always read you like abook, Tom Parker. You know, all right. Mrs. Halloran wants to comeover and fix things up for her. She said so this--"

"Oh, I got everything fixed, " Tom hastily declared. "Ha! Whatdid I tell you?" The judge glared; Tom could have bitten histongue for that slip. "Your pitiful attempts to mislead Barbara'sadmirers expose you to ridicule, and offend those of us whotolerate you out of regard for her. " (The judge had a nice Texasdrawl, and he pronounced it "reegy'ad. ") "You're on your way tothe train at this moment and--I propose to accompany you. "

"What would I be going to the train for, now?" Tom inquired, in adeceitfully mild tone. Inwardly he was raging, and he cursed thejudge for a meddlesome old fool. 

"Hm-m! Thought you'd sneak down there, unobserved, probably. "There was a pause; then the speaker went on in an altered tone:"D'you suppose she has forgotten all her native accomplishments, Tom? I wonder if she can still ride and rope and shoot, or ifthose thin-blooded Eastern schoolma'ams have taught her that suchthings are unladylike and coarse. "

"Pshaw! You never forget how to do those things. "

"She could handle a horse or a rope or a gun as well as you atyour best. "

"_Better!_" Tom declared, with swelling pride. 

Halloran wagged his white head in agreement, an unusual procedure, inasmuch as he never agreed with Tom on any subject which offeredpossible ground for disagreement. "A wonderful girl! And I'llwager they haven't spoiled her. Even _you_ couldn't spoil 'Bob. '"He raised his red, belligerent eyes and fixed them upon his oldfriend, but there was now a kindly light in them. "You made a realson of her, didn't you, Tom?"

"Almost. I was mighty disappointed because she was a girl, but--Idon't know as a boy could of turned out much better. Well, Judge, I got to be moving. "

"You are neither grammatical nor precise, " snapped Judge Halloran. "You mean _we_ must be moving. " He linked arms with Tom and fellinto step with him; he clung to that rigid arm, moreover, despiteTom's surly displeasure. Not until a friend stopped them for aword or two was the distracted parent enabled to escape from thatspidery embrace; then, indeed, he slipped it as a filibusteringschooner slips its moorings, and made off as rapidly and asunobtrusively as possible. 

Judge Halloran stared after the retreating figure, then he showedhis decayed teeth in a smile. "'Bob' is coming home to-day and theold Mountain Lion is on edge, " he explained. "I must warn the boysto stay away from the station and give him his hour. Poor Tom! Hehas held his breath for four years. "

Tom Parker had heard of children spoiled by schooling, ofdaughters educated away from their commonplace parents andrendered disdainful of them, but never for one instant did he fearthat his girl was that sort. He just knew better. He could no morehave doubted "Bob's" love for him than his for her, or-God's lovefor both of them. Such love is perfect, absolute. He took nothought, therefore, of the changes time and poverty had wrought inhis appearance: "Bob" wouldn't notice. He bet she wouldn't care ifhe was plumb ragged. They were one and indivisible; she was _his_, just like his right arm; she was his boy and his girl; his son-daughter. The old gunman choked and his tonsils ached abominably. He hoped he wasn't in for another attack of quinsy sore throat. But--why lie to himself? The truth was, he wanted to cry and hewanted to laugh at the same time, and the impulses were crossed inhis windpipe. He shook his watch like a child's rattle, to be sureit was still running. 

Barbara did not disappoint her father. On the contrary, she wasperhaps more deeply moved than he at their meeting. At sight ofhim she uttered a strangled little cry, then she ran into his armsand clung there, tightly, her cheek pressed against his breast. Itwas only upon occasions like this that "Bob" kissed her father, for she had been reared as a boy and taught to shun emotionaldisplay. Boys kiss their mothers. She snuggled close, and Tomcould feel her whole body shaking; but she kept her head avertedto conceal a distressingly unmasculine weakness. It was a uselessprecaution, however, for Tom was blind, his eyes were as wet ashers, and tears were trickling down the seams in his wrinkledface. 

"Oh, daddy, it has been a long time!" Those were the first wordseither of them had spoken. 

Tom opened his lips, then he closed them. He patted Barbaraclumsily, and finally cleared his aching throat with a loud"_Harrumph!_" He dashed the tears from his eyes with the heel ofone harsh palm, then leveled a defiant glare over her head, directedat anyone who might be looking on at his weakness. It was a blurryglare, however, andnot nearly so ferocious as he intended it to be. After several efforts he managed to regain control of his vocal powers. 

"Well, son!" he cried, huskily; then, "_Harrumph_!"

Barbara's clutch tightened appreciatively. "Such a long, longtime!" Still with her cheek pressed close against him, she ran asmall gloved hand into the pocket of his coat and brought forth abandana handkerchief which she thrust into his palm, saying: "It'sa good thing I'm home, for you've caught another cold, haven'tyou? Now blow your nose. "

Barbara was anything but boyish to look at; quite the opposite, infact. She was delightfully feminine from the crown of her smartlittle traveling hat to her dainty French heels, and although hersuit was not expensive, it was worn with an air and was perhaps asfetching as any that had ever come to Wichita Falls. It gave theimpression of perfectly setting off a figure and a personalitythat required no setting off. She had the Parker eyes ofquenchless blue. 

"Well, son, there's a boom on and the town has grown some; but Iguess things here are about the same as when you left 'em. " Tomspoke with pride and satisfaction as he paid the driver, tookBarbara's suitcase, and opened the gate for her. 

The girl turned from her first long, appraising gaze at the modesthome. No change, indeed! The paint on the house was peeling, gutters had rusted out, some of the porch flooring had rottedthrough, the yard was an unkempt tangle of matted grass and weedsand neglected shrubbery. The sight of it was like a stab to her, for she remembered the place as it had been, and the shock wasakin to that of seeing a loved one in the garb of a tramp. But shesmiled up at the gray face above her--Tom, too, was as seedy asthe premises--and she nodded. 

"It hasn't changed a mite, " she said, bravely. 

A moment later she paused upon the threshold, tense, thrilled, apparently speechless. Tom was reminded of a trim little wrenpoised upon the edge of its nest. This time it was more difficultto counterfeit an exclamation of joy, but the catch in "Bob's"voice, the moisture in her eyes, was attributed by her father togladness at the sight of old familiar things. This was pay for thethought and the love and the labor expended, truly. 

"Why, everything is right where it belongs! How _wonderfully_you've kept house! You must have a perfect jewel of a girl, dad!"

"I let Aunt Lizzie go 'bout three years back, " Tom explained. "Shegot--shiftless and I been sort of batching it since. Clean, though, ain't it?"

Barbara turned; blindly she walked to the center table and buriedher face in a bouquet of wild flowers garnered from the yard. Sheheld it there for a moment before she spoke. "You--didn't evenforget that I love bluebonnets, did you, dad?"

"Pshaw! I 'ain't had much to do but remember what you like, son. "

"What's the matter? Business bad?" "Bob's" face was still hidden. 

"Oh no! I'm busy as usual. But, now you're home, I'll probablyfeel like doing more. I got a lot of work left in me yet, now Igot somebody to work for. "

"So you fixed everything with your own hands. "

"Sure! I knew how you like the place to look, and--well, a mangets used to doing without help. The kitchen's clean, too. "

Side by side the two moved from room to room, and, once the girlhad regained control of herself, she maintained an admirable self-restraint. She petted and she cooed over objects dear to her; sheloved every inch of everything; she laughed and she exclaimed, andwith her laughter sunshine suddenly broke into the musty, threadbare interior for the first time in four years. 

"Bob's" room was saved for the last, and Old Tom stood back, glowingat her delight. He could not refrain from showing her his blackenedthumb-nail--the price of his carpentry--for he hoped she'd kiss it. And she did. Not until she had "shooed" him out and sent himdownstairs, smiling and chuckling at her radiant happiness, did shegive way to those emotions she had been fighting this long time; thenher face grew white and tragic. "Oh, daddy, daddy!" she whispered. "What _have_ I done to you?"

Tom Parker had raised his girl like a son, and like a son she tookhold of things, but with a daughter's tact. Her intuition told hermuch, but she did not arrive at a full appreciation of the familyaffairs until she had the house running and went down to put hisoffice in order. Then, indeed, she learned at what cost had comethose four expensive years in the East, and the truth left herlimp. She went through Tom's dusty, disordered papers, ostensiblyrearranging and filing them, and they told her much; what they didnot tell her she learned from Judge Halloran and other old cronieswho came in to pay their garrulous compliments. 

Tom was mortgaged to the hilt, his royalties were pledged; a crowcould not pick a living out of his insurance business. 

Such a condition was enough to dismay any girl who had neverseriously considered money matters and who had returned home totake up a life of comparative ease and superlative enjoyment whereshe had left it off, but "Bob" said nothing to her father. Sheknew every one of his shortcomings, and they endeared him to her, quite as a son's faults and failures deepen a mother's love, butshe knew, too, that he was cantankerous and required carefulhandling. Tom's toes were tender, and he forever exposed themwhere they were easily trodden upon, therefore the girl steppedcautiously and never even referred to his sacrifices, which wouldhave cruelly embarrassed both of them. 

But something had to be done, and quickly; a new hand needed tomend the family fortunes. Barbara determined to lend that hand. 

A great change had come over the town and the whole country roundabout, a change which the girl believed afforded her anopportunity to prove that she was not a mere daughter, not anornament and a drag, but a real son-daughter such as Tomconsidered her. Wichita Falls was overcrowded with oil man, drawnthither by the town-site strike at Burkburnett, a few milesnorthwest, and excitement was mounting as new wells continued tocome in. Central north Texas was nearing an epoch-making petroleumboom, for Ranger, away to the south, had set the oil world by theears, and now this new sand at "Burk" lent color to the wildassertion that these north counties were completely underlaid withthe precious fluid. At any rate, the price of thirsty ranch landswas somersaulting and prosperity was apparent in the homes of allBarbara's girl friends. Her admirers of the opposite sex couldtalk of little except leases and bonuses and "production"; theywere almost too busy making money to call upon her. 

Barbara knew something about oil, for she had watched the drillingof every one of those shallow wells that had kept her in college, and what is more, she knew most of the property owners in thispart of the state. In that advantage she believed lay her chanceof accomplishment. 

After a fortnight of careful consideration she decided to enterthe oil business and deal in leases. 

"Good idea, " Tom declared, when she had made known her plan. "Thetown's so full of scamps it looks like Rodeo Day, and most of 'emare doing well. If they can make good, it seems like an honestfirm could do better. "

"We'll be partners, dad. You run the insurance and I'll be thelease hound. "

"Say--" Tom's eyes brightened. "I'll put a desk right alongside ofmine--a little feller, just your size--and a nice lounge in theback room, where you can lay down when you're tired. You been away solong it seems like I can't have you close enough. " Another thoughtpresented itself, and he manifested sudden excitement. "I tell you!I'll get a new sign painted, too! 'Tom and Bob Parker. Real Estateand Insurance. Oil Prop'ties and Leases. ' _Gosh!_ It's a _great_ idea, son!" His smile lingered, but a moment later there came into his eyes ahalf-regretful light. 

Barbara read his thought almost before he was aware of it, and, rising, she laid her hand upon his shoulder. Wistfully she said, "I'm awfully sorry, too, dad--"

"Eh?"

"--that I disappointed you so by not being a boy. But--it wasn'tmy fault, and maybe I'll show you that a daughter can help as muchas a son. "

CHAPTER IV

A year before this story opens the town of Ranger, Texas, consisted of a weatherbeaten, run-down railroad station, ablacksmith shop, and a hitching rail, town enough, incidentally, for the limited number of people and the scanty amount ofmerchandise that passed through it. Ranger lay in the dry belt--considered an almost entirely useless part of the state--wherekilling droughts were not uncommon, and where for months on endthe low, flinty hills radiate heat like the rolls of a steel mill. In such times even the steep, tortuous canyons dried out and therewas neither shade nor moisture in them. The few farms and ranchesround about were scattered widely, and life thereon was a grimstruggle against heartbreak, by reason of the gaunt, gray, ever-present specter of the drought. Of late this particular region hadproven itself to be one of violent extremes, of extreme drynessduring which flowers failed to bloom, the grass shriveled anddied, and even the trees refused to put forth leaves; or, morerarely, of extreme wetness, when the country was drowned beneathtorrential rains. Sometimes, during unusual winters, the heavensopened and spilled themselves, choking the narrow watercourses, washing out roads and destroying fields, changing the arid arroyosinto raging river beds. At such times life for the country peoplewas scarcely less burdensome than during the droughts, for theheavy bottom lands became quagmires, and the clay of the higherlevels turned into putty or a devilish agglutinous substance thatrendered travel for man or beast or vehicle almost impossible. 

There appeared to be no law of average here. In dry times it was adesert, lacking wholly, however, in the beauty, the mystery, and thespell of a desert; in wet times it was a gehenna of mud and slushand stickiness, and entirely minus that beauty and freshness thatattends the rainy seasons in a tropic clime. It was a land peopledby a hard-bitten race of nesters--come from God knows where and forGod knows why--starved in mind and body, slaves of a hideousenvironment from which they lacked means of escape. 

Geologists had claimed for some time that there must be coal inthese north Texas counties, a contention perhaps based upon acomfortable belief in the law of compensation, upon a theory thata region so poor aboveground must of necessity contain values ofsome sort beneath the surface. But as for other natural resources, they scouted the belief in such. Other parts of the state yieldedoil, for instance, but here the formation was all wrong. Who everheard of oil in hard lime?

Nevertheless, petroleum was discovered, and among the fraternitythat dealt in it Ranger became a word of contradiction and of deepmeaning. Aladdin rubbed his lamp, and, lo! a magic transformationoccurred; one of those thrilling dramas of a dramatic industry wasplayed. A gypsy camp sprang up beside the blacksmith shop, and asthe weeks fled by it changed into a village of wooden houses, theninto a town, and soon into a city of brick and iron and concrete. The railroad became clogged with freight, a tidal wave of menbroke over the town. Wagons, giant motor trucks, caterpillartractors towing long strings of trailers, lurched and groaned andcreaked over the hills, following roads unfit for a horse andbuggy. Straddling derricks reared themselves everywhere; theirfeet were set in garden patches, in plowed fields, in lonelymesquite pastures, and even high up on the crests of stony ridges. One day their timbers were raw and clean, the next day they wereblack and greasy, advertising the fact that once again the heavyrock pressure far below had sent another fountain of fortunespraying over the top. Then pipe lines were laid and unsightlytank farms were built. 

Ranger became a mobilization point, a vast concentration campfor supplies, and amid its feverish activity there was no rest, noSundays or holidays; the work went on at top tension night and dayamid a clangor of metal, a ceaseless roar of motors, a bedlam ofhammers and saws and riveters. Men lived in greasy clothes, breathing dust and the odors of burnt gas mainly, eating poor foodand drinking warm, fetid water when they were lucky enough to getany at all. 

This was about the state of affairs that Calvin Gray found on themorning of his arrival. He and Mallow had managed to secure a Pullmansection on the night train from Dallas; the fact that they were forcedto carry their own luggage from the station uptown to the restaurantwhere they hoped to get breakfast was characteristic of the place. Enroute thither they had to elbow their way through a crowd that filledthe sidewalks as if on a fair day. 

Mallow was well acquainted with the town, it appeared, and duringbreakfast he maintained a running fire of comment, some of whichwas worth listening to. 

"Ever hear how the first discovery was made? Well, the T. P. Company had the whole country plastered with coal leases andfinally decided to put down a fifteen-hundred-foot wildcat. Theguy that ran the rig had a hunch there was oil here if he wentdeep enough, but he knew the company wouldn't stick, so he fakedthe log of the well as long as he could, then he kept on drilling, against orders--refused to open his mail, for fear he'd find hewas fired and the job called off. He was a thousand feet deeperthan he'd been ordered to go when--blooie! Over the top she wentwith fourteen hundred barrels. .. . Desdemona's the name of a campbelow here, but they call it Hog Town. More elegant! Down therethe derricks actually straddle one another, and they have to boardthem over to keep from drowning one another out when they blow in. Fellow in Dallas brought in the first well, and it was so big thathis stock went from a hundred dollars a share to twelve thousand. All in a few weeks. Of course, he started a bank. Funniest peopleI ever saw, that way. Usually when a rube makes a winning hegambles or gets him a woman, but these hicks take their coin andbuy banks. .. . Ranger's a real town; everything wide open and thelaw in on the play. That makes good times. Show me a camp wherethe gamblers play solitaire and the women take in washing and I'llshow you a dead village. The joints here have big signs on thewall, '_Gambling Positively Prohibited_, ' and underneath the gamesare running high, wide, and fancy. Refined humor, I call it. .. . There were nine killings one day, but that's above the average. The last time I was in town a couple of tool dressers got into arow with a laundryman--claimed they'd been overcharged six cents. It came to a shooting, and we buried all three of them. Two centsapiece! That was their closing price. The cost of living is highenough, but it isn't expensive to die here. "

In this vein ran Mallow's talk. From the first he had laid himselfout to be entertaining and helpful, and Gray obligingly permittedhim to have his way. When they had finished breakfast, he evenallowed his companion to hire an automobile and driver for him. They shook hands finally, the best of friends. Mallow wished himgood luck and gravely voiced the hope that he would have fewerdiamonds when he returned. Gray warmly thanked his companion forhis many courtesies and declared they would soon meet again. 

Thus far the trip had worked out much as Gray had expected. Now, as his service car left the town and joined the dusty processionof vehicles moving country-ward, he covertly studied its driverand was gratified to note that the fellow bore all the ear-marksof a thorough scoundrel. What conversation the man indulged instrengthened that impression. 

The Briskow farm, it appeared, lay about twenty miles out, buttwenty miles over oil-field roads proved to be quite a journey. During the muddy season the driver declared, it might well take awhole day to make that distance; now that the roads were dry, theycould probably cover it in two or three hours, if the car heldtogether. Traffic near Ranger was terrific, and how it managed tomove, even at a snail's pace, was a mystery, for to sit a car waslike riding a bucking horse. If there had been the slightestattempts at road building they were now invisible, and thevehicular streams followed meandering wagon trails laid down bythe original inhabitants of pre-petroleum days, which had not beenbettered by the ceaseless pounding of the past twelve months. Upand down, over armored ridges and into sandy arroyos, alongleaning hillsides and across 'dobe flats, baked brick hard by thesun, the current of travel roared and pounded with recklessdisregard of tire and bolt and axle. In the main, it was a motor-driven procession. There were, to be sure, occasional teams offine imported draft horses, but for every head of live stock therewere a dozen huge trucks, and for every truck a score of passengercars. These last were battered and gray with mud, and their dustyoccupants were of a color to match, for they drove blindly throughan asphyxiating cloud. Even the thirsty vegetation beside theroads was coated gray, and was so tinder dry that it seemed as ifa lighted match would explode it. 

The sun glared cruelly, and the pyramidal piles of iron pipechained to the groaning trucks and plunging trailers were hotenough to fry eggs upon, but neither they nor the steamingradiators gave off more heat than the soil and the rocks. 

Detours were common--testimony to man's inherent optimism--buteach was worse than the other, the roadbeds everywhere wererutted, torn, broken up as if from long-continued heavy shellfire. 

From every ridge skeleton derricks were in sight as far as the eyecould reach, the scattered ones, whose clean timbers gleamed inthe sunlight, testifying to dry holes; the blackened ones, usuallyin clumps, indicating "production"--magic word. 

There were a few crossroads settlements--"hitch-rail towns"--unpainted and ramshackle, but nowhere was there an attempt atfarming, for this part of Texas had gone hog wild over oil. Abandoned straw stacks had settled and molded, cornfields hadgrown up to weeds, what few head of cattle still remained lollednear the artificial surface tanks, all but dried into mud holes. 

It was a farm of this character that Gray's driver finally pointedout as the Briskow ranch. The house, an unsightly story-and-a-halfaffair, stood at the back of what had once been a cultivatedfield, and the place was distinctive only in the fact that it gaveevidence of a good water well, or a capacious reservoir, in theform of a vivid green garden patch and a few flourishing peachtrees immediately behind the residence--welcome relief to the eye. 

Nobody answered Gray's knock at the front door, so he walkedaround the house. Over the garden fence, grown thick withbrambles, he beheld two feminine figures, or rather two fadedsunbonnets topping two pairs of shoulders, and as he drew nearerhe saw that one woman was bent and slow moving, while the otherwas a huge creature, wide of hip and deep of bosom, whose barearms, burnt to a rich golden brown, were like those of ablacksmith, and who wielded her heavy hoe as if it were a toy. Shewas singing in a thin, nasal, uncultivated voice. 

Evidently they were the Briskow "help, " therefore Gray made hispresence known and inquired for the master or mistress of theplace. 

The elder woman turned, exposing a shrewd, benevolent face, andafter a moment of appraisal said, "I'm Miz' Briskow. "

"Indeed!" The visitor smiled his best and announced the nature ofhis errand. 

"Lawsy me!" Mrs. Briskow planted her hoe in the soil and turnedher back upon Gray. "Allie! Yore pa has gone an' done it again. Here's another of his fool notions. "

The women regarded each other silently, their facial expressionshidden beneath their bonnets; then the mother exposed hercountenance a second time, and said, "Mister, this is Allegheny, our girl. "

Miss Allegheny Briskow lifted her head, nodded shortly, and staredover the hoe handle at Gray. Her gaze was one of frank curiosity, and he returned it in kind, for he had never beheld a creaturelike her. Gray was a tall man, but this girl's eyes met his on alevel, and her figure, if anything, was heavier than his. Nor wasits appearance improved by her shapeless garment of faded washmaterial. Her feet were incased in a pair of men's cheap "brogans"that Gray could have worn; drops of perspiration gleamed upon herface, and her hair, what little was visible beneath the sunbonnet, was wet and untidy. Altogether she presented a picture such assome painter of peasant types might have sketched. Garbedappropriately, in shawl and sabots, she would have passed for someEuropean plowwoman of Amazonian proportions. Allegheny! It was asuitable name, indeed, for such a mountainous person. Her size wastruly heroic; she would have been grotesque, ridiculous, exceptfor a certain youthful plasticity and a suggestion of tremendousvigor and strength that gave her dignity. Her ample, ill-fittingdress failed to hide the fact that her robust body was well, evensplendidly molded. 

Gray's attention, however, was particularly challenged by thegirl's face and eyes. It was a handsome countenance, cut in large, bold features, but of a stony immobility; the eyes were watchful, brooding, sullen. They regarded him with mingled defiance andshyness for an instant, then they avoided his; she averted hergaze; she appeared to be meditating ignominious flight. 

The mother abandoned her labor, wiped her hands upon her skirt, and said, with genuine hospitality: "Come right into the house andrest yourself. Pa and Buddy'll be home at dinner time. " By now afuller significance of this stranger's presence had struck homeand she laughed softly as she led the way toward the dwelling. "Di'mon's for Allie and me, eh? Land sakes! Pa's up to somethingnew every day, lately. I wonder what next. "

As Gray stepped aside for the younger woman to precede him, hiscuriosity must have been patent, for Allegheny became even moreself-conscious than before, and her face flamed a fiery red. Asyet she had not spoken. 

There were three rooms to the Briskow residence, bedrooms all, with a semi-detached, ramshackle, whitewashed kitchen at the rearand separated from the main house by a narrow "gallery. " Into thefront chamber, which evidently did service also as a parlor, Mrs. Briskow led the way. By now she was in quite a flutter ofexcitement. For the guest she drew forth the one rocking chair, apatent contraption, the rockers of which were held upon a sort oftrack by stout spiral springs. Its seat and back were of cheapcarpet material stretched over a lacquered frame, and these shehastily dusted with her apron; then she seated herself upon theedge of the bed and beamed expectantly. 

Allegheny had carelessly brushed back her sunbonnet, exposing amane of damp, straight, brown hair of a quantity and length tomatch her tremendous vigor of limb; but she remained standing atthe foot of the bed, too ill at ease to take a chair or perhapstoo agitated to see one. She was staring straight ahead, her eyesfixed a foot or two over the caller's head. 

Gray ignored her manifest embarrassment, made a gingerlyacquaintance with the chair of honor, and then devoted hisattention to the elder woman. At every move the coiled springsunder him strained and snapped alarmingly. 

"We don't often see jewelry peddlers, " the mother announced; "but, sakes alive! things is changin' so fast we get a new surprise mostevery day. I s'pose you got those rings in that valise?" Sheindicated Gray's stout leather sample case. 

"Precisely, " said he. "If you have time I'd like to show them toyou. "

Mrs. Briskow's bent figure stirred, she uttered a throatychuckle, and her weary face, lined with the marks of toil andhardship, flushed faintly. Her misshapen hands tightly claspedthemselves and her faded eyes began to sparkle. Gray felt a warmthrill of compassion at the agitation of this kindly, worn oldsoul, and he rose quickly. As he gained his feet that amazingchair behaved in a manner wholly unusual and startling; relievedof strain, the springs snapped and whined, there was a violentoscillation of the back, a shudder convulsed the thing, and itsprang after him, much as a tame rabbit thumps its feet upon theground in an effort to bluff a kitten. 

The volunteer salesman spread out his dazzling wares upon thepatchwork counterpane, then stepped back to observe the effect. MaBriskow's hands fluttered toward the gems, then reclaspedthemselves in her lap; she bent closer and regarded them fixedly. The Juno-like daughter also stared down at the display withfascination. 

After a moment Allegheny spoke, and her speaking voice was inpleasing contrast to the nasal notes of that interrupted song. "Are them _real_ di'mon's?" she queried, darkly. 

"Oh yes! And most of them are of very fine quality. "

"Pa never told us a word, " breathed the mother. "He's _allus_ upto some trick. "

"Please examine them. I want you to look them all over, " Grayurged. 

Mrs. Briskow acted upon this invitation only after she had driedher hands, and then with trepidation. Gingerly, reverently sheremoved a ring from its resting place and held it up to the light. "My! Ain't it sparkly?" she gasped, after an ecstatic pause. 

Again the girl spoke, her eyes fixed defiantly upon Gray. "Youcould fool us easy, 'cause we never saw _real_ di'mon's. We'veallus been too pore. "

The man nodded. "I hope you're not disappointed in them and I hopeyou are going to see and to own a great many finer ones. 

"We've never seen noth--anything, nor been anywhere, yet. " Itwas Mrs. Briskow speaking. "But we're goin'. We're goin' lots ofplaces and we're goin' to see everything wuth seein', so Pa says. Anyhow, the children is. First off, Pa's goin' to take us to themountains. " The mother faced the visitor at this announcement andfor a moment she appeared to be gazing at a vision, for herwrinkled countenance was glorified. "You've seen 'em, haven't you, mister?"

"Mountains? A great many. "

Allegheny broke in: "I dunno's these di'mon's is just what _I_expected 'em to be. They are and--they ain't. I'm kind ofdisapp'inted. "

Gray smiled. "That is true of most things that we anticipate oraspire to. It's the tragedy of accomplishment--to find that ourrewards are never quite up to our expectations. "

"Do they cost much?"

"Oh, decidedly! The prices are all plainly marked. Please lookthem over. "

Ma Briskow did as urged, but the shock was paralyzing; delight, admiration, expectancy, gave place to horrified amazement at thefigures upon the tags. She shook her head slowly and made repeatedsounds of disapproval. 

"Tse! Tse! Tse! Why, your pa's crazy! Plumb crazy!"

Although the mother's principal emotion for the moment was arousedby the price marks on the price tags, Allegheny paid littleattention to them and began vainly fitting ring after ring to herfingers. All were too small, however; most of them refused to passeven the first joint, and Gray realized now what Gus Briskow hadmeant when he wrote for rings "of large sises. " Eventually thegirl found one that slipped into place, and this she regarded withcomplacent admiration. 

"This one'll do for me, " she declared. "And it's a whopper!"

Gray took her hand in his; as yet it had not been greatly distorted bymanual labor, but the nails were dull and cracked and ragged and theywere inlaid in deep mourning. "I don't believe you'll like thatmounting, " he said, gently. "It's what we call a man's ring. This isthe kind women usually wear. " He held up a thin platinum band ofdelicate workmanship which Allegheny examined with frank disdain. 

[Image: "THIS ONE'LL DO FOR ME, " SHE DECLARED. "AND IT'S A WHOPPER!"]

"Pshaw! I'd bust that the first time I hoed a row of 'taters, " shedeclared. "I got to have things stout, for me. "

"But, " Gray protested, in even a milder voice, "you probablywouldn't want to wear expensive jewelry in the garden. "

Miss Briskow held her hand high, admiring the play of light uponthe facets of the splendid jewel, then she voiced a complacentthought that has been variously expressed by other women bettercircumstanced than she--"If we can afford to buy 'em, I reckon wecan afford to wear 'em. "

Not until Gray had suggested that her days of work in the fieldswere probably about ended did the girl's expression change. Thenindeed her interest was arrested. She regarded him with a suddenquickening of imagination; she revolved the novel idea in hermind. 

"From what my driver has told me about the Briskow farm, " he ranon, "you won't have to work at anything, unless you care to. "

Allie continued to weigh this new thought in her mind; that itintrigued her was plain, but she made no audible comment. 

CHAPTER V

For perhaps half an hour the women tried on one piece of jewelryafter another, exclaiming, admiring, arguing, then the motherrealized with a start that meal time was near and that themenfolks would soon be home. Leaving Allie to entertain theirguest, she hurried out, and the sound of splitting kindling, theclatter of stove lids, the rattle of utensils came from thekitchen. 

Gray retired to the patent rocker, Miss Briskow settled herselfupon a straight-backed chair and folded her capable hands in herlap; an oppressive silence fell upon the room. Evidently theduties of hostess lay with crushing weight upon the girl, for herface became stony, her cheeks paled, her eyes glazed; the power ofspeech completely failed her and she answered Gray with nods orshakes of her head. The most that he could elicit from her werebrief "yeps" and "nopes. " It was not unlike a "spirit reading, " ora ouija-board seance. He told himself, in terms of the oil fields, that here was a dry well--that the girl was a "duster. " Havingexhausted the usual commonplace topics in the course of amonologue that induced no reaction whatever, he voiced a perfectlynatural remark about the wonder of sudden riches. He was, in away, thinking aloud of the changes wrought in drab lives like theBriskows' by the discovery of oil. He was surprised when Alleghenyresponded:

"Ma and me stand it all right, but it's an awful strain on Pa, "said she. 

"Indeed?"

The girl nodded. "He's got _more_ nutty notions. "

Gray endeavored to learn the nature of Pa's recently acquiredeccentricities, but Allie was flushing and paling as a result of hersudden excursion into the audible. Eventually she trembled upon theverge of speech once more, then she took another desperate plunge. 

"He says folks are going to laugh _at_ us or _with_ us, and--andrich people have got to _act rich_. They got to be elegant. " Shelaughed loudly, abruptly, and the explosive nature of the soundstartled her as greatly as it did her hearer. "He's going to getsomebody to teach Buddy and me how to behave. "

"I think he's right, " Gray said, quietly. 

"Why, he's sent to Fort Worth for a piano, already, and for a ladyto come out for a coupla days and show me how to play it!" Therewas another black hiatus in the conversation. "We haven't got aspare room, but--I'm quick at learnin' tunes. She could bunk inwith me for a night or two. "

Gray eyed the speaker suspiciously, but it was evident that shewas in sober earnest, and the tragedy of such profound ignorancesmote the man sharply. Here was a girl of at least averageintelligence and of sensitive makeup; a girl with looks, too, inspite of her size, and no doubt a full share of common sense--perhaps even talents of some sort--yet with the knowledge of achild. For the first time he realized what playthings of Fate aremen and women, how completely circumstance can make or mar them, and what utter paralysis results from the strangling grip ofpoverty. 

History hints that during the Middle Ages there flourished anassociation known as Comprachicos--"child-buyers"--which traded inchildren. The Comprachicos bought little human beings anddisfigured their features, distorted their bodies, fashioned theminto ludicrous, grotesque, or hideous monstrosities for king andpopulace to laugh at, and then resold them. Soft, immature faceswere made into animal likenesses; tender, unformed bodies were putinto wicker forms or porcelain vases and allowed to grow; thenwhen they had become things of compressed flesh and twisted bone, the wicker was cut, the vase was broken, leaving a man in the shapeof a bottle or a mug. 

That is precisely what environment does. 

In the case of Allegheny Briskow, poverty, the drought, thegrinding hardships of these hard-scrabble Texas counties, haddwarfed the intellect, the very soul of a splendid young animal. Or so, at least, Gray told himself. It was a thought that evokedprofound consideration. 

Now that the girl was beginning to lose her painful embarrassment, she showed to somewhat better advantage and no longer impressedhim, as bovine, stolid, almost stupid; he could not but note againher full young figure, her well-shaped, well-poised head, and herregular features, and the pity of it seemed all the greater byreason thereof. He tried to visualize her perfectly groomed, cladin a smart gown molded over a well-fitting corset, with her feetproperly shod and her hair dressed--but the task was beyond him. Probably she had never worn a corset, never seen a pair of silkstockings. He thought, too, of what was in store for her andwondered how she would fit into the new world she was about toenter. Not very well, he feared. Might not this prove to be thehappiest period of all her new life, he asked himself. As yet thewonder and the glory of the new estate left room in herimagination for little else; the mold was broken, but the childwas not conscious of its bottle shape. Nevertheless the shape wasthere. When that child learned the truth, when it heard thelaughter and felt the ridicule, what then? He could not bringhimself to envy Allegheny Briskow. 

"First off, Ma and me are goin' over to Dallas to do sometradin', " the girl was saying. "After that we're goin' to themountains. "

"Your mother mentioned mountains. "

"Yep. Her and Pa have allus been crazy about mountains, but theynever seen 'em. That's the first thing Ma said when Number Oneblowed in. When we saw that oil go over the crown block, and whenthey told us that black stuff was really oil, Ma busted out cryin' andsaid she'd see the mountains, after all--then she wouldn't mind ifshe died. Pa he cried, too, we'd allus been so pore--You see, Ma'skind of marked about mountains--been that way since she was agirl. She cuts out stories and pictures of 'em. And that's how meand Buddy came to be named Allegheny and Ozark. But we neverexpected to _see_ 'em. The drought burned us out too often. "

Allegheny and Ozark. Quaint names. "Times must have been hard. "The remark was intended only as a spur. 

"_Hard!_" There was a pause; slowly the girl's eyes began tosmolder, and as she went on in her deliberate way, memory set atragic shadow over her face. "I'll say they was hard! Nobody butus nesters knows what hard times is. Out west of here they wentthree years without rain, and all around here people was starvin'. Grown folks was thin and tired, and children was sickly--they wastoo peaked to play. Why, we took in a hull family--wagon-folks. Their hosses died and they couldn't go on, so we kep' 'em--'til_we_ burned out. I don't know how we managed to get by except thatPa and Buddy are rustlers and I can do more 'n a hired man. We_never_ had enough to eat. Stuff just wouldn't grow. The stock gotbonier and bonier and finally died, 'count of no grass and thetanks dryin' out. And all the time the sun was a-blazin' and thedust was a-blowin and the clouds would roll up and then drift awayand the sun would come out hotter 'n ever. Day after day, monthafter month, we waited--eighteen, I think it was. People got sothey wouldn't pray no more, and the preachers moved away. I guesswe was as bad off as them pore folks in Beljum. Why, even therattlesnakes pulled out of the country! Somehow the papers gothold of it and bime-by some grub was shipped in and give around, but--us Briskows didn't get none. Pa'd die before he'd beg. "

The girl was herself now; she was talking naturally, feelingly, and her voice was both deep and pleasing. 

"The thinner Ma got, the more she talked about the mountains, where there was water--cool, clear water in the criks. And timberon the hills--timber with green leaves on it. And grass that youcould lay down in and smell. I guess Ma was kind of feverish. Wewas drier 'n a lime-burner's boot when the rain did come. I'llnever forget--we all stood out in it and soaked it up. It waswonderful, to get all wet and soaky, and not with sweat. "

"Then on top of that the oil came, too. It _must_ have beenwonderful. "

"Yep. Now we're rich. And buyin' di'mon's and pianos and goin' toDallas for pretty fixin's. Seems kinda dreamy. " Allegheny Briskowclosed her eyes, her massive crown of damp, disordered hairdrooped backward and for a moment Gray was able, unobserved, tostudy her. 

She had revealed herself to him, suddenly, in the space of a fewmoments, and the revelation added such poignancy to his previousthoughts that he regarded her with a wholly new sympathy. Therewas nothing dull about this girl. On the contrary, she hadintelligence and feeling. There had been a rich vibrance in hervoice as she told of that frightful ordeal; a dimness had comeinto her eyes as she spoke of her mother gabbling feverishly ofthe green hills and babbling brooks; she had yearned maternally atmention of those wretched little children. No, there was a sincereemotional quality concealed in this young giantess, and asensitiveness quite unexpected. 

Gray remained silent until she opened her eyes; then he said:"When you and your mother come to Dallas to do your shopping, won't you let me take you around to the right shops and see thatyou get the right things?" Then, prompted by the girl's quickresentment, he added, hastily, "--at the right prices?"

Allie's face cleared. "Why, that's right nice of you!" shedeclared. "I--I reckon we'd be glad to. "

Gus Briskow was a sandy, angular man; a ring of air holes cut inthe crown of his faded felt hat showed a head of hair faded tomatch the color of his headgear; his greasy overalls were tuckedinto boots, and a ragged Joseph's coat covered his flannel shirt. Both the man and his makeup were thoroughly typical of this partof the country, except in one particular--Pa Briskow possessed thebrightest, the shrewdest pair of blue eyes that Calvin Gray hadever seen, and they were surrounded by a network of prepossessing wrinkles. 

He came directly in to greet his visitor, then said: "I neverexpected you'd come 'way out here an' bring your plunder with you. Ma says you got a hull gripful o' di'mon's. "

"I have, indeed. " Gray pointed to the glittering display stillspread out upon the varicolored counterpane. 

Briskow approached the bed and gazed curiously, silently down atthe treasure, then his face broke into a sunshiny smile. He wipedhis hands upon his trousers legs and picked up a ring. But insteadof examining the jewel, he looked at the price mark, after whichhis smile broadened. 

Ozark had entered behind his father, and his sister introduced himnow. He was a year or two younger than Allegheny, but cast in thesame heroic mold. They formed a massive pair of children indeed, and, as in her case, a sullen distrust of strangers was inherentin him. He stared coldly, resentfully, at Gray, mumbled anunintelligible greeting, then rudely turned his back upon thevisitor and joined his father. 

The elder Briskow spoke first, and it was evident that he fearedto betray lack of conservatism, for he said, with admirablerestraint:

"Likely-lookin' lot of trinkets, eh, Bud?"

Bud grunted. After a moment he inquired of Gray, "How much is thathull lot wuth, Mister?"

"Close to a hundred thousand dollars. "

Brother and sister exchanged glances; the father consideredbriefly, smilingly, then he said, "With oil at three an' aquarter, it wouldn't take long for a twelve-hundred bar'ler to getthe hull caboodle, would it?" "Is your well producing twelvehundred barrels a day?"

"Huh!" Briskow, junior, grinned at his sister, exposing a mouthfull of teeth as white and as sound as railroad crockery, but hisnext words were directed at Gray: "We got _four_ wells and thep'orest one is makin' twelve hundred bar'l. "

The guests' mental calculations as to the Briskow royalties wereinterrupted by an announcement that dinner was ready, whereuponthe father announced:

"Mister, it looks like you'd have to stay overnight with us, 'cause I got important business after dinner an' I wouldn't trustMa to pick out no jewelry by herself--them prices would skeer herto death. We're ignorant people and we ain't used to spendin'money, so it'll take time for us to make up our minds. Kin youwait?"

"I'll stay as long as you'll keep me, " Gray declared, heartily. 

A moment later, having learned that a place at the table had beenset for his driver as well as himself, Gray stepped out to summonthe man and to effect the necessary change in his arrangements. Hewas not surprised to find the chauffeur with nose flattenedagainst a pane of the front-room window, his hands cupped over hiseyes. Ignoring the fellow's confusion at being discovered, Graytold him of his change of plan and instructed him to drive back toRanger and to return late the following afternoon. Then he led theway toward the kitchen. 

That stay at the Briskows' turned out to be less irksome than thevisitor had anticipated, for the afternoon was spent with Buddyexamining the Briskow wells and others near by. It was aninteresting experience, and Gray obtained a deal of first-handinformation that he believed would come in handy. Buddy's firstmistrust was not long in passing, and, once Gray had penetratedhis guard, the boy was won completely, the pendulum swung to theopposite extreme, and erelong suspicion changed to liking, then toapproval, and at last to open, extravagant admiration. 

And Gray liked the youthful giant, too, once the latter haddropped his hostility and had become his natural self, for Ozarkwas a lad with temper and with temperament. They got alongtogether swimmingly; in fact, they grew thicker than thieves inthe course of time. The elder man soon became conscious of thefact that he was being studied, analyzed, even copied--thesincerest form of flattery--and it pleased his vanity. Buddy'smind was thirsty, his curiosity was boundless, questions poppedout of him at every step, and every answer, every bit ofinformation or of philosophy that fell from the visitor's lips hepounced upon, avidly examined, then carefully put away for futureuse. He was like a magpie filling its nest. Gray's personalhabits, mannerisms, tricks--all were grist for Buddy's mill. Thestranger's suit, for instance, was a curiosity to the boy, whocould not understand wherein it was so different from any other hehad ever seen; young Briskow attributed that difference to thefact that it had probably come from a bigger store than any he hadknown. It amazed him to learn, in answer to a pointed question, that it had been cut and fitted to the wearer by expert workmen. It disappointed him bitterly to be informed that there was notanother one exactly like it which he could buy. 

And the visitor's silk shirt, with double cuffs and a monogram onthe sleeve! Fancy "fixin's" like this, Buddy confessed, he hadalways associated with womenfolks, but if Gray wore them therecould be nothing disgraceful, nothing effeminate about thepractice. There was a decided thrill in the prospect of possessingsuch finery, all initialed with huge, silken O. B's. Life waspresenting wholly novel and exciting possibilities to the youth. 

When Gray offered him a cigarette, Buddy rudely took the gold caseout of his hand and examined it, then he laughed in raucousdelight. 

"Gosh! I never knew men had _purty_ things. I--I'm goin' to get meone like that. "

"Do you like it?" "Gee! It's _swell_!"

"Good! I'll make you a present of it. "

Buddy stared at the speaker in speechless surprise. "What--whatfor?" he finally stammered. 

"Because you admire it. "

"Why--it's solid gold, ain't it?"

"To be sure. "

"How much d'it cost?"

"My dear fellow, " Gray protested, "you shouldn't ask questionslike that. You embarrass me. "

Buddy examined the object anew, then he inquired, "Say, why'd youoffer to gimme this?"

"I've just told you. " Gray was becoming impatient. "It is a customin some countries to present an object to one who is polite enoughto admire it. "

"Nobody never give _me_ a present, " Buddy said. "Not one that Iwanted. I never had _nothing_ that I didn't have to have andcouldn't get along without. This cigareet case is worth more 'nall the stuff I ever owned, an' I'm sure obliged to you. " Hereplaced the article in Gray's hand. 

"Eh? Won't you accept it? Why not?"

"I--Oh, I dunno. "

Gray pondered this refusal for a moment before saying, "Perhapsyou think I'm--trying to make a good impression on you, so you'llbuy some diamonds?"

"Mebbe. " Buddy averted his eyes. He was in real distress. 

"Um-m! I ought to punch your head. " Gray slipped the case intoyoung Briskow's pocket. "I don't have to bribe people. Some dayyou'll realize that I like you. "

"_Honest?_"

"Cross my heart. "

The boy laughed in frank delight, his brown cheeks colored, hiseyes sparkled. "Gosh!" said he. "I--like _you!_" For some timethereafter he remained red and silent, but he kept one big hand inthe pocket where lay the gold cigarette case. There was a wordlesssong in Buddy Briskow's heart, for--he had made a friend. And sucha friend!

The Briskow children possessed each other's fullest confidence, hence Ozark took the first occasion to show his gift to Allegheny, and to tell her in breathless excitement all about that wonderfulafternoon. 

"He said he'd a mind to lick me, an' I bet he could 'a' done it, too, " the boy concluded. 

"Lick you? Hunh!"

"Oh, he's hard-boiled! That's why I like him. He's been 'round theworld and speaks furrin language like a natif. That suit of clo'swas _made_ for him, an' he's got thirty others, all better 'n thisone. Shoes, too! Made special, in New York. Forty dollars a pair!"

"What's he doin' here if he's so rich?" It was the doubting femaleof the species speaking. "Drummers is terrible liars. "

Buddy flew to the defense of his hero. "He's doin' this to he'p afriend. Told me all about it. I'm goin' to have thirty suits--"

"Shoes don't cost forty dollars. _Clo's_ don't cost that much. "Allie regarded her brother keenly, understandingly, then she said, somberly, "It ain't no use, Buddy. "

"What ain't?"

"It ain't no use to wish. Mebbe you can have thirty suits--if thewells hold out, but they won't look like his. And me, too. We'retoo big, Buddy, an' the more money we got, the more clo's we puton, the more folks is goin' to laugh at us. It shames me to goplaces with anybody but you. "

"_He_ wouldn't laugh. He's been all over the world, " the boyasserted. Then, after some deliberation, "I bet he's seen biggerpeople than us. "

As a matter of fact, Allegheny's sensitiveness about her size hadbeen quickly apparent to Gray, and during that day he did hisutmost to overcome it, but with what success he could not know. Buddy was his, body and soul, that much was certain; he made theconquest doubly secure by engaging the young Behemoth in a scuffleand playfully putting him on his back. Defeat, at other hands thanGray's, would have enraged Ozark to the point of frenzy, it wouldhave been considered by him an indignity and a disgrace. Now, however, he looked upon it as a natural and wholly satisfactorydemonstration of his idol's supreme prowess, and he roared withdelight at being bested. Gray promptly taught him the wrestlingtrick by which he had accomplished the feat, and flattered the boyimmensely by refusing to again try his skill. The older man, whenhe really played, could enter into sport with tremendous zest andhe did so now; he taught Buddy trick after trick; they matchedeach other in feats of strength and agility. They wound up finallyon opposite sides of the Briskow kitchen table, elbows planted, fingers interlocked, straining furiously in that muscle-racking, joint-cracking pastime of the lumber camps known as "twistingarms. " Here again Gray was victorious, until he showed Buddy howto gain greater leverage by changing the position of his wrist andby slightly altering his grip, whereupon the boy's superiorstrength told. They were red in the face, out of breath, andsoaked with perspiration, when Pa Briskow drove up in hisexpensive new touring car. 

By this time Buddy's admiration had turned to adulation; he hadpassed under the yoke and he gloried shamelessly in his captivestate. At supper time he appeared with his hair wetly combed inimitation of Gray's. He wore a necktie, too, and into it he hadfastened a cheap brass stickpin, much as Gray wore his. During themeal he watched how the guest used his knife and fork and madeawkward attempts to do likewise, but a table fork was aninstrument which, heretofore, Buddy had looked upon as a weapon ofpure offense, like a whaler's harpoon, and conveniently designedeither for spearing edibles beyond his reach or for retrievingfragments of meat lurking between his back teeth. He even did somehasty manicuring under the edge of the table with his jack-knife. 

Pa Briskow was scarcely less observant than his son. He watchedGray's every move; he sounded him out adroitly; he pondered hislightest word. After the supper things had been cleared away andthe dishes washed, the entire family adjourned to the front roomand again examined the jewelry. It was an absorbing task, they didnot hurry it. Not until the following afternoon, in fact, did theyfinally make their selections, and then they were guided almostwholly by the good taste of their guest. Gray did not exploitthem. On the contrary, his effort was to limit their extravagance;but in this he had little success, for Pa Briskow had decided toindulge his generous impulses to the full and insisted upon sodoing. The check he finally wrote was one of five figures. 

By this time the visitor had become aware of arousing a queerreaction in Allegheny Briskow. He had overcome her diffidenceearly enough; he had unsealed her lips; he had obtained an insightinto her character; but once that was done, the girl retiredwithin herself again and he could get nothing more out of her. Hewould have believed that she actually disliked him, had it notbeen for the fact that whatever he said, she took as gospel, thatwherever he chanced to be there she was, her ears open, hersomber, meditative eyes fixed upon him. Evidently she did notactually dislike him; he decided finally that she was studyinghim, striving to analyze and to weigh him to her own completesatisfaction before trusting him further than she had. 

When it drew near the time for him to leave, and he announced thatthe driver of his hired car had been instructed to return for him, there was protest, loud and earnest, from the Briskows, father andson. Buddy actually sulked at being denied the pleasure of drivinghis hero to town in the new car, and told about a smooth place ona certain detour where he could "get her up to sixty mile anhour. " "If it was longer, she'd do a hundred, " he declared. 

Pa Briskow was worried for the security of the diamonds, andassured Gray that it was unsafe to trust those service-cardrivers. 

But the latter, seeing a threat to his carefully matured plans, refused to listen. "There's one thing you can do for me, " he toldthem. "You can give me a pint of cream. "

"Cream? What for?" The family regarded him with amazement. 

"I'm fond of it. If you have no cream, milk will do. "

"Pshaw! I'll put up a hull basket of lunch for you, " Mrs. Briskowdeclared. "Buddy, go kill a rooster, an' you, Allie, get them eggsout of the nest in the garden, an' a jar of them peach preserves, while I make up a pan of biscuits. "

Protest was unavailing. 

When the others had hurried away, Pa Briskow said: "I beenstudyin' you, Mister Gray, and I got you down as a first-classman. When Ma and Allie come over to Dallas to get rigged out, I'dlike you to help 'em. They 'ain't never been fu'ther from homethan Cisco--that's thirty mile. I'll pay you for your time. "

Gray's hearty acceptance of the first and his prompt refusal ofthe second proposal pleased the speaker. 

"Bein' rich is mighty fine, but--" Gus Briskow shook his headdoubtfully. "It takes a lot of thinkin', and I ain't used tothinkin'. Some day, mebbe, I'll get you to give _me_ a hand infiggerin' out some worries. "

"Business worries?"

"No. I got enough of them, an' more comin', but it ain't that. We're goin' to have a heap of money, and"--he looked up withstraightforward eyes--"we ain't goin' to lose it, if I have myway. We've rubbed along, half starved, all our lives, an' donewithout things till we're--Well, look at us! I reckon we've madeyou laugh. Oh, I bet we have! Ma an' me can stand it, but, mister, I don't want folks to laugh at my children, and there's otherthings I don't want to happen to 'em. Buddy's a wild hoss and he'sgot a streak of the Old Nick in him. And Allie ain't broke nobetter 'n him. I got a feelin' there may be trouble ahead, an'--sometimes I 'most wish we'd never had no oil in Texas. "

CHAPTER VI

"Well, did you land them hicks?" It was Gray's driver speaking. Through the gloom of early evening he was guiding his car backtoward Ranger. The road was the same they had come, but darknesshad invested it with unfamiliar perils, or so it seemed, for theheadlights threw every rock and ridge into bold relief and leftthe holes filled with mysterious shadows; the vehicle strained, its motor raced, its gears clashed noisily as it rocked along likea dory in a boisterous tide rip. Only now and then did a few rodsof smooth going permit the chauffeur to take his attention fromthe streak of illumination ahead long enough to light anothercigarette, a swift maneuver, the dexterity of which bespoke longpractice. 

"Yes. And I made a good sale, " the passenger declared. With pridehe announced the size of the Briskow check. 

"J'ever see a dame the size of that gal?" A short laugh issuedfrom the driver. "She'd clean up in vaudeville, wouldn't she? Why, she could lift a ton, in harness. And hoein' the garden, withtheir coin! It's like a woman I heard of: they got a big well ontheir farm and she came to town to do some shoppin'; somebody toldher she'd ought to buy a present for her old man, so she got him anew handle for the ax. _Gawd!_"

A few miles farther on the fellow confessed: "I wasn't crazy aboutcomin' for you to-night. Not after I got a flash at what's in thatvalise. "

"No?"

"You're takin' a chance, stranger. "

"Nothing new about that. " Gray remained unperturbed. His left armwas behind the driver; with it he clung rigidly to the back of theseat as the car plunged and rolled. "Frequently we are in dangerwhen we least suspect it. Now you, for instance. "

"Me?" The man at the wheel shot a quick glance at his fare. 

"You probably take more chances than you dream of. "

"How so?"

"Um-m! These roads are a menace to life and limb; the country isinfested with robbers--"

"Oh, sure! That's what I had in mind. Joy-ridin' at night with ahatful of diamonds is my idea of a sucker's amusement. Of course, we won't 'get it'--"

"Of course! One never does. "

"Sure! But if we should, there's just one thing to do. "

"Indeed?" Gray was pleasantly inquisitive, but it was plain thathe suffered no apprehensions. "And that is--?"

"Sit tight and take your medicine. "

"I never take medicine. "

The chauffeur shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I do, when it's putdown my throat. I _been_ stuck up. "

"Really!"

"Twice. Tame as a house cat, me--both times. I s'pose I'll getnicked again sometime. "

"And you won't offer any resistance?"

"Not a one, cull. "

"I'm relieved to be assured of that. "

For a second time the driver flashed a glance at his companion. Itwas a peculiar remark and voiced in a queer tone. "Yes? Why?"

"Because--" Gray slightly shifted his position, there was amovement of his right hand--the one farthest away from the man atthe wheel--and simultaneously his left arm slipped from the backof the seat and tightly encircled the latter's waist. He finishedin a wholly unfamiliar voice, "Because, my good man, you are nowheld up for the third time, and it would distress me to have tokill you. "

The driver uttered a loud grunt, for something sharp and hard hadbeen thrust deeply into that soft, sensitive region overlying hisliver, and now it was held there. It was unnecessary for Gray toorder the car stopped; its brakes squealed, it ceased its progressas abruptly as if its front wheels had fetched up against a stonewall. 

"Hey! What the--?"

"Don't try to 'heel' me with your elbow, " Gray warned, sharply. "Now, up with 'em--you know. That's nice. "

The faces of the men were close together. Gray's was blazing, thedriver's was stiff with amazement and stamped with an incredulousgrimace. Paralyzed for the moment with astonishment, he made noresistance, not even when he felt that long muscular left armrelax and the hand at the end of it go searching over his pockets. 

Gray was grim, mocking; some vibrant, evil quality to his voicesuggested extreme malignity at full cock, like that unseen weaponthe muzzle of which was buried beneath the driver's short ribs. "Ah! You go armed, I see. A shoulder holster, as I suspected. Iknew you had nothing on this side. " Seizing his victim'supstretched right hand with his own left, he gave it a suddenfierce wrench that all but snapped the wrist, and at the sameinstant he reached across and snatched the concealed weapon fromits resting place. He flung the chauffeur's body away from him;there was a sharp click as he swiftly jammed the barrel of theautomatic back and let it fly into place. 

The entire maneuver had been deftly executed, even yet the objectof the assault was speechless. 

"Now then"--the passenger faced about in his seat and showed histeeth in a smile--"it is customary to permit the condemned toenjoy the last word. What have you to say for yourself?"

"I--got this to say. It's a hell of a joke--" the man exploded. 

"Do I act as if I were joking?"

"If you think it's funny to jab a gun in a man's belly when heain't lookin'--" "A gun? My simple friend, you have--or had--theonly gun in this party, and you may thank whatever gods youworship that you didn't try to use it, for--I would have beenrough with you. Oh, very rough! I might even have made you eat it. Now, inasmuch as you may be tempted to embellish this story withsome highly imaginary details, I prefer that you know the truth. This is the 'gun' I used to stick you up. " With a rigidlyoutthrust thumb Gray prodded the driver in the side. "Simple, isn't it? And no chance for accidents. " The speaker's shoulderswere shaking. 

"Well, I'll be damned!"

"Not a doubt of it!" chuckled the other. "Especially if you followin the course you have chosen. And a similar fate will overtakeyour pal, Mallow. By the way, is that his right name?. .. Nevermind, I know him as Mallow. A shallow, trusting man, and, I hope, a better judge of diamonds than of character. As for me, I lookdeeper than the surface and am seldom deceived in people--witnessyour case, for example. I knew you at once for a crook. It mightsave you several miles of bad walking to tell me where Mallow iswaiting to high-jack me. .. . No?"

"I dunno what you're ravin' about, " growled the unhappy owner ofthe automobile. "But, believe me, I'll have you pinched for this. "

"How sharper than a serpent's tooth is ingratitude! And what badtaste to prattle of prosecution. I sha'n't steal your car, itneeds too much overhauling. And I abominate cheap machines. It istrue that I'm one pistol to the good, but in view of the lawagainst carrying lethal weapons, surely you won't prefer chargesagainst me for removing it from your person. Oh, not that! Itseems to me that I'm treating you handsomely, for I shall even payyou the agreed price for this trip, provided only you tell mewhere you expect to meet Mr. Mallow. "

"Go to hell!" "Very well. Oblige me now by getting out. .. . Andmake it snappy!"

The driver did as directed. Gray pocketed the automatic, slippedin behind the steering wheel, and drove away into the night, followed by loud and earnest objurgations. 

He was still smiling cheerfully when, a mile farther on, hebrought the car to a stop and clambered out. Passing forward intothe illumination of the headlights, he busied himself there forseveral moments before resuming his journey. 

For the first time in a long while Calvin Gray was thoroughly enjoyinghimself. Here was an enterprise with all the possibilities of afirst-class adventure, and of the sort, moreover, that he waspeculiarly qualified to cope with. It possessed enough hazard to lendit the requisite zest, it was sufficiently unusual to awaken hiskeenest interest; he experienced an agreeable exaltation of spirit, but no misgivings whatever as to the outcome, for he held thecommanding cards. Little remained, it seemed to him, except to playthem carefully and to take the tricks as they fell. He had not theslightest notion of permitting Mallow to lay hands upon that case ofjewels. 

There was no mistaking the road, but Gray did not bother to stickto the main-traveled course when detours or short cuts promisedbetter going, for he knew full well that Mallow would be waiting, if at all, in some place he was bound to pass. It was an idealcountry for a holdup; lonely and lawless. Derrick lights twinkledover the mesquite tops, and occasionally the flaming red mouth ofsome boiler gaped at him, or the foliage was illuminated by theglare of gas flambeaux--vertical iron pipes at the ends of whichthe surplus from neighboring wells was consumed in what seemed areckless wastage. Occasionally, too, a belated truck thunderedpast, but the traffic was pretty thin. 

At last, however, he beheld some distance ahead the white glare oftwo stationary lights. The road was narrow and sandy here, andshut in by banks of underbrush; as he drew nearer a figure steppedout and stood in silhouette until his own lights picked it up. Thefigure waved its arms, and called attention to the car behind--evidentlybroken down. Here, then, the drama was to be played. 

Gray brought his machine on at such a pace and so close to the manin the road that the latter was forced to step aside, then heswung it far to the right, brought it back with a quick twist ofthe steering wheel, and killed his motor. He was now in the ditchand outside the blinding glare of the opposing headlights; thestalled machine was in the full illumination of his own lamps. 

Contrary to Gray's expectations, the car in the road was empty andthe man who had hailed him was a stranger. As the latterapproached, he inquired:

"What's wrong?"

"Out of gas, I guess. Anyhow--I--" The speaker noted that therewas but one new arrival, where he had expected two, and thediscovery appeared to nonplus him momentarily. He stammered, involuntarily he turned his head. 

Gray looked in the same direction, but without changing hisposition, and out of the corner of his eye he glimpsed a newfigure emerging from the shadows behind him. Very clever! But, atleast, his unexpected maneuver with his own car had made itnecessary for both men to approach him from the same side. 

While the first stranger continued to mumble, Gray sat motionless, keenly conscious, meanwhile, of that other presence closing inupon him from the rear. He simulated a violent start when a secondvoice cried:

"Don't move. I've got you covered. "

"My God!" Gray twisted about in his seat and exposed a startledcountenance. A masked man was standing close to the left runningboard, and he held a revolver near Gray's head; the apparitionappeared to paralyze the unhappy traveler, for he still tightlyclutched the steering wheel with both hands. 

"Just sit still. " The cloth of the mask blew outward as the wordsissued; through the slits two malevolent eyes gleamed. "Actpretty, and you won't get hurt. "

"Why! It's--it's Mr. _Mallow_!" Gray hitched himself fartheraround in his seat and leaned forward in justifiable amazement. "As I live it's you, Mallow!" Both highwaymen were in front ofhim, now, and shoulder to shoulder; he made sure there were noothers behind them. 

"Shut up!" Mallow snapped. "Frisk him, Tony, and--"

The command was cut short by a startled, throaty cry--a hoarsesound of astonishment and rage--and simultaneously a strange, aphenomenal thing occurred. An unseen hand appeared to strike downboth Mallow and his accomplice where they stood, and it smotethem, moreover, with appalling force and terrifying effect. Onemoment they were in complete mastery of the situation, the nextthey were groveling in the road, coughing, sneezing, barking, retching, blaspheming poisonously. Baffled fury followed theirfirst surprise. Mallow tore the mask from his face and gropedblindly for the weapon he had dropped, but before he could recoverit, pain mastered him and he fell back, clawing at himself, rubbing at his eyes that had been stricken sightless. He yelled. Tony yelled. Then upon the startled night there burst a duet ofsqueals and curses, a hideous medley of mingled pain and fright, at once terrifying and unnatural. Both bandits appeared to be inparoxysms of agony; from Tony issued sounds that might have issuedfrom the throat of a woman in deadly fear and excruciatingtorment; Mallow's face had been partially protected, hence he wasthe lesser sufferer; nevertheless, his eyes were boiling in theirsockets, his lungs were ablaze, ungovernable convulsions ran overhim. 

The men understood vaguely what had afflicted them, for they hadseen Gray lift one hand from the wheel, and out of that hand theyhad seen a stream of liquid, or a jet of aqueous vapor, leap. Itwas too close to dodge. It had sprung directly into their faces, vaporizing as it came, and at its touch, at the first scent of itsfumes, their legs had collapsed, their eyes had tightly closed, and every cell in their outraged bodies had rebelled. It was as ifacid had been dashed upon them, destroying in one blinding instantall power for evil. With every breath, now, a new misery smote them. But worse than this torture was the monstrous nature of theirafflictions. It was mysterious, horrible; they believed themselvesto be dying and screamed in abysmal terror of the unknown. 

Gray squeezed again the rubber bulb that he had carried in hishand these last several miles, ejecting from it the last few dropsof its contents, then he opened the car door, stepped out of itand stood over his strangling victims. He kicked Mallow's revolveroff the road, and, holding his breath, relieved the other high-jacker of his weapon. This he flung after the first, then hewithdrew himself a few paces and lighted a cigarette, for a raw, pungent odor offended his nostrils. Both of the bawling banditsreeked of it, but their plight left him indifferent. They remindedhim of a pair of horses he had seen disemboweled by a burstingshell, but he felt much less pity for them. 

His lack of concern made itself felt finally. Mallow, who was thefirst to show signs of recovery, struggled to his feet and clawedblindly toward the automobile. He clung to it, sick and shaking;profanely he appealed for aid. 

"So! It _is_ Mr. Mallow, " Gray said. "Fancy meeting you here!"

A stream of incoherencies issued from the wretched object of thismockery. Tony, the other man, stifled his groans, rose to hisknees, and, with his hands clasped over his eyes, shuffled slowlyaway, as if to escape the sound of Gray's voice. 

"Better quiet down and let me do something at once, if you wishto save your sight, " the latter suggested. "Otherwise I won'tanswer for the result. And you needn't tell me how it hurts. Iknow. " This proffer of aid appeared to throw the sufferers intonew depths of dismay. They called to him in the name of God. Theywere harmless, now, and anyhow they had intended to do him nobodily harm. They implored him to lend succor or to put them outof their distress. 

Gray fell to work promptly. The bottle of cream he had begged fromMa Briskow he now put to use. With this soothing liquid he firstwashed out their eyes, the membranes of which were raw and spongy, and excruciatingly sensitive to light, then he bandaged them asbest he could with compresses, wet in it. 

"You'll breathe easier as time goes on, " he announced. "You'llcough a good deal for a few days, but where you are going thatwon't disturb anybody. Your eyes will get well, too, if you takecare of them as I direct. But, meanwhile, let me warn you againstlifting those bandages. Advise me as they dry out and I'll wetthem again. "

A blessed relief stole over the unfortunate pair; they were stillsick and weak, but in a short time the acuteness of theirsuffering had diminished sufficiently for Gray to help them intothe back seat of his car and resume his journey. 

Sarcastically he referred to the sample case on the tonneau floor. "If those diamonds are in your way, I'll take them in front withme. If not, I'll ask you to keep an eye on them--or, let us say, keep a foot on them. If you should be foolish enough to heave themoverboard or try to renew your assault upon me, I would be temptedto break this milk bottle. In that event, my dear Mallow, you'd gothrough life with a tin cup in your hand and a dog on a string. "

Tony groaned in abject misery of body and soul. Mallow cursedfeebly. 

"What--is that devilish stuff?" the latter queried. It was plainfrom his voice that he meditated no treachery. "Oh! I was goingto tell you. It is a product of German ingenuity, designed, Ibelieve, for the purpose of quelling riotous and insurrectionaryprisoners. It was efficacious, also, in taking pill boxes andclearing out dug-outs and the like. With some care one is safe inusing it in an ordinary ammonia gun--the sort policemen use on maddogs. Forgive me, if I say that you have demonstrated its utilityin peace as well as in war. If there were more high-jackers in theworld the device might be commercialized at some profit; but, alas, my good Mallow, your profession is not a common one. "

"Cut out the kidding, " Mallow growled, then he fell into a newconvulsion of coughing. The car proceeded for some time to thetune of smothered complaints from the miserable figures bouncingupon the rear seat before Gray said: "I fear you are a selfishpair of rascals. Have you no concern regarding the fate of thethird member of your treasure-hunting trio?" Evidently they hadnone. "Too bad! It's a good story. "

Whatever their indifference to the welfare of the chauffeur, theystill had some curiosity as to their own, for Mallow asked:

"What are you going to do with us?"

"What would you do, if you were in my place?"

"I'd--listen to reason. "

"Meaning--?"

"Hell! You know what he means, " Tony cried, feebly. 

"So! You do me the honor to offer a bribe. " Gray laughed. "Pardonmy amusement. It sounds callous, I know, but, frankly, yourunhappy condition fails to distress me. Well, how much do youoffer?"

"All we got. A coupla thousand. "

"A temptation, truly. "

Mallow addressed his companion irritably. "Have a little sense. Hedon't need money. "

Calvin Gray had never been more pleased with himself than now, formatters had worked out almost exactly according to plan, acompliment indeed to his foresight and to his executive ability. He loved excitement, he lived upon it, and much of his life hadbeen devoted to the stage-management of sensational exploits likethis one. As a boy plays with a toy, so did Gray amuse himselfwith adventure, and now he was determined to exact from this onethe last particle of enjoyment and whatever profit it afforded. 

Within a few minutes of his arrival at Ranger, the town was noisywith the story, for he drove down the brightly lighted main streetand stopped in front of the most populous cafe. There he calledloudly for a policeman, and when the latter elbowed his waythrough the crowd, Gray told him, in plain hearing of all, enoughof his experience to electrify everybody. He told the story well;he even made known the value of his diamond stock; mercilessly hepilloried the two blindfolded bandits. When he drove to the jailthe running boards of his car were jammed with inquisitivecitizens, and those who could not find footing thereon followed ata run, laughing, shouting, acclaiming him and jeering at hisprisoners. 

Having surrendered custody of the latter, he dressed their eyesonce more and explained the sort of care they required, then hemade an appeal from the front steps of the jail, adjuring the mobto disperse quietly and permit the law to take its course. 

Nothing like this had occurred during the brief, busy life of thetown. It was a dramatic incident, but the manner in which thiscapable stranger had handled it and the discomfiture he hadbrought upon his assailants appealed more to the risibilities thanto the anger of Ranger. Admiration for him displaced indignationat the high-jackers; cries for vengeance upon them were drowned innoisy appreciation of their captor. Gray became a popularcharacter; men clamored to shake his hand, and complimented himupon his nerve. The editor of the local newspaper dragged him, protesting, to the office and there interviewed him. Gray wascovered with confusion. Reluctantly he made known his identity, and retold the whole story of his trip, this time beginning at hismeeting with Coverly in Dallas. He displayed the bewilderingcontents of his sample case, now guarded by a uniformed arm of thelaw, and explained how he had volunteered his services out of purelove of adventure, then how he had played into Mallow's handswhile aware of his malign purpose at all times. 

This was more than a local story; it was big enough for the wire. Gray sat at the editor's elbow while that enthusiastic gentlemancalled Dallas and gave it to the papers there. 

He was escorted to the railroad station by an admiring crowd; hewas cheered as he passed, smiling, into his Pullman car. 

CHAPTER VII

Coverly was at the station when Gray's train arrived at Dallas thenext morning. He was suffering intense excitement, and he delugedhis friend with a flood of questions, meanwhile flourishing themorning papers, all of which appeared to have devoted much spaceto the Ranger episode. He hugged Gray, and he pumped his hand; helaughed and he chattered; he insisted upon hearing the whole storywithout delay. On their way uptown, the returning hero gave it tohim, together with Gus Briskow's check. 

At the size of the latter Coverly gasped. "Didn't I say you were agood salesman? And Mallow! You got him, didn't you? I _told_ youhe was a crook. Just the same, old man, you ran a terrible riskand I feel mighty guilty. Why, those fellows would have killedyou. "

"Probably. "

"Why didn't you take along a policeman or somebody?"

"And miss all the fun? Miss my pay for the trip? I agreed to takemy commission in thrills. "

The jeweler was frankly curious. "Weren't you frightened?"

"Frightened? No. " Gray shook his head. "I've never been reallyafraid of anything or anybody, so far as I recall. I've never beenable to understand the necessity of being frightened. I dare saythe capacity for enjoying that particular emotion was omitted frommy make-up--the result of some peculiar prenatal influence, probably. I'm sorry, too, for fear must have a fascination and Ilike unusual sensations. "

"Speaking of your commissions, how am I going to pay you--not forthe sale you made, although I wouldn't have done as well, but forthe loss you saved the firm and for the risk you ran?"

Gray felt a momentary desire to have done with pretense, toconfess his true condition and to beg not only a suitable rewardfor his services, but also as large a loan as Coverly could spare. It is hard to maintain an attitude of opulence on less thannothing; it would be so much easier to have done with thiscounterfeit gesture and trust to a straightforward appeal. But hedared not yield to the impulse. 

"You may give me anything you see fit, " he declared, "and Isha'n't embarrass you by refusing. On the contrary, go as stronglyas you possibly can. "

Coverly actually appeared to be relieved at this statement, but heinquired, curiously: "What have you got up your sleeve? You don'tneed money. "

"Obviously not. But I know a needy object of charity; a worthycase, I assure you. I can scarcely call him a friend, but I usedto admire him greatly, and he is still an agreeable companion--aman at once capable, extravagant, entertaining, dissipated. He isin a bad way, temporarily, and can scarcely afford even the barenecessities of life. It is only with my help, in fact, that hemaintains its luxuries. Your money shall go to him, and with everydollar of it that he squanders, there shall arise an earnestorison to you. "

The jeweler was delighted. "Good!" he cried. "I detest thedeserving poor as heartily as you do. And now I'd like to open abottle of champagne with our breakfast. "

On the very day that the new sign, "Tom and Bob Parker, " went upover the door of the insurance office at Wichita Falls, the juniorpartner announced:

"Well, dad, the firm gets busy at once. I'm off for Dallas to-night. "

"What for?" Tom was dismayed by such a prompt manifestation ofenergy. "I'll have to tell you--" Barbara perched herself uponher father's desk and began speaking with a note of excitement inher voice. "I heard Henry Nelson was in town, so I went to thebank this morning to see him. He's such a big man in the oilbusiness I thought he might help me. He was there, but inconference with his father and another man. There were severalpeople waiting, so I sat down. When the man they were talking tocame out, it was Pete, that driller who put down the first wellfor us. He was glad to see me, and we had quite a talk, but Inoticed he was fidgety. He said he was running a rig over near'Burk, ' and had a fishing job on his hands. With all theexcitement and everybody running double 'towers' and trying tobeat the other fellow down to the sand, it struck me as queer thata contract driller like Pete would be here in Wichita inconference with Bell and Henry Nelson, when he ought to be out onthe lease fishing for a lost bit. It didn't sound right. The moreI got out of him, the queerer it sounded, for he had all thefishing tools he needed, so I accused him of being a fraud. I toldhim I'd bet he had a showing of oil and was trying to borrow moneyto buy the offset or to get the Nelsons to buy it and carry himfor an interest. "

"Where'd you pick up this lingo?" Tom inquired. "You talk likethem wild men at the Westland Hotel. "

Barbara laughed delightedly. "Didn't I put down all our shallowwells? If I didn't, I thought I did. Anyhow, I spent most of mytime around the rigs and Pete used to call me his boss. Well, thatwretched man turned all colors when I accused him, and tried to'shush' me. He said I mustn't talk about things I knew nothingabout--somebody might overhear me. He declared the outfit he wasworking for were no good and wouldn't pay a driller a bonus if hemade a well for them. He was sick of making other people rich andgetting nothing for himself. .. . It was time the drilling crewsshared in the profits. .. . He'd see that nobody froze him out againif he had to spoil the hole. He wound up by denying everything, and I pretended to swallow it, but when he had gone I went over mymaps and located the lease where he's drilling. Three of theadjoining tracts are owned by the big companies, so thateliminated them, but the twenty to the west belongs to KnuteHoaglund. Henry was glad to see me when my turn came to go in, and--"

"I bet he was glad, " Tom declared. 

Barbara's smooth cheeks flushed faintly. "He is too busy and toorich to--think about girls. "

"He wasn't too busy and too rich to inquire about you 'most everyday since he got back from the war. "

"I didn't forget to call him 'Colonel, ' and that pleased both himand Bell. Then I told them that I proposed to become a rich andsuccessful oil operator and wanted their advice how to begin. OldBell was amused, but Henry--I beg pardon, _Colonel_--Nelson wasshocked. He couldn't bear to think of women, and of me especially, in business. He might have become disagreeably personal if hisfather hadn't been there. "

"Dunno's I care much for Henry, " Tom said, mildly. 

"Oh, he's all right, but--I _hate_ Bell! It makes anybody mad tobe laughed at. Henry was more diplomatic. He tried to convince methat the oil game is altogether a man's business and that no womancould succeed at it. 'It is a contest of wits, ' he explained. 'You've got to outguess the other fellow. You've got to knoweverything he's doing and keep him from knowing anything you'redoing. The minute he knows as much as you do, he's got it on you. 'That seemed to prove to Henry that no woman could win at it, formen are such superior creatures. They know so much more than awoman can possibly learn; their wits are so much keener!

"I was duly impressed. I asked him to call this evening, for I didso wish to have him teach me what little I was capable oflearning. But he couldn't come, because he had been called toDallas, unexpectedly. That was my cue. In my most sweetly girlishmanner I said: 'Oh, indeed! Do you expect to see Knute Hoaglund whileyou're there?'"

Two hectic spots had come into "Bob's" cheeks during this recital;she was teetering upon the desk now like a nodding Japanese doll, and her blue eyes were dancing. 

"I heard Old Bell's chair creak and I saw him shoot a quick glanceat Henry. Henry admitted, casually, that he might drop in onKnute. Why?"

"'You'll be wasting time, ' I told him, even more sweetly, 'for dadand I have that twenty west of Burkburnett. '

"_Well!_ You'd have thought I had stuck a hatpin into Bell. AndHenry's mouth actually dropped open. Think of it: Colonel HenryNelson, the hero of Whatever-it-is, with his imperial mouth openand nothing coming out of it--not even the imperial breath!"

"Bob" rocked backward and kicked up her neatly shod feet; shehugged herself and snickered with a malicious enjoyment not whollyChristian-like. 

"But--we 'ain't even got an option! It takes _money_ to leaseclose-in stuff. " Tom was bewildered. 

"Of course. And they realized that, or Bell did, as soon as he'dhad time to collect himself. But it was too late then; he hadbetrayed himself and he knew it. Oh, he was sore! He'd have flungme out if I'd been a man. I got mad, too, and I told him it madeno real difference whether I was bluffing or not; the jig was up, so far as he was concerned. I reminded him of what Henry had justsaid--that the oil business is a game of wits, and that when youknow what the other fellow is doing you have him licked. Iadmitted that he could probably keep me from getting the lease, but I could also keep him from getting it. Bell nearly had astroke at that threat. Henry behaved very decently throughout. Ithink it must have pleased him to find that somebody in Wichita, besides him, had the courage to defy his father; anyhow, he said, '"Bob" has beaten us at our own game. She knows enough now toplace that lease in half an hour, and I think we'd better takeher in. Otherwise she'll wire Knute, and he'll probably protecther for an interest. '

"That made me feel awfully fraudulent, but his smarty remarksabout women in the oil business still rankled, so I just satpretty and blinked like a little owl. Bell swore. In his best andmost horrible manner, he swore, but--he gave in. " "Bob" laughedagain, a bit hysterically. "That's about all, dad. They agreed toput up the money and carry me--us, I mean--for a quarter interestif I can get the lease from Knute Hoaglund. So, I'm leaving on thenight train. "

"Son! I--I'm darned if I don't believe we'll make a go of thisbusiness, " Tom Parker declared. 

With a little cry Barbara flung herself into his arms. * * * * *

The publicity Calvin Gray received from his exploit at Ranger could benothing except agreeable to one of his temperament. Gratefully hebasked in his notoriety, meanwhile continuing assiduously to cultivatethe moneyed men of Dallas. His sudden leap into prominence arousedcuriosity among the wives and families of the latter, and he becamethe recipient of some social attentions. He accepted every invitation, and so well did he carry himself in company, so ornamental andengaging was he as a dinner guest, that he was soon in greatdemand. He possessed accomplishments, too, that increased the respectof his masculine acquaintances. For instance, he displayed aproficiency at golf quite unusual in men of athletic training, andthey argued that any man who could do par whenever he felt like itmust be either a professional or a person of limitless leisure. Andlimitless leisure means limitless funds. 

Gray studiously maintained his air of financial mystery; he was inand out of offices, always purposeful, always in a hurry, butalways with sufficient time to observe the strictest niceties ofpolite behavior. It was a part of his plan to create an atmosphereof his own, to emphasize his knack for quick, decisive, well-calculated action. The money he received from Coverly enabled himto maintain the posture he had assumed; he spent it with his usualprodigality, receiving little direct benefit, but making eachdollar look like four. Extravagance with him was an art, money ranout of his pockets like water, but although he was already in aposition to borrow, he did not do so. He merely marked time, deriving a grim amusement at the way his popularity grew as hiscurrency dwindled. It was a game, enjoyable so long as it lasted. Egotistical he knew himself to be, but it was a conscious fault;to tickle his own vanity filled him with the same satisfaction acat feels at having its back rubbed, and he excused himself byreasoning that his deceit harmed nobody. Meanwhile, with felinealertness he waited for a mouse to appear. 

He was relieved one day to receive a telegram from Gus Briskowasking him to meet Ma and Allie at the evening train and "get thema hotel. " He managed to secure a good suite at the Ajax, and itwas with genuinely pleasurable anticipation that he drove to thestation. 

Dismay smote him, however, at first sight of the new arrivals. MaBriskow resembled nothing so much as one of those hideous "crayonenlargements" he had seen in farmhouses--atrocities of an art longdead--for she was clad in an old-fashioned basque and skirt ofsome stiff, near-silk material, and her waist, which buttoned fardown the front and terminated in deep points, served merely toroof over but not to conceal a peculiarity of figure which herfarm dress had mercifully hidden. Gray discovered that Ma's body, alas! bore a quaint resemblance in outline to a gourd. A tinyblack bonnet, with a wide surcingle of ribbon tied under her chin, was ornamented with a sort of centerpiece built of rigidartificial fruit and flowers. Her hair, in brave defiance ofcurrent styles, was rolled into a high pompadour. Beneath thatpompadour, however, her face was aglow with interest and her eyesgleamed almost as brightly as did the brand-new lavalliere and thebar pin with its huge six-carat center diamond. 

If the mother's appearance was unusual, the daughter's wasstartling, what with her size and the barbaric latitude of colorshe had indulged herself in. Allegheny's get-up screamed. In thegeneral store at Cisco, whence it had originated, it had doubtlessbeen considered a sport costume, for there was a skirt of hugeblue and white checks, a crepe waist of burnt orange, and overthat a vegetable-silk sweater, with the broadest, greenest stripesGray had ever seen. A violent, offensive green, it was; and thesweater was too tight. Her hat was large and floppy and adornedwith preposterous purple blooms; one of her hands was gloved, butupon the other she wore her splendid solitaire. She "shone" it, asa watchman shines his flashlight. 

They were enough to daunt a stronger man than Calvin Gray, thesetwo. He could well imagine the sensation he and they would create inthe lobby of the modish Ajax. But his first surprise was succeeded bya gentle pity, for Ma Briskow greeted him rapturously, and inAllegheny's somber eyes he detected a look of mingled suffering anddefiance. She knew, somehow or other, that she was conspicuous, grotesque, and her soul was in agony at the knowledge. Before he hadspoken a half dozen words to her, Gray realized that this girl was intorture, and that it had required a magnificent courage on her part tomeet him as bravely as she did. He was ashamed of himself; amusementat their expense did him no credit, and he determined to relieve herpain and to help her attain the likeness of other women if it was inhis power to do so. It was a tribute to his inherent chivalry that herose to the occasion and welcomed the women with a cordiality thatwarmed their hearts. Enthusiastically he took charge of Ma's lunchbasket; against Allie's muttered protest he despoiled her of herbilious, near-leather suitcase; he complimented them upon theirappearance and showed such pleasure at seeing them again that theysurrendered gratefully to him. By the time he had them in a taxicabthey were as talkative as a pair of magpies. 

Of course, they had to know all about the holdup, and his mannerof telling the story made them feel that they had played animportant part in it. Arrived at the hotel, he swept them alongwith him so swiftly that they had no time in which to becomedismayed or self-conscious, and finally he deposited them in theirrooms quite out of breath and quite delighted. He left thempalpitating with excitement at the wonders he proposed unfoldingfor them on the morrow. 

Allie answered his phone call about eight o'clock the nextmorning. 

"Ready for breakfast?" he inquired. 

"Why, we et at daylight, " she told him, in some astonishment. "Ibeen ridin' since then. "

"Indeed! Putting roses in your cheeks, eh? With whom did you go?"

"Oh, one of the elevator men. "

"B--but--" Gray sputtered, deeply shocked. "Why, Miss Briskow, they're _negroes!_ Riding with a nigger! My heavens! Where did yougo?"

"Nowhere. Just up and down. "

It was a moment before the man could speak, then he said, in aqueerly repressed voice: "That--is quite different. I'll run downand get a bite and join you in no time. "

"Seems awful funny not to have any housework to do in themorning, " Ma Briskow confessed, as they left the Ajax. "A hotelwould spoil me in no time. "

"I couldn't keep her from makin' up the beds, " Allie announced. 

Gray took the elder woman's hand in his and scolded her gently. Smilingly, he lectured her on the art of doing nothing, and voicedsome elemental truths about living. 

"Mr. Briskow has but one idea, and that is to surround you two, and Buddy, with the advantages and luxuries you have been denied, "he reminded her. "You owe it to him to get the most out of yourmoney, and you mustn't begin by making hotel beds and robbing somepoor woman of her livelihood. Not one person in ten really knows howto live, for it isn't an easy task, and the saddest thing about thenewly rich is that they won't learn. They refuse to enjoy theirwealth. I propose to help you good people get started, if you'llpermit me. It is not with contrition, but with pride, that Irecommend myself to you as one of the greatest living authoritiesupon extravagance, idleness, and the minor vices of the prosperous. "

The mother nodded, a bit vaguely. "That's kind of like Pa talks. He sent you this, and says to tell you it's our first spendin'spree and act accordin'. " From her pocket she drew a folded check, made out in blank to Calvin Gray and signed by Gus Briskow. 

"So! I assume that I'm to pay the bills. Very well. The sky is thelimit, eh?"

"That's it. Of course, I don't need anything for myself--thisdress and bunnit are good enough--but Allie's got to have newfixin's, from the inside out. I s'pose her things'll eat up thebest part of a hundred dollars, won't they?" The speaker's look ofworried inquiry bespoke a lifetime of habitual economy. 

"We're not going to buy what you _need_, but what you want. You'regoing to have just as many pretty things as Allie. "

Ma was panic-stricken at this suggestion. When Gray insisted shedemurred; when he told her that one nice dress would cost at leasta hundred dollars, she confessed:

"Why, I don't s'pose all the clo's I've had since I was marriedcost much more 'n that. "

"I'll spend at least a thousand on you before noon, " he laughed. 

Mrs. Briskow gasped, she rolled her eyes and fanned herself; sheappealed to Allegheny, but it was evident that the latter had kepther eyes open and had done some thinking, for she broke out, passionately: "You make me sick, Ma! It'll take all Pa canafford, and then some, to make us look like other people. I neverknew how plumb ridic'lous we are till--"

"Not that, " Gray protested. 

"You _know_ we're ridic'lous, " she cried, fiercely. "We're acouple of sow's ears and all Pa's royalties can't make us intosilk purses. But--mebbe we can manage to look like silk, if wespend enough. "

Gray determined that the girl should not be disappointed if hecould help it, so he went directly to the head saleswoman of thefirst store, and asked her to assume the role of counselor wherecircumstance compelled him to relinquish it, explaining that inaddition to hats, gowns, shoes, and the like, both Ma and Allieneeded a variety of confidential apparel with which he had onlythe vaguest acquaintance. Although the woman agreed to hisrequest, he found before long that his trust in her had beenmisplaced. Not only did she threaten to take advantage of hercustomers' ignorance, but also, to Gray's anger, she displayed apoorly veiled contempt for and amusement at his charges. 

Allegheny was not long in feeling this. She had entered theestablishment aquiver with hope and anticipation. This was hergreat adventure. She was like a timid child, enraptured at sightof its first tinseled Christmas tree; to have that ecstacyspoiled, to see the girl's tenderest sensibilities wounded by ahaughty clerk, enraged the man who played Santa Claus. Abruptly heresumed charge of the Briskow purchases, and it gave him a pang tonote how Allegheny ran to him with her hurt, as it were. 

But matters did not progress as well as he had expected. Allie'sdisappointment at the death of her dream she hid under anassumption of indifference; she merely pawed over the prettythings shown her and pretended to ignore the ridicule she and hermother excited. But her face was stony, her eyes were hopeless, miserable. 

For once in his life Calvin Gray was at a loss, and knowledge ofthat fact caused him to chew savagely at his cigar. To his bewilderedcompanions he remained enthusiastic, effervescent, but behind theirbacks he glowered at the well-groomed customers and cursed thesnickering models who paraded their wares. Engaged thus, he becameaware of a stranger who looked on at the pitiful little comedy withoutamusement. She was a pretty thing. Gray stared at her openly and hisscowl vanished. When she moved away, he made a sudden decision, excusedhimself, and followed her. 

He was gratified at the manner in which she accepted hisbreathless apology for speaking to her, at the poise with whichshe listened while he made himself and his companions known to herand explained the plight in which he found himself. 

"You can save the reason of a distracted man and add to thehappiness of two poor, bewildered women, if you will, " heconcluded, earnestly. "It isn't a funny situation; it's tragic. "

"What do you wish me to do?" the girl inquired. 

"It's a lot to ask, I know, but won't you help them buy the thingsthey need and save them from further humiliation at the hands ofthese highbrow clerks and lowbrow customers? I--I want to punchsomebody in the nose. "

"I was sure you did. That is what attracted my attention. "

"You are a person of taste, if you will pardon a perfectly obviouscompliment from a total stranger, and they need such a woman'sguidance. But they need, even more, a little bit of feminine tactand sympathy. Look!" He showed Gus Briskow's blank check. "Thewhole store is theirs, if they wish it. Think what that ought tomean to two poor starved creatures who have never owned enoughclothing to wad a shotgun. "

"The girl is stunning. All she needs is the right sort of things--"

Impulsively Gray seized the speaker's hand. "I _knew_ it!" hecried. "I can choose gowns for her, but how can I tell her thesort of--well, corsets she ought to wear? How can I select for herthings a bachelor is presumed to know nothing about? Haven't youan hour or two in which to play Fairy Godmother?"

"I have all day, " the young woman confessed. "I merely came in toyearn over the pretty things. "

"O messenger from Heaven!" he cried, more hopefully. "Would itappear presumptuous if I asked you, in return for this favor, toselect the very prettiest gown in this shop for your very own?"

The offer was refused pleasantly, but firmly. "I'd be paid tentimes over by the fun of spending oodles of money even if it werenot my own. But would they consent to have a stranger--?"

"If you will permit a tiny deceit, I'm sure they will. I shallburden my conscience with a white lie and pretend that you are afriend to whose judgment I have appealed. My poor conscience isscandalously overburdened, but--that girl is suffering!"

"I thought they must have struck oil. I've seen others like them. "

Without further ado, Gray hurried his new acquaintance back to thedress department, then, in his easiest manner, introduced her tothe Briskows. She flashed him a look of amusement as he gliblymade her known as "Miss Good. " He had invited Miss Good to jointheir picnic immediately upon hearing that Ma and Allie werecoming to Dallas, and she had been overjoyed. Miss Good, as theycould see, possessed unerring good taste, but what was more, shehad a real genius for finding bargains. As a bargain hunter MissGood was positively unique. 

Ma Briskow pricked up her ears at this, soon she and the newcomerhad their heads together, and within a few minutes Gray realizedthat his experiment was a success. The stranger possessedenthusiasm, but it was coupled with common sense, and before hersunshiny smile even Allegheny's sullen distrust slowly began tothaw. She drew Gray aside finally, and said: "It's all right. They'reperfect dears, and, now, the best thing you can do is to take yourselfoff. "

He agreed promptly, but cautioned her against economy. "Thatbargain-hunting remark was only a bait. Remember, Gus Briskowwants them to have everything, and be everything they should be, regardless of expense. Why, both he and I would like nothingbetter than to have Allegheny look like you, if that werepossible. "

Miss Good eyed the speaker curiously. "Who are you?" she inquired. "What are these nesters to you?"

"I am nobody. They were kind to me and I'm interested in theirfuture. "

"Are you a fortune hunter, Mr. Gray?"

"I am. " Gray's face instantly lighted. "I am the mostconscienceless fortune hunter you ever met, but--I am hunting myown fortune, not Allie Briskow's. "

"You needn't laugh. She's very--unusual and--But I dare say youwouldn't tell me, anyhow. "

"If I have excited your curiosity, I am delighted, " Gray declared. "Please let me return at lunch time and gratify it. I promise totalk upon that subject which every man can discuss to bestadvantage--himself--and I pledge myself not to ask one singlequestion about you, Miss Good. Not one--" He bowed ceremoniouslyover her hand. "Although, as you can imagine, I'm dying to ask athousand. "

CHAPTER VIII

The luncheon hour was long in arriving, and when it did comearound Calvin Gray regretted that he had elected to play a game ofmake-believe with "Miss Good, " for she rigidly held him to hispromise, and however adroitly he undertook to ascertain who orwhat she was, she foiled him. It gave her a mischievous pleasureto evade his carefully laid conversational traps, and what littlehe learned came from Ma Briskow. Briefly, it amounted to this:Miss Good was what the elder woman called "home folks, " but shehad been schooled in the East. Moreover, she was in the oilbusiness. This last bit of intelligence naturally intrigued theman, and he undertook to gain further illumination, but only tohave the girl pretend that he knew all about it. He accepted thischeckmate with the best possible grace, but revenged himself byassuming the airs and privileges of a friend more intimate eventhan Miss Good had implied, a pretense that confused and evenannoyed her. For some reason this counterfeit pleased him; it wasextremely agreeable even to pretend a close acquaintance with thisgirl. 

The luncheon went off gaily enough, then Gray was again banishedwith instructions to return at closing time. 

"You took a mean, a malicious advantage of an offer intended onlyto spare your feelings. And you haven't any, " he told Miss Goodwhen they had a chance for a word alone. 

"I have no feelings?"

"None. Or you'd see that I'm perishing of curiosity. "

She shook her head, and her blue eyes laughed at him provokingly. "Curiosity is fatal only to cats. It is good for people. "

"I shall find out all about you. "

"How?"

"By cross-examining the Briskows, perhaps. "

"But they're waiting to have you tell them what you know. I'veseen to that. "

"If they ask any questions, I'll invent a story. I'll actconfused, self-conscious. I'll make them think you are a muchdearer friend than I have pretended, so far; dearer, even, than Ican hope you ever will be. "

"That wouldn't be fair. "

"There are occasions when everything is fair. Perhaps these storepeople know something--"

"Nothing whatever. "

"Then, for Heaven's sake, release me from my pledge!" Gray spokedesperately. "When I return, permit me to ask those thousandquestions, and what others occur to me. Won't you?"

The girl pondered this request briefly, then smiled. "Very well. If you are still curious, when you see me, I'll tell you who Iam. "

"A bargain! I'll be back early. " More seriously, Gray declared: "Imust tell you right now how perfectly splendid I think you are. You have completely renewed my belief in human kindness, and I'msure your name must be Miss Good. "

But a disappointment awaited Calvin Gray when, late thatafternoon, he returned to the store. Miss Good had gone. At firsthe refused to believe Ma Briskow's statement, but it was true: shehad disappeared as quietly and as unobtrusively as she hadappeared, and, what was more annoying, she had left no wordwhatever for him. This was practical joking, for a certainty, andGray told himself that he abhorred practical jokes. It was a joltto his pride to have his attentions thus ignored, but what irkedhim most was the fact that he was stopped, by reason of hisdeceit, from making any direct inquiries that might lead to afurther acquaintance with the girl. 

Mrs. Briskow, however, was in no condition either to note his dismayor to volunteer information upon any except one subject; to wit, corns. Human hearts were of less concern to her, for the time being, thanhuman feet, and hers were killing her. She began a recital of hersufferings, as intimate, as agonizing, and as confidential as if Graywere a practicing chiropodist. What she had to say about tight shoeswas bitter in the extreme; she voiced a gloomy conviction that thealarming increase in suicides was due to bunions. The good womanconfessed that she dearly loved finery and had bought right and leftwith reckless extravagance, but all the merchandise in this departmentstore was not worth the anguish she had endured this day. With herstiff little bonnet tilted carelessly over her wrinkled forehead, shedeclared emphatically that she would gladly swap all her purchases atthis moment for a tub of hot water. 

"Where is Allie?" Gray inquired. 

"Lord knows! She's som'eres around bein' worked over by a coupleof women. Gettin' her hair washed an' her finger nails cured an' Idunno what not. Mercy me! The things Miss Good had 'em do to her!An' the money we've spent! Allie's gone hog wild. " The complaintended in a stifled moan induced perhaps by some darting pain, thenwithout further ado Ma Briskow unbuttoned one shoe and removedit. "Whew!" She leaned back in her chair, wiggled her stockingedtoes, and feebly fanned herself. "But wait till you see her. Ican't scarcely reco'nize my own flesh an' blood. I never seen sucha change in a human person. "

Gray pretended to listen as the good woman babbled on, but he wasthinking about the girl who had disappeared. He was surprised atthe keenness of his chagrin. He had seen Miss Good but a shorttime, and she had made no effort whatever to excite his interest;nevertheless, she remained a tantalizingly vivid picture in hismind. It was extraordinary. 

So engrossed was he in his thoughts that he did not noticeAllegheny Briskow until she stood close beside him. Then, indeed, heexperienced a shock, for it was difficult to recognize in this handsome, modish young woman the awkward, ill-dressed country girl he had seen atnoon. Allie was positively stunning. She was completely transformed fromthe soles of her well-shod feet to the tip of her French coiffure, andwhat was more astonishing, she had lost much of her self-consciousness andcarried herself with a native grace that became her well. 

"Why, _Allie!_" Gray exclaimed. "You're wonderful! Let me seeyou. " He stood off and gazed at her while she revolved before him. 

"Sakes alive! Who'd ever s'pose you'd look like _that!_" themother exclaimed. 

"Miss Good told me I'd look nice, but I didn't believe her. Do I?"

"You're wonderful, Allie. " Gray said it with conviction. 

"Honest? You ain't laughin' at me?" The amazon's voice quavered. 

"Can't you see? Look at yourself. I'm proud of you. "

"I--She said--" Allegheny twisted her hands, she cast an appealingglance at her mother, but the latter was staring at her in openamazement, slowly nodding her head and clucking. 

"Tse! Tse! Tse!" It was an approving cluck, and it had a peculiareffect upon the girl. Allegheny's tears started, she turnedsuddenly and hid her face in her hands. 

Gray crossed quickly to her side, saying: "There! We've overdoneit the first day, and you're tired. "

"I _ain't_ tired. " His sympathy brought audible sobs; the girl'sshoulders began to heave. 

"Well, _I_ am, " the mother complained. "I'm wore to the bone. Allie! You dry up an' stop that snivelin' so we kin go home and Ikin let my feet swell, an' scream. "

"You're not too tired, I hope, to have dinner with Allie and me inthe big dining room at the Ajax?" Gray said, gayly. "You'll beall right after an hour's rest, and--'I want to show her off, ifher nose isn't too red. "

"I 'ain't seen that girl cry in ten years, " Ma declared, inmingled wonderment and irritation. "Why, she didn't cry whenNumber One blowed in. "

Allie spoke between her sobs. "There wasn't nothin' to cry for, then. But--Miss Good said I--I'd look jest as purty as other folkswhen I got fixed up. An' _he_ says--I do. "

Gray decided that all women are vain. Nevertheless, it surprisedhim to discover the trait so early in Allegheny Briskow. 

It was on the second day thereafter that Gus Briskow appeared atthe hotel. He came unexpectedly, and he still wore his rough ranchclothes. After an hour or more spent with his wife and daughter, he went down to Gray's room and thanked him for the assistance hehad rendered the two women. 

Followed a few moments of desultory conversation, then he put anabrupt question: "Mr. Gray, you're a rich man, ain't you?"

"I--am so considered. "

"Um-m! Dunno's I'm glad or sorry. "

"Indeed! What difference can it make to you?"

"A lot. It's like this: my boy Buddy has took a turrible shine toyou, an' he can't talk about nothin' else. I was sort of hopin'--"

"Yes?"

"Buddy's ignerunt. He can read an' write an' figger some, but he'sgot about the same company manners as a steer, an' he's skeered ofcrowds. When he sees strangers he's liable to charge 'em or elsethrow up his head an' his tail an' run plumb over a cliff. He'dought to go to school, but he says he's too big, an' he'd have toset with a lot of little children. Him an' Allie's alike, thatway--it r'ars 'em up on their hind feet to be laughed at. "

"Get a tutor for them. "

"A what?" When Gray had explained the meaning of the word, Mr. Briskow's face cleared. "That's what I figgered on, but I didn'tknow what you called 'em. That's why I'm sorry you're so well off. Y'see I'd of paid you anything--I'd of doubled whatever you'regettin'--" The speaker raised a hopeful gaze; he paused as if to makesure that his hearer was beyond temptation. "I thought mebbe him andyou'd like to travel some--go to furrin places--see the hull world. Ikin afford it. "

"Thank you for the compliment, but--"

"I got some big deals on, an' Buddy's got to learn enough so's tohang onto what's comin' to him an' Allie. He needs a man like youto learn him, an' be an example. It would be a payin' job, MisterGray. "

It was in a voice graver than usual that the younger man spoke:"Briskow, you're sensible enough to understand plain talk. I'm nota fit man to teach Buddy what he ought to know. In fact, I'm aboutthe worst person you could select. "

"How so?"

"Because I'm a good deal of a--rotter. I couldn't permit Buddy tomake a mess of his life, such as I've made of mine. "

The father sighed. "I s'pose you know, but--Well, I'mdisapp'inted. But it wasn't hully on that account I come to Dallas. Matold me over the telephone how nice you been an' what you done for her'n' Allie, so I says to myself I'll square things by givin' him achance to make some money. "

Gray stirred slightly in his chair and regarded the speaker morekeenly. 

"When oil come in at Ranger, nobody thought it would get out ourway, but Ma had a dream--a lot of dreams--about oil on our farm, so I got an outfit to come there an' drill. Folks thought we wascrazy, and we didn't expect they'd find much, ourselves--a fewbar'l a day would of looked big--but I allus had ambitions to begood an' rich, so I got options on quite a bit of acreage. Itdidn't take no money at the time, 'cause land was what people hadmost of. Along with the rest, there's a hundred an' sixty rightnext to ours--hill stuff that wouldn't feed a goat. It's wuth alot of money now, but the option's 'most run out. "

"When does it expire?"

"Saturday. "

"That's to-morrow. "

Gus Briskow nodded. "It's cheap at a thousand dollars an acre, an'it costs two hundred. "

"Of course you'll take it. "

"Nope. "

"Why not?"

"Per one thing, I got a lot of other land just as good an' mebbebetter, an' I been takin' it up out of the royalties that come in. We got enough sure money in sight to do us, but I promised Ma toplay safe, an'--we can't take everything. You kin have thatoption, Mister Gray, for nothin'. You kin sell the lease inside ofa week an' make fifty thousand dollars, or you kin hold it an'make mebbe a million. All it'll cost you is thirty-two thousanddollars. I don't make a cent out of it. "

"Thirty-two thousand dollars! Not much, is it?"

"It ain't nothin' to a man like you. "

Gray nodded and smiled queerly as he thanked the nester, then fromhis pockets he removed several crumpled wads of currency and ahandful of silver. These he counted before saying: "What capital Ihave is entirely liquid--it's all in cash. There is eighty-sevendollars and forty-three cents. It is every dollar in the worldthat I possess. "

"Huh?" Gus Briskow's bright eyes searched the smiling countenancebefore him. "You're--jokin'. I thought you said you was rich. "

"I am rich. I don't owe a nickel, and won't, until my hotel billis due, day after to-morrow. I'm in full possession of all myfaculties. I'm perfectly healthy and cheerful. I know men whowould pay a million dollars for my health alone, and anothermillion to enjoy my frame of mind. That's two million--"

"Well--doggone _me_!" There was a pause, then the speakerbrightened. "Mebbe you'll take Buddy, after all? You kin set yourown wages. "

Gray shook his head. "There are two good reasons why I couldn'taccept, even if I wished. I've told you one; I'm too fond of youBriskows to risk ruining Buddy. "

"What's the other one?"

"A purely personal reason. I have a definite something to do herein Texas. Before I can accomplish it, I shall have to make a lotof money, but that I shall do easily. I make money rapidly when Istart. "

"You gotta git goin' afore long. " Briskow allowed his eyes to roveabout the spacious Governor's suite. "'Specially with only eighty-seven forty--"

"That is nearly eighty-seven dollars more than I had when Iarrived. Three weeks ago I was an utter stranger here; to-day Iknow everybody worth knowing in a business way, and some of themare my friends. "

"If you could learn Buddy to make friends like that--"

But Gray raised his hand. "I derive a certain amusement from myown peculiar characteristics and capabilities, but I should detestthem in another. "

"Well, you sure need money, and--I kin he'p you out. "

"Thank you, but I sha'n't borrow. If the time were not so short, Icould probably turn this lease you so kindly offered me. Butsomething else will happen along. "

Briskow sighed. "I could of sold it myself--thought I had it soldto a bunch from Wichita, but they tricked me. I offered it the dayyou was at our house for eighty thousand and Nelson more 'n halfagreed to--"

"_Who?_"

Briskow looked up at the tone of this inquiry. "One of the fellersfrom Wichita Falls. I s'pose he knowed the option was about runout; anyhow, he's been holdin' me off from day to day till it'stoo late now fer me to--"

"What is his name?" Gray broke in, sharply. "Name's Nelson. BellNelson's son. Bell's hard-boiled, but--"

"Henry Nelson?"

"That's him. "

Gray rose from his chair and strode swiftly to the window. Hestood there staring down into the street for a moment beforesaying, curtly, "Go on!"

"You know them Nelsons?"

"I know--Henry. "

"He's hard-boilder 'n his old man. They got a lot o' money behind'em--too much money to act like he done with me. I sure hate tosee him git that Evans lease for next to nothin', after the way hedone. I'd call it cheat-in', but--well, I can't han'le it. "

The man at the window wheeled suddenly and his face was white, hisbrows were drawn down. "By God!" he cried, tensely. "He _won't_get it. Where's that option?"

"I got it right here. " Briskow handed over a paper. "An' I got thehull title abstrack, too. Had it all ready for Nelson. "

When he had swiftly scanned the document, Gray said: "This dealmeans little to you, Briskow, but it means much to me, and I'llmake it worth something to both of us. At first I thought the timewas too short, but--I work best when I work fast. You've had yourchance and failed. Now then, step aside and let a man run whoknows how. "

Mr. Roswell, president of the bank where Gray had first made himselfknown, was a shrewd, forceful man who had attained a position inbusiness and arrived at a time of life when he could well afford toindulge his likes and his dislikes. Those likes and dislikes werestrong, for his was a positive character. As is the case with mostsuccessful men who pride themselves upon their cold caution andbusiness acumen--and Mr. Roswell did so pride himself--he really wasa person of impulse, and intuition played a much larger part in hisconduct of affairs than he would have acknowledged. Such people makemistakes, but they also make friends; occasionally they read characterwrong, but they inspire loyalty, and big institutions are founded uponfriendship and loyalty as well as upon stability and fair dealing. 

Roswell had liked Gray upon their first meeting, and that likinghad deepened. Owing to that fact, he had neglected to secure areport upon him, assuring himself that there was always time forsuch formalities. He was cordial to-day when Gray strode into hisoffice bringing Gus Briskow with him. 

The banker listened with interest to what he was told, then hestudied the map that Briskow spread upon his desk showing thelocation of his own and other near-by wells. 

"That looks like a sure thing, " Roswell said, finally. "As sure asanything in oil can be. What is on your mind?"

"I'd like to get the opinion of the bank's oil expert, " Gray toldhim. 

This was a matter easily disposed of; the expert was summoned andhe rendered a prompt opinion. He knew the property; he consideredit a cheap lease at a thousand dollars an acre. It was provenstuff and within thirty days it would probably treble in value. When he had gone, the banker smiled. 

"Well, Gray, " said he, "I knew you'd land something good. You're ahustler. You'll make a fortune out of that land. "

Gray handed him Gus Briskow's option, and the assignment thereof, the ink upon which was scarcely dry. "There's the joker. Itexpires to-morrow night and--it will go to the Nelsons. They'vedouble-crossed Mr. Briskow. "

"Then don't let them get away with it. Take it yourself. "

"It is now three o'clock and this is the golfing season in NewYork, " Gray told him. "I couldn't reach my--associates and get anyaction before Monday. " "No funds of your own available?"

"Not enough, at such short notice. "

"Well?"

"That lease is worth one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, isn'tit?" The banker nodded. "I'm going to sell it before six o'clockfor--eighty thousand. I know people here who will take it, butI've come first to you. Get together a little syndicate right herein the bank, and buy it. I'll agree to take it off your handswithin thirty days at one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Inother words, it is worth to me eighty thousand dollars to have youcarry it for a month. "

"Is your guaranty any good?"

"That is for you to determine. Assume that it is not, and I'llbetter my first offer. I'll undertake to sell off the land intwenties right here in Dallas, double your money, and divide theprofits thereafter with you. It is a safe speculation and a quickone. You know I can put it through. "

Mr. Roswell considered briefly before replying. "There's no usedenying that we've made money on deals like this--everybody has. So it's nothing new. There's a big play on Ranger stuff and wecouldn't lose. But I know nothing about you except the littleyou've told me. When I go into a deal I put my trust more in theman than the proposition. "

"And I trust my own judgment of human character more than that ofstrangers, " Gray said, quickly. "So do you. Thirty days is a longtime with me, and the oil business is just my speed. Permit me toremind you that time is flying and that I have given myself onlythree hours in which to turn this property. I intend to beatNelson, and apply that beating on account of an old score. This ismore than a mere business deal. "

"I like your energy, " the banker confessed, "and I'm inclined tobet some of my own money on you. Now"--he pushed a button on hisdesk--"let's see if there are any others here who feel as I do. "It was early evening when Gus Briskow returned to his wife's andhis daughter's rooms at the Ajax. He slipped in quietly and sankinto a chair. 

"Mercy me! I thought you was run over, " Ma Briskow exclaimed. 

"I feel like I was, " the nester declared, with a grin. "Say!Mister Gray sold the Evans lease an'--we got more money thanever. "

"Then mebbe you can afford a new suit, " Allie told him. "You looklike sin. "

Her father nodded, but his mind was full of the incidents of thatafternoon and he began at once to recount them. He told the storybadly, but in a language that the women understood. He had notgone far, however, when the girl interrupted him to exclaim:

"Wait! Why, Pa! You mean to say Mister Gray 'ain't got no money?"

"He had less 'n a hundred dollars. An' him livin' here like a kingwith everybody bowin' an' scrapin'!"

Ignoring the effect upon Allie of this intelligence, he continuedhis recital. "All I done was set around while him an' them bankpeople talked it over, " he said, finally. "Then they got theirlawyer in an' he examined the title papers. Seemed like he'd nevergit through, but he did, an' they signed some things an' we comeout, an' Mister Gray told me I'd made forty-eight thousanddollars. "

"Goodness me!" Ma Briskow's eyes widened. "Why, that Evans placeain't wuth the taxes. "

"It's more 'n likely wuth a million. But think! Him tellin' me_I'd_ made forty-eight thousand dollars! It give me a jolt, an' Isays _I_ didn't make it. I told him I'd fell down an' turned thehull thing over to him. 'It's _you_ that's made forty-eightthousand, ' I says. "

"_What?_" Allie inquired, sharply. Then when her father hadrepeated himself, she asked with even greater intensity: "Wha'd hesay to that? He didn't take it, did he?"

"He laughed kinda queer an' says all I got to do to give him agood night's rest is to wire Henry Nelson the deal's closed. An'him with less 'n a hundred dollars!"

Allie spoke again in great relief. "Lord! You give me a turn. " Herexpression altered, her lips parted in a slow smile. "So! He'spore, eh? Pore as we was. Well, I declare!" She rose and turnedher back upon her father. 

"No, he ain't pore, " Briskow said, irritably. "Not now he ain't. Isays it's his deal an' his money, an' we got plenty. An' I stuckto it. "

Allie wheeled suddenly at this announcement. She uttered a cry ofprotest; then, "What are you talkin' about?" she roughly demanded. 

"We had some argyment an' I got kinda r'iled. Finally he says if Ifeel that way we'll go pardners. He wouldn't listen to nothin'else, an'--that's how it stands. He made twenty-four thousand an'I--"

"You--You _fool!_"

Gus Briskow looked up with a start to find his daughter standingover him, her face ablaze, her deep bosom heaving. He stared ather in frank amazement, doubting his senses. Never had Alleghenyused toward him a word, a tone like this, never had he seen herlook as she did at this moment. He could not believe his eyes, forthe girl had become a scowling fury, and she seemed upon the vergeof destroying him with her strong hands, a task she was amply ableto accomplish. 

"Allie-_Allie!_" the mother gasped. She, too, was aghast. "You--you're talkin' to your pa!"

"You give him twenty-four thousan' dollars? _Give_ it to him?Wha'd you do it for? Wha'd you--?" Allie's voice failed hercompletely, she groped at her throat, uttering unintelligible, animal-like sounds. 

"Why, Allie, you're _mad!_ And after all he done for me an' you, "Mrs. Briskow cried, accusingly. "You oughter be ashamed. "

"Sure! Didn't he make us twenty-four thousan' dollars, where wewouldn't of got nothin'? An' us rich as we are, an' him broke? I'msupprised at you. " A harsh exclamation burst from the girl--tothe astonished parents it sounded like an oath, but it could nothave been--then she swung herself heavily about and rushed blindlyinto the next room, slamming the stout metal door behind her witha crash that threatened to unhinge it. 

"Well, I be--darned!" Gus Briskow turned a slack, empty face uponthe partner of his joys. "I--I never s'posed that girl would turnout--_greedy_. "

The mother's countenance slowly wrinkled into lines of grief andworry, she wrung her hands and rocked from side to side. "I dunnowhat's come over the child, " she moaned, tearfully. "She behaves soqueer over them silk stockin's an' corsets an' lingeries an' thingsthat she skeers me. Sometimes I'm afeerd she's goin' crazy--orsomething. "

CHAPTER IX

No industry can boast a history more dramatic, more exciting, thanthat of oil. From the discovery of petroleum, on through thedevelopment of its usefulness and the vast expansion of itsproduction, the story is one of intense human interest, and noteven the story of mining has chapters more stirring or morespectacular. 

The average man has never stopped to consider how close he is tothe oil business or how dependent he is upon it; from babyhood, when his nose is greased with vaseline, to the occasion when amotor hearse carries him on his last journey, there is not often aday when he fails to make use of mineral oil or some of its by-products. Ocean liners and farmers' plows are driven by it; ittakes the rich man to his office and it cleans the shopgirl'sgloves; it gives us dominion over the air and beneath the watersof the sea. We live in a mechanical age, and without oil ourbearings would run hot and civilization, as we know it, wouldstop. It is the very blood of the earth. 

Oil production is a highly specialized industry, and it has developeda type of man with a type of mind quite as characteristic as the typeof machinery employed in the drilling of wells. The latter, forinstance, appears at first glance to be crude and awkward, but as amatter of fact it is amazingly ingenious and extremely efficient, andyour oil-field operator is pretty much the same. Nor is there anybusiness in which practical experience is more valuable. As a result, most of the big oil men, especially those engaged in production, aregraduates of the school of hard knocks; they are big-fisted, harsh-handed fellows who are as thoroughly at home on the "thribbleboard" of a derrick as at a desk or a directors' table, and they arequite as colorful as the oil fields themselves. Their lives are fulland vigorous. 

Of all the oil excitements, that which occurred in North Texas wasperhaps the most remarkable; at any rate, the world has neverwitnessed such scenes as were enacted there. The California goldrush, the great Alaskan stampede, the diamond frenzies of SouthAfrica and of Australia, all were epic in their way, but none breda wilder insanity than did the discovery of oil in the Red Riverdistrict. 

For one thing, the time was ripe and conditions were propitiousfor the staging of an unprecedented drama. The enormous wastage ofa world's war, resulting in a cry for more production, a new levelof high prices for crude, rumors of an alarming shortage ofsupply, the success of independent producers, large and small--allthese, and other reasons, too, caused many people hithertouninterested to turn their serious attention to petroleum. Thecountry was prosperous, banks were bulging with money, pocketswere stuffed with profits; poor men had the means with which togamble and rich men were looking for quicker gains. Inasmuch asthe world had lived for four years upon a steady diet ofexcitement, it was indeed the psychological moment for aspectacular boom. 

The strike at Ranger lit the fuse, the explosion came with thefirst gush of inflammable liquid from the Fowler farm atBurkburnett. Then, indeed, a conflagration occurred, thecomprehensive story of which can never be written, owing to thefact that no human mind could follow the swift events of the nextfew tumultuous months, no brain could record it. Chaos came. Lifein the oil fields became a phantasmagoria of ceaseless action andexcitement--a fantastic stereopticon that changed hourly. 

"Burk" was a sleepy little town, dozing amid parched wheat fields. The paint was off it; nothing much more exciting than a cropfailure ever happened there. The main topic of conversation wasthe weather and, as Mark Twain said, everybody talked about it, but nothing was done. Within sixty days this soporific villagebecame a roaring bedlam; every town lot was leased, derricks roseout of chicken runs, boilers panted in front yards, mobs ofstrangers surged through the streets and the air grew shrill withtheir bickerings. From a distance, the sky line of the town lookedlike a thick nest of lattice battle masts, and at night it blazedlike Coney Island. 

The black-lime territory farther south had proven too expensivefor individual operators and small companies to handle, but herethe oil was closer to the surface and the ground was easilydrilled, hence it quickly became known as a poor man's pool. Then, too, experienced oil men and the large companies who had seentown-site booms in other states, kept away, surrendering the placeto tenderfeet and to promoters. Of these, thousands came, andnever was there a harvest so ripe for their gleaning. 

Naturally a little country town like this could not hold thenewcomers, therefore Wichita Falls became their headquarters. Herethere were at least a few hotels and some sort of officequarters--sheds beneath which the shearing could take place--andthere the herd assembled. 

Of course, the cougars followed, and, oh, the easy pickings forthem! A fresh kill daily. Warm meat with every meal. Such huntingthey had never known, hence they gorged themselves openly, seldomquarreling among themselves nor even bothering to conceal thecarcasses of their prey. It was easier to pull down a new victimthan to return to the one of the day before. 

Rooming houses slept their guests in relays, canvas dormitoriessprang up on vacant lots, the lobbies of the hotels were packedwith shouldering maniacs until they resembled wheat pits, thestreets were clogged with motor cars, and the sidewalks werejammed like subway platforms. Store fronts were knocked out andthe floor space was railed off into rows of tiny bull-pen brokers'offices, and in these companies by the hundred were promoted. Stock in them was sold on the sidewalks by bally-hoo men withmegaphone voices. It seldom required more than a few hours todispose of an entire issue, for this was a credulous and an elatedmob, and its daily fare was exaggeration. Stock exchanges wereopened up where, amid frenzied shoutings, went on a feverishcommerce in wildcat securities; shopgirls, matrons, housemaidsgambled in shares quite as wildly as did the unkempt disreputablesfrom the oil fields or the newcomers spilled out of every train. People trafficked not in oil, but in stocks and in leases, thevalues of which were entirely chimerical. 

But this speculative frenzy was by no means local. Burkburnettbecame a name to conjure with and there was no lack of conjurers. These latter spread to the four points of the compass, and theprinting presses ran hot to meet their demands. A flood of moneyflowed into their pockets. While this boom was at its height a newpool, vaster and richer, was penetrated and the world heard of theNorthwest Extension of the Burkburnett field, a veritable lake--anocean--of oil. Then a wilder madness reigned. Daily came reportsof new wells in the Extension with a flush production running upinto the thousands of barrels. There appeared to be no limit tothe size of this deposit, and now the old-line operators who hadshunned the town-site boom bid feverishly against the promotersand the tenderfeet for acreage. Farms and ranches previously allbut worthless were cut up into small tracts and drilling sites, and these were sold for unheard-of prices. Up leaped anotherforest of skeleton towers some ten miles long and half as wide. 

But this was the open range with nothing except the sky forshelter, so towns were knocked together--queer, greasy, ramshacklesettlements of flimsy shacks--and so quickly were they built thatthey outran the law, which is ever deliberate. The camps of theblack-lime district, which had been considered hell holes, were inreality models of order compared with these mushroom cities of rawboards, tar paper, and tin. Gambling joints, dance halls, and densmore vicious flourished openly, and around them gathered thescum and the flotsam that crests a rising tide. 

Winter brought the rains, and existence in the new fields becamean ugly and a troublesome thing. Roads there were none, andsupplies became difficult to secure. The surface of the landmelted and spinning wheels churned it; traffic halted, vehiclessank, horses drowned. Between rains the sun dried the mud, thewind whirled it into suffocating clouds. Sandstorms swept over themiserable inhabitants; tornadoes, thick with a burden of cuttingparticles, harried them until they cursed the fate that hadbrought them thither. 

But in Wichita Falls, where there was shelter overhead andpavements underfoot, the sheep shearing proceeded gayly. 

Of the men engaged in this shearing business, none, perhaps, hadgathered more wool in the same length of time than the two membersof the firm of McWade & Stoner. Mr. Billy McWade, junior partner, was a man of wide experience and some accomplishments, but untilhis arrival at Wichita Falls he had never made a conspicuoussuccess of any business enterprise. The unforeseen invariably hadintervened to prevent a killing. Either a pal had squealed, or thepostal authorities had investigated, or a horse had fallen--anyhow, whenever victory had perched upon his banner somethingalways had happened to frighten the bird before its wings werefairly folded. 

Mr. McWade had finally determined to wipe off the slate andcommence all over. Accordingly, he had selected a new field, and, in order to make it a real standing start, he had likewise chosena new name. He had arrived at Wichita Falls with one suit ofclothes and nothing more, except an assortment of contusionsranging in color from angry red to black-and-blue, these samebeing the direct result of repeated altercations with roughshodmembers of a train crew. These collisions McWade had not sought. On the contrary, when, for instance, outside the yards at FortWorth his unobtrusive presence on the blind baggage had beendiscovered, he had done his best to avoid trouble. He hadexplained earnestly that he simply must leave the city by thatparticular train. The circumstances were such that no other trainwould do at all, so he declared. When he had been booted off heswung under and rode the trucks to the next stop. There a man witha lantern had searched him out, much as a nigger shines the eyesof a possum, and had dragged him forth. He was dragged forth atthe second stop, and again at the third. Finally, the train washalted far out on a lonely prairie and a large brakeman with goldteeth and corns on his palms held a knee upon Mr. McWade's chestuntil the train started. Ignoring the hoarse warning breathed intohis dusty countenance, along with the odor of young onions, thetraveler argued volubly, but with no heat, that it was vitallynecessary to his affairs that he continue this journey withoutinterruption; then, when the brakeman rose and raced after thedeparting train, he sprang to his feet and outran him. McWade waslithe and nervous and fleet; he managed to swing under the lastPullman at the same instant his captor reached its rear platform. 

It is probable that a blithe determination even such as this wouldhave eventually succumbed to repeated discouragements, but at thenext stop, a watering tank, aid came from an unexpected quarter. From the roof of the car another knight of the road signaled, andthither McWade clambered, kicking off the clutching hand of hisformer enemy. 

The second traveler was a robust man, deliberate but sure ofmovement, and his pockets were filled with nuts and bolts. Thisammunition he divided with his companion, and such was theirunerring aim that they maintained their sanctuary for theremainder of the journey. 

On the way in to Wichita Falls the stranger introduced himself asBrick Stoner. He was a practical oil man, a driller and a sort ofpromoter, too. It was his last pro motion, he confided, that hadmade it necessary for him to travel in this fashion. He had manypractical ideas, had Mr. Stoner, as, for instance, the use to bemade of a stick with a crook in it or a lath with a nail in theend. Armed thus, he declared, it was possible for a man on theroof of a sleeping car to pick up a completely new wardrobe in thecourse of a night's ride, provided the upper berths were occupiedand the ventilators were open. Mr. Stoner deeply regretted thelack of such a simple aid, but agreed that it was better to leavewell enough alone. 

McWade warmed to his traveling companion, and they talked ofmany things, such as money and finance, sudden riches, and waysand means. This led them back naturally to a discussion ofStoner's latest promotion; he called it the Lost Bull well, andthe circumstances connected therewith he related with a subtletyof humor rare in a man of his sorts. The nature of the storyappealed keenly to McWade, and it ran like this: Stoner had beenworking in the Louisiana gas fields near the scene of a railroadaccident--three bulls had strayed upon the right of way withresults disastrous to a freight train and fatal to themselves. After the wreckage had been cleared away, the claim agent settledwith the owner of the bulls and the carcasses were buried in anadjoining field. This had occurred some time prior to Stoner'sarrival; in fact, it was only by chance that he heard of it. 

One day in passing the spot Stoner noticed a slight depression inthe ground, filled with water through which occasional bubbles ofgas rose. Being of an inquisitive turn of mind, he had amusedhimself with some experiments and found that the gas wasinflammable. Moreover, it gave off an odor not unlike that ofnatural gas. It was a phenomenon of decomposition new to thedriller, and it gave him a great idea. He went to town and verycautiously told of his discovery--a gas seepage, with traces ofoil. His story caused a sensation, and he led several of thewealthiest citizens to the spot, then watched them in all gravitywhile they ignited the gas, smelled it, tasted the soil. Theywere convinced. They appointed Stoner their agent to buy the farm, under cover, which he did at a nice profit--to himself. Thisprofit he spent in riotous living while a rig was being moved uponthe ground. Not until the derrick was up and the crew, in thepresence of the excited stockholders, came to "spud in, " was thetrue source of that gas discovered--then the enterprise assumedsuch a bad odor that bystanders fled and Mr. Stoner was forced toleave the state without his baggage. 

This had been the nature of McWade's and Stoner's meeting; on theroof of that swaying Pullman they laid the corner stone of theirpartnership. 

Arrived at Wichita Falls, Stoner went into the field and McWadeobtained employment in a restaurant. It was a position of trust, for upon him developed the entire responsibility of removing thetraces of food from the used dishes, and drying them without a toogreat percentage of breakage. It kept McWade upon his feet, but, anyhow, he could not sit with comfort, and it enabled him, in thecourse of a week, to purchase a change of linen and to have hissuit sponged and pressed. This done, he resigned and went to theleading bank, where he opened an account by depositing a checkdrawn upon a Chicago institution for fifty thousand dollars. McWade made it a practice always to have a few blank checks onhand. Airily, but in all earnestness, he invited the Texas bank toverify the check at its convenience. 

So many were the strangers in Wichita Falls, so great the rush ofnew customers, that the banks had no means of investigating theiraccounts except by wiring at their own expense. This was Saturdayafternoon, which gave McWade two days of grace, so he pocketed hisnew pass and check books, then mingled with the crowd at theWestland Hotel. He bought leases and drilling sites, issuing localchecks in payment thereof--nobody could question the validity ofthose checks with the evidence of fifty thousand dollars depositedthat very day--and on Sunday he sold them. By the time theWichita Falls bank opened its doors on Monday morning he hadturned his last lease and had made ten thousand dollars. 

A few days later he and Stoner incorporated their first company. This was at the height of the town-site boom, and within a fewhours McWade had sold the stock. Thereafter prosperity dogged thepair, and before long they had made reputations for themselves asthe only sure-fire wildcat promoters in town. McWade possessed thegift of sidewalk oratory; Stoner posed as the practical field manwhose word upon prospects was final. He it was who did theinvestigating, the "experting"; his partner was the bally-hoo. 

But competition grew steadily keener, other promoters followedtheir lead, and it became necessary to introduce new and originalmethods of gathering an audience. Mere vocal persuasiveness didnot serve to arrest the flow of pedestrians, and so McWade'singenuity was taxed. But he was equal to the task; seldom did hefail of ideas, and, once he had the attention of a crowd, the restwas easy. 

One morning he and his partner provided themselves with somedice and several hundred dollars in gold coin. With these theybegan shooting craps on the sidewalk in front of their office. Nowgambling was taboo, hence the spectacle of two expensivelydressed, eminently prosperous men squatting upon their heels witha stack of double eagles before them caused a sensation, andpeople halted to witness their impending arrest. Soon traffic wasblocked. 

The gamblers remained engrossed in their pastime, as well theycould, having thoughtfully arranged the matter with the policemanon duty; gravely they breathed upon the cubes; earnestly theycalled upon "Little Joe, " "Long Liz, " "Ada, " and the rest;silently they exchanged their stacks of gold pieces as they won orlost. 

Calvin Gray, but just arrived from Dallas, looked on at the gamewith some curiosity, not divining its purpose, until McWadepocketed the dice, then mounted a box at the curb and began, loudly:

"Now, gentlemen, that is one way of making money, but it is afoolish and a hazardous way. There is a much saner, safer method, and I'm going to tell you about it. Don't pass on until you hearme, for I have a most incredible story to relate, and you'll besorry you missed it. "

There was a ripple of appreciative laughter, but the crowdpressed closer as the orator continued:

"You've all heard about these 'doodlebugs' who go around locatingoil with a divining rod, haven't you? And you don't believe inthem. Of course you don't. Neither do I. I can't put any trust inwillow twigs, but--we'll all admit that there are forces of naturethat we don't understand. Who can explain the principle ofmagnetic attraction, for instance? What causes the glowingsplendor of the Aurora Borealis? What force holds the compassneedle to the north? What makes a carpet tack jump onto a magnetlike"--the speaker paused and stared hard at a member of hisaudience who had passed a humorous remark at his expense--"justlike I'll jump you, stranger, if you don't keep your trap closed. I say who can read those secrets, who can harness those forces?The man who can has got the world by the tail and a downhill pull. Now then, for the plot of my story, and it will pay you to do aweek of listening in the next five minutes. Awhile ago an eminentscientist, unknown to me or to my partner, Mr. Stoner, came intoour office, which is at your backs, one flight up, second door tothe right, and showed us an electrical device he has been workingon for the last eight years. He claimed he had it perfected andthat it would indicate the presence of oil on the same principlethat one mineral attracts another. 'Oil is a mineral, ' said he, 'and I think I've got its magnetic complement. I believe myinvention will work. '

"'I'll bet a thousand dollars it won't, ' I told him. But what doyou think that pilgrim did? He took me up. Then he bet Stoneranother thousand that I'd made a bad bet. " McWade grinned insympathy with the general amusement. "We arranged a thorough test. We took him, blindfolded, through the field, and, believe me ornot, he called the turn on forty-three wells straight and nevermissed it once. Call it a miracle if you choose, but it cost Brickand me two thousand iron men, and I've got ten thousand more thatsays he can do the trick for you. I'll let a committee ofresponsible citizens take a dozen five-gallon cans and fill onewith oil and the rest with water and set them in a row behind abrick wall. My ten, or any part of it, says his electric wigglestick will point to the one with the oil. What do you say to that?Here's a chance for a quick clean-up. Who cares to take me on?"

From the edge of the crowd Gray watched the effect of this offer. Divining rods, he well knew, were as old as the oil industry, buthe was surprised to see that fully half of this audience appearedto put faith in the claim, and the other half were not entirelyskeptical. A man at his side began reciting an experience of hisown. 

McWade now introduced the miracle worker himself, and Gray rose ontiptoe to see him. A moment, then he smiled widely, for theeminent scientist was none other than Mr. Mallow--Mallow, a bitpallid and pasty, as if from confinement, and with eyes hiddenbehind dark goggles. With a show of some embarrassment, theinventor displayed his tester, a sufficiently impressive devicewith rubber handles and a resistance coil attached to a drybattery, which he carried in his pocket. 

Gray looked on as the comedy was played out. It transpired thatProfessor Mallow had tested, among other properties, the newestMcWade-Stoner lease, a company to drill which had just been formedunder the title of "The Desert Scorpion, " and he really judgedfrom the behavior of his machine that a remarkable pool underlaidthe tract. He was willing to risk his reputation upon the guarantythat the first well would produce not less than three thousandbarrels a day. He was interested in the out-come only from ascientific standpoint; he owned not one single share of stock. Then McWade resumed his sway over the crowd, and soon shares in"The Desert Scorpion" were selling rapidly. 

Shortly after lunch, Mallow and the two partners were seated inthe office upstairs, their work done for the day. Anothersuccessful promotion had gone to the credit of McWade and Stoner;all three were in a triumphal mood. Mallow was recounting a storythat had just come to his ears. 

"Remember that old silver tip that took a stand in front of theOwl Drug Store a few days back? He called his company 'The Star ofHope. '"

Stoner nodded. "He had a good piece of ground, right adjoining theMoon Petroleum tract--three wells down to the sand. I wondered howhe ever got hold of it. "

"He didn't. That's the big laugh. He didn't own that land at all. He just had himself a map drawn, with the numbers changed. Hisground was a mile away. He sold his stock in two days, thirty-fivethousand shares, then he blew. Some Coal-oil John, who had plungedfor about three shares, got to studying his own map, found therewas something wrong and let up a squawk. But Silver Tip had fadedlike the mists of early morn--thirty-five stronger than he was. Snappy work, eh?"

McWade frowned his disapproval. "Something ought to be done tostop those crooks or they'll kill us legitimate promoters. Youcan't sting a crowd too often in the same spot. "

There came a knock at the door, and in answer to an invitation toenter it opened. The next instant both McWade and Stoner sat erectin their chairs, with eyes alert and questioning, for at sight ofthe stranger Mallow had leaped to his feet with a smotheredexclamation, and now stood with his back to the desk and with hishead outthrust in a peculiar attitude of strained intensity. 

CHAPTER X

"Well, well, Mallow!" The caller's face broke into an engagingsmile as he crossed the threshold. "Still wearing dark glasses, eh? I'm afraid you didn't heed my instructions. "

Mallow spoke huskily, "What the hell you doing here?"

"Following the excitement, merely. I shall open an office andspend a good deal of my time in Wichita Falls. I hoped I'd findyou here, for this morning I heard you describe your inventionand--admiration overcame me. I felt constrained to congratulateyou upon your scientific attainments. Marvelous, my dear Doctor!Or is it Professor Mallow?" The speaker laughed heartily. "Won'tyou introduce me to these--let us say magnetic forces of naturethat you have discovered?" He indicated the two partners. 

"What do you want?" Mallow barked. 

"Momentary agitation has robbed our Professor of his habitualpoliteness--a not unusual phenomenon of the preoccupied scientificmind. " These words were directed at McWade and Stoner. "My name isGray. Perhaps Doctor Mallow has made mention of me. "

"So you're the lad that threw pepper in his eyes?" Brick Stonerstared at the newcomer with undisguised interest. He rose, as didMcWade. "I'll say we've heard of you. Your name's getting ascommon as safety-razor blades. You've been cleaning up, haven'tyou?"

"Um-m, moderately. " Calvin Gray shook hands with the promoters, thento the agitated Mallow, who still peered at him apprehensively, hesaid: "Come, come! Let down your hammer! Uncoil!"

"Listen, you!" the other burst forth. "I beat that thing out. I'mclean and I don't intend to go back. You're a strong guy and yougot a bunch of kale, and you're a getter, but the taller they comethe harder they fall. You can be had. " The speaker was desperate;his face was flushed with anger, the tone of his voice was defiantand threatening. 

Gray helped himself to a chair, crossed his legs, and lit a cigar. McWade and Stoner neither moved nor spoke. 

"My dear Mallow, you wrong me. " In the newcomer's voice there wasno longer any mockery. "I gave you credit for more intelligence. We played our little farce and it is done--the episode is closed, so far as I am concerned. I supposed you understood that much. Ihelped you and I came here to enlist your help. "

"You helped _me_?" Mallow showed his teeth in a snarl. 

"Precisely. Think a moment. Was it not odd that I failed to appearagainst you? That the case was never pressed, the prosecutiondropped?"

"I s'pose you were afraid to go through. Thought I'd get you. "

Gray shook his head impatiently. "Afraid? Of you? Oh, Mallow! HadI feared your majestic wrath, do you think I would have arrangedfor that doctor to see you every day? And paid his bill? Who, pray, sent in those good things for you to eat?"

There was a pause. 

"Did you?"

"I did. "

Again there was silence. 

"Why?"

"For one thing, I was sorry for you. I really was. I had causedyou and Tony a great deal of suffering, and I cannot bring myselfto inflict actual suffering upon anyone without doing my best toalleviate it. Then again, I had nothing against you personally. Wemerely clashed in the course of--business. " Mallow allowed himselfto sink back upon the desk; he turned his dark goggles upon hisfriends in a blind stare of bewilderment. 

"Well, I'll be damned!" he said, finally. 

"Mallow thought _we_ had helped to spring him. " It was McWadespeaking. "That's why he beat it up here and that's how wehappened to put him to work. "

"I don't get you yet, " the man in glasses muttered. "I can'tunderstand why--"

"What's the odds why he done it?" Stoner inquired, sharply. "Anyman that can squirt my eyes full of tobasco, and me with a six gunon him, is all right. And him with a bottle of milk duly made andprovided!" The field member of the firm slapped his thigh andlaughed loudly. "Then to forget the whole fracas and shake handson it! That's handsome! Mr. Gray, I'm here to say there's a lot ofboys going to lay off you like you was a cactus. "

The object of this commendation was pleased. "Gratitude is rare, "he murmured. "I thank you. Now then, I was thinking of makingfriend Mallow a business proposition, but--perhaps I can interestyou, also, in doing something for me. I'll pay well. "

"We're live ones, " Stoner asserted. 

"It is business of a confidential nature. "

"All the talking we do is on the street. We're promoting wildcats, but I guess we know as much about the good wells as the bigcompanies themselves, and when it comes to actual drilling, I'veforgotten more than all these boll weevils will ever learn. Whatcan we do for you?"

"For one thing, I wish to hire the brightest oil scout in thedistrict, but I don't want him, nor anyone else, for the timebeing, to suspect that he's working for me. I will double hissalary to watch one operator. Perhaps he could appear to be inyour employ? Furthermore, I intend to do considerable secretbuying and selling, and I will need several dummies--moralcharacter unimportant. All I insist upon is absolute loyalty andobedience to my orders. "

During the silence that followed, Gray felt the three men staringat him curiously. 

"You're after big game, I take it?" McWade inquired, mildly. 

"The biggest in these woods. "

"One man, did you say?"

"One man. "

"Some--grudge, perhaps?"

"Perhaps. "

"A yacht is too expensive for most men, but they don't burn moneyas fast as a grudge. "

"This one will take his last dollar--or mine. "

"We're a legitimate firm, you know--"

Gray's eyes twinkled as he exclaimed: "Exactly! If I have causedyou to infer that I shall employ anything except legitimate meansto effect my purpose, it is my error. At the same time, myproposition is not one that I could well afford to take to theordinary, conservative type of broker. Now then, how about you, Mallow? Would you care to work for me?"

The latter's pale face broke into a grin. "I am working for you, "he declared. "I've been on your pay roll now for five minutes. What's more, if it'll save money to croak this certain party andbe done with it, why, maybe that can be arranged, too. My newwiggle stick may not find oil every crack, but I bet I can make itpoint to half a dozen men who--"

Gray lifted an admonitory hand. "Patience! It may come tosomething like that, but I intend to break him first. Can I arriveat terms with you gentlemen?"

"Write your own ticket, " McWade declared, and Mr. Stoner echoedthis statement with enthusiasm. 

"Very well! Details later. Now, I shall give myself the pleasureof calling upon my man and telling him exactly what I intenddoing. " The speaker rose and shook hands with the three preciousscoundrels. When the door had closed behind him McWade inquired:"Now what do you make of that? Going to serve notice on his bird!"

"Say! He's the hardest guy I ever saw, " Stoner declared, admiringly. Mallow spoke last, but he spoke with conviction. "You said it, Brick. I had his number from the start. He's amaster crook, and--it'll pay us all to string with him. "

Henry Nelson's activities in the oil fields did not leave him muchtime in which to attend to his duties as vice-president of hisfather's bank, for what success he and Old Bell Nelson had hadsince the boom started was the direct result of the younger man'spersonal attention to their joint operations. That attention wasclose; their success, already considerable, promised to beenormous. 

But of late things had not been going well. The turn had come withthe loss of the Evans lease, and that misfortune had been followedby others. Contrary to custom, it was Henry, and not Bell, who hadflown into a rage at receipt of Gus Briskow's telegram announcinga slip-up in the deal--a sale to Calvin Gray; that message, infact, had affected the son in a most peculiar manner. For daysthereafter he had been nervous, almost apprehensive, and hisnervousness had increased when he secured the back files of theDallas papers and read those issues which he had missed while outof town. Since that time he had made excuses to avoid trips intothe Ranger field and had conducted much of his work over thetelephone. Perhaps for that reason it was that trouble withdrilling crews had arisen, and that one well had been "jimmed";perhaps that explained why a deal as good as closed had gottenaway, why a certain lease had cost fully double what it shouldhave cost, and why the sale of another tract had not gone through. 

Be that as it may, it was this generally unsatisfactory state ofaffairs that accounted for the junior Nelson's presence in WichitaFalls at this time. He and Bell had spent a stormy forenoontogether; he was in an irritable mood when, early in theafternoon, a card was brought into his office. 

Nelson could not restrain a start at sight of the name engravedthereon; his impulse was to leap to his feet. But the partitionseparating him from the bank lobby was of glass, and he knew hisevery action to be visible. He allowed himself a moment in whichto collect his wits, then he opened slightly the desk drawer inwhich he kept his revolver and gave instructions to admit thecaller. 

Nelson revolved slowly in his chair; he stared curiously at thenewcomer, and his voice was cold, unfriendly, as he said:

"This is quite a surprise, Gray. "

"Not wholly unexpected, I hope. "

"Entirely! I knew you were in Texas, but I hardly expected you topresent yourself here. "

Gray seated himself. For a moment the two men eyed each other, theone stony, forbidding, suspicious, the other smiling, suave, apparently frank. 

"To what am I indebted for this--_honor?_" Nelson inquired, with alift of his lip. 

"My dear Colonel, would you expect me to come to Wichita Fallswithout paying my respects to my ranking officer, my immediatesuperior?"

"Bosh! All that is over, forgotten. "

"Forgotten?" The caller's brows arched incredulously. "You are abusy and a successful man; the late war lives in your mind only asa disagreeable memory to be banished as quickly as possible, but--"

Henry Nelson stirred impatiently. "Come! Come! Don't let's wastetime. "

"--but I retain distinct recollections of our Great Adventure, andalways shall. "

"That means, I infer, that you refuse to close the chapter?"

As if he had not heard this last remark, Gray continued easily:"It is a selfish motive that brings me here. I come to crow. It ismy peculiar weakness that I demand an audience for what I do; I mustshare my triumphs with some one, else they taste flat, and since youare perhaps the one man in Texas who knows me best, or has theslightest interest in my doings, it is natural that I come to you. "

This guileless confession evoked a positive scowl. "What have youdone, " the banker sneered, "except get your name in the papers?"

"I have made a large amount of money, for one thing, and I amhaving a glorious time. Now that Evans lease, for instance--"

"Oh! You've come to crow about that. "

"Not loudly, but a little. I turned the greater part of that landfor as much as five thousand dollars an acre. Odd that we shouldhave come into competition with each other on my very firstundertaking, isn't it? Fascinating business, this oil. All oneneeds, to succeed, is experience and capital. "

"What do you know about the business?"

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. But I am learning. Luck, I find, isa good substitute for experience, and I certainly am lucky. As forcapital--of course I was blessed in having unlimited money withwhich to operate. You inferred as much, I take it. Of course! Yes, Colonel, I have the money touch and everything I have put my handto has turned out well. "

Nelson burst forth in sudden irritation. "What are you getting at?You know I don't care a damn what you're doing, how much moneyyou're making--"

"Strange! Inasmuch as practically every dollar I have made hascome out of you, indirectly. "

For a moment Nelson said nothing; then, "Just what do you mean bythat?"

"Exactly what I said. I've cut under you wherever possible. Whenyou wanted acreage, I bid against you and ran the price up untilyou paid more than it was worth. That which I secured I managed--"

"_You!_ So--_you're_ the one back of that!" Nelson's amazementdestroyed the insecure hold he had thus far maintained uponhimself. Furiously he cried: "You're out to get me! That's it, eh?"

"I am, indeed. And half my satisfaction in doing so will be inknowing that you know what I'm up to. One needs steady nerves anda sure touch in any speculative enterprise; he daren't wabble. I'mgoing to get your nerve, Nelson. I'm going to make you wabble. You're going to think twice and doubt your own hunches, and makemistakes, and I--I shall take advantage of them. Of course I shalldo more than merely--"

"Well, by God! I knew you had the gall of the devil, but--Seehere, Gray, don't you understand what I can do to you? I don'twant any trouble with you, but one word from me and--"

"Of course you want no trouble with me; but, alas! my dearColonel, you are going to have it. Oh, a great deal of trouble. More trouble than you ever had in all your life. Either you aregoing broke, or I am. You see, I have all the advantage in thislittle game, for I will pay a dollar for every dollar I can causeyou to lose, and that is too high a price for you to meet. If Ishould go bankrupt, which of course I sha'n't, it would meannothing to me, while to you--" The speaker shrugged. "You haven'tmy temperament. No, the advantage is all mine. " Gray's tonechanged abruptly. "For your own good remove your hand from theneighborhood of that drawer. I am too close to you for a gun-play. Good! Now about that one word from you. You won't speak it, forthat would force me to utter nasty truths about you, and you wouldsuffer more than I, this being your home town where you arerespected. And the truth is nasty, isn't it?"

Colonel Nelson had grown very white during this long speech. Herose to his feet and laid one shaking hand upon his desk as if tosteady himself; his tongue was thick in his mouth as he said, hoarsely:

"I'd like to think you are crazy, but--you're not. "

"Almost a compliment, coming from you!"

"You think you can beat me--Want to make it a money fight, do you?Well, I'll give you a bellyful. Every dollar I've got will go tosmash you--smash you!"

"Splendid!" Gray was on his feet now and he was smiling icily. "One or the other of us will be ruined, and then perhaps we canresort to those methods which both of us would enjoy using. Of thetwo, I believe I am the more primitive, for the mere act ofkilling does not satisfy me. I've come a long way to sink my teethinto you. Now that they're in, they'll stay. So long as you'rewilling to fight clean, I'll--"

"Are you gentlemen going to talk forever?" The inquiry came in awoman's voice. Both Nelson and Gray turned to behold a smiling, animated face framed in a crack of the door. 

"Miss Good!" Calvin Gray strode forward, took the girl's hands inhis and drew her over the threshold. "My dear Miss Good, I haverummaged half the state, looking for you. "

"I hope I'm not interrupting. --I recognized you and--" The girlturned her eyes to Henry Nelson, but at sight of his face hersmile vanished. "Oh, I'm sorry!" she cried. "Let me run out--"

Gray held her hands more firmly. "Never. Do you think I shall risklosing you again? Colonel Nelson and I had finished our chat andwere merely exchanging pleasantries. "

"Cross your heart?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die. " Gray laughed joyously and againshook the girl's hands. 

"Yes. Colonel Gray was just leaving, " Nelson managed to say. 

"Colonel? Are you a colonel, too?" the girl inquired, and Graybowed. 

"I was. "

"And you knew each other abroad?"

"We came to know each other very well. We were, in fact, commissioned at the same time and place, but Colonel Nelsonreceived his a moment earlier than I received mine, therefore heoutranked me. Now then, permit me to retire while you and he--"

"Oh, there's nothing confidential about what I have to say. It'sgood news for my partner, and I'm sure he'd love to share it. " ToNelson she announced, "Pete has a showing of oil!"

The vice-president of the bank murmured something which was lostin Gray's quick inquiry: "Partner? Are you a partner of ColonelNelson's?"

"After a fashion. We own a twenty-acre lease west of 'Burk'--thatis, I have a quarter interest and Henry is putting down a well. Idrove out there, and his driller told me it is looking good. "

Gray turned a keenly inquisitive gaze upon his enemy, and what hesaw, or fancied he saw, gave him the thrill of a new discovery. Itmay have been no more than intuition on his part, but somethingconvinced him that his acquaintance with Miss Good deeplydispleased the man. If he knew Henry Nelson as well as he believedhe did, it was more than disapproval, more than mere personaldislike, that smoldered in the latter's eyes. This was luck!

In his warmest tone he cried: "Congratulations, my dear Colonel. However badly you have fared in the Ranger district, fortunefavors you here. But why only a quarter interest? You put too lowa price upon your blessings. I'll better that arrangement. Why, Iwas ready to offer Miss Good a full half of all I have, when sheplayed a heartless jest upon me. Ran away! Disappeared! I'll admitI was piqued. I was deeply resentful, but--"

Nelson interrupted this flow of extravagance. "'Miss Good'?" hesaid, curiously. "Why does he call you that, 'Bob'?"

"A secret! A little game of pretense, " Gray declared, nastily. "For the sake of our friendship, Colonel, don't tell me her realname and rob me of the pleasure of hearing it from her own lips. Come, Miss Good! Enough of money making and oil wells and stupidbusiness affairs. I am going to bear you away upon my arm, even atthe risk of displeasing my superior officer. Ha! Lucky the war isover. Now then, your promise. "

Gray's impetuosity, his buoyancy, robbed his speech of boldness, nevertheless Barbara Parker flushed faintly. She was ill at ease;she felt sure she had erred in interrupting these two men; she wasglad of an excuse to leave. 

Gray lingered a moment, long enougn for his eyes to meet those ofthe banker. In his there was a light of triumph, of mockery, as hesaid:

"A pleasant interview, wasn't it, Colonel? And now we understandeach other perfectly. A fair fight and no quarter asked. "

Henry Nelson stood motionless as he watched his two callers leavethe bank together, then slowly he clenched his muscular hands, andfrom his lips there issued an oath better left unwritten. 

CHAPTER XI

It was several moments after they had left the bank before "Bob"Parker could manage to slip a word in edgewise, so rapid, so eagerwas Gray's flow of conversation, so genuine was his pleasure atagain seeing her. Finally, however, she inquired, curiously:

"What was it you said to Henry Nelson as I came out? 'No quarterasked'?"

Her escort stared down at her, his brows lifted, his tone betrayedblank astonishment. "'No quarter asked'? Bless me! What are youtalking about?" Then his face cleared. "Now I remember--I said Ihad found quarters at last. The town is so crowded, you know; Ididn't want him to feel bound to put me up. I abhor visiting. Don't you?"

"Are you really good friends? I felt very queer, the instant afterI had walked in. But--I was bursting with good news and I couldn'tsee Henry's face until too late. Then, it seemed to me--"

"Nelson and I are scarcely 'good' friends--we never were chummy--but we were thrown together in France and saw a lot of each other. At first, my respect for him was not great, for he is a--difficultperson to understand; but as my understanding grew, so did myrespect. He is a remarkably capable man and a determined fighter. Admirable qualities in a soldier. My call to-day was in the natureof a ceremonial. "

"Um-m! There's a ceremony before every duel--the salute. I thoughtI could hear the ring of steel. "

Gray laughed off the suggestion. "Merely the jingle of officers'spurs, I assure you. We amateurs cling to the Regular Army pompand practice. Frankly, I love it; I admire the military method--a rule for every occasion, a rigid adherence to form, no price toohigh for a necessary objective. And the army code! Ironclad andexacting! Honors difficult and disgrace easy. One learns to setgreat store by both. You've no idea, Miss Good, how precious isthe one and how-hideous is the other. "

"You mustn't call me Miss Good any longer, " the girl told him. "Myname is Barbara Parker. "

"Oh, I like that!"

"I'm more generally known as 'Bob. '"

"Even better! It sounds tomboyish. "

"It's not. It is Tom Parkerish. Father insisted on calling me thatand--it stuck. He's a man's man and my being a girl was a totalsurprise to him. It completely upset his plans. So I did my bestto remedy the mistake and learn to do and to take an interest inthe things he was interested in. "

"Those were--?"

Miss Parker looked up from beneath her trim velvet hat and herblue eyes were defiant. "All that people like you disapprove of;all that you probably consider undignified and unladylike, such asriding, roping, shooting--"

"Riding--unladylike? It's very smart. And why do you say people'like me'? There are no people like me. "

"You know what I mean. You're not a Westerner. You are what acowpuncher would call a swell Easterner. " Ignoring Gray's grimaceof dislike she went on, deliberately exaggerating her musicalTexas drawl. "You are a person of education and culture; you speaklanguages; you have the broad 'a, ' and if you had to go unshavenit would be a living death. You are rich, too, and probably playthe piano. People like that don't admire cow-girls. "

The man laughed heartily. "In spite of my broad 'a' and my safetyrazor, I'm as much of a man's man as your father. Frankly, I don'tadmire cowgirls, but I do admire you and everything you say aboutyourself adds to that admiration. If your father is Tom Parker--well. I congratulate you upon an admirable taste in theselection of parents. "

"Do you know him?" Barbara eagerly inquired. 

"No. But I know of him and I know what he stands for. I think wehave many things in common, and I venture to say that he is goingto like me. "

Barbara smiled. This vibrant stranger had an air about him and anirresistible magnetism. It was flattering to receive markedattentions from a person of his age and consequence--the girl feltan access of importance--and the tone of his voice, his everylook, assured her that she had indeed challenged his deepestinterest. She colored faintly as he ran on:

"So you're a partner of Henry Nelson's! He doesn't deserve it and--ourfriendship ceases. I shall now hate him. Yes, henceforth he and Ishall be enemies. "

"I love to be flattered, but please don't become Henry's enemy. The most dreadful things happen to them. "

"He pretends to be a friend, but in reality he is a suitor--adetestable suitor--and the ties of business bind you closer! I see itall. I--I consider it abominable. " Gray's tone was as gay as hisdemeanor had been thus far, nevertheless he was probing deliberately, and the result appeared to verify his earlier suspicions. Calm as hehad appeared to be during that interview in the bank, in reality hehad been, and still was, in a state of intense nervous excitement; hismind was galloping; the effect of that clash had been to rouse in hima keen exaltation and a sense of resistless power. If Henry Nelson wasseriously interested in this girl, he reasoned, here then was anotherweapon ready shaped--a rapier aimed at his enemy's breast--and all hehad to do was grasp it. That promised to be a pleasant undertaking. Nor had he any doubt of success, for Barbara Parker had aroused hisliking so promptly that reason--and experience--told him they must bein close sentimental accord. Even had she proven less responsive, hewould still have been confident of himself, for few women remainedlong indifferent to his zeal, once he deliberately set about winningthem. To build upon that subtle, involuntary attraction, therefore, and to profit by it, appeared advisable, nay, necessary, forhenceforth all must be grist that came to his mill. In view of hisdeclaration of war, he could afford to scorn no advantage, howeverdirect or indirect its bearing. 

"Tell me about the Briskows, " Barbara demanded. 

"Of course! I'm dying to do so, but"--Gray looked at his watch--"even the good must lunch. No doubt you abhor the public eatingplaces, but, alas--"

"I do. So does everybody who tries them. But our cook has beenspeculating in shares, and yesterday she stalked majestically fromthe kitchen. She was a wretched cook, anyhow; but we couldn'tafford a better one. We're very poor, dad and I. "

"Were poor. Not poor any longer, I hope. "

"Oh, that well! It is exciting, isn't it? Dad has gone out thereto see it, so--Yes, I'll lunch with you and be duly grateful. "

"Where shall we go?"

Barbara's brows drew together in a frown of consideration, andGray told himself that she was even more charming when seriousthan when smiling. "Wherever we go, we'll be sorry we didn't gosomewhere else. We might try the Professor's place. He's a Greekscholar--left his university to get rich quick in the oil fields, but failed. He started a sandwich and pie counter--a good one--andit pays better than a pumper. But we'd have to sit on high stoolsand be scowled at if we didn't gobble our food and make room forothers. Then there is Ptomaine Tommy's. Cafes are good and bad bycomparison. After you've been here a few days you'll enjoyTommy's. "

"Then I vote for his poison palace. The very name has a thrill toit. "

On their way to the restaurant, Gray said: "Pa and Ma and AllieBriskow and the tutoress have gone to the mountains--Ma's belovedmountains--and they appear to be living up to her expectations. The mountains, I mean. The old dear writes me every week, and herletters are wonderful, even outside of the spelling. She hasn'tlost a single illusion. She has a soul for adventure, has Ma;she's hunting for caves now--keeps her ears open to hear if theground sounds hollow; wants to find a mysterious cavern andexplore it, with her heart in her mouth. She revels in the clean, green foliage and the spring brooks. She says the trees are awfulcrowded in places and there's no dust on them. "

"And Allie has a tutor!"

"The best money could secure. And, by the way, you wouldn't haveknown the girl after you got through with her that day. That wasonly the beginning, too. She fills the eye now, and she'sgrowing. "

"_Growing?_"

Gray chuckled. "Not physically, but mentally, psychologically, intellectually. "

"I said she had possibilities. "

"Yes. More than I gave her credit for, but what they are, wherethey will lead her, I don't know. I'm a foolish person, MissParker, for I take an intense interest in the affairs of otherpeople, especially my friends. My favorite dissipation is to sharethe troubles of those whom I like, and right now I'm quite asworried over Allie as her father is. You see, she has outdistancedher parents already; the dream part is wearing off and her newlife is a reality. She is confronted with the grim and appallingnecessity of adapting herself to a completely new and bewilderingset of conditions. I'm not sure that she will be equal to it. "

"I presume you mean that she is sensitive. "

"Supersensitive! And ambitious! That's the trouble. If she weredull and conceited she could be both happy and contented. Butshe's bright, and she lacks egotism, so she'll never be either. Adversity would temper a girl like her; prosperity may--spoilher. "

"There is a boy, too, isn't there?"

"Oh, Buddy! He's away at school. He'll make a hand, or--well, ifhe doesn't, I'll beat the foolishness out of him. I've assumedcomplete responsibility for Buddy, and he'll be a credit to me. "

There was a tone in Gray's voice when he spoke of the Briskowsthat gave Barbara Parker a wholly new insight into his character;it was with a feeling that she knew him and liked him better thatshe said:

"You think a lot of those nesters, don't you?"

"More than they believe, and more than I would have thoughtpossible, " he readily declared. "I'm a lonesome institution. There's nobody dependent upon me; I owe no bills, no gratitude, and I've canceled the obligations that others owe me. You've noidea how unnecessary I am. It gives me a pleasing sense ofimportance, therefore, to feel that I fill a place in somebody'saffairs. "

Wichita Falls's facilities for public entertainment reflectedperhaps as correctly as anything else the general chaos consequentupon its swift expansion into a city. Such hotels as had beencapable of caring for the transient trade of pre-petroleum dayswere full and carried waiting lists like exclusive clubs; roominghouses and private dwellings were crowded. A new and modernfireproof hotel was stretching skeleton fingers of steel skyward, but meanwhile the task of sheltering, and especially of feedingthree times a day, the hungry hordes that bulged the sides of thelittle city was a difficult one. To wrest possession of a cafetable for two at the rush hour was an undertaking almost ashazardous as jumping a mining claim, but Calvin Gray succeeded andeventually he and "Bob" found themselves facing each other over adiscolored tablecloth, reading a soiled menu card to a perspiringwaiter. It was in some ways an ideal retreat for a tete-a-tete, for the bellowed orders, the rattle of crockery, the voice of thehungry food battlers, and the clash of their steel made intimateconversation easy. Gray noted with approval the ease with whichhis dainty companion adapted herself to the surroundings andremarked upon it. 

"After four years in the East it took me a little while to getused to it, " she confessed. "The Wichita I left was a quiet town;the one I came home to was a madhouse. At first the excitementfrightened me, for I felt as if I were being run over, tossedaside. But now that I've fallen in with the chase, why--I think itis splendid. "

"Just what are you doing and how do you do it?" Gray wanted toknow. 

Barbara was glad to tell him about her brief but eventfulexperience since that morning at the Nelson bank when she hadexecuted her coup, and she recited the story with enthusiasm. 

"Having no capital to go on, " she explained, "I've merely boughtand sold on commission so far, but I'm not always going to be abroker. I'm making good, and some day dad and I will be bigoperators. I've been able to buy a car, and most of my time I'mout in the field. They tell me I'm as good an oil scout as some ofthe' men working for the big companies; but, of course, I'm not. Imerely have an advantage; drillers tell me more than they'd tell aman. "

"Of course, with your father along you're safe in going anywhere, but to go through the fields alone--"

"Oh, dad doesn't go!"

"What?" Gray looked up incredulously, but "Bob" nodded her headvigorously. 

"Dad hates automobiles; they frighten him. So I go out alone whilehe runs the office. "

"Extraordinary! But, my dear girl, it's dangerous. "

"Naturally, I avoid 'Burk' and the Northwest Extension afterdark--even the scouts do that. But it wouldn't pay anybody tohigh-jack me. No. I go right in on the derrick floors and hobnob withthe drillers, talk about their wives and their families, discuss croupand fishing jobs; sometimes they let me taste the sand and even showme the logs of their wells. It amused them at first to think of a girlplaying the game single-handed--most men, however rough, have a senseof chivalry, you know, and are better sports than they realize. Now--well, they're beginning to respect my business ability. They havelearned that I keep my mouth closed and that I'll treat themsquarely. Some of them would fight for me. I tell you it is thegreatest experience, the most thrilling adventure, a girl ever had. "

"You are a brave child, and I admire your courage, " Gray declared. 

"But I'm not. I'm afraid of everything that other girls are afraidof. " Leaning forward confidentially, the girl continued: "I'm ahollow sham, Mr. Gray, but dad doesn't know it. After I learnedhow badly he wanted me to be a boy, and how he had set his hearton teaching me the things he thought a son of his should know, Ihad a secret meeting with myself and I voted unanimously to fillthe specifications if it killed me. So I began a fraudulent life. I'm in earnest. For instance, I abhor guns, but I learned to shootwith either hand until--well, I'm pretty expert. And roping! I canbuild a loop, jump through it, do straight and fancy catches likea cowboy. I worked at it for months, years it seemed to me. I knewvery well it was a ridiculous waste of time, but I'll never forgethow proud dad was when I learned the 'butterfly. ' That was myreward. Horses used to frighten me blue, but I learned to ridewell enough. In fact, it has been a keen disappointment to himthat I won't enter the Frontier Day contests. He'd like nothingbetter than to see me win the bucking-horse match. Think of it!And I'm so timid I can't look an oat in the face!" Barbaraattempted a shy laugh, but there was a quaver to her voice, andwhen Gray continued to stare at her gravely, sympathetically, herface quickly sobered. "Now you understand why my father doesn'tthink it necessary to go along on my trips through the oil fields. It has never occurred to him that I'm anything but 'Bob' Parker, his boy. Mind you, he is lost in admiration of me and I rule himlike a slave. I think he is great, too, and he _is_. He is thedearest, gentlest, sweetest father in the world, and I wouldn'thave him learn the hideous truth about me for anything. "

For a moment Barbara's listener studied her thoughtfully, then hesaid: "I'm immensely flattered that you like me well enough tomake me your confessor. Now I'm going to confess to you that Ialso am an arrant coward. "

"Please don't joke. You have become quite a famous character, andif the stories I hear are true--"

"The stories one hears are never true. I have my share of physicalcourage, perhaps; that's a common, elementary virtue, likegenerosity, gratitude, sympathy. The most mediocre people areblessed that way. "

"Oh! Generosity and gratitude are divine qualities!"

Gray shook his head positively. "Impulses! Heart impulses, notbrain impulses. They have nothing to do with character. Now I'mdeathly afraid of one thing. "

"What, pray?"

"Ridicule! You see, I'm egotistical and ostentatious. Oh, very!Disgustingly vain, in fact. If I were unconscious of it, I'd beunbearable, but--it amuses me as much as it amuses others, andthat takes the curse off of it. I am delighted at some of my ownantics. I love to swagger and I adore an audience, but to belaughed at by others would kill me. Ridicule! Scorn! I'minsensible to anything except those. "

"You're a queer man. "

Gray's gaze became fixed; there was a peculiar light--almost aglitter--in his eyes; he talked on as if voicing some engrossingthought. "Of course, I'm vindictive--that's a part of theswashbuckling character; it goes with the ruffles, the jack boots, andthe swagger. It is a luxury of which I am extremely jealous. "Bringing his attention back to the girl, he smiled and his mannerchanged abruptly. "There! I've proved it all by talking about myselfwhen I'm interested only in you. However, it is sometimes easier tosell a thing by frankly decrying it than by covering up its badpoints, and I'm trying desperately to make a good impression uponyou. Now then, I'm tremendously interested in what you have told meabout yourself, and I'm sure you are a better oil man--oil girl--thanyou have led me to suppose. But these are no times for socialpleasantries. We are living in bedlam. There is nothing in the air butbusiness--oil--profits. You are a business woman, and if we are tobecome as well acquainted as I hope we will, it must be the result ofa common business interest. So, then, for a bargain. I am going toenter this field in a large way; if you will take me for a client, Iwill buy and sell through you whenever possible. Perhaps we can evenspeculate together now and then. I'll guarantee you against loss. Whatdo you say?"

"Why--it's a splendid opportunity for me. And I know of some goodthings; I'm overflowing with information, in fact. For instance--"Barbara hurriedly produced her oil map and, shoving aside thedishes in front of her, she spread it upon the table. "There is awildcat going down out here that looks awfully good. " As sheindicated a tiny circle marked into the corner of one square, Graynoted that there was a dimple at the base of her finger. "Thescouts don't think much of it, but I happen to know it is on astructure and has a good showing of oil. The driller is a friendof mine, and he has told me that his casing is set. He'll tip meoff when he intends to drill through, and if you like we'll go outthere and see what happens. If it comes in, it will mean a bigplay on surrounding property; prices will double, treble. Mytheory is this--"

Gray's head was close to the speaker's, but, although he pretendedto listen to her words and to follow the tracings of her fingerwith studious consideration, in reality his attention was fixedupon the tantalizing curve of her smooth cheek and throat. In someperplexity of spirit he asked himself why it was that mereproximity to this wholly sensible and matter-of-fact youngcreature filled him with such a vague yet pleasurable excitement. He realized that he was not easily thrilled; feminine beauty, feminine charm were nothing new, nevertheless at this moment heexperienced an intense elation, an eagerness of spirit, such as hehad not felt since he was in the first resistless vigor of youth, and his voice, when he spoke, carried an unconscious qualitystrange to his ears. 

It was the more bewildering because nothing had happened to awakensuch feelings. He had met this unworldly, inexperienced prairiegirl but twice, and on her part she had betrayed no particularattraction for him. As a matter of fact, she probably consideredhim an old man--young girls were like that. Of course, that wasabsurd. He was right in his prime, youth sang through his veins atthis moment, and yet--she must like him, he must have somehowimpressed her. That was fortunate, in view of her relations withHenry Nelson; luck was coming his way, and she would undoubtedlyprove useful. The last thing Calvin Gray contemplated was asentimental woman complication, but on account of this girl'speculiar knowledge it seemed to him the part of wisdom tocultivate her--to see as much of her as possible. 

"If you will come over to the office, I'll show you how I thinkthat pool lies, " Barbara was saying, and Gray came to with astart. 

It was midafternoon when he left the Parker office--at least hethought it must be midafternoon until he consulted his watch anddiscovered that, to all intents and purposes, he had completelylost two hours. An amazing loss, truly. There was no lack ofyouthful vigor in Calvin Gray's movements at any time, but nowthere was an unusual lightness to his tread and his lips puckeredinto a joyous whistle. It had been a great day, a day of thewidest extremes, a day of adventure and romance. And that is whatevery day should be. 

CHAPTER XII

If Gray cherished any lingering doubts as to the loyalty ofMallow, erstwhile victim of his ruthlessness, or of McWade andStoner, the wildcat promoters, those doubts vanished during thenext day or two. As a matter of fact, the readiness, nay, theenthusiasm with which they fell in with his schemes convinced himthat he had acted wisely in yielding to an impulse to trust them. At first, when he divulged his enemy's identity, they werethunderstruck; mere mention of Henry Nelson's name rendered themspeechless and caused them to regard their employer as a harmlessmadman, but as he unfolded his plans in greater detail theylistened with growing respect. The idea seized them finally. Inthe first place, it was sufficiently fantastic to appeal to theirimaginations, for they saw in Gray a lone wolf with the courageand the ferocity to single out and pull down the leader of theherd, and, what was more, they scented profit to themselves intrailing with him. Then, too, the enterprise promised to affordfree scope for their ingenuity, their cunning, their deviousbusiness methods, and that could be nothing less than pleasing tomen of their type. 

But early enough he made it plain that he intended and would tolerateno actual dishonesty; crooked methods were both dangerous andunsatisfactory, he told them, hence the fight must be fair even thoughmerciless. To annoy, to harass, to injure, and if possible actually toruin the banker, that was his intention; to accomplish those ends hewas willing to employ any legitimate device, however shrewd, howeversmart. His entire fortune--and his associates, of course, greatlyexaggerated its size--would be available for the purpose, and when hesketched out the measures he had in mind the trio of rogues realizedthat here indeed was a field wide enough for the exercise of theirpeculiar gifts. They acknowledged, too, a certain pleasure in thecomfortable assurance that they would involve themselves in no illegalconsequences. 

At their first council of war Gray gave each of them a number ofdefinite things to do or to have done, the while he sought certainfacts; when they assembled for a second time, it was to compare, to tabulate, and to consider an amount of information concerningthe activities of Henry Nelson that would have greatly surprisedthat gentleman had he been present to hear it. 

For one thing, there had been prepared a comprehensive list of theNelson holdings, together with maps showing their acreage andproduction, the location of drilling wells, the ownership ofadjoining properties, and the like. There was also a considerableamount of data concerning the terms of the Nelson leases, renewaldates, and such matters. Gray was forced reluctantly to admit thathis enemy was more strongly intrenched than he had supposed;careful study of the data showed that the Nelson acreage had beenwell selected and that it was scientifically "checkerboarded"throughout the various fields. What was more significant was theamount of proven or semiproven stuff. 

"It took work and money to get together that group of leases, "Brick Stoner declared, after he had checked them off. "That's oneof the best layouts in Texas, and they're shaped up to put over abig deal if they want to. "

"They lack production, " said Gray. 

"Sure! But they'll have it before long. Lookit the wells they'reputting down and that's going down around 'em. "

The former speaker chewed his cigar thoughtfully for a while, then: "I don't believe they contemplate a big deal. They're notthat sort. Henry Nelson is selfish and suspicious, and I'm toldthat Bell wouldn't trust anybody. I'm informed also that everydollar they have made has gone back into new leases and wells andthat they intend to hold everything for themselves. It is rumored, quietly, that they are overextended. "

"I wouldn't care how thin I was stretched if I had their gamble, "McWade asserted. "All they have to do is to sit tight. The law ofaverage will pull them out. What do you intend to do?"

"To begin with, I intend to stretch them even thinner--so thinthey'll break, if that is possible. "

"You can't load them up with more property. "

"Certainly not, but I can make them drill more wells. "

"Offsets, eh?" Stoner studied the map a bit doubtfully. "You can'tmake 'em offset dry holes, and if they strike oil in their wellsthe other fellers will have to do the offsetting. "

"True. I can, of course, prevent them from extending theirrenewals. I can cost them a pretty penny just by forcing them to arigid adherence to the terms of their leases and agreements and--"

"What do you mean, 'offsets'?" Mallow inquired. "How you going tobreak a man by bringing in wells alongside of his property?That'll make him rich. "

"Can you beat that?" Stoner inquired. "Mallow's been selling oilstock and experting wells for us with the Marvelous MagneticFinder and he don't know an offset from a headache post. "

"Certainly, I know--"

"Why, Professor! Is it possible we have been deceived in you? Anoffset is the thing that sets off to one side of the crown blockand it's a light blue, the same as a formation. It's the shape ofa syncline, only bigger. "

"Don't get funny. You drill an offset well to keep a man fromsucking all the oil out from under your land. "

"Right!" said Gray. "Wells, as you know, are drilled as close tothe side lines as the law allows. When oil is found, the adjoininglandowner can compel his lessee to put down a well to offset everyone that threatens to draw oil from beneath his property. ""That's what I've just been telling you. "

"Many an operator has gone broke offsetting wells in order toprotect his leases, especially if he has a number of neighbors whoall start drilling promptly. That is one of the many productiontroubles--and there's a saying that trouble begins when the oilstarts. "

"You said it. But to offset the Nelsons so's to cripple 'em--"Brick Stoner shook his head. "It ain't hard to borrow money forgood offsets. "Most any bank will lend. "

"It is hard for anybody who is overextended to borrow. Possibly myplan won't work, but to annoy, to harass, to embarrass, to stretchthem thin--it's all a part of the game. People are never as welloff as we think they are. The Nelsons are close to the sand in anumber of places. I want to procure the adjoining acreage. Forevery well they make, I'll force them to drill six more. The daythey strike oil I'll have a string of derricks every two hundredfeet along their side lines. "

It was Mallow who spoke next. "That will cost you dollar fordollar, boss. Have you got chips enough to match their stack?"

"I don't have to invest dollar for dollar. My money will go forleases, and I'll let drilling contracts, fifty-fifty, sixty-forty, seventy-thirty--anything to get quick action. Other people's moneywill do the work for me. Remember, I'm not after oil, I'm after aman. "

"I'll say you are!" Stoner looked up from a frowning contemplationof the maps. "And if you'll take a chance I'll show you how youcan drill one well and cost them three--that is, provided youhit. " As the others leaned over his shoulder he explained: "Here'sa square block of four twenties--separate leases, all of 'em--andthe Nelsons own three. You can cop the fourth twenty, drill rightat the inside corner, where all the lines cross. If you pull aduster, you'll be out and injured, maybe twenty-five thousand, butif it comes wet they'll have to protect those three leases withthree offsets. It ain't a bad-looking piece of ground; you'll have abouta one-to-three chance of making a well. "

"How many companies have you gentlemen promoted?" Gray inquired. 

"Twenty-two. And from a shoestring. Every well went down, or isgoing down, and every dollar we got right here on the street. "

"And all of them are dry, are they not?"

McWade spoke up, defensively: "Sure. They were all wildcats of thewildest kind. But we don't deal in oil, we sell stock. Every issuewe've put out has gone above par at some time or other, and that'splaying the game square with our customers, ain't it? We see thatthey have a chance to get out with a profit; if they hang on it'stheir own fault. That's how we've built up a clienteel. "

"It wouldn't hurt your reputation to bring in a wet well for achange, would it?" Both partners agreed that it would not. "I'llbuy this twenty-acre lease, and you can promote a company to drillten of it, Stoner says it's a one-to-three shot. "

McWade blazed with enthusiasm at the suggestion. "Take a piece ofthe stock yourself, Mr. Gray, and we'll put it over in a day. Withyour name at the top of the list it will bally-hoo itself. "

"Not a share. Your amiable proposition brings me directly toanother point which has a bearing upon our main campaign. Law is adry subject, but I must bore you with a brief dissertation upon aprovision of one statute which has doubtless escaped your notice. It has escaped the notice of most people, even of Henry Nelson, Ibelieve. You realize that all but a few Texas oil companies arenot organized as corporations, but as joint stock associations--ineffect declarations of trust. "

"We oughta know it, " Stoner said. "It saves paying a bigcorporation tax and lets you sell all the full-paid, nonassessablestock you want to issue, regardless of what the property is worth. Oh, we got wise to that, _muy pronto!_ Why, these here Texaslaws are the bunk! Them fellows at Austin, if they had their way, would make it impossible to promote a legitimate enterprise--on apaying basis. They'd make you turn in cash or property theequivocal thereto every time you organized. Wouldn't that besweet? This joint-stock arrangement is the only way to beat thegame. It's a shrewd device, and my hat's off to the guy thatinvented it. "

"Very true. Very well expressed. But in the statute governing theprocedure there is wrapped up a bundle of bad news, for it isprovided that any officer or stockholder may become personallyliable for the entire debt of the association. There is going tobe a lot of sleep lost over that fact when the truth becomesknown. "

"You mean if I got stock in a company that's blowed up, and I'mliving in Oshkosh, all pretty, that I can be hooked for the debtssome crook runs up here in Texas?"

"Precisely. "

This intelligence brought no consternation to the partners; on thecontrary, McWade, the optimist, grinned widely. "Goes to show youwe have been playing the game along safe and legitimate lines, "said he. "We don't own a share in any of our own enterprises, andif we have to pick up a few now and then to boost the market, wedrop them again as if they were hot. It's a pretty thought, though. Why, I can see years of activity ahead of Brick and me, buying up the debts of defunct oil companies and collecting infull from prosperous strangers hither and yon. For Heaven's sake, don't let it get out!"

"I won't, at least until after I have accumulated a number ofpotential judgments against Henry Nelson. He has had his share ofcats and dogs, of course, and some day I hope to lead them back tohis doorstep. If they return at the right moment, they may provean embarrassment. Who knows?"

"Got anything else up your sleeve?" Behind Mallow's dark glasses hiseyes could be dimly seen, and they were active with curiosity. 

"Plenty. But we have enough here to start on. First, I want thesevarious leases, then I want a company promoted and a well startedon that twenty we talked about. "

For some time longer the conspirators busied themselves over thedetails of their plans, and Gray was beginning to feel somesatisfaction at his rate of progress when an interruption occurredthat threatened to delay action and even to rob him of theservices of the two partners. That interruption took the form of acall from a group of highly excited and indignant purchasers ofstock in the Desert Scorpion Company, that promotion in whichProfessor Mallow had assisted on the morning of Gray's arrival. These stockholders swarmed into the office, bringing with them anair of angry menace; they were noisy; they all talked at once. 

From out of the confusion it soon became apparent that they had areal grievance, and one which called for immediate satisfaction;moreover, it was made plain that the callers cared little whatform that satisfaction took, whether tar and feathers or a ropeand a lamp-post. They had been sold, victimized, flimflammed, skinned; the scorpion had stung them and the poison was boiling intheir veins. Briefly, the swindle was this: investigation hadshown that the land owned by the Desert Scorpion was not where ithad been represented to be, but more than a mile distanttherefrom. Chance alone had brought forth the truth; the hour ofvengeance had struck. 

Calvin Gray withdrew quietly from the hubbub and asked Mallow, "Can that be true?"

The eminent scientist shrugged; out of the corner of his mouth hemurmured: "Why not? It all looks alike. "

Me Wade and Stoner were not in the least dismayed by this amazingintelligence; as a matter of fact, the former assumed an air ofeven greater geniality than usual and nodded a careless agreementto every accusation hurled against him. "Right you are, men!Absolutely right. We were victimized, but we're tickled to deathto rectify the error. Mighty fortunate mistake, as a matter offact. Brick, out with the old check book and give these birds backtheir money. " With alacrity Mr. Stoner cleared off his desk andseated himself, pen in hand. "Step up and get a dollar a share--just what you paid. Fair enough, I calls it. The banks are openand the checks are good. "

Immediately the repurchase of stock began, but anger and suspicionstill smoldered; there were dissatisfied mutterings. One investor, a field man in greasy overalls, spoke out:

"We'll get ours, all right. Don't worry. But how about the othersuckers? There's fifty thousand shares out. What you going to doabout that?"

"Buy it back. Know where you can get any more?"

"Maybe. "

"We'll pay a dollar and a half a share for all you can get, to-morrow. "

"What?"

"You heard me. Breast up, boys, and get your money back. Our offerstands--a dollar a share to-day, a dollar and a half to-morrow. "

There was a stir among the indignant speculators; the man for whomStoner was writing a check inquired: "What's the idea? Why not adollar and a half now?"

Stoner and McWade exchanged a meaning glance--it was not lost upontheir attentive audience--but the latter shrugged and smiledprovocatively. "That's our business, " he declared, lightly. "Youghost dancers want your money back and we're giving it to you. You're letting up a holler that you were robbed, so come and getit. The faster you come the better it'll suit us. Scorpion stockwill close at a dollar and a half or better to-morrow night. "

"Bluff!" somebody growled. 

Stoner finished his signature with a nourish, blotted it, then hehesitated. He flung down his pen and turned defiantly upon his partner, crying:

"This ain't fair to these men, Mac. They're customers of ours andwe owe 'em the chance to make a killing. It's up to us to tell 'emthe truth. "

McWade was angry. His indignation flamed. Vigorously he denied thecharge of unfairness. A spirited argument ensued, with Stonerasserting that the firm was morally obligated to protect itsclients to a greater extent than merely by returning their money, and with McWade as stoutly maintaining that all obligations, moraland legal, were canceled with the repurchase of the stock. 

Meanwhile it became evident that the alarming rumor about DesertScorpion was rapidly spreading, for other investors were climbingthe stairs now, and the office was becoming crowded. The laterarrivals were in time to witness McWade finally defer to hispartner and to hear him announce that a rare stroke of fortune hadfavored purchasers of this particular issue of stock, for the landwhich really belonged to the company had turned out to be muchbetter than that which it owned. Certain information from thefield had arrived that very day which was bound to send the stockto two dollars. If anybody wanted to sell, the promoters would beglad to buy, and they would advance their price on the morrow, asMcWade had promised, so here was a chance for those present toturn a pretty penny by getting busy at once. Frankly, however, headvised his hearers to hang on and make a real clean-up. Theinformation, which was not yet public, had nothing to do with thefact that Doctor Mallow had experted both properties with hisscientific device and pronounced the new acreage much richer thanthe old--this latter was merely corroborative evidence, and inview of the fact that some people put no credence in so-called"doodle bugs, " he merely offered the record of the tester for whatit was worth. His original bet of ten to one still held, by theway, and once again he repeated that those who wished to sell outwould be accommodated with the greatest alacrity. Only theymustn't return later and squawk. 

McWade confessed that he was neither angry nor offended at therecent attitude of suspicion--he was merely amused. It made himlaugh. The idea of his firm turning a crooked trick, when it wasan established institution as strong as Gibraltar and asconservative as a national bank, was ridiculous. He and Stonercould point with pride to an unbroken record of successes and to alist of satisfied investors as long as a Santa Fe time-table. Desert Scorpion stock would go to two dollars, and five would getyou ten if you didn't think so. Now then, step lively!

The refunding of money halted; there was a deal of noisy argument. Some of the disgruntled investors still insisted upon selling out;others decided to hold on; even a few asked to repurchase thestock they had turned in, and this they were reluctantly permittedto do at an advance of fifty per cent. 

When the last caller had disappeared, Gray inquired, curiously:"How are you going to make good on your assertion that the stockwill rise?"

"Easy!" said Stoner. "I'll change into my old clothes, put fourmud chains on my car, and drive up, to the exchange in a hurry, then give some gabby guy a tip to grab Desert Scorpion for me at adollar and a half--all he can get. After that I'll shoot out oftown on high, with the cut-out open. There will be a string ofcars after me inside of half an hour, and the stock will be upbefore I can get back. "

"We'll make good, all right, " McWade asserted. "Those customersare in luck dealing with a house like us. All they expect is achance to get out with a profit and sting the next fellow. Theydon't want oil; they want a run for their money and a quick turn. We give it to them. "

"And do they always buy your issues?"

"I ain't saying they do. Sometimes they're cold until you put onthe Indian sign. But all you have to do when stock don't sell isto raise the price. Oh, if you know how, it ain't hard to make anhonest dollar in the oil business!" Mr. McWade smiled with conscioussatisfaction. 

"I'm sure of it, " Gray said, heartily. "There is so littlecompetition. "

CHAPTER XIII

Ma Briskow always had been known as a woman without guile, but oflate she had developed rare powers of dissimulation. She was, infact, leading a double life, and neither her husband nor herdaughter suspected the extent of her deception. To the patrons ofthe Burlington Notch Hotel she was merely a drab, indistinct, washed-out old woman, unmarked except by a choice of clashingcolors in dress; to her family she remained what she always hadbeen; nobody dreamed that she was in reality a bandit queen, theleader of a wild, unfettered band of mountaineers. But that iswhat she was. And worse at times. 

Yes, Ma had slipped the leash. She was a robber baroness; shedwelt in a rocky "fastness"--whatever that was--surrounded by acrew of outlaws as desperate as any that ever drew cutlass anddagger, and she ruled them not only by native strength ofcharacter, but also by the aid of other forces, for she was onfriendly terms with the more prominent wood sprites, fairies, andthe like, and they brought her wisdom. Moreover, she had learnedthe language of dumb animals and could talk to squirrels, beetles, porcupines, frogs. 

All this, as may be surmised, had come about as the result of Ma'searly reading: a haphazard choice of story books, in which weretales of treasure trove, of pirates, of wronged maidens andgallant squires--romantic stories peculiarly designed to stir acramped imagination like hers. It was from them that she hadgained her ideas of the world, her notions of manners, even herlove of the mountains, and that unquenchable desire to see themthat she had confided to Calvin Gray. 

He it was, by the way, who had selected the Notch for these Texasnesters. It had proved a happy choice, for the hotel sat upon thetop of the world, and beneath it lay outspread the whole green andpurple vastness of the earth. The Briskows were entranced, ofcourse, and, once they had established themselves here, they neverthought of moving, nor did it occur to them that there might--beother mountains than these, other hotels as good as this. To themBurlington Notch became merely a colloquial name for Paradise, andlife in the great hotel itself a beautiful dream. 

The place was famous the country over as a health resort, and, indeed, it must have possessed miraculous curative properties, otherwise Gus Briskow, strong and vigorous as he was, could neverhave survived the shock of receiving his first week's bill. It waswith conflicting emotions that he had divided the sum at the footof the statement into seven parts and realized the daily ransom inwhich he and his family were held; it had given him a feeling oftremendous importance and extreme insignificance. He spokefeelingly that night about the high cost of loafing, but Ma showedsuch dismay at the mere suggestion of leaving that he had resignedhimself, and thereafter the sight of his weekly bill evokednothing more than a shudder and a prayer--a prayer that none ofhis wells would go dry overnight. 

But lifelong habits of prudence are not easily broken. The NotchHotel was altogether too rich for Gus Briskow's blood, so hesought a more congenial environment. He found it in the village, in a livery stable; there, amid familiar odors and surroundingsboth agreeable and economical, he spent most of his time, leavingMa to amuse herself and Allie to pursue the routine of studieslaid down by her tutoress. 

Now Ma had not gone wild all at once; her atavism had beengradual--the result of her persistent explorations. She had neverseen a real waterfall, for instance, and the first one proved soamazing that she was impelled to seek more, after which she becameinterested in caves, and before long her ramblings had taken her upevery watercourse and into every ravine in the neighborhood. This senseof treading untrodden ground roused in Ma a venturesome spirit ofindependence, an unsuspected capacity for adventure, and when the wealthof her discoveries failed to awaken interest in her family she ceasedreporting them and became more solitary than ever in her habits. Every morning she slipped out of the hotel, meandered through thegrounds apparently without purpose, but in reality pursuing acircuitous route and taking sudden twistings and turnings to throwpursuers off the scent. Ever deeper into the wilderness shepenetrated, but with the sly caution of an old fox returning toits lair, for she was always being followed by wicked people, such, for instance, as minions of the law, members of the BlackHand, foreign spies, gen-darmys, and detectifs. Having baffledthem all, she laughed scornfully, flung deceit to the winds, thenhurried straight to the "fastness, " and there uttered the tribalcall. At the sound her gypsy band came bounding forth to meet her, and she gave them her royal hand to kiss, raising them graciouslywhen they knelt, giving a kind word here or a sharp reprimandthere. 

They were the fiercest gypsies in the world, and quarrelsome, too. They were forever fighting among themselves and crying: "Curseyou, Jack Dalton! Take that!" and plunging swords into oneanother, but they had good hearts and they loved Ma and weredevoted to her lost cause. She could handle them where otherswould have failed. 

Having accepted their homage and heard the details of their latestraids against her enemy, the false Duke of Dallas--he whosetreachery had made her what she was--she assumed her throne andheld formal court. 

The throne was a low, flat rock beside a stream, and usually Maremoved her shoes and stockings and paddled her feet in the waterwhile she gave audience to visiting potentates. Those enlarged jointsnever seemed to ac commodate themselves wholly to the sort of shoesAllie made her wear. Court "let out" when Ma's feet had become rested, after which there were less formal affairs of state to settle. Theseout of the way, it was time for the queen's recreations, which tookthe form of singing, dancing, conversations with animals, visits withthe invisible fairy folk who lived in flowers arid gave them theirpretty smells. 

Ma never had any trouble putting in the whole day in some suchmanner as this; evening came all too soon, as a matter of fact. Then it was that she bade good-by to her faithful subjects andprepared once more to fare forth and mingle, in the cunning guiseof an old woman, with the followers of the false and lying Duke ofDallas. But courage! Patience! The day of reckoning was at handwhen she would come into her own and the world would recognize heras the wronged but rightful Princess Pensacola. 

Thus would Ma Briskow spend one morning. Another perhaps she wouldbe an altogether different character, but always she was young andbeautiful and full of grace, and only when it came time to go didshe assume the disguise of an aged, wrinkled, bent old woman. Sometimes she ran miles and miles at a stretch, darting, springinglike a fawn, rushing through the soft, green leaves, leaping rockand rill, her laughter echoing, her bare limbs flashing, her goldhair streaming, her scanty silken draperies whipped to shredsbehind her by the very swiftness of her going. Oh, the ecstasy ofthat! The excitement!

Of course Ma did not actually run. Neither did her bare limbsflash--being incased in flannels. And her hair was not gold. Itwas gray, what little there was of it. No, she ambled a bit, perhaps, where the grass was short and the ground smooth, then shestood still, closed her eyes, and ran and leaped and swayed anddarted--with her arms. Anybody can do it. 

At other times she defied gravitation, a secret accomplishmentall her own, which she manifested in this wise. She would begin tojump, higher and higher, and the higher she jumped the lighter shebecame, until finally she weighed no more than a thistledown, andthe effort of leaping became a pure joy and an exhilaration. Having attained this perfect state of buoyancy, she would set outupon wonderful journeys, springing lightly as far as it pleasedher to spring, soaring gracefully over obstacles, and deriving adelirious pleasure from the sensation. One cannot appreciate theenjoyment to be had from this method of locomotion without tryingit. 

And always when Ma came back to earth and opened her eyes therewere the great smiling mountains, the clear, clean waters foamingover the rocks, and underfoot was the cool, green grass, not thathot, hard 'dobe clay she had always known. Trees, too! Beautifulwhispering trees, with smooth leaves instead of burrs and spinesand stickers. Nor was there the faintest choking smell of dust; nosand blowing up her nose and smarting her eyes. 

Ma Briskow had never dreamed that the world was so clean. Sheblessed God for making oil to lie in the rocks of the earth, andshe prayed that none of "them hotel people" would discover herretreat. 

But, of course, somebody did discover it. Mr. Delamater, thedancing instructor, for one, stumbled upon it while Ma Briskow wasin the midst of one of her imaginary games, and he reported hisdiscovery to the day clerk. 

"What ails that old dame, anyhow?" he inquired, after recountingMa's peculiar behavior. 

"Not a thing in the world except money, " the clerk declared. 

Doubtfully Mr. Delamater shook his handsome auburn head. "People withgood sense don't act like that. She was doing an Isadora Duncan when Isaw her. Dancing--if you care to call it that! Anyhow, her hair washanging, she was flapping her arms and jiggling up and down. "Delamater laughed at the memory. "There's a big, awkward bird--sort ofa crane or buzzard of some kind--that dances. I never saw one, butshe reminded me of it. And she _sang_! Gee! it was fierce!"

"Did she see you?"

"Scarcely. I don't mind being alone with Allie"--Delamater's teethshone in a smile, then, seeing his reflection in a convenientmirror, he studied it with complacent favor. He tried the smileagain, and, getting it to his better satisfaction, concluded--"don't mind it a bit, but a bosky dell with a mad woman is my ideaof no place to be. "

"Allie?" The clerk lifted his brows. "So--'_Allie_'! Has it goneas far as that, Del?"

"Oh, you know how it is! A lesson every day, soft music, armaround the waist, a kind word. The girl is human. I'm probablydifferent to anything that ever came into her young life. Look atmy wardrobe! She's not so bad to take, either, and yet--" Theimmaculate speaker frowned. "Father smells like a horse, andmother's a nut! Gee! It would take some coin to square that. "

"That's one thing they've got, " asserted the clerk. "Nothing but!"

Mr. Delamater debated further. "Think of marrying The PowerfulKatrinka! I'll admit it has its points. If anything went wrongwith the bank roll Allie could make a good living for both of us. Suppose, for instance, the old Statue of Liberty slipped and fell. Allie could jump over to Bedloe's Island and take a turn atholding the torch. Ifi they've got the coin you say they have, Ithink I'll have to see more of her. "

"You won't see any more than you do. She's hitting on all four. "

"What is she up to all day?"

"I don't know. Working, studying, exercising. Rehearsing for themovies, I guess. She has worn that companion of hers down to afrazzle. She has her own masseuse in the bath department, sherides a horse three days a week, and every morning she takes along walk--"

"I've got it!" Mr. Delamater slapped his thigh. "Road work! She'sgetting ready to take on Dempsey. " He laughed musically. "If shemarries me her days of labor will be over; it will mean for herthe dawn of a new life--provided, of course, those oil wells arewhat you say they are. Kidding aside, though, I don't dislike thegirl and--I've a notion to give her a chance. "

What the clerk said was true. Allie Briskow was indeed intraining, both physical and mental, and the application, theenergy she displayed had surprised not only her parents, who couldbut dimly understand the necessity of self-culture, but also Mrs. Ring, the instructress. Mrs. Ring, a handsome, middle-aged womanwhose specialty was the finishing of wealthy young "ladies, " hadbeen induced to accept this position partly by reason of theattractive salary mentioned in Calvin Gray's telegram, and partlyby reason of the fact that she needed a rest. She had met theBriskows in Dallas only a short time before their departure forthe north, and although that first interview had been a good dealof a shock to her--almost as much of a shock as if she had beenasked to tutor the offspring of a pair of chimpanzees--nevertheless she had nerved herself to the necessary sacrifice ofdignity. After all, Allegheny was only an overgrown child in needof advanced kindergarten training, and in the meantime there wasthe prospect of a season at Burlington Notch. The latter was, initself, a prospect alluring to one suffering from the wear andtear of a trying profession. After some hesitation, Mrs. Ring hadaccepted the position, feeling sure that it would rest her nerves. 

But never had the good woman suffered such a disillusionment. Allie, she soon discovered, was anything but a child, or rathershe was an amazing and contradictory combination of child andadult. What Mrs. Ring had taken to be mental apathy, inherentdullness, was in reality caution, diffidence, the shyness of somewild animal. 

Nor was that the most bewildering of the teacher's surprises;Allie possessed character and will power. For some time she hadaccepted Mrs. Ring's tutorship without comment or question--CalvinGray had recommended it, therefore she obeyed blindly--but oneday, after they had become settled in the mountains, she came outwith a forceful declaration. 

She knew full well her own shortcomings, so she declared, and shewas not content to learn a few things day by day. She demandedintensified training; education under forced draught. 

"They took green country boys durin' the war--"

"During the war. Don't drop your g's, my dear. "

"--during the war, and learned 'em--"

"Taught them!"

"--taught them to be soldiers in six months. Well, I'm strong as ahorse, and I've got a brain, and I'm quick at pickin'--I mean Ipick up things quick--"

"You pick them up quickly. Quickly is an adverb; quick is an--"

Allie's dark eyes grew darker. Imperiously she cried: "All right!But let me say this my own way. It won't be right or elegant, butyou'll understand. And that's what we got to have first off--agood understanding. After I've said it, you can rub it down andcurry it. I been watching you like a hawk, Miz' Ring, and you'rejust what he said you was. You got everything I want, but--I can'tgo so slow; I got to get it quick--quickly. You been teaching meto read and talk, and how to laugh, and how to set--sit--but webeen _playing_. We got to _work_! Oh, I know I'm forgettingeverything for a minute. Miz' Ring, I gotta learn how to actpretty and talk pretty and _look_ pretty. And I gotta learn how, _quick_. "

"You are a fine-looking girl as it is, Allegheny. "

"Oh, I guess I look _dressed up_, but I'm awkward. I'm stiff as ahired hand, and I fall over my feet. Look at 'em. Biggest livethings in the world without lungs! I got to get slim and graceful--"

"I'll teach you a setting-up routine, if you wish, although itis scarcely in my line. Goodness knows you don't need physicalculture. "

"But I do, " cried the girl. 

"Very well. Riding is a smart accomplishment. Can you ride ahorse?"

"Pshaw! I can carry a horse. "

"You'd look well in a habit, and with baths, massage, dancing, anda little diet I dare say you can reduce. "

"I'll starve, " Allie asserted, fiercely. "But that ain't halfenough. You gotta give me more studyin'. I got callouses on myhands and I'm used to work. We'll get up at daylight-"

"Good heavens!" Mrs. Ring exclaimed, faintly. 

"You learn me how to do the sitting-up things first off, then I'lldo 'em alone. Ride me hard, Miz' Ring. I'll remember. I'll work;you won't have to tell me twice. But I gotta make speed. I 'ain'tgot the time other girls have. "

"My dear child, all this cannot be done in a day, a week, amonth. "

"How long you allow it will take?"

The elder woman shrugged. "Years, perhaps. "

"Years?"

"Real culture, social accomplishments, are the results ofgenerations of careful training. I'm not a miracle worker. But whythis impatience?"

"I got-"

"I have. "

"I have a reason. I can't take a generation; I'd be too late. "

"Too late for what?"

But Allie refused to answer. "We'll start in to-day and we'll workdouble tower till one of us plays out. What d'you say?"

At first Mrs. Ring took this energetic declaration with somereserve, but before long she realized with consternation thatAllie Briskow was in deep earnest and that this was not a soft berth. Instead of obtaining a rest she was being worked as never before. Alliewas a thing of iron; she was indefatigable; and her thirst forknowledge was insatiate; it grew daily as she gained fuller understandingof her ignorance. There was a frantic eagerness to her efforts, almostpitiful. As time went on she began to hate herself for her stupidityand to blame her people for her condition. She was a harder taskmasterthan her teacher. Most things she apprehended readily enough, but when shefailed to learn, when mental or physical awkwardness haltedprogress, then she flew into a fury. Her temper appalled Mrs. Ring. 

At such times Allie was more than disagreeable. Hate flamed in hereyes, she beat herself with her fists, she kicked the furniture, and she broke things. Once she even butted her head against thewall, uttering language meanwhile that all but caused hercompanion to swoon. 

Mrs. Ring resigned after this final exhibition, but, lacking thecourage to face Allie in a mood like that, she went to GusBriskow. 

"It is simply impossible to remain, " she told him. "Already I'm aphysical wreck, for I never get a moment's rest. The salary isattractive, but Allegheny is too much for me. She saps every ounceof vitality I have; she keeps me going every hour. And herterrific tempers are actually--dangerous. "

"She don't ever get mad at you, does she?"

"Oh no! And she repents quickly enough. As a matter of fact, I amafraid she is overdoing her studies, but there's no holding herback. "

"You're kinda worked up, Miz' Ring. Mebbe I can make it pleasanterfor you. "

"In what way, may I ask?"

"Well, by payin' you more. "

"You are generous. The salary we agreed upon isn't low. "

"Yes'm--No, ma'am!"

"I wouldn't feel right to accept more. "

"Try it, ma'am, for a little while. Mebbe it won't bother you somuch after you get used to it. Allie likes you. "

"And I--I _am_ interested in her. She is progressing, too; infact, I have never seen anyone learn more rapidly. But--she is sounusual. Still, perhaps I _am_ the one--perhaps it is my duty, under the circumstances--"

With this disposition to compromise the father had littledifficulty in dealing, so the daily routine was continued. Allieapplied herself to the cultivation of the ordinary social nicetieswith the same zeal that she followed her studies and her physicalexercises. Fortunately these exercises afforded outlet for theimpatience and the scorn that she felt for herself. Otherwisethere would have been no living with her. As it was she showedherself no mercy. Daylight found her stirring, her Swedish drillshe took with a vigor that fairly shook the floor, and, havingfinished this, she donned sweater and boots and went for a swiftwalk over the hills. At this hour she had the roads to herself andwas glad of it, for she felt ridiculous. At breakfast, althoughshe had a ravenous appetite, she ate sparingly. The day was spentin reading aloud, in lessons in deportment, voice modulation, conversation, and the like; in learning how to enter and how toleave a room, how to behave at a tea or a reception, how to acceptand how to make an introduction, how to walk, how to sit, how torise. Allie did sums in arithmetic, she studied grammar andgeography and penmanship--in short, she took an intensifiedcommon-school course. Here was where her tutoress had trouble, forwhen the girl's brain became weary or confused she relieved herbaffled rage in her most natural way, the while Mrs. Ring stoppedher ears and moaned. It was a regimen that no ordinary woman couldhave endured; it would have taxed the strength of an athlete. 

Late in the afternoon Allie went riding, and here was oneaccomplishment in which she required no coaching. Frequently shevented her spite upon her horse, and more than once she brought ithome with its mouth bleeding and its flanks white with lather. Sherode with a magnificent recklessness that finally caused comment amongthe other guests. 

Allie was sitting alone in her room one evening, fagged out from ahard day. Some people were talking on the veranda outside herwindow, and she heard one say:

"The girl can look really stunning. "

"Exactly. I don't understand where she gets her looks, for herparents are--impossible. Wouldn't you _know_ what they were?"

Allie needed no clearer indication of who was under discussion. Instinctive resentment at the reference to her father and motherwas followed by amazement, delight, at the compliment to herself--the first she had ever received. She leaned forward, straining tohear more. What mattered it how these contemptuous outsidersreferred to her parents? They agreed that she was "stunning, "which was their way of saying that she was pretty, nay, more--beautiful, perhaps. 

"She's a glorious rider, " the first speaker was saying. "Shepassed me the other day, going like sin, with her face blazing andthat big, lively chestnut running flat. The way she took thatcurve above the Devil's Slide brought my heart into my mouth. "

The breathless eavesdropper felt a hot wave of delight pour overher, her very flesh seemed to ripple like the fur of a cat when itis stroked. 

"Oh, she's a picture, mounted! Seems to have complete confidencein herself; and the strength of a giantess, too. But--my God! whenshe's on her feet! And have you heard her talk?" Evidently theother speaker had, for there came the sound of low laughter, asound that stabbed Allie Briskow like a bayonet and left her whiteand furious. She sat motionless for a long time, and somethingtold her that as long as she lived she would never forget, neverforgive, that laughter. 

She was unusually silent and somber for the next three or fourdays; she went through her exercises without vim; at her studiesshe was both stupid and sullen. When Mrs. Ring's patience wasexhausted and her frayed nerves finally gave out, Allie roundedupon her with a violence unparalleled. Those previous exhibitionsof temper were tame as compared with this one; the girl spat scornand bitterness and hatred; she became a volcano in activeeruption. 

In a panic Mrs. Ring sought out Gus Briskow and again resigned. Bythis time, however, the novelty of her resignation had largelyworn off, for seldom did more than two weeks elapse without ahysterical threat to quit. But this one required more than theusual amount of persuasion, and it was not without long andpatient pleading, coupled with the periodical raise, that thefather induced her to change her mind. Gus told himself somberlythat the price of Allegheny's education was mounting so rapidlythat it might be the part of economy to take Mrs. Ring in as afull partner in the Briskow oil wells. He decided, after someconsideration, to wire Calvin Gray and offer to pay his travelingexpenses if he would come to Burlington Notch for a few days. 

CHAPTER XIV

One accomplishment that Allegheny mastered with gratifying easewas dancing. It came naturally to her, for both she and Buddy werefull of music. At first she had been extremely self-conscious;Professor Delamater had found her to be as heavy as stone and asawkward as a bear; but later, as her embarrassment became lesspainful, she relaxed. She regained her power of speech, also, andin time she voiced an eager desire to learn all there was tolearn. 

Having quickly schooled her in the simpler forms of ballroomdancing, Delamater suggested a course in the deeper intricacies offancy dancing. 

"You're getting on, " he told her, one day. "That last wassplendid--top hole, absolutely. "

Delamater, who was quite thoroughly American, affected at times anEnglish turn to his conversation, believing that it gave him anair. It went particularly well, he thought, with light trousers, spats, and an afternoon coat cut close at the waist. 

"Don't fool me, " panted the red-faced Juno. "You must have ironfeet. "

"My word! Spoof you, indeed! Not for worlds, if you know what Imean? I shall expect to see you in the ballroom every evening. "

But Allie's confidence forsook her at this. "I'd--be scared stiff. Folks would laugh. They haven't got--haven't anything to do butlaugh at other folks, and I don't like to be laughed at. "

"Laugh at you! Fancy that! You're too modest. " Delamater adoptedthe cooing note of a dove. "'Pon my word, you're too modest. Ifyou could hear the things I hear--" He paused, not knowing exactlywhat to say he had heard, but his vagueness, the very eloquence of hishesitation, caused Allie's face to light up. This was the secondcompliment paid her since her arrival at the Notch, therefore whenthe phonograph resumed its melodious measures she yielded herselfwith abandon to the arms of her partner, and her red lips wereparted, her somber eyes were shining. That day she began a courseof exhibition dancing. 

It was on that afternoon that Delamater had told the clerk ofdiscovering Ma Briskow alone in the woods. There was an open golftournament at the Notch, prominent amateurs and professionals werecompeting, and the hotel was crowded to its capacity with players, fashionable followers of the game and a small army of societyreporters and sport writers. This being the height of the season, social doings at the resort were featured in all the large Easternpapers, for famous names were on the register and the hotel switchwas jammed with private cars. 

Allie Briskow was in one of her trying moods to-day, for the out-of-doors called to her. Sounds of laughter and gayety, strains ofmusic, had distracted her from her studies, her monotonous routinehad become hopelessly unbearable all at once. From her window shecould see young people, hear young voices, and envy flamed in hersoul. Those girls were her age; those men, easy, immaculate, different from anything she had ever seen--except Calvin Gray--they, too, were young and they courted those girls. Contemplationof the chattering throngs showed Allie more clearly than ever thechasm separating her from these people, and reawakened in her thatblack resentment which at times made her so difficult to manage. She was thankful that her mother had disappeared and that herfather was at the livery stable; she hoped they would stay awayall day. At least, they were safe from ridicule. She wondered ifshe might not induce them to dine in their rooms that evening, andthus spare herself the embarrassment she always suffered when sheaccompanied them into the public dining room. 

It seemed to her that whenever they went to dinner--Gus in hisbaggy pepper-and-salt sack suit, his loose, lay-down collar, andhis wide-toed shoes, Ma in one of her giddy, gaudy dinner dresses--it seemed as if the entire assemblage was stricken dumb and as ifevery eye was turned upon them in mockery and amusement. Even thewaiters, Allie felt sure, noted the difference between theBriskows and the other guests, and only with difficulty concealedtheir contempt. 

The occasional presence of Mrs. Ring, handsome, dignified, unruffled, intensified that contrast and fairly shouted thehumiliating announcement that here were three nobodies who wantedto be somebodies, but never could. 

Invariably when they went out in public together Mrs. Ring madeAllie feel as if she belonged to a lower, cruder order of animallife; as if she were an inhabitant of another sphere. And yet, Mrs. Ring was poor; she worked for wages! Allie could notunderstand this phenomenon; thought of it now caused herresentment to kindle. 

Of course it was the lot of the hapless tutoress to select such amoment as this in which to sweetly chide the girl for some lapseof form. Allie exploded. She reduced the elder woman to tears, then, ashamed of herself, she flung blindly out of the room, crashing the door to behind her. She decided to dance her angeraway. It was some consolation to know that she could dance aswell, or better, than those slim and pampered beauties outside herwindow. Some consolation, even though she never expected to have achance of proving it. 

Delamater was especially agreeable to-day, more than usuallynattering. Not for some time did his scholar become conscious ofthe subtle change in his demeanor, and even then its significanceawoke only a shadowy contentment. Allie hated herself toothoroughly to-day to believe that anybody could really approve ofher. As for him, he entirely misconstrued the meaning of hersilent acceptance of his flattery. 

They had become well acquainted by now and were on a basis of easyfamiliarity, nevertheless it came as a shock to Allie to be calledby her first name-such a shock that she missed a step and trod onDelamater's foot. They came to a pause. 

The dancing master was tall and slim, his face was on a level withhers, and now he smiled into it, saying, "My mistake, my dear. "

"I--reckon it was. " The girl's eyes were glowing queerly, and theman was amused at her evident agitation. His first word had thrownthe poor thing into a flurry. 

They began to dance again, and, after a moment, with a gentlyrising inflection, Delamater murmured, "You heard what I calledyou?" He approved of the sachet that Allie used, and he becameacutely conscious of the jewels resting in the palm of his lefthand. The girl was rich and she was--different, unusual. Eversince she had learned to yield herself to his embrace, he had beenconscious of her strong physical attraction, and now it got thebetter of him. "You don't care?" he said, with his lips close toher ear. 

"Humph! I'm not caring for anything or anybody to-day. "

"Somebody has hurt my little girl. "

Allie threw back her head and stared at him with quick suspicion. "Your little girl?" she repeated. 

It is the lot of any man in the heat of his desire to makemistakes, and Delamater erred gravely at this moment. He kissedAllie. Without warning he kissed her full and fair upon her red, half-open lips. 

For the briefest instant of amazement the two stood motionless in themiddle of the polished floor while the phonograph brayed on; thenAllie shook herself free of her partner, and in the same movement shesmote him a mighty slap that sent him reeling. Delamater sawstars. The constellation of Orion gleamed in dazzling splendor withinhis tightly shut lids; he collided with a chair and went sprawling. 

With a cry he scrambled to his feet. "What the hell--?" hegrowled, savagely. 

Allie's face was chalky. Breathlessly, curiously she inquired, "Wha'd you do that for?"

"What did I _do_ it for? Say! You ought to be complimented--tickled to death. " Delamater rubbed his cheek and glared at her. "By God! I wish you were a man. Oh, don't worry, I won't touch youagain! Who the hell would, after that?" Allie opened her lips tospeak, but he ran on more angrily as the pain bit into him. "Thought I meant it, eh? Why, you lumbering ox--"

"Then you ain't--in love with me or--or anything?"

"_Love_?" The speaker uttered an unpleasant sound indicative ofscorn. "Wake up, sister! What d'you take me for? Why, your mothertalks bird talk, and your dad lives in a box stall and eats oatswith his knife! Here I kid you along a little bit--slip you alittle kiss, as I would any girl, and you--you--" Delamaterstuttered impotently. "_Love_? I guess I'm the first regularfellow that ever gave you a chance. "

Delamater was surprised when his pupil turned her back upon him, strode to the nearest window, and flung it open as if for air; hissurprise deepened when she faced him again and moved in hisdirection. Her expression caused him to utter a profane warning, but she continued to bear down upon him, and when she reached outto seize him he struck at her as he would have struck at a man. 

To those who are familiar with Burlington Notch, it will be rememberedthat the hotel is pitched upon a slope and that the rooms on the firstfloor of the east wing are raised a considerable distance above thelawn. The windows of these east rooms overlook the eighteenth green, and during tournaments they are favorite vantage points of golf widowsand enthusiasts who are too old to follow the competitors around thecourse. To-day they were filled, for an international title was atissue and Herring, prince of amateurs, was playing off the final roundof his match with the dour Scotch professional, McLeod. 

A highly enthusiastic "gallery" accompanied the pair, a crowd composednot only of spectators, but also of officials, defeated players, newspaper writers, camera men, caddies, and the like. They streamedup the final fairway behind the gladiators and for the moment theywere enveloped in gloom, for Herring had sliced off the seventeenthtee and a marvelous recovery, together with a good approach, had stillleft his ball on the edge of the green, while McLeod, man of iron, hadlaid his third shot within three feet of the flag. It meant a surefour for the latter, with not less than a five for Herring. One ofthose golfing miracles, a forty-foot putt, would halve the match, tobe sure, but in tournament golf miracles have a way of occurring onany except the deciding hole. 

Sympathy usually follows the amateur, therefore it was a silentthrong that ranged itself about the gently undulating expanse ofvelvet sod in the shadow of the east wing. Herring had played awonderful match; he stood for all that is clean and fine in golf. The end of the balcony was jammed; nearly every window framedeager faces; amid a breathless intensity of interest the youthfulcontender tested the turf with the head of his club and studiedthe run of the green. A moment, then he took his stance and swunghis putter smoothly. The ball sped away, taking a curving course, and followed by five hundred pairs of eyes. It ran too swiftly!Herring, in desperation, had overplayed! But no--it lost momentumas it topped a rise, then gathered speed, all but died at the edgeof the cup and--toppled in amid a salvo of handclaps and roar of"Bravo!"

That was nerve, courage, skill! That was golf! The miracle hadhappened! Another hole to decide the match. 

Quickly the crowd became still again as McLeod, his teeth set uponthe stem of his pipe, his stony face masking a murderousdisappointment, stepped forward to run down his four. 

The silence was broken by a cry. Out of the air overhead came thesound of a disturbance, and every face turned. A most amazingthing was in the way of happening, a phenomenon unique in thehistory of tournaments, for a man was being thrust forth from oneof the hotel windows, perhaps twenty-five feet above the ground--awrithing, struggling, kicking man with fawn-colored spats. He wasbeing ejected painlessly but firmly, and by a girl--a grim-facedyoung woman of splendid proportions. For a moment she allowed himto dangle; then she dropped him into a handsome Dorothy Perkinsrosebush. He landed with a shriek. Briefly the amazon remainedframed in the casement, staring with dark defiance down into theupturned faces; her deep bosom was heaving, her smoky hair wasslightly disarranged; she allowed her eyes to rest upon the figureentangled among the thorns beneath her, then she closed thewindow. 

Nothing like this had ever occurred in Scotland. The mighty McLeodmissed his putt and took a five. 

As Allie Briskow passed through the lobby with her head erect andher fists clenched, she heard the sound of a great shoutingoutside and she believed it was directed at her. She fled into herroom and flung herself upon her bed, sobbing hoarsely. 

Mrs. Ring was waiting on the veranda for Gus Briskow when hereturned to the hotel about dark. He had learned to dread thesight of her on that veranda, for it was her favorite resigningplace--what Gus called her "quitting spot, " and it was evident to-night that she was in a quitting mood, a mood more hysterical thanever before. It was some time before he could get at the facts, and even then he could not fully appreciate the enormity of thedisgrace that had overwhelmed Allie's instructress. 

"She chucked the dancin' teacher out of a winder?" he repeated, blankly. "What for?"

"Goodness knows, Mr. Briskow! Something he said, or did--Icouldn't make out precisely. I found her in a dreadful state, andI tried to comfort her, I did really, but--oh! If you could have_heard_ her! Where she learned such language I don't know. My ears_burn_! But that isn't the worst; you should hear what--"

"He must of said something pretty low down. " Briskow spokequietly; his bright blue eyes were hard. "I reckon she'll tellme. "

"You don't understand, " chattered the woman. "She flung the manbodily out of the window and into a bed of thorns. It nearlykilled him; he was painfully lacerated and bruised and--Right inthe middle of a golf game! It did something dreadful--I don't knowwhat--just as the world's champion caught the ball, or something. "

"If he's crippled I'll get him that much easier, " said Briskow, and at the purposeful expression upon his weather-beaten face Mrs. Ring uttered a faint bleat of terror. She pawed at him as heundertook to pass her. 

"Oh, my heavens! What are you going to do?"

"Depends on what he said to Allie. "

The woman wrung her hands. "What people! What--_savages_! You're--going to shoot him, I suppose, just because--"

"Yes'm!" the father nodded. "You got it right, motif an' all. 'Just because'!"

"You _can't_. I sha'n't permit it. I--I'll call the police. "

"Don't do that, ma'am. I've stood a lot from you, in one way oranother. "

"But it's _murder_! You--you can't mean it. " Moans issued from thespeaker. "What _ever_ possessed me to accept this position? It'sunendurable, and I'll be involved--"

"I've saw your last raise, Miz' Ring. "

"Do you think I'd stay, after this? It's bad enough to be maderidiculous--the whole hotel is in laughter; laughter at me, I dare say, as much as at her. Imagine! Hurling a full-grown man from a window--"

"I don't hear nobody laughing. " Briskow swung his head slowly fromside to side. 

"But to contemplate murder--"

"What's more, I don't intend to hear nobody laugh. By God! Now Icome to think about it, there ain't a-goin' to be no laughing atall around here. " Gus continued slowly to swing his head, like abear. "She's my kid!" He pushed past Mrs. Ring, still muttering, "My kid--there ain't a-goin' to be no laughing at all. "

Going directly to the desk, he asked for the manager, then stoodaside, hat in hand, until the latter made his appearance. Themanager began a hasty and rather mixed apology on behalf of thehotel for what had occurred in the dancing room, but his tone ofannoyance was an accusation in itself. It was plain that, to hismind, the catastrophe on the eighteenth green outweighed inimportance whatever may have led up to it. That was somethingactually tragic, something frightful, appalling; it involved thegood name of the hotel and affected the world's golf title. 

"Very--unfortunate, " he lamented. "We haven't heard the last ofit, by any means. McLeod may file a protest. And there issomething to be said on both sides; rather a nice question, infact. "

"Prob'ly so, " the father agreed. "An' I got something to say aboutit, too. Get that dancin' perfessor off the place quick or I'llkill him. "

The manager recoiled; his startled eyes searched Briskow's faceincredulously. "I--beg pardon?"

"I 'ain't heard my kid's side of the story yet, but I'm goin' tosee her now, so you better get word to that jumpin' jack in ahurry. That is, if you want to save him. "

"He is discharged, of course, for we tolerate no rudeness on thepart of our employees--or our guests, for that matter; but Ibelieve he is suffering some effects from the shock. I couldn'twell ask him to go before--"

"It'll take me prob'ly twenty minutes, talkin' to my girl. That'll give him time, if he moves fast. But I may get through infifteen. "

At the door to his suite Gus Briskow paused to wipe hiscountenance clean of the expression it had worn for the last fewminutes, and when he entered it was with his usual friendly smile. Allie and her mother were waiting; they were white and silent. Guskissed his daughter before saying:

"Don't worry, honey; he won't bother you no more. "

Allie averted her face. Mrs. Briskow inquired, "Did you see theskunk?"

"No. I give him a few minutes to clear out. "

"Hadn't we better leave, too?" ventured Allie. 

"Oh-h!" In Ma's eyes was such bleak dismay, such a piteous appeal, that Gus shook his head. 

"What fer? We got nice quarters and your ma likes it here--"

"They're laughing at me. I heard 'em hollering. "

"They won't laugh long. No, you're learnin' fast, and we're allhavin' a nice time. Only one thing--I'm kinda tired of that Miz'Ring. I let her go, but I'll get you another--"

"She quit, eh?"

"Um-m, not exactly. I--"

"I don't blame her. I've been mighty mean. But I couldn't help it, pa. When you put a wild horse in a pen, it don't do to prod himand throw things and--That's what they've done to me. I bite andkick like any bronc. When you're hurt, constant, you get spellswhen you've got to hurt back. I've been rotten to her, and nowthis coming on top of it--"

"Wha'd that dancin' dude do, anyhow?"

Allie related her experience with Professor Delamater; she told itall up to the burst of shouting that followed her through thelobby. "You should of heard 'em yelling, clapping their hands--!I"--she choked, her voice failed her, miserably she concluded--"Iwish to God we'd never struck oil!"

"You're just wore out, dearie, " her mother said, comfortingly, andBriskow agreed. He assured her that all would be well. 

All was not well, however. The next morning when Gus Briskow wasabout to leave the hotel as usual--Professor Delamater havingdeparted hurriedly the evening before with fully four minutes ofhis twenty to spare--he was stopped by the manager, who requestedhim to give up his rooms. The Texan was bewildered; he could notunderstand the reason for such a request. 

"'Ain't I paid my bills?" he queried. 

The manager assured him that he had; he was profoundly regretful, as a matter of fact; but it so happened that the Briskow suite hadbeen reserved early in the season, and the party who had made thereservation had just wired that he was arriving that day. He was agentleman of importance--it was indeed unfortunate--the managementappreciated Mr. Briskow's patronage--they hoped he and his familywould return to the Notch sometime. 

"Mebbe you got some other rooms that would do us, " Gus ventured. 

It was too bad, but the hotel was overcrowded. Later, perhaps--Now at that very moment the lobby was filled with tournamentgolfers who were leaving on the morning train, and Briskow knewit. He studied the speaker with an expression that caused thelatter extreme discomfort; it was much the same expression he hadworn the night before when he had served warning upon Delamater. 

"Lemme get this right, " he said. "You can talk straight to me. Bein' ignerunt, I 'ain't got the same feelin's as these otherfolks got. I got a shell like a land turtle. "

"It is quite customary, I assure you. No offense, my dear sir. "

"That's how I figgered! Just bouncin' a low-down var mint ain'toffense enough to be throwed out about, when you pay your bills--"

"You quite misapprehend--"

"Fired, eh? It 'll go hard with Ma. She's gainin' here, and shelikes it. That's why I never told her you was chargin' us aboutdouble what you charge these rich folks. "

The manager stiffened. "I regret exceedingly, sir, that you takeit this way. But there is nothing more to be said, is there?"

It was with a heavy heart and a heavy tread that Briskow returnedto his room. Ma took the announcement like a death blow, for itmeant the end of all her dreams, all her joyous games of"pretend. " Her mountains--those clean, green, friendly mountainsthat she loved with a passion so intense that she fairly ached--those and her caves, her waterfalls, her gypsy band, were to betaken from her. She was to be banished, exiled. 

She did not weep a great deal, but she seemed suddenly to growolder and more bent. Listlessly, laboriously she began to pack, and her husband noticed with a pang that her hands shookwretchedly. 

As for Allie, she told herself that this was the end. She hadtried to make something of herself and had failed. She hadcrucified herself; she had bled her body and scourged her soulonly to gain ridicule and disgrace. There was no use of tryingfurther; Gray had been mistaken in her, and her misery, her shameat the realization was intolerable. There was no facing him, afterthis. 

Allie decided to do away with herself. 

CHAPTER XV

Gus Briskow was waiting at the cashier's desk for his bill whenthe bustle of incoming guests told him that the morning train hadarrived. Probably it had brought that "gentleman of importance" towhom the manager had referred. "To hell with people like thatmanager!" the Texan muttered. He would take his family back homeand chance no more humiliations like this. And to think that hehad allowed that dancing monkey to escape when he could have shothim as well as not!

Briskow's chain of thought was broken by a slap on the back thatnearly drove him through the cashier's window; then by a loud, cheery greeting. The next moment he found himself actuallyembraced by--Gus could not believe his eyes--by Calvin Gray!

The latter's affectionate greeting, his frank delight at seeingthe Texan, caused people in the lobby to center amused attentionupon them, and induced those behind the desk to regard Briskowwith new respect. 

"Gus! You precious pirate! My, but I'm glad to see you! Ma andAllie are well, I know; they couldn't be otherwise here. Greatplace, isn't it? Nothing in this country or Europe that compareswith it, and I've sent dozens of my friends here. I came north onbusiness and couldn't bear to go back without seeing you. Come!Give me a welcome, for I've traveled across three states to gethere. "

The two stood hand in hand. Gray beamed approvingly. Gus, too, wassmiling, but earnestly he said, "I'm right glad to see you, Mr. Gray, for we're in trouble. "

"Trouble? What sort? Not illness?"

"No. We're leavin'--been throwed out. "

The younger man's face sobered. "Don't joke!" he cried, sharply. 

"I ain't joking. Feller insulted Allie and she throwed him out ofa window--"

"Exactly! It's in the morning paper. "

"They don't seem to think it was reefined, so they--throwed _us_out. "

"Nonsense! Why, it is a corking story, and Allie was splendid--shegave the championship to Herring, who deserved it, therebydelighting every golfer on this side of the Atlantic. Jove! thatgirl is developing and I'm going to hug her--if there's no windowhandy! Throw you out? Why, there's some mistake, surely!"

Briskow shook his head; in greater detail he made known the facts. When he had finished his halting recital Calvin Gray's face wasflushed with anger, there was a dark frown between his eyes. 

"We'll see!" he muttered. "Wait here--or go back and tell Ma tocommence unpacking. " Then he was gone. 

For perhaps ten minutes Gus waited nervously; he was amazedfinally to see Gray approaching arm in arm with the manager; bothwere laughing, the hotel man's face was radiant with good humor. To the departing guest he said, genially:

"You are not going to leave us, after all, Mr. Briskow. On thecontrary, we are going to keep you at the Notch as long as you'llstay. Stupid misunderstanding on my part, and I apologize. I'mgoing to ask you to move, but into a better suite--the very bestone we have. And the rate will be the same. Come! What do yousay?" When he was met by a stammered protest, he insistedforcefully: "I sha'n't take 'no' for an answer, my dear sir; wesimply refuse to let you leave. The best we have is yours, and Iguarantee that you will be made comfortable. "

"He offered to extend you the courtesies of the house--make youguests of the hotel, " Gray added, "but I knew you wouldn't accept. "

"Dunno's I want to stay at all, " Gus murmured, angrily. "We ain'tno better'n we was a half hour ago. "

"To be sure, but I've made you better known. You are too shy; youdidn't afford my friend here the pleasure of making youracquaintance, and I had to tell him the sort of person you reallyare. Serves you right, Gus, for being so exclusive. Gad! I thinkI'll give you a few lessons in democracy. Now then, come along!I'm dying to see Ma. "

As the father trotted down the hall beside his swiftly stridingdeliverer, he gasped, "How'd you do it?"

"Nothing simpler. I merely showed Mr. What's-his-name that he wasmaking an ass of himself. I've spent a fortune here; know theowners, too. Nice chap, that manager, but he has no businessrunning a hotel, and I so informed him. He'll probably annoy youto death with his attentions. He'll let you play 'shinny' in thehalls if you want to. Now--wait!" The speaker laid a finger uponhis lips; his eyes were dancing. He knocked sharply at the Briskowdoor and cried, "Baggage ready, ma'am?"

There was a stir from within, the door was slowly opened by abent, pathetic figure of grief. 

"Ma!" Gray cried, and he held out his arms. 

Perhaps it was his virile personality radiating confidence, security, or perhaps it was Gus Briskow's shining face that toldthe story; whatever the fact, Ma Briskow uttered a thin, brokenwail, then walked into those open arms and laid her head uponGray's breast. She clung to him eagerly and the tears she had beenblinking so hard to restrain flowed silently. 

"Oh-n-h! We ain't goin'away!" she said. "We ain't--goin' away!"

"Of course not. Gus misunderstood. The manager merely wanted youto move--into a larger, finer suite, and he is positivelydistressed at the thought of your leaving. The poor man is dashingabout collecting an armful of roses for you and Allie. He wants tocome in person and apologize. "

There was another sound and Gray looked up to see Allie standingin the doorway to her bedroom; with one hand she clutched thejamb, the other was pressed to her bosom; she was staring at himas at an apparition. The girl was quite colorless, there was alook almost of fright in her eyes, and when he came toward her sheswayed weakly. Her hands, when he took them, were icy; it shockedhim to see how worn, how weary she had grown. 

It was several hours later. In the parlor of the new suite, aspacious, sunny room, fragrant with flowers and cheerful withbrilliant cretonnes, Gray and Briskow were talking. Allie and hermother could be seen in their bedrooms putting away the last oftheir belongings. Gray's eyes had been drawn, at frequentintervals, to the younger woman, for the change in her became themore amazing the more he observed her, and he was still strivingto reconcile this creature to the picture he had held in his mind. In a few months Allie had become almost a stranger to him. It wasa marked and yet a subtle change that had come over her; she wasanything but a polished young woman, of course; nevertheless shehad been modified, toned down, vastly improved, and not until herfirst queer emotion at seeing him had disappeared was the fullextent of that improvement manifest to the newcomer. He wonderedwhy she had acted so oddly at first; surely she did not fear him. No, Allie's face at this moment was alight with supreme joy andsatisfaction; she appeared to be quite as happily at her ease asMa, who was singing steadily in a thin, rusty voice. 

Gray sent the father away on some pretext, finally; then he calledto Allie: "Come in here and talk to me. I am a guest and I demandentertainment. " He observed with silent approval her carriage asshe entered the room and accepted the chair he offered her. Fainttrace of the nester's daughter here. "I want a good chance to lookat you. "

Allie colored faintly. "I guess I'm not much to look at. "

"Hm-m! You don't in the least resemble that girl I found hoeing inthe garden. You are terribly thin. "

"Spinach!" said Allie. 

"Dieting, eh?"

"Yes. Spinach and water and a rubber suit. Sometimes I have aparty and eat a whole soda cracker. "

"It isn't too high a price to pay for beauty--beauty, 'the fadingrainbow's pride. ' We men should thank Heaven for women's couragein pursuing it. It is all that makes this world an attractivedwelling place for nice people. "

"Sometimes I think it's kind of wicked to spend so much time andmoney that way, but--I guess it's all right. I want to look asgood as other people. "

"I'm in a mood for quotations. 'Is beauty vain because it willfade? Then are earth's green robe and heaven's light vain. ' Pride, even vanity, is less of a vice than slovenliness, my dear. Nowthen, do you like Mrs. Ring?"

Allie nodded. "I like her, but--I hate her. She makes me feelawful mad because she can't understand that I ain't--I am not madat her, but at myself. I don't hardly know how to explain it. If Iwas her I'd hate me, like I do. "

"Would you like to have her remain?"

"Oh, I would! She knows everything, and she makes me learn. Butshe won't stay. I just found out that she's been quitting everyfew weeks, and Pa's been raising her wages. No, the disgrace, andour being thrown out--"

"My dear girl, let me assure you, once for all, there is nosuggestion of disgrace about this affair. You behaved with spirit, and those who have heard about it admire you. I have talked with anumber of them, and I know. I had a talk with Mrs. Ring also, andshe will remain if you wish her to do so. "

"You're a--a good man, ain't--"

"Aren't!"

"--aren't you, Mr. Gray? You fix everything. "

"Not a good, but a convenient man. My specialty is making thingseasier for my friends. "

"Are these other folks, these rich ones around the hotel, likeyou?"

"Oh, much nicer than I!" Gray laughed. "You must meet some ofthem. "

Allie's face whitened at this suggestion. "Please, sir--I'mscared!"

"Very well. As you wish. Tell me, what are you going to do with methis afternoon?"

"I dunno!" Allie looked blank. "I don't do anything but study. Is'pose I got to study. "

"Nothing of the sort. You have circles under your eyes now fromoverwork, and this is your vacation. I am a visitor, a restlessvisitor; I abhor being asked to make myself at home, and I neverdo. I demand amusement. Do you know what I'd like to do best ofall?" Allie did not know. "I'd like to sit here and smoke whileyou show me all your pretty dresses. Ah! Those dark eyes brighten. You're dying to show them to me, aren't you?"

"_Would_ you? Honest?"

"Cross my heart. But remember, I have a color sense and I'm noteasily pleased. I'll probably condemn some of them. "

Allie breathed deeply. "Oh, Gee!" she said. 

"Run along and try them on, then I'll borrow a pair of puttees andwe'll go for a ride. "

For the next two hours Allegheny Briskow was in heaven. Never hadshe dreamed of anything like this. To have Calvin Gray alone, allto herself--Ma, as usual, had disappeared--and to discuss with himexciting questions of dress and good taste that she could notdiscuss with her own people; to meet his occasional heartyapproval--well, it was enough to make a girl drunk with happiness. Gowns that he liked became precious; she hated those that he condemned. Her fingers grew clumsy with haste, her cheeks burned. He said she woreher clothes well, that she carried herself well. He approved of her--likedher! God above! And to think that she had contemplated suicide! Of courseshe was pitifully ignorant as yet, and she had not even learned totalk as he talked, but there were books. She would study. Oh, thefury with which she would apply herself after this! She would beatthe contents of those books into her head with her fists, ifnecessary; she would show him how fast she could learn; she wouldastonish him. Her heart sang at the thought that she was rich--richer than he. That would count, too, for men liked money. 

"Where is Ma?" Gray inquired, when the last gown had been paradedand when Allie appeared in her riding suit. 

"Out with the fairies, I suppose. She won't tell Pa or me whereshe goes or what she does--says it's all foolishness. "

"Perhaps she will tell me, for I believe in fairies, " Gray said, seriously. 

Allie smiled at him. "I reckon she will. Folks tell you 'mostanything you want them to, I reckon. "

This was the busiest hour of the afternoon. Gray had purposelyordered the horses sent around at a time when he knew that theveranda, the walks, and the tennis courts would be filled, forever since his interview with the hotel manager a plan had beenshaping in his mind and already he had dropped a few words, a hintor two here and there, that were calculated to stimulate interestin Allie Briskow. 

It gratified his craving for the theatric now to lead the girl outbefore so many curious eyes. For himself, he knew that hecommanded attention, and as he noted the lines of this young Junohe could find nothing in her that needed betterment. Allie's suitwas the latest, smartest thing in riding habits, and it set offher magnificent figure as nothing else could. Systematic exerciseand hard work, like the final touch of a skilled sculptor, hadgiven it beauty and refinement; harmony and proportion haddestroyed the impression of unusual size. How deep was her bosom, how smooth and flowing were her curves, how superbly tall she was!As a thing of flesh and blood, she made these other women looklike females of an insignificant race. 

It thrilled him pleasantly to observe the confidence with whichshe swung herself into the saddle and the instant mastery sheexercised over her restless mount. No timidity there, no need ofassistance; no absurd, hampering skirts and artificial posture, either, but a seat astride as befits anyone who chooses to honorthe king of four-footed creatures. 

Under cover, Gray noted Allie's effect upon her attentiveaudience, and he smiled. If only he could spend a few days here hewould make her a woman to be sought after by some of the bestpeople. She refused to meet them, eh? Well, that would be as itwas to be. 

"We've been having supper in our rooms lately, " she told him, whenthey returned at dark. "You're going to eat with us, ain--aren'tyou?"

"I am, to be sure. But not in your rooms, " he declared. 

"I'd rather--"

"You'd rather do exactly what would please me, now wouldn't you?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then run along and put on that dinner dress that I liked best. And tell Ma to look her prettiest, too. We'll not spoil this day. "

It was seven-thirty when Gray, in evening clothes, appeared at theBriskow suite. Allie told herself there had never been a man sohandsome, so distinguished, so Godlike as he. God, she now feltsure, must wear full dress. 

Gus Briskow beamed as the visitor smiled approvingly at hisdaughter. "She is purty, ain't she? Don't look much like the girlI sent to Dallas for fixin's. "

"Allie is more then pretty, she's regal. 'Such another peerlessqueen only could her mirror show. ' But--her head is turnedalready, Gus. Don't spoil her. " The speaker stood with arms foldedand head lowered while he studied the girl impersonally. Alliewore an expensive black lace dress, sleeveless and sufficientlylow of neck to display her charms. "Plain! A little too somber, "Gray declared. "She can afford colors, ornaments. Jove! I'd likesome time to see her in something Oriental, something barbaric. The next time I'm in New York I'll select a gown--"

Ma Briskow entered at the moment, greatly flustered and extremelyself-conscious, and here, certainly, was no lack of ornamentationor of color. Ma wore all her jewelry, and her dress was anelaborate creation of brilliant jade green, from one shoulder ofwhich depended a filmy streamer of green chiffon. In her desire togild the lily she had knotted a Roman scarf about her waist--ascarf of many colors, of red, of yellow, of purple, of blue, oforange--a very spectrum of vivid stripes, and it utterly ruinedher. It lent her an air of extreme superfluity; it was as if shehad put on everything except the bedspread. 

"You said to look my nicest, " she bubbled, "so I done the best Icould. "

"You _are_ lovely, both of you, but--this is my party, isn't it? Ican do anything I please?" Gray looked from one to the other ineager inquiry. "Then let me fix you my way. Ma Briskow, your faceis too sweet, too gentle, to be spoiled. Your charm is in yoursimplicity. Here, I have it!"

With swift impetuosity he untied the scarf and whipped it fromMa's waist. "Watch me now and you'll see I'm right. " With hispenknife he cut the threads that held the chiffon streamer inplace and removed it. "_Voila_! Even so little, and we see anadorable motherly person, richly but unostentatiously gowned. Don't you agree with me?"

Without pausing for an answer, he wheeled upon the daughter anddrew her into the range of a pier glass. "Now close your eyes andkeep them closed. " Around Allie's hips he flung the scarf, drew itsnug and smooth, then knotted it. Next he snatched the length ofchiffon and bound it about her head. His touch was deft andcertain; a moment and it had been fashioned to suit him. Then hestood back and eyed the _tout ensemble. _

"Gorgeous!" he cried, genuinely enthusiastic. "That was the touch. I defy any costumer to better it. Open your eyes, oh, gypsyprincess! And what do you see?"

"It--it sort of makes a difference, doesn't it?" Allie said. "'A_difference'!_" Gray flung aloft his hands in exaggerated despair. "Heaven help me! I am inspired; I have a flash of genius, a divineimpulse, and with a magic pass I work a miracle. I transform youfrom something somber, dark, morose, into a creature of life, ofpassion, of allurement. " He groaned. "And you stand there like astalagmite. Why, girl, _look_ at yourself!"

"Darned if she don't look like a pitcher I seen som'er's--on analmanac, " Gus declared. 

"Aha! A man with a soul! A human being who sees beauty where I seeit. An artist with my fire!" Gray burst into infectious laughter, and the others joined him. 

This proved to be an evening when people really did turn theirheads as the Briskows were shown to their table, but for onceAllie suffered no embarrassment, for she felt sure they werelooking at Calvin Gray, and in the shining glory of his presenceshe knew that she and her parents were invisible. 

It was the sort of situation in which Gray appeared to bestadvantage, so he talked incessantly during the meal, and in a keythat kept his companions unconscious of their surroundings. Ontheir way out they passed the entrance to the ballroom and pausedto look in. The beat of the music swayed Allie unconsciously;then, before she knew it, Gray's arm was around her waist and hewas guiding her out upon the floor. 

"Oh, n-no!" she gasped. She stumbled, but he drew her closer, saying:

"I'm proud of you, and I want you to show these people that youdance even better than you ride. "

Allie rose to the challenge. 

About midnight Calvin Gray strolled outdoors for a breath of freshair before retiring. He glowed with the consciousness of a worthydeed well done. He had come to the Notch expecting to spend onenight, but events of the last few hours had induced him to changehis plans, and he now made up his mind to stay several days. Hewas burning to be back in the oil fields, to be sure; every houraway from them was an hour wasted, and although he told himself itwas his feud that drew him, he knew better. As a matter of fact, when he thought of Texas it was of Wichita Falls, and when hevisualized the latter place it was to picture a cottage with thepaint off or a small office with the sign, "Tom and Bob Parker, Real Estate and Insurance. "

He had been eagerly, selfishly, counting the hours until hisreturn, but here, it seemed, was work to be done, a task that healone could accomplish, and his decision to remain had been madefinal when Allie Briskow told him with tremulous earnestness thathe had saved her life--when she confessed that she had intended tokill herself, and why. 

Naturally Gray had put no faith in that wild declaration, nevertheless it was plain that the girl--that all three Briskows--needed a friend to guide them. He sighed with resignation, butreflected that, inasmuch as he had put his hand to the plow, hemust turn the furrow. After all, he could well afford to spare aweek to put that girl on the road to happiness. 

CHAPTER XVI

From the day of their first meeting, Henry Nelson and Calvin Grayhad clashed. No two people could be more different in dispositionand temper, hence it was only natural that every characteristic, every action of the one should have aroused the other'santagonism. Nelson was a cool, selfish, calculating plodder withlittle imagination and less originality; he thought in grooves. His was a splendid type of mind for a banker. He had but one weakpoint--_viz_. , a villainous temper, a capacity for blind, vindictive rage--a weakness, truly, for a man who dealt in money--but a weakness that lent him a certain humanity and without whichhe would have been altogether too mechanical, too colorless, tooefficient. Nature seldom errs by making supermen. A drab man, inmany ways, Nelson was extraordinary mainly in this, that his mindfollowed straight, obvious channels, and that never, except underthe urge of extreme passion, did he depart from the strictlylogical line of action. In this, of course, he was superior to theaverage person, who too frequently undertakes the unusual. CalvinGray's ebullience, his dash, his magnificence of demeanor, couldbe nothing less than an affront to such a man; Nelson could see inhim only a pompous braggart, an empty, arrogant strutter. 

Age and easy success had not improved the banker's apoplectic turnof mind, hence Gray's defiant declaration of war, his impudentassurance that the recent misfortunes to the house of Nelson werethe direct results of his own deliberate efforts, had provenalmost unendurable. In the first place, Nelson could not imagine aman making such a declaration; it was new to his entire experience andcontrary to his code. It was unconservative, therefore itstaggered him. It was, in fact, a phenomenon so unique as to leavehim numb. He told himself that it must have been the act of amadman or a fool. Under no circumstances could he conceive ofhimself warning an enemy of his intentions; on the contrary, whenhe undertook to crush a rival he went about it slyly, secretly, inthe only regular and proper way. As a matter of fact, it had comeas a disagreeable surprise to learn that his former comrade atarms cherished any resentment whatever toward him, for he hadthought his tracks were well covered. 

What left the banker actually gasping, however, that which he cameback to with unfailing astonishment, was Gray's effrontery incoming to Wichita Falls to boast of his accomplishments. Thatbespoke such contempt, such supreme self-confidence in his abilityto wreak further damage, that Nelson wanted to shout aloud hisrage and his defiance. 

Following the departure of his two callers on that day of themeeting in the bank, Nelson closed his desk and went home. Hecould work no more. For several days thereafter he was anunpleasant person to do business with. 

On mature consideration, what amazed him as much as anything elsewas the fact that Gray had made good in so short a time and insuch a big way. Evidently, however, it was only another story of alucky break and an overnight fortune--a common occurrence thesedays. But it was doubly unfortunate under the circumstances, foralready Nelson was carrying a load equal to his strength, and hetold himself that he could not afford to be distracted, eventemporarily, by the irresponsible actions of a maniac. One nevercould tell what a madman would do. And Gray had confessed himselfa madman--a fanatic of the most dangerous type. There was but onecourse of action open--viz. , to eliminate him, destroy him withoutdelay. That was no easy task, even in these lawless times, but thestakes were too high to permit of half measures. There must be a way. 

One would have to be careful, of course, not to put oneself toomuch in the power of unscrupulous people, and, alas! the world wasfull of unscrupulous people. It was a pity that people could be sounscrupulous as to take advantage of a bargain made in good faith. That was blackmail. However, the prestige of the Nelson name wasgreat, the power of its money was potent, and Henry believed thathe could protect himself from eventualities. After cautiousdeliberation he sent word to one of his men in the Ranger fieldthat he wished to see him. 

The man came promptly, and when he left Henry Nelson's house aftera conference he carried with him a perfectly clear idea why he hadbeen sent for. This despite the fact that he had not been told inso many words. He knew, for instance, that a certain Calvin Grayhad become a menace to his employers, so dangerous that it wasworth to them a substantial fortune to be rid of him, and thatwhile Henry Nelson could under no circumstances countenanceanything illegal, anything savoring of violence, nevertheless ifsome accident should befall Gray, if some act of God should put anend to him, there would be no disposition on Henry's part toquestion the divine origin of that calamity. Furthermore, thespeaker had made it plain that if Providence did take a hand insome such mysterious manner, he would then be in a position amplyto reward his employee for many acts of loyalty that hadapparently passed unrecognized. For instance, profitable dealswere forever coming up, new acreage was constantly being acquired, and it would be easy to carry a third party for an interest whichwas bound to make that third party rich. 

All this was expressed with admirable vagueness, but the manunderstood. 

So much accomplished, Nelson went to Dallas and there undertook tolearn something about the size of Calvin Gray's profits, who wasbehind him and the extent of their backing, and what hisprospects were. He followed every avenue of information; he evenwent so far as to hire an investigator and send him north to lookup Gray's record and to follow his tracks as far back as possible. Nelson was reconnoitering behind the enemy's lines and testing thestrength of his position. 

When he returned home Gray was gone, whither he could not learn. As the days passed without further developments, Nelson began tobelieve that he had had a bad dream and that Gray had merely beentalking to hear his own voice. He devoutly hoped that such wouldprove to be the case. 

A time came, however, when his apprehensions were roused afresh, and it was Barbara Parker who rekindled them. She had come to thebank with an excellent proposition and was doing her best to sellit; in the course of her conversation she referred to Gray in amanner that gave Nelson cause for thought. 

"I've looked this lease over, " "Bob" was saying, "and I've seenthe books. It has been producing a hundred and fifty barrels a daysteadily. Production like that is cheap at a thousand dollars abarrel. It is worth a hundred and fifty thousand dollars, Henry. "

"Why is it offered for seventy-five?"

"Bob" shrugged. "How did a 'boll weevil' like this Jackson evermake even a hundred-and-fifty-barrel well, in the first place?Where did he get the money to drill? He is sick of the game, Isuppose, and would be satisfied to get his money back with areasonable profit. It is a find, really. "

"Looks so, for a fact. How did you get on to it, 'Bob'?"

"Purely by chance. Through a man named Mallow, a 'scientist' ofsome sort with a magic tester. " The girl laughed. 

"Don't know him. "

"Mallow is as queer as the rest of his kind, and I put no faith inhis story until I investigated. But the well is there and doing ahundred and fifty barrels as regular as clockwork. "

"You'll have no trouble in selling it. "

"Then you're not interested?"

"Interested? Yes, indeed. " Nelson nodded. "I'm quite excited, as amatter of fact, but--I can't handle it at this particular time. "

"Frankly, I'm glad you can't, " Barbara told him, "for now I cansell it to Mr. Gray. "

"Gray?" Henry looked up quickly. "If you wanted it for him, whydid you bring it to me?"

"Because Mr. Mallow insisted. He felt sure you'd jump at it. Besides, Mr. Gray is away and prompt action is necessary. I'llwire him at once and ask him to accept my judgment. "

"Will he do so?"

The girl colored faintly at the tone of this inquiry. "Perhaps. Ithink he believes in me, and--that's more than you do. It's mightyflattering to a girl to have a man like Mr. Gray believe in her. Why, I am practically his agent! He buys and sells through mewhenever he can. "

"He's buying and selling, is he? He said something about enteringthis field in a big way--"

"He's in. " "Bob's" eyes were sparkling. "Oh, things are looking upfor dad and me. Mr. Gray is a real miracle man, isn't he?" Whenthis question evoked no response, the girl inquired, curiously, "Tell me, are you and he such good friends as he says you are?"

"Does he say we are good friends?"

"Um-m--well, he speaks admiringly of you, and if people admire meI _love_ them. He thinks you are a remarkably capable person. 'Adetermined fighter, ' I think he called you. That should be highpraise, coming from a fellow officer. He probably outlined hisplans to you. "

"He did. " Nelson spoke dryly. 

"I assumed that he was relying on your judgment and taking yourtips. " "Why? How so?"

"Because he has bought so much land alongside of yours. "

"Where?"

Barbara was surprised. "I--why, I supposed you knew!" After amoment of hesitation she said: "I think I'd better keep my mouthclosed. Just the same, he couldn't have done better than to followyour lead. That is the first compliment I ever paid you, Henry. "

"I've paid you enough. And I do believe in you, 'Bob, ' but I'm notthe flattering kind. He's a great ladies' man. I wonder if he isgoing to make me jealous. "

"You? Jealous? Coming from Wichita's most emotionless banker, fromthe cold county Croesus, that speech is almost a--a declaration. "Miss Parker laughed frankly. "Why, Henry! My haughty little noseis turning up--I can feel it. But, alas! it proves yourinsincerity. If you had faith in my judgment you'd pick up thissnap. "

With some hesitation the man said: "We're in deep, 'Bob. ' Awfullydeep! And things haven't gone as well as they should, lately. It'stemporary, of course, but it would require an extraordinary effortat this time to take on anything new. That's the worst of this oilgame, it takes so much money to protect your holdings. It doesn'tpay to prospect land for the benefit of your neighbor; the risksare too great. Gray has been pretty attentive to you, hasn't he?"

"That's a part of the man; he is attentive to everybody. I havereceived more candy and flowers and delightful little surprisesthan in all my short, neglected life. "

"I didn't know you liked candy. "

"I don't. But I adore getting it. The thought counts. I don't caremuch for canaries, either--I have such bad luck with them--but hesent me the dearest thing from New York. A tiny mechanical birdwith actual feathers. And it sings! It is a really, truly yellowcanary in a beautiful gold cage, and when you press a spring itperks its head, opens its beak, flirts its tail, and utters the mostangelic song. It must have cost a fortune. Couldn't you _love_ aman who would think of a present like that?"

"Hm-m! Could _you_?"

"Oh, I'm joking, of course, " "Bob" said, seriously. "We are merelybusiness associates, Mr. Gray and I, but he has the faculty oftaking his personality into his business, and that's why I know heis bound to make a great success. "

"Some day, " Nelson said, with an effort at lightness, "when wehave finished with this infernal oil excitement and the fever hassubsided, perhaps I'll have a chance to--well, to play ladies'man. It won't last long--"

"I'm sure it won't, " laughed the girl. "You'd never make a go ofit, Henry. "

"I mean this boom won't last. These fools think it will, but itwon't. While it does last, we busy men have no time for anythingelse, no chance to think of anything, no room in our minds--" Thespeaker stared gloomily into space. He shook his head. "When afellow is worried about important matters, he neglects the little;things. "

"To me that is the tragedy of this oil excitement. It devourseverything fine in us. I wonder if the 'little things' of lifearen't, after all, the most important. Mind you, I'm not hinting--I don't want your attentions--I wouldn't have time for them, anyhow, for I'm just as feverish as anybody else. But in the midstof all these new concerns, these sudden millions, this overnightsuccess, our ambitious schemes, we are forgetting the things thatreally count. Gentleness, courtesy, love, home, children: they'repretty big, Henry. Candy and roses and yellow canaries, too. But"--the speaker rose, briskly--"I didn't come here to talk aboutthem; I came here to sell you an oil well. Sorry you can't takeit. "

When she had gone Nelson sat in a frowning study for some time. So, it was not all a bad dream. What could be Gray's object inbuying acreage adjoining his? Was it faith in his, Nelson's, judgment, a desire to ride to success on the tail of his enemy'skite, or did it mean a war of offsets, drilling operations theinstant a well came in? More likely the latter, if the maniacreally meant what he had said. That promised to be an expensiveand a hazardous undertaking on Gray's part; that was playing thegame on a scale too big for the fellow's limited resources, andyet--it might be well to study the maps. Yes, and it was likeGray's effrontery to pay deliberate court to "Bob" Parker, knowinghis rival's feelings toward the girl. Another insult! The upstartcertainly possessed an uncanny dexterity in pricking armor joints. But what if Gray were in earnest? "Bob" had become a wonderfullydesirable creature, she was the most attractive girl in WichitaFalls--

It was a thought that had not previously presented itself to HenryWilson, and it disturbed him now. He was glad, indeed, that he hadsent to Ranger for that field man. 

In and around the office of McWade & Stoner these were busy days, what with a couple of new wildcat promotions and a well going downon semiproven ground--that lease which cornered into the Nelsonholdings, and to which Stoner had called attention. It had beeneasy to sell stock in the latter enterprise, and now the deeperwent the hole, the higher rose the hopes of the promoters. Stonerhimself was directing operations, and he had named the well"Avenger Number One. "

To-day he and his partner had been listening to Mallow, whoconcluded an earnest discourse with these words:

"Nelson and her are pardners in one deal and he's stuck on her. Ifanybody can put it over, she's the one. "

"If he buys that well it'll be the biggest laugh this town everhad, " McWade declared. 

"Buy it? A hundred and fifty barrels in the heart of settledproduction for seventy-five thousand? I bet he'll buy it. "

"Think the boss will stand for that kind of a deal?"

"Why not? They can't hang it on him, and Heaven knows I'm honest. "

"He said 'nothing crooked'--"

Mallow snorted. "Say, I bet you believe in Santa Claus! Gray's agreat man, and what makes him great is that he does his owncrooked work. "

Stoner was inclined to agree with Mallow's measure of theirassociate. "That's how I got him figgered. His honesty talk didn'tgo far with me, and I don't believe he'll kick at anything. He'swilling to pay any price to break this banker, but you can'tbankrupt a feller unless you rip his coin loose; you can't _ask_him to please loosen. If we make a well of the Avenger we'll forcehim to shoot maybe a hundred thousand right away, and that maycramp him for a while; but suppose he makes the turn and hits itlike we do? We've made him that much stronger, haven't we? Grayplans to keep him spending faster than he can get it in, andthat's all right--if it works, but if Mallow can bilk him forseventy-five thousand at one fell swipe--Well, I'll bet my bestgold tooth that the boss will stand the shock like a man. "

"I think you've both got Gray all wrong, " said McWade. "He's toosmart to be crooked. "

This was a statement so absurd that Mallow proceeded to riddle it. It was, upon its face, a contradiction, for none but smart mencould be crooked, and the laws of logic proved the converse to beequally true. 

Stoner sat in frowning silence while the argument raged, but hebroke in finally: "I've always wanted to pull a real salting job, just to show how easy it is to gyp the cagy ones--not an oil-canjob like this, but something big. This looks like the piscologicalmoment. "

"Lay off, I tell you!" McWade cried. "We're a legitimate firm, 'solid as Gibraltar and safe as a church. ' That's our motto, andwe've got to live up to it. I came into Wichita on the roof of aPullman; I'm going out in a drawing-room. Me and sin arestrangers. " "Nothing sinful about my idea, Mac. One fall or twowon't break Nelson; we've got to spill him hard. If we can pick upa few pennies ourselves in the process, why, that's legitimate. The dealer is entitled to his percentage, ain't he? Now listen. Everybody's getting set for a big play over in Arkansas, as youknow--salting away cheap acreage and waiting for some of thewildcats to come in. Well, last year I had a tool dresser from upthere; nice boy, but he got pneumonia and it turned into the'con, ' so I took him home. He's back on his farm now, coughing hislife away and doing a little bootleggin' to keep body and coughtogether. He's got a big place, but it's all run down and so pooryou couldn't raise a dust on it with a bellows. It would be aChristian act to help him sell that goat pasture for enough to goto some nice warm country where he'd get well and they couldn'textradite him. "

"Of course, if you've got a scheme that is perfectly safe, " McWadeventured, charitably, "and our bit was worth it--"

"I been thinking we might help the boy sell that farm to Nelson. "

"How?"

Mallow, too, was curious. "Nelson's lungs are healthy; he wouldn'tcough a nickel unless the place had oil on it. "

"I meant to tell you it's got oil on it. Best indications I eversaw. There's a drinking well, only the water ain't fit to drinktill you skim off the 'rainbow. ' Then there's a wonderful seepageinto the creek. You can see the oil oozing out from under thebank, in one place. Certainly is pretty. "

Stoner's hearers were intent; they exchanged puzzled glances. 

Mallow was the first to speak. "Come on. What's the joker? I ain'tsaying you'd murder the guy for that farm, but if it's as good asthat he'd of died of the plague or something, and left it to youlong before this. "

"In a way, I'm getting ahead of my story, " Stoner continued, imperturbably. "The oil ain't actually visible, but it will be if, when, and as, Henry Nelson gets ready to buy it. "

"Easy enough to pour oil into a water well, I suppose, but thatwouldn't fool a child. As for salting _running_ water, a creek--show me. "

"There's a lot for you to learn in this business, Mallow. Thepoint is, can we lay Nelson against a bunch of acreage like that?"

"You could lay _me_ against it if it looks like you say it does, "McWade declared. 

"This bootlegger, being half dead and non compost mentis, wouldhelp put it over with a man like Nelson; he'd set him in a draughtwhile he was signing the option. I'll guarantee the seepage tolast for a month, even if he has the well bailed out every day, and the creek will carry oil for half a mile. "

"Would your one-lunged friend know how to play in?"

"_Would_ he? It was his idea, and all that kept us off of it lastyear was the fact that the oil would have to be hauled aboutthirty miles, and we didn't have the price between us to hire atruck. "

For some time the trio discussed the various angles of Stoner'sproposition, endeavoring if possible to devise some natural way ofintriguing the interest of Henry Nelson. On this score McWade hadfewer apprehensions than did his companions, his contention beingthat it mattered not how the matter was brought to the banker'sattention so long as the property would stand investigation. Nelson was bound to be suspicious, anyhow, and a sale dependedentirely upon the character of the oil showing. McWade's coolnesstoward the enterprise, it transpired, was occasioned not by aloftier sense of rectitude than his associates displayed, but bylingering doubts as to the profits involved. 

Not until Brick declared that his tubercular friend would accedeto any arrangement he saw fit to make did the junior partner fallin with the proposal. "If it's a fair, square deal all around, I'm for it, "the latter finally agreed. "But we can't afford to have any guy squawkingthat we did him up--especially if he's only got one lung to holler with. We're a legitimate firm, and we've got to treat our clients right. Ithink a fifty-fifty split would be reasonable. "

Stoner, too, thought that would be about right, and so it wasleft. 

Mallow was highly enthusiastic. "This will be a great surprise toGray, " he said, with animation. "It's mighty lucky he's got a ganglike us to help him. "

CHAPTER XVII

To learn that her mountain retreat had been invaded and that shehad been spied upon filled Ma Briskow with dismay, but when Alliefound fault with her behavior the elder woman burned withresentment. 

"We're queer enough, " the girl said, "without you cutting up crazyand making folks talk. If you want to dance, for goodness' sakehire somebody to lear--to teach you, same as I did. "

Mrs. Briskow had silently endured her daughter's criticism up tothis point, but now her lips tightened and there was a defianttilt to her head. 

"Who says I want to dance?" she demanded. "I can dance goodenough. "

"What was you up to the other day? That Delamater man said you wasacting plumb nutty. "

"I wasn't doin' anything. "

"Where do you go every day, Ma? You stay around nice and quiettill Miz' Ring or I look the other way, then--you're gone. "

"I kinda--visit around. "

"Who d'you visit with? You don't know anybody. Nobody ever speaksto us. You ain't in earnest about those fairies and things, areyou?"

"It ain't anybody's business where I go or what I do, " Madeclared, in sullen exasperation. "I ain't bothering anybody, amI?"

"Don't say 'ain't, ' say 'isn't. '"

For once in her patient life the mother flamed into openrebellion. "Don't 'don't' me!" she cried. "You're gettin' the'don't' habit off Miz' Ring an' nothin' I say or do is right anymore. You mind your own 'isn'ts' an' I'll handle my 'ain'ts. ' I gotplaces where I go an' things I do an' I don't bother nobody. I guesswe got enough money so I can do things I want to, as long as I don'tbother nobody. "

"Why don't you take Pa along? He'd go, then people--"

"Mind your own business!" the old woman snapped. She flounced outof the room, leaving Allie amazed and indignant at this burst oftemper. 

That day Ma Briskow abandoned her mountain fastness. She took herfaithful retainers with her and led them farther up the ravine toa retreat that was truly inaccessible. She moved them, bag andbaggage. Of course, there was a scene; the children cried, thewomen wailed, the men wept. But she told them that traitors hadbetrayed their hiding place to the dastardly Duke of Dallas, andany moment might bring his cutthroat crew upon them. Some of theyounger bloods were for remaining and selling their lives dearly, but Ma would not hear to it. 

It was quite an undertaking to move a whole nomad tribe, for therewere all the household belongings, the rattle, the sheep, thegoats, the milk-white Arabian steeds, the butter and eggs andhomemade preserves, and all the paraphernalia of a warlike people. It is surprising how stuff accumulates in a mountain fastness. Butshe managed the retreat with conspicuous ability. Ma led the longcaravan into the bed of a running stream, so that there wouldremain not a single footprint to guide pursuers, then she sat inher saddle and gazed back at the silent camping place. 

Trap her, eh? Come upon her unprepared, would they? Ha! ha! Shelaughed scornfully and tossed her head of midnight hair as shepictured the duke's rage at finding he had been foiled again, andby a mere slip of a girl!

This was a good game and exciting, too. Fetch Pa Briskow along, indeed! Why, these wild mountain folk would kill him; in theirpresent mood they would rend a stranger hip from thigh. If they dreamed, for instance, that she, their queen, was married--

Here was a new thought, and Ma's imagination leaped at it. Ifthese passionate people suspected that she had contracted a secretmarriage with the--the Earl of Briskow, their jealousy would knowno bounds. They would probably slay Pa. Ma shuddered at the horridvision of what would happen to Pa. This was truly thrilling. 

Later on in the morning Mrs. Briskow discovered that she possessedanother amazing accomplishment--_viz_. , the ability to walk on aceiling, upside down, like a fly. It was extremely amusing, for itenabled a person to see right into everything. Pa and Allie lookedvery funny from above. 

The next day, when she stealthily slipped out of her Frenchwindow, she found Calvin Gray idly rocking on the veranda. Hewelcomed her appearance and pretended not to see her embarrassmentat the meeting; he was glad of this chance for a visit with heralone. Perhaps she was going for a walk and would take him along?

Ma was annoyed and suspicious. She liked Gray, but--she was aswary as a trout and she refused to be baited. She would allow himto walk with her--but lead him to the retreat? Well, hardly. 

The man was piqued, for suspicion irked him. It was a tribute tohis patience and to his knack of inspiring confidence that Mafinally told him about Allie's criticism and her resentmentthereat. 

"I got my own way of enjoyin' myself, an' I don't care what peoplethink, " she declared, with some heat. 

"Quite right. It's none of their darned business, Ma. "

"She thinks I'm kind of crazy an'--I guess I am. But it comes fromlivin' so long in the heat an' the drought an' allus wantin'things I couldn't have--allus bein' sort of thirsty in the head. When you want things all your life an' never have 'em, you get soyou _play_ you've got 'em. "

The man nodded. "You had a hard time. Your life was starved. I'mso glad the money came in time. " "You see, I never had time toplay, or a good place to play in, even when I was a little girl. But this is like--like books I've read. "

"Are these mountains what you thought they would be?"

"Oh, they're better!" Ma breathed. "It's too bad Allie's got tospoil ever'thing. "

"I shall speak to her. We won't let her spoil anything. Now tellme how you play. "

But Ma flushed faintly, and for some time longer she refused herconfidence. It didn't matter; it was all an old woman'sfoolishness; nobody would understand. Gray was not insistent;nevertheless, before long they were on their way toward the glen. 

It was a glorious morning, the forest was beautiful, and as thetwo strolled through it Ma's companion told her many things abouttrees and flowers and birds and bees that she had never dreamedof. Now Gray's natural history was shockingly inaccurate, nevertheless it was interesting, and it was told in a manner bothwhimsical and sprightly. He made up outrageous stories, and hetook no shame in seriously recounting experiences of his own thatMa knew were wholly imaginary. She told him, finally:

"Sakes alive! You're as crazy as I am. "

This he denied with spirit. Forests were enchanted places, andtrolls dwelt in the mountains. There was no question about that;most people never took time to see them, that was all. Now as forhim, he had actually beheld naiads and dryads, nixies and pixies, at play--at least he had practically been upon the point of seeingthem. Ma, herself, must have come across places they had justleft, but probably she had lacked the patience to await theirreturn or the faith to woo them into being. There were littlewoods people, too, no bigger than your thumb, whose drinkinggoblets were acorn cups, and whose plates were shiny leaves. Heshowed her how to set a fairy tablecloth with her handkerchief andwith toadstools for seats. 

In a reckless burst of confidence Ma told him how it felt towalk upside down, like a fly, and to go bounding through the woodslike a thistledown. Gray had never tried it, but he wasinterested. 

Then, finally, alas! the inconsistency of woman! she told him allabout her hidden band of mountaineers. 

Now this was something he _could_ understand. This was more hisspeed. He insisted upon making the personal acquaintance of thosebold followers of hers and upon hearing the whole sad story of thePrincess Pensacola. The history of her struggle against the wickedDuke of Dallas moved him; he wove new details of his own into it, and before Ma knew it he was actually playing the part of theduke. 

The duke, it appeared, was a hard and haughty man, but at heart hewas not all bad; when he had listened to the story of his victim'swrongs and more fully appreciated the courage, the devotion of herdoughty followers, he was touched. For her sake, and theirs, heproposed a truce to this ruinous struggle. What kind of a truce?Well, he refused entirely to renounce his claim to the throne, but--they might share it. He was a handsome man and no wickederthan the general run of dukes; he would make a becoming husband tothe beauteous princess, and if she set her mind to it she couldprobably make a better person of him. Thus would the warringfactions be united, thus would the blessings of peace descend--

But the princess raised her slim, jeweled hand, and spoke thus:"Too late, Your Honor! I been married to His Royal Highness theEarl of Briskow, and it serves you right the way you done both ofus. "

The duke fell into a great rage at this. He refused to believe it, and threatened to annul the marriage. 

"Oh, you can't do that, " tittered the princess. "We was married bythe Royal Justice of the Peace and--we got two children. "

Here _was_ a blow! The duke was crushed, until a happy thoughtcame to him. If cruel fate prevented him from claiming thePrincess Pensacola for a bride he would take her for a mother. Hehad always wanted a mother, anyhow; lack of maternal care it wasthat accounted for his wildness--it was enough to ruin any duke--and mothers were much nicer than wives. They were much harder toget, also. 

"Lord! I wish you meant it!" Ma exclaimed, in a matter-of-facttone. "I wish Allie was a real princess. Mebbe--"

Gray broke in with a laugh. "There! You've spoiled the play. Theduke has fled. "

Mrs. Briskow's wrinkled face beamed. "Think of a gre't big manlike you playin' 'pretend' with a foolish old woman like me! Ithought you had more sense. "

"I live in my own land of 'pretend, ' just as you do. Why, I have areal princess of my own. "

"Honest?"

Gray nodded. "The Princess of Wichita Falls. Would you like tohear about her? Well, she's small and dainty, as princesses shouldbe, and her eyes are like bluebells, Ma. They are brave, honesteyes that can laugh or cry--the sort of eyes that make a man'shead swim when he looks into them too long. She carries herselflike a great lady, and she's very cool and business--I meanprincess-like, to men. But in reality she's just an adorablefeminine creature who wants to be loved. When she laughs two deepdimples come into her cheeks--marks of royal favor. Some peoplemay consider her too stern, too matter-of-fact, but she isn't; inher boudoir there is scent and sachet and frilly, ribbony thingsthat nobody ever sees. And flowers from me. She loves roses bestof all and she says she buries her face in them. I send her roses, mostly, so they can kiss her cheeks for me. A tiny yellow lovebird in a tiny yellow cage sings her awake every morning. I taughtit the song it warbles, but--she'll never understand what thelittle bird is trying to say. "

Ma Briskow had listened with rapt attention. Now, she inquired, "Does she love you?"

"Didn't I tell you this was my game of pretense?" Gray said, gayly. "Do you really think that an adorable creature whose headis full of girlish notions and youthful ideals could care for theworldly, wicked old Duke of Dallas? I am old, Ma, and I've gonethe gait. "

"Pshaw! You ain't any such thing. "

"Well, perhaps I'm a better lover than I believe. Who knows?Fortunately, however, it is all just an amusing game. " The speakerrose and looked at his watch. "It is lunch time, Mother Briskow, and I'm famished. "

As the two entered the hotel grounds, Gus and Allie hurried tomeet them, and the latter exclaimed, irritably: "It's about timeyou showed up. We've been looking everywhere for you. "

At sight of her husband's face Ma inquired, in sudden anxiety, "What's wrong, Gus?"

"It's Buddy, " Allie declared. 

"'Tain't serious, " Briskow said. "And it is, too. He's leftschool--run away! Here, Mr. Gray, see what you make out of it. "

Gray read aloud the letter that was handed to him, a letter from theprincipal of the institution that he himself had recommended, statingthat Ozark had disappeared without doing the college authorities thecourtesy of leaving an address. Inasmuch as he had never expressed theslightest dissatisfaction with his surroundings, the writer was at aloss to explain the reason for this disappearance. As to Ozark'ssafety, there was no immediate cause for apprehension, for he hadtaken with him three trunks of clothing, a high-powered touring car, and a Belgian police dog; but certain of the young man's exploits thathad come to light since his departure aroused grave doubts in theprincipal's mind of his moral well-being. 

"What's it mean?" the mother inquired. 

"It means that Buddy has taken a vacation. How much money has he?"

"He's got plenty, " Gus declared. "More 'n is good for him if--"

"If what?" Ma queried. 

Gus halted; it was Allie who answered: "If he's done what we thinkhe's done--gone away after some woman. "

"Some _woman_?" Ma stared blankly from one face to another. "Buddyin love? Why, he never wrote me nothing about bein' in love. "Reading a further message in her husband's expression, she cried, fiercely: "He's a good boy. He wouldn't take up with--with nobodythat wasn't nice. What makes you think it's a girl?"

"I didn't say 'girl, ' Ma, I said '_woman_. ' Buddy's been writin'to me and--"

"What's the difference? Mebbe he's in love with some nice youngwoman an' they've run away to git married. Buddy's han'some, andthey got nice women everywhere--"

"_Love_? With all his money? And him only up to fractions?"Allegheny laughed scornfully. 

Gus Briskow wiped his face with a nervous hand. "I'm 'most sickover it, " he confessed. "The perfessor has written me a couplatimes about him. Buddy's gone kinda wild, I guess, drinkin' an'--"

"Drinking?" Gray interrupted, sharply. "Why didn't you tell me?So, you gave him unlimited money, in spite of my warning?"

"He wanted his own bank account; his share of the royalties. Madehim feel more like a man, he said. I--I never learned how to say'no' to him or Allie. Ma an' I allus said 'no' to each other, butit was allus 'yes' to them. We never had much to give 'em, noway. "

"Drinking, eh?" Gray was frowning. "The woman part I don't care somuch about--he'll probably get over that if it isn't too serious. But whisky! That's different. I'm responsible for that boy; in amanner of speaking, I adopted him because--well, because heflattered me by pretending to admire me. It was a uniqueexperience. I took Buddy for my own. Will you let me handle thismatter?" The speaker looked from one parent to the other, and theysaw that his face was grimly set. "Give me my way and I'll bringthat young rascal to time or--" He shrugged, he smiled faintly. "Give me permission to treat him as if he really were my own, willyou?"

"You got my leave, " said the father; but Ma Briskow bristled. 

"Don't you dast to hurt him, " she cried. 

Again Gray shrugged, this time with resignation. "As you will. Iwas wild, myself; I think I know what he needs. "

"You can't beat anything into Buddy's head. " It was Alliespeaking. "After all, he's grown up, and what right has anybodygot to interfere with him? S'pose it _is_ a woman? S'pose she _is_after his money? It's his. Men can get what they want by payin'for it. An hour, a day, a week of happiness! Ain't that worth allBuddy 'll have to pay? I'd pay. I'd go through torture the rest ofmy life--"

"_Allegheny Briskow!_" the mother exclaimed. 

"Well, I would. " The girl's voice broke, a sudden agitation seizedher; in passionate defiance she went on: "What's the use ofwanting something all your life and never getting it? What's moneyfor if you can't buy the one thing you want worst of all? That'swhere men have got the best of it; they can buy love. I wish I wasa man; I wish I was Buddy! I'd have my day, my week--and as muchmore as I could pay for. I'd have happiness that long if it brokemy heart. But I'm a _girl_!"

It was with a sudden interest that Gray studied the speaker. Herewas a side to the Briskow character that he had not suspected, andit gave him a new light upon Buddy, for brother and sister weremuch alike; it showed him more clearly the size of the task he hadvolunteered to undertake. He heard the father speaking, andreluctantly withdrew his eyes from Allie's flaming face. 

"He likes you, Mr. Gray, an' mebbe you could keep him fromspoilin' his hull life. That's what he's liable to do an'--I'mskeered. He wouldn't listen to me. Boys don't listen to theirfathers. "

"I'll find him, Gus, and I'll make him listen to me. If it is drink, I'll break him of it. If it is a woman--I'll break him of that, too, for it can't be more than a passing fancy. " Noting the tragic concernthat wrinkled Ma Briskow's. Face, he put an arm about her, saying moregently: "Now, now! I won't deny you the luxury of worrying, Madear. That is a mother's divine prerogative, but rest assured Buddysha'n't do himself any great harm. Now then, let's get to along-distance phone. "

It was perhaps two hours before Gray reported to Gus Briskow:"They don't know much more at the school than was written in thatletter. He has been going a rather lively pace lately, it seems. "

"Did you find out anything about the--the woman?"

"Nothing definite. I have put detectives on the case, and theywill report to me at Wichita Falls. As soon as they uncover histrail, I'll go to Buddy at once. "

"You goin' to leave us?"

"I must. I've just received a telegram from my--my agent. Aboutthe purchase of a well. It is a matter that can't wait. "

"I can't thank you for all you done for us. We was in bad shapetill you come. Now--"

"Now everything is straight again. That's my job, Gus--to dolittle odd favors for those I love. You must stay here, for Ma ishappy, and this place is making a girl of her. Allie is doingwonders with herself, too. By the way, she needn't be lonely anymore; I've talked to some of the guests, and they want to makefriends with her. She'll find them nice people, and you must makeher meet them halfway. Perhaps she'll become interested in somedecent young fellow. I'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"Would ye?"

The tone of this inquiry caused Gray to glance more keenly at thespeaker, but Briskow's bright eyes told him nothing. 

"Why, naturally. Allie is becoming more attractive every day, andshe is going to make something of herself. She is going to 'do usall proud. '"

As soon as he was alone Gray eagerly reread his telegram fromWichita Falls. It was from Barbara Parker--the first, by the way, that he had ever received--and he smiled at the girl's effort tobe thoroughly businesslike, and at the same time to convey thefull urgency of her message. Why had she economized on words whenevery one was precious to him? Buy that well? Of course he would, if she so earnestly desired it. But what was better by far thanthe prospect of a profitable purchase was the fact of her personalinterest in him. When it came to the last line of her message, "Bob" had plunged into a ten-word riot of extravagance. 

"The bird is darling. I have named him after you. "

Gray wondered if these words really meant what they seemed toimply, or if it was merely her bubbling, enthusiasm that spoke. Well, he would soon find out. Already he had wasted too much timeon the Briskows--a man's duty ever lies in the way of his desire--but once he had rounded up Buddy perhaps the family would be ableto take care of itself. He hoped so, for it was assuming thecharacter of a liability. 

It was late that night. The southbound flyer had gone through. TheBriskows were sitting in the pleasant parlor of their handsomesuite, but they were like three mourners. Ma and Pa were soberlydiscussing the news about Buddy, Allegheny was staring in sombermeditation at nothing. The girl was bitter, rebellious, for neverhad she felt so utterly alone as at this moment. To that questionwhich monotonously repeated itself, she could form no answer. Didhe care, or was it all pity--just his way?

She heard his name and her own mentioned, and she becameattentive. "What's that? He wants me to meet these peoplehalfway?" she inquired. "What for? I don't like 'em. "

"He says you'll git to like 'em, an' they'll git to like you. Hesays you're goin' ahead tremendous, and we'll all be proud of you. Mebbe you'll meet some nice young feller--"

"He said that, did he?" Allie's voice was sharp. 

"N-not exactly, but--"

"He asked 'em to be nice to me--he fixed it all up. Is that it? Igot lots of money; some man 'll make love to me and I'll--I'llfall in love with him. Is that what he said?"

"He didn't put it that way. What he said was more--"

Allegheny rose with an exclamation of anger. "Well, I won't meet'em. He'd better mind his own business. "

"Why, _Allie_!" the mother exclaimed, in mild reproach. 

"I won't! I hate 'em. I hate everybody. Him, with his high an'fancy ways--" the girl choked. "He looks down on us the same asother folks does, an' I don't blame him. He acts like we wascattle, an' we are. " Her own scorn appeared to whip the speakerinto a higher frenzy. "Now he's gone off to spoil Buddy's doin's. Buttin' in, that's what it is. If I knew where Buddy is, I'd warnhim. I'd tell him to look out. I'd tell him to grab his chancewhen it comes along, if it takes all the Briskow money, all theBriskow wells. He's lucky, Buddy is. It don't make any difference_who_ he took up with, if he loves her. "

Never but once before had the Briskows seen their daughter in amood like this, and that was on the occasion of their first visitto Dallas. Now they sat numb and speechless as she raved on:

"Playin' with us to amuse himself! It's a game with him. He 'ain'tgot anything better to do. Why, he even shows us how to dress!'With a touch, ' he says, 'I work miracles. I transfer--transformyou from something dark an'--an' common into a thing of passion. '_Passion!_ What the hell does he know about passion? He's adoctor, he is, cuttin' up a live dog to see what ails it. A livedog that's tied down! Cuttin' it up--Oh, my God, I wish I wasBuddy!" It was several moments after the door of Allie's room hadslammed behind her before Gus Briskow spoke, and then it was witha deep sigh. 

"I been afraid of something like this, Ma. I reckon we're goin' topay dear for our money before we get through. "

"An' him with a princess in Wichita Falls!" the mother quavered. 

CHAPTER XVIII

There are many arguments against industry; much is to be saidagainst its wholesale practice. For one thing, habitual diligence, of whatever sort, begets other habits hard to break, habits thatpersist in plaguing a man during his periods of indolence andperhaps during his whole life. Early rising is one of the mostannoying of these habits. While it cannot be said that Tom Parkerhad ever labored arduously at anything, nevertheless he hadfollowed his calling faithfully, and the peculiar exigencies ofthat calling had made of him a light and fitful sleeper. He had sooften used the earth as a mattress and his saddle as a pillow, that sunup invariably roused him, and as a consequence he liked totell people that he could do with less sleep than any man inTexas. That was, in fact, one of his pet complaints. 

It was true that Old Tom never slept long, but it was also truethat he slept oftener than any man in Texas. He was up and dressedby daylight, and until breakfast time he engaged himself inpurposeless and noisy pursuits. This futile energy, however, diminished steadily until about nine-thirty, after which his daywas punctuated by a series of cat naps, as a broken sentence ispunctuated by dots and dashes. 

That small room at the rear of his office Barbara had cleared ofits dusty accumulations--of its saddles and saddle-bags, its rustyWinchesters, its old newspapers and disorderly files--and hadtransformed into a retreat for him. She had overcome his inherentprejudice against innovations of any sort by arguing gravely thatthe head of every firm should, nay must, have a private sanctum. 

Tom approved of the change after he became accustomed to it, forhe was subjected to fewer irritating distractions there thanelsewhere. Before long, in fact, he acquired the ability to dozeplacidly through almost any sort of business conference in theouter office. It was his practice to sleep from nine-thirty untileleven, when "Bob" fetched him a glass of orange juice with a"spike" in it. This refreshing beverage filled him with new energyto tackle the issues of the day, and thereupon began a routine asfixed as some religious ritual. First, he smacked his lips, thenhe cleared his throat loudly several times, after which his chaircreaked as he massaged his rheumatic leg. Promptly upon the countof twenty he emerged from the inner office, slamming the doorenergetically behind him. 

Whether "Bob" was alone or engaged with clients, Old Tom's air wasalways the same; it was that of a busy man weighted with graveresponsibilities. He frowned; he muttered, hurriedly:

"Got to see a man; back in an hour. Anybody calls, tell 'em towait. "

This took him to the front door, which he also slammed behind him--there being a certain force and determination to the sound of aslamming door. Then he limped down the street to Judge Halloran'soffice. The judge usually had the checkerboard out and set whenTom arrived. 

Afternoons passed in much the same manner, and night found Tom, ifnot actually exhausted from the unceasing grind, at leastpleasurably fatigued thereby and ready for an after-dinner doze. He considered himself seriously overworked. 

This morning "Bob" was alone at her desk when he came out, andsomething about her appearance caused the old warrior to looktwice. He was exactly on time, but the judge could wait. He was acranky old scoundrel anyhow, was Judge Halloran, and it would dohim good to cool his heels for a few minutes. Tom paused with hishand upon the door knob. 

"My goodness! son, you're all dressed up!" he said, as he noted"Bob's" crisp white dress, the rose upon her bosom, the floppy hatthat framed her face. "Church sociable som'er's?"

"No, dad. "

"What's going on?"

"Nothing in particular. "

"You certainly are sweet. " Tom's bleak, gray face softened, thensome vague regret peered forth from his eyes. "Certainly aresweet, but--"

"But what?" The girl smiled up at him. 

"Oh, I don't know--seems like you ain't quite the same boy youwas. You're changing lately, somehow. Getting more like yourmother every week. I like that, of course, " he said, quickly, "but--I'd like awful well to see you in your ranch clothes again. I bet you've clean forgot how to ride and rope and--"

"You know very well I haven't. I'm a little bit rusty, perhaps, but remember I'm a pretty busy girl these days. "

"I know. " Tom sighed. "I'm wore out, too. What d'you say we closeup the ol' factory and take a rest? Let's get us a couple ofbroncs and go up to the Territory for a spell. Used to be a lot ofwild turkeys in a place I know. It'd do us a lot of good. "

"Why, dad, we can't do that! And, besides, those turkeys werekilled out years ago. "

"Um-m! I s'pose so. Ain't much left to shoot at but tin cans, cometo think of it. " There was a pause. "I don't reckon you couldhan'le a six gun like you used to, 'Bob. '"

"You think not? Try me sometime and see, " said the girl. Apparently Tom believed there was no time like the present, for heslid his right hand under the left lapel of his coat, and when hebrought it away there was a large single-action Colt's revolver init--a massive weapon upon the mother-of-pearl handle plates ofwhich were carved two steers' heads. Those steers' heads Tom hadremoved from a gun belonging to a famous bad man, suddenlydeceased, and there was a story that went with them. 

"Now see here, " "Bob" protested, "one of these new policemen willpick you up some day. "

"Pshaw! Nobody wouldn't pick me up, just for totin' a gun, " theold man declared. With practiced fingers he extracted the shells, one by one. "I feel right naked without a six-shooter. I feel likeI'd cast a shoe, or something. "

"I wish you'd give up carrying it. "

"Lessee you do a few tricks, 'Bob'. Do the roll. Remember she don'tstand cocked. "

Miss Parker rose to her feet and took the weapon. She balanced itin her hand, then she spun it, rolled it, fanned it, went througha routine of lightninglike sleight-of-hand that Tom had taught herlong before. 

"Lessee you do a few shots, " her father urged, when she handed itback to him. 

"In _here_?"

"Sure! It's our shanty. Drive a few nails or--I'll tell you; killthat bear and save that tenderfoot's life. " Tom pointed to aWinchester calendar on the rear wall, which bore the lithographiclikeness of an enraged grizzly upon the point of helping himselfto a hunter. 

"Why, we'd have the whole town running in. "

"Go on, son. Make it speak. Bears is easy killed. "

"Nonsense. "

Reluctantly Tom reloaded his weapon and thrust it back into itsshoulder holster; regretfully he murmured: "Doggone! We never haveany more fun. " He turned toward the door. 

"Where are you going, dad?"

"I got to see a man; back in an hour. Anybody calls--"

"You know you won't be back in an hour. Where are you going?"

"I got to see--What is it?"

"Bob" hesitated. "I wish you'd stay here. I think Mr. Grayarrived this morning, and I expect him in. "

Tom decided that he had made Judge Halloran wait long enough. Heshould have been in the old rascal's king row by this time. So hesaid, briskly, "Wish I could, son, but I got to see a man. "

"Mr. Gray was here several times before he went away, but you werealways out. " When her father showed no inclination to tarry, Barbara spoke with more impatience than she had ever used towardhim. "I want him to meet you, dad, for he has come back on purposeto take up that Jackson well. If I devote all my time to business, it seems to me you could afford to sacrifice an hour to it, justthis once. That checker game can wait. "

Tom Parker stiffened. Sacrifice an hour to business, just once!That _was_ a blow. As if his nose was not at the grindstone day inand day out! As if he were not practically chained to this office!As if unremitting application to business had not wrecked him--worn him to the bone--made an insomniac of him! That was the worstabout children, boys especially; they twitted their elders; theythought they were the whole works; they assumed undue importance. Tom was offended, and, being a stubborn man, he bowed his back. 

"Tell him to wait, " he said, curtly. "I'll get around to it soonas I can. "

"Why, _dad_! He isn't a man who can wait. This deal won't wait, either. "

"I been talking over that Jackson well with--with a man, and I gothim--"

"I asked you not to mention it--not to a soul. It is a veryimportant matter and--"

Now Tom had not discussed the Jackson well, except casually withJudge Halloran, but every word that "Bob" spoke rankled, so heinterrupted with a resentful query:

"Ain't I equal to han'le an important deal?"

"Bob" acknowledged quickly that he was. She had not meant tocriticize his ability to conduct negotiations of the very highestimportance, but she was surprised, in view of her earnest request, that he had even mentioned this particular matter to anybody. Shereminded him that insurance was his forte, and that theirunderstanding had been that she was to take exclusive charge oftheir oil business. While she was talking, Tom realized with adisagreeable shock that of late there had been no insurancewritten, none whatever. He had given the matter no thought, butsuch was undoubtedly the case, and in his daughter's words he felta rebuke. Now he could not abide rebukes; he had never permittedanybody to criticize him. For once that unconscious irritationthat had been slowly accumulating within him flamed up. It was anirritation too vague, too formless to put into words, especiallyinasmuch as words did not come easily to Tom Parker when he wasmad. 

Without further comment the old man pulled his gray wide-awake lowerover his eyes and limped out of the room. But he did not go to JudgeHalloran's office; he was too sore to risk further offense at thehands of one who took malicious delight in antagonizing him, so hewalked the streets. The more he pondered "Bob's" accusation--andaccusation it surely was--the angrier he became; not at her, ofcourse, for she was blood of his blood, his other and better self; butangry at himself for allowing the reins to slip out of his fingers. Hewas the head of the firm. It was due to his ripe judgment and keencommon sense that the business ran on; his name and standing it wasthat gave it stability. Perhaps he had permitted the girl to do morethan her share of the work, and hence her inclination to take all thecredit for their joint success was only natural, but it was time tochange all that; time to turn a big deal without her assistance. Thatwas the thing to do, handle the Jackson lease in his own way and turnit over for a price far in excess of seventy-five thousand dollars. Anybody could sell things for less than they were worth, but it tookreal ability to realize their full value. Here was a snap, a chance toclean up big money--"Bob" said so--why not, then, take over the leasefor himself and her, pay something down, hold it for a few weeks, andthen resell it at a staggering profit? Such things were beingdone--Tom did not know just how, but he could easily find out--andthere were several thousand dollars in the bank to the firm'saccount. If that was not enough to meet the first payment he couldprobably get Bell Nelson to give him another mortgage on something. Orwas it he that would have to give the mortgage to Bell? It didn'tmatter. The thing to do was to jump out to the Extension, buy thewell, and show "Bob" that he was as good a business man as she--better, in fact. 

A bus was about to leave, so Tom clambered in. 

Barbara Parker had to acknowledge that she was more than a littlebit thrilled at the prospect of seeing Calvin Gray again. She hadassured her father glibly enough that there was nothing "going on"that day, but--there was. It was something to realize that a meretelegram from her had brought a man of Mr. Gray's importance clearacross the country, and that he was coming straight to her. Whatmysterious magic lay in the telegraph!

Ever since their first meeting he had awakened in her a sort ofbreathless excitement, the precise significance of which she couldnot fathom, and that excitement now was growing hourly. It couldnot mean love--"Bob" flushed at the thought, for she had nointention of falling in love with anybody. She was too young; theworld was too new and too exciting for that, and, besides, herlife was too full, her obligations were too many to permit ofdistractions, agreeable or disagreeable. Nor, for that matter, wasGray the sort of man to become seriously interested in a simpleperson like her; he was complex, many-sided, cosmopolitan. Hisextravagant attentions were meaningless--And yet, one could nevertell; men were queer creatures; perhaps--

Little prickles ran over "Bob"; she felt her whole body galvanizewhen she saw Gray coming. 

He entered, as she knew he would enter, with the suggestion ofhaving been blown thither upon the breast of a gale. He waselectric; he throbbed with energy; he was bursting withenthusiasm, and his delight at seeing her was boyish. 

"Bob" colored rosily at his instant and extravagant appreciationof her effort to look more pleasing than usual, but embarrassmentfollowed her first thrill. She could not believe his complimentswere entirely genuine, therefore she took refuge behind hercoolest, her most businesslike demeanor. For a while they talkedabout nothing, although to each the other was eloquent, then "Bob"came as quickly as might be to the matter she had wired him about. 

He listened with smiling lips and shining eyes, but he heard onlythe bare essentials of her story, for his thoughts were galloping, his mind was busy with new impressions of her, other voices thanhers were in his ears. That was his rose at her breast. She hadbeen pleased at his coming, otherwise she would not have paid himthe girlish compliment of wearing her best. Evidently she caredfor him--or was she merely impressed, flattered? Women had calledhim romantic, whereas he knew himself to be theatric; he wonderedif she--

"I told Jackson you'd be out to look at the well and the books to-day, " "Bob" was saying. "He won't wait an hour longer. "

"Splendid! I came the instant you telegraphed--dropped everything, infact. Some of my men are waiting to see me, but I haven't evennotified them of my arrival. Important business, too; nevertheless, Ihurried right here. They can wait. " Gray laughed gladly. "Jove! Howbecoming that hat is. I hired the best-looking car I could find, andit will be here in a minute. I told myself I had earned a day withyou, and I wouldn't spoil it by permitting you to drive. I've so muchto talk to you about--business of all sorts--that I scarcely knowwhere to begin. "

Now "Bob" had expected to drive to the Northwest Ex tension withGray; nothing else had been in her mind; her field clothing waseven laid out ready for a quick change, but a sudden contrarinesstook hold of her; she experienced a shy perversity that she couldnot explain. 

"Oh, I'm sorry! I--can't go. I simply can't, " she declared. 

He was so obviously disappointed that her determination gainedstrength; she was surprised at her own mendacity when she explainedthe utter impossibility of leaving the office, and told acircumstantial fib about a title that had to be closed with peoplefrom out of town. The more she talked the more panicky she became atthought of being for hours alone with this forceful, this magnetic, this overwhelming person. Strange, in view of the fact that she hadbeen looking forward to it for days!

In order finally to get him away before she could change her mind, she promised to hurry through her affairs and then drive out andbring him home. There was no time to lose; Jackson was growingimpatient; it was a wonderful deal; there were other days coming--

When Gray had gone and "Bob" was alone, she drew a deep breath. Her pulse was rapid, she was tingling as if from some stimulatingcurrent. What a man! What an effect he had upon people! What afool she had been not to go!

The road to Burkburnett is well surfaced for some distance outsideof Wichita Falls, therefore Gray leaned back with eyes closed asthe car sped over it, picturing again his meeting with Barbara, recalling her words of greeting, puzzling over the subtle changein her demeanor at the last. Perhaps he had frightened her. He wasgiven to overenthusiasm; this would be a lesson. 

Queer how women interfere with business. Here he was going atthings backward, whirling out to the oil fields when he should bewith McWade and Stoner. They would probably be distracted at hisnonarrival, but--this was business, too. And she would drive outto get him. There would be the long ride back. Far away across theundulating prairie fields the horizon was broken by a low, darkbarricade, the massed derricks of the town-site pool. So thicklywere they grouped that they resembled a dense forest of high, black pines, and not until Gray drew closer could he note thatthis strange forest was leafless. 

By now the roads were quagmires, and the unceasing current oftraffic had thickened and slowed down until Gray's car rocked andplunged through a hub-deep channel of slime. There was but oneroute to the Extension, and it led through the very heart ofBurkburnett; there were no detours around the town, no way ofbeating the traffic, therefore vehicles, no matter how urgenttheir business, were forced to fall in line and allow themselvesto be carried along like chips in a stream of tar. 

"Burk" was a one-story town, or at least most of its buildingsprojected only one story above the mud, and that mud was mixedwith oil. Leakage from wells, pipe lines, storagetanks, had madethe mass underfoot doubly foul and sticky, and where it was liquidit shone with iridescent colors. Mud was everywhere; on thesidewalks, inside the stores, on walls and signboards, on theskins and clothing of the people. 

Through the main street the procession of cars plowed, then outacross the railroad tracks and toward the open country beyond. When it came to a halt, as it frequently did, above the hum ofidle motors could be heard the clank of pumps, the fitful coughingof gasengines, the hiss of steam. This, of course, was soondrowned in a terrific din of impatient horns, a blaring, brazensnarl at the delay. The whole line roared metallic curses at thecause of its stoppage. 

Even the railroad right of way had been drilled. Switch enginesshunted rows of flats almost between the straddling derrick legs. 

Gray's driver had been dumb thus far, now he broke out abruptly:"Speaking about mud; I was crossing this street on a plank theother day when I saw a bran'-new derby lying in the mud and pickedit up. Underneath it was a guy's head. 

"'Hullo!' I said. 'You're in pretty deep, ain't you?'

"The feller looked up at me and said: 'This ain't bad. You'd oughtto see my brother. I'm standing on his shoulders!'"

The chauffeur laughed loudly at his own humor. "_Some_ country, Icall it! But the sun's out, so it will be blowing sand to-morrow. "

When Burkburnett had been left behind, another and a vaster islandof derricks came into view. It marked the Burk-Waggoner pool, partof the Northwest Extension, so called. 

The car was waiting its turn to cross a tiny toll bridge spanninga sluggish creek, the bed of which ran seepage oil from the wellsbeyond, when the driver grumbled aloud:

"Four bits to cross a forty-foot bridge. There's a graft for you!One old nester above here tore a hole in his fence opposite a wetplace in the road and charged us half a dollar to drive throughhis pasture. But it was cheaper than getting stuck. He had tocarry his coin home in an oat sack. After a few weeks somebody gotto wondering why that spot never dried out, and, come toinvestigate, wha' d'you think?"

"I seldom think when I am being entertained, " his passengerdeclared. 

"Well, that poor stupid had dammed the creek, and every night heshut the gate and flooded his road. "

If the clustered derricks of the town-site pool were impressive, there was something positively dramatic about the Extension. Burkburnett had been laid out in lots and blocks, and the drillinghad followed some sort of orderly system; but here were nostreets, no visible plan. This had been a wheat field, and as wellafter well had come in, derricks, drilling rigs, buildings, tanks, piles of timber, and casing had been laid down with completedisregard of all save the owner's convenience. Overnight new pipelines were being laid, for hours counted here and the crude had tofind outlet--fuel had to be brought in. These pipe lines werenever buried, and in consequence the ceaseless flow of traffic wasforever forced to seek new channels. The place became abewildering maze through which teams floundered and motor vehiclesplunged at random. 

Towns had sprung up, for this army of workers was isolated in asea of mud, but whereas "Burk" was more or less permanent, Newtown, Bradley's Corners, Bridgetown, were cities of canvas, boards, and corrugated iron. By day they were mean, filthy, grotesque; by night they became incandescent, for every derrickwas strung with lights, and the surplus supply of gas was burnedin torches to prevent it from accumulating in ravines or hollowsin explosive quantities. They were Mardi Gras cities. 

Day by day this field spread onward toward the Red River; thewhole region smelled of oil. 

Fire, of course, was an ever-present menace. Newtown, forinstance, had been wiped out several times, for it lay on a slopedown which a broken pipe line could belch a resistless wave offlame, and even yet the place was a litter of charred timber, twisted pipe, and crumpled sheets of galvanized iron. Owing tothis menace the residents had taken the only possible precaution. They had dug in. Behind each place of business was a cyclonecellar--a bomb-proof shelter--into which human bodies and stocksof merchandise could be crowded. 

Gray drove directly to the lease he had come to examine, and wasdisappointed to learn that the owner had just left. This wasannoying; "Bob" had assured him that he was expected. Inquiryelicited from the surly individual in charge no more than thereluctant admission that Jackson had been called to the nearesttelephone, but would be back sometime. 

There was nothing to do but wait. Gray let his car go, then made acursory examination of the property. He could see little and learnless. The caretaker agreed that the well was pumping one hundredand fifty barrels a day. 

Some evasiveness in this fellow's demeanor awoke Gray's suspicion. A sudden telephone call. The owner's absence when he expected apurchaser. Probably somebody else was after the property. It wasdecidedly worth while to wait. 

Gray was unaccustomed to inattention, incivility, and had anybodyexcept "Bob" Parker put him in this position he would haveresented it. Under the circumstances, however, he could do nothingexcept cool his heels. As time passed he began to feel foolish; bylate lunch time he was irritable; and as the afternoon wore on hegrew angry. Why didn't "Bob" come, as she had promised? He hadlost a day, and days were precious. 

Evening found him wandering about aimlessly, in a villainous mood, but stubbornly determined to see this thing through at whatevercost. He had no wish to spend a night amid these surroundings, forrespectable people shunned these oil-field camps after dark, andhe knew himself to be conspicuous. It would add a ridiculousclimax to a trying day to be "high-jacked"--to be frisked of hisjewelry. 

During the early dusk he returned to the lease, only to find eventhe greasy caretaker gone. By this time Gray was decidedlyuncomfortable, and, to add to his discomfort, he conceived thenotion that he was being followed. On second thought he dismissedthis idea, nevertheless he took a roundabout course back towardthe main street. 

It seemed odd to be floundering through inky shadows, feeling away through this miry chaos, when aloft, as far as the eye couldsee, the sky was lit. This phantom city of twinkling beacons gaveone a sense of acute unreality, for it was an empty city, a citythe work of which went on almost without the aid of human hands. The very soul of it was mechanical. Only here and there, where adrill crew was at work, did an occasional human figure move backand forth in the glare of low-hung incandescents, nevertheless thewhole place breathed and throbbed; it was instinct with atremendous vigor. From all sides came the ceaseless rhythmic clankof pumps, the hiss of gas and steam, the gurgling flow of liquid--they were the pulse beats, the respirations, the blood flow ofthis live thing. And its body odor stung the nostrils. All nightlong it panted with its heavy labors--as if the jinns that liftedthose giant pump beams were vying with one another in a desperateendeavor. They were, for a fact. Haste, avarice, an arduousdiligence, was in the very air. 

Gray stared and marveled, for imagination was not lacking in him. Those derricks with their fires were high altars upon which wereheaped ten thousand hopes and prayers. Altars of Avarice! Towersof Greed! That is what they were. 

He marvelled, too, at the extremes these last few days had broughthim; at the long cry from the luxurious Burlington Notch to thisprimitive land of fire worshipers. Here, only a few hours by motorfrom paved streets and comfortable homes, was a section of thereal frontier, as crude and as lawless as any he had ever seen. Yonder, for instance, was the Red Lion, a regular Klondike dancehall. 

He looked in for a moment, but the sight of hard-faced hourisrevolving cheek to cheek with men in overalls and boots wasnothing new. It did remind him of the march of progress, however, to notice that the bartenders served coca-cola instead of"hootch. " Hygienic, but vain, he reflected. Not at all like thebrave old days. 

Farther up the street was a flaming theater decorated with gaudylithographs of women in tights. That awoke a familiar echo. Thegrimy figures headed thither might well be miners just in fromEldorado or Anvil Creek. 

Gambling was practically wide open, too, and before long Grayfound himself in a superheated, overcrowded back room with a stackof silver dollars which he scattered carelessly upon the numbersof a roulette table. Roulette was much like the oil game. This wasa good way in which to kill an hour. 

Absorbed in his own thoughts, Gray paid little heed to those abouthim, until a large hand picked up one of his bets. Then he raisedhis eyes. The hand was attached to a muscular arm, which in turnwas attached to a burly stranger of unpleasant mien. Gray voiced agood-natured protest, but the fellow scowled and refused toacknowledge his mistake. Noting that the man was flushed, Grayshrugged and allowed the incident to pass. This bootleg whiskyfrom across Red River was of a quality to scatter a person'seyesight. 

For some time the game continued before Gray won again, and thedealer deposited thirty-five silver dollars beside his bet. Againthat sun-browned hand reached forth, but this time Gray seized itby the wrist. He and the stranger eyed each other for a silentmoment, during which the other players looked on. 

Gray was the first to speak. "If you're not as drunk as you seem, "he said, easily, "you'll excuse yourself. If you are, you needsobering. "

With a wrench the man undertook to free his hand; he uttered athreatening oath. The next instant he was treated to a surprise, for Gray jerked him forward and simultaneously his empty palmstruck the fellow a blinding, a resounding smack. Twice he smotethat reddened cheek with the sound of an explosion, then, as thevictim flung his body backward, Gray kicked his feet from underhim. Again he cuffed the fellow's face, this time from the otherside. When he finally desisted the stranger rocked in his tracks;he shook his head; he blinked and he cursed; it was a momentbefore he could focus his whirling sight upon his assailant. Whenhe succeeded it was to behold the latter staring at him with amocking, threatening smile. 

The drunken man hesitated, he cast a slow glance around the room, then muttering, hoarsely, he turned and made for the door. He wasfollowed by a burst of derisive laughter that grew louder as hewent. 

Gray was in a better mood now than for several hours; he hadvented his irritation; the air had cleared. After a while hediscovered that he was hungry; no longer was he too resentful toheed the healthy warning of his stomach, so he left the place. 

CHAPTER XIX

Newton's eating places were not appetizing at best, but a mealcould be endured with less discomfort by night than by day, for atsuch times most of the flies were on the ceilings. The restaurantGray entered was about what he had expected; along one side ran aquick-order counter at which were seated several customers; acrossfrom it was an oilcloth-covered table, perfectly bare except for arevolving centerpiece--one of those silver-plated whirligigsfitted with a glass salt-and-pepper shaker, a toothpick holder, anunpleasant oil bottle, and a cruet intended for vinegar, but nowfilled with some mysterious embalming fluid acting as apreservative of numerous lifelike insect remains. Here, facing anelderly man in a wide gray-felt hat, Gray seated himself. 

Gray's neighbor was in no pleasant mood, for he whackedimpatiently at such buzzing pests as were still on the wing, andwhen a perspiring Greek set a plate of soup before him he tookumbrage at the presence of the fellow's thumb in the liquid. Theargument that followed angered the old man still further, for itarrived nowhere except to prove that the offending thumb was theproperty of the proprietor of the restaurant, and by inference, therefore, a privileged digit. 

When a departing customer left the door open, the elderly dinergrumbled bitterly at the draught and draped his overcoat over hisbent shoulders. 

"Dam' Eskimos!" he muttered. "----raised in a chicken coop--Windyas a derrick!"

Gray liked old people, and he was tolerant of their crotchets. Irascibility indicates force of character, at least so hebelieved, and old folks are apt to accept too meekly theapproach of decay. Here was a spirit that time had not dulled--itwas like wine soured in an old cask. At any rate, wine it hadbeen, not water, and that was something. 

Most of the counter customers had drifted out when, withoutwarning, the screen door banged loudly open and Gray looked upfrom his plate to see his recent acquaintance of the gamblingtable approaching. This time purpose was stamped upon the man'sface, but whether it was deliberate or merely the result of moredrinking there was no telling. He lurched directly up to the tableand stared across at Gray. 

"Slapped my face, didn't you?" he cried, after a menacing moment. 

"I did, indeed, " the speaker nodded, pleasantly. 

"You ain't going to slap it again. You ain't going to slapanybody's--"

"What makes you think I won't?" Gray became aware as he spoke thathis elderly neighbor had raised to the intruder a countenancestamped with a peculiar expression of incredulity, almost ofanger, at the interruption, and that the two remaining countercustomers had turned startled faces over their shoulders, whilethe proprietor, his arms full of dishes, had paused beside theswinging door to the kitchen. 

That which occurred next came unexpectedly. The stranger whippedout from under his coat a revolver, at the same time voicing aprofane answer to the challenge. The proprietor uttered a bleat ofterror; he dropped his dishes and dived out of the room; the menon the stools scrambled down and plunged after him. 

As Calvin Gray rose to his feet it was with a flash of mingledanger and impatience. This quarrel was so utterly senseless, itserved so little purpose. 

"My friend, " he cried, sharply, "if you don't put up that gun, oneof us will go to a hospital. "

In spite of the intruder's haste in drawing his weapon, heappeared now to lack the will promptly to use it--his laggard spiritrequired a further scourge, so it seemed; something more to goad itinto final fury. It was a phenomenon by no means uncommon, for it isnot easy to shoot down an unarmed victim. 

By way of rousing his savagery, the fellow uttered a bellow, then, like a warrior smiting his shield with his spear before thecharge, he swung his heavy weapon, smashing at one blow thatsilver-plated merry-go-round with its cluster of bottles. 

A shower of toothpicks, fragments of glass, a spatter of oil andvinegar covered the old man in the end chair, and he rose with acry that drew a swift glance from the desperado. 

Gray was upon the point of launching himself over the table whenhe witnessed a peculiar transformation in his assailant. The man'sexpression altered with almost comic suddenness, he lowered hisweapon and took a backward step. Gray, too, had cause forastonishment, for the elderly man was moving slowly toward thedisturber, his overcoat, meanwhile, hanging loosely from his leftshoulder, like a mantle. His gray face had grown white, malignant, threatening; he advanced with a queer, sidling gait, edgingforward behind the shelter of his garment as if behind abarricade. But what challenged Gray's instant attention was thecertainty of purpose, the cold, confident menace behind the oldfellow's demeanor. There was something appalling about him; he hadsuddenly become huge and dominant. 

That he had been recognized was plain, for the armed man cried, agitatedly: "Look out, Tom! I don't want any truck with _you_. "

The deliberate advance continued; in a harsh voice Tom answered:"I don't allow anybody to interfere with me when I'm eating!" Forevery step he shuffled forward the man before him fell back acorresponding distance. 

Again the newcomer rasped out his warning, and Gray, too, addedhis voice, saying: "Leave him to me, old man. This is my quarrel. "As he spoke he moved around the end of the table, but the mantledfigure halted him with an imperious jerk of the head. Without in theslightest diverting his steady gaze, Tom snapped:

"Hands off, stranger! I won't have you buttin' in, either. I don'tallow anybody to interfere with me when I'm eating. "

Gray was checked less by the exasperation, by the authority in thespeaker's tone, than by the fact that the entire complexion of theaffair had changed. The ruffian, who had entered so confidently, wasno longer the aggressor; a mere look, a word, a gesture from thisaged, unknown person had put him upon the defensive. Moreextraordinary still was the fact that his power of initiative was forthe moment completely paralyzed, and that he was tortured by adeplorable indecision. He was furious, that was plain, neverthelesshis anger had been halted in mid-flight, as it were; desperationbattled with an inexplicable dread. He raised his hands now, but morein a gesture of surrender than of threat. 

"Don't come any closer, " he cried, hoarsely. "Don't do it, I tellyou! _Don't--do it!_'" There was no longer any thickness to histongue; he spoke as one quite sober. 

When for the third time that malevolent voice repeated, "I don'tallow anybody to interfere with me when I'm eating, " the solitaryonlooker felt an absurd desire to laugh. During intensely dramaticmoments nervous laughter is near the surface, and there wassomething rigidly dramatic about the methodical, sidling advanceof that man half crouched behind his overcoat. Tom, as he had beencalled, gave Gray the impression of Death itself marching slowlyforward to drape that black shroud upon his cowering victim. 

Brief as had been the whole episode, already passers-by hadhalted, staring faces were glued to the front windows of the cafe. Well they might stare at those two tense figures, one advancing, the other retreating, as if to the measures of some slow dance. 

[Illustration: "DON'T COME ANY CLOSER. DON'T DO IT, I TELLYOU!"]

But the tempo changed abruptly. The desperado'sback brought up against the swinging kitchen door; it gaveto his weight and decision was born of that instant. With a cry heflung himself backward, the spring door snapped to and swallowedhim up with the speed of a camera shutter; then followed the soundof his heavy rushing footsteps. 

"Hell!" exclaimed the old man. "I had his buttons counted!" Withthe words he let fall his overcoat, and there, beneath it, Graybeheld what he had more than half suspected, what indeed was amplecause for the quarrelsome stranger's apprehension. Held close tothe owner's body was what in the inelegant jargon of the West isknown as a "dog leg. " The weapon, a frontier Colt's of heavycaliber, was full cocked under the old man's thumb; the handholding it was as steady as the blazing eyes above. 

With a smile Gray said, "Allow me to congratulate you, sir, upon amost impressive demonstration of the power of mind over matter. "

"A little killin' helps those scoun'rels, " breathed the white-haired warrior. "Surgin' around, wreakin' vengeance on vinegarbottles! And me with a bad indigestion!"

"I don't often permit others to do my fighting. But you wouldn'tlet--"

"I don't allow anybody--" doggedly began the former speaker, butthe street door burst open, a noisy crowd poured into the room, avolley of excited questions was raised. Amid the confusion Grayheard his own name shouted, and found himself set upon by twoagitated friends, Mallow and Stoner. They had been combing Newtownfor him, so they declared, and were near by when attracted by theexcitement on the sidewalk. What was the trouble? Was Gray hurt?

He assured them that he was not, and explained in a few words theorigin of the encounter. But other concerns, it seemed, occupiedthe minds of the pair, and before he had finished Mallow wasdragging him towards the door, crying, breathlessly: "Gee, Governor! You gave us a run. We've been coming since noon. "

"It was only by the grace of God, " Stoner declared, "that we heardyou were out here and why you'd come. We managed to get a phonecall through to Jackson, but it was--"

"Jackson? I've been looking for him all the afternoon. "

"Sure! Mallow swore he was all right, but Mac and I don't knowhim, and we figured he might turn a trick. Anyhow, Mallow and Ijumped the Lizzie and looped it. Boy! I tramped on her some, untilwe hit bottom the other side of Burk. Mallow went clean throughthe top. I guess I smashed the whole rear end, but we couldn'twait to see. They'll have her stripped naked, tires, cushions, andall, before we get back. Motor, too, probably. We've been hittingit afoot, on wagons and pipe trucks--managed to get a service carfinally, but it fell open like a book. Just one of those dam'unlucky trips. "

"Jackson didn't get to you, did he?" Mallow inquired, anxiously. 

"Get to me? No. Nor I to him. " Gray spoke impatiently. "What isthis all about?"

"Simply this, Governor: Jackson's well is a 'set-up'! For Nelson!We nearly dropped dead when we found out that Parker kid had laid_you_ against it. Why didn't you _tell us_--?"

"What are you saying? I don't--"

"The well's phony. Dry as a pretzel. "

"In what way? I saw the oil--"

"Never mind. Lay off!"

"I think I'm entitled to an explanation. "

"Well, then, it's salted!"

"Impossible! I saw it pumping. "

"I'll say you did. " Mallow chuckled. "Live oil, too; right out ofold Mamma Earth. Cheap lease at seventy-five thousand, eh? It'slike this: the pipe line of the Atlantic runs across Jackson's lease, and one dark and stormy night he tapped it. It wasn't a hard thing to do;just took a little care and some digging. Now he runs the oil in, pumpsit out and sells it back to them. He's a regular subsidiary of the greatand only Atlantic Petroleum Company. It can't last long, ofcourse, but--oh, what a well to hand Nelson! What a laugh it wouldhave been!"

"Outrageous!" Gray exclaimed. "I can't believe you are inearnest. "

"It _is_ shocking, isn't it? Such dishonesty is incredible. Andwhat an unhappy surprise for the company when they finally locatethe leak!"

Gray clamped a heavy hand upon the speaker's shoulder; harshly heinquired, "Do you mean to say that Miss Parker deliberately--"

"She don't know anything about it. "

"You said she 'laid me' against it. "

"No, no! I merely tipped her to it because she's one of Nelson'sbrokers. "

"She's his sweetie, " Stoner added. "He's going to marry her, soMallow thought he'd surely fall for it, coming from her. "

"You--you're not fit to mention that girl's name, either of you. "Gray's tone was one of quivering anger. "If you involve her inyour crooked dealings, even indirectly, I'll--God! What a dirtytrick. " He flung Mallow aside in disgust. "You ought to be shot. "

"Why, Governor! We wouldn't hurt that kid. She's aces. "

"I told you my fight with Nelson was to be fair and square. "

There followed a moment of silence. Mallow and Stoner exchangedglances. "What percentage of that goes?" the former finallyinquired. 

"One hundred. "

"So? Then it's lucky Nelson didn't fall. But there's no harm done--nobody's hurt. "

"It is lucky, indeed-for me. I'd have felt bound to make goodhis loss, if you had hooked him. I presume I ought to expose thisswindle. "

"Expose Jackson?" Stoner inquired, quickly. When Gray nodded, there was another brief silence before the speaker ventured tosay: "I know this bird Nelson, and, take it from me, you're givinghim the best of it. If I hadn't known him as well as I do, Iwouldn't of put in with you to break him. It's all right to trim asucker once; it's like letting the blood of a sick man--he'sbetter for it. But to ride a square guy to death, to keep hisveins open--well, I ain't in that kind of business. Now about thisJackson; you can land him, I s'pose, if you try, but it would belower than a frog's foot, after him playing square with you. "

"What do you mean by that?"

"He could have stung you, easy, couldn't he? You surged out hereon purpose to buy the lease, but he hid out all afternoon to avoidyou. "

"He is a thief. He is stealing hundreds of dollars a day. "

"Sure! From the Atlantic, that has stolen hundreds of thousandsfrom the likes of him--yes, millions. It was the Atlantic thatbroke the market to sixty-five cents, filled their storage tanksand contracted a million barrels more than they had tankage for, then gypped the price to three dollars. I can't shed any tearsover that outfit. "

"Let's not argue the ethics of big business. The law of supply anddemand--"

"Supply and demand, eh? Ever strike you as queer that crude neverbreaks as long as the big companies have got their tanks full? Theprice always toboggans when they're empty, and comes back whenthey're filled up. That's supply and demand with the reverseEnglish, ain't it? Say, the Atlantic and those others play with usoutsiders like we was mice. When their bellies get empty they eatas many of us as they want, then they let the rest of us scurryaround and hunt up new fields. We run all the risks; we spend ourcoin, and when we strike a new pool they burgle us over again. "Stoner was speaking with a good deal of heat. "Big business, eh?Well, here's some little business--dam' little. The Atlanticleased a lot of scattered acreage I know about and drilled it. Pulled off their crews at the top of the sand and drilled in withmen they could trust. It turned out good, but they capped theirwells, wrecked their rigs, and, of course, that condemned thewhole territory. Then they set about buying it all in, cheap--through dummies. Double-crossed the farmers, see? Friend of minetook a chance; put down a well on his own. The usual thinghappened; they broke him. It took a lot of doing, but they brokehim. One little trick they did was to cock a bit and drop it inthe hole. That prank cost him sixteen thousand dollars before hecould 'side track' the tool. He quit, finally, less 'n a hundredfeet from big pay. Then, having bought up solid for near nothingthey came back and started business, laughing merrily. That's theAtlantic. "

"A splendid lecture on commercial honesty. I am inspired by it, and I reverence your scruples, but--I grope for the moral of thestory. "

"The moral is, mind your own business and--and give a guy achance. "

"Um-m! Suppose we leave it at that for the present. "

Mallow, who had remained silent during his friend's argument, greeted this suggestion with relief. He was glad to change thesubject. "Good!" he cried, heartily. "I'd about as soon face OldTom Parker, like that fellow in the restaurant did, as to faceJackson. He'd sink a stillson in my head, sure, if--"

"Parker? Was that old man Miss Parker's father?"

"Certainly! What d'you think ailed that gunman? D'you think he gotthe flu or something, all of a sudden? There ain't anybody lefttough enough to hanker for Tom's scalp. He's pinned a rose on allof those old-timers, and he's deadly poison to the new crop. "

For the first time Calvin Gray understood clearly the reason forthe unexpected outcome of that encounter in the cafe. No wonderthe stranger's trigger finger had been paralyzed. Barbara'sfather, indeed! How stupid of him not to guess. On the heels ofhis first surprise came another thought; suppose that old Paladinshould consider that he, Gray, had shown weakness in allowinganother to assume the burden of his quarrel? And suppose he shouldtell his daughter about it! That would be a situation, indeed. 

"I must find him, quickly, " Gray declared. "Perhaps he'll rideback to town with us. "

It was not a difficult task to locate the veteran officer, and Tom wasdelighted at the chance to ride home with his new acquaintance. 

That journey back to civilization was doubly pleasant, for Mr. Parker cherished no such feelings as Gray had feared, and, moreover, he responded quickly to the younger man's efforts toengage his liking. They got along famously from the start, and Tompositively blossomed under the attentions he received. It had beena trying day for him, but his ill humor quickly disappeared in thewarmth of a new-found friendship, and he talked more than was hiscustom. He was even led to speak of old days, old combats, ofwhich the bloodless encounter that evening was but a tamereminder. The pictures he conjured up were colorful. 

A unique and an engaging person he proved to be; an odd compound ofgentleness and acerbity, of kindliness and rancor; a quiet, guileless, stubborn, violent old man-at-arms, who would not be interrupted whilehe was eating. He was both scornful and contemptuous of evildoers. Allneeded killing. 

"Hard luck, I call it, for a budding desperado to wreck a careerof promise the way that wretched fellow did, " Gray told him with alaugh. "Out of all the men in Texas, to pick you--"

"Oh, he ain't a bud! He's quite a killer. "

"Indeed?"

"He kills Mexicans and niggers and folks without guns, mostly. Low-down stuff! He's got three or four, I believe. I never couldsee why the Nelsons kep' him. "

There was a brief silence. "I beg pardon?" said Gray. 

"He's been on the Nelson pay roll for years--doing odd jobs thatwasn't fit to be done. But I guess they got tired of him, anyhowhe's been hanging around Wichita for the last two or three weeks. He's been in an out of our office quite a bit. "

"Your office? What for?"

"I dunno, unless he took a shine to 'Bob. '"

"Not--really?"

Mr. Parker uttered an unpleasant sound. "She never said anythingabout it, but I suspicioned she had to order him out, finally. I'dof split his third shirt button if he'd stood his ground. He knewI had something on him, but he couldn't figure just what it was. "Old Tom's teeth shone through the gloom. "A man will 'most alwaysact like that when he don't know just where he's at. I knew where_I_ was at, all the time, only I wanted to see that button plain. I allus know where _I'm_ at. "

Later, when the journey was over and Tom Parker had been droppedat his gate, Gray spoke to his two companions. 

"Did you hear what he said?"

"We did. "

"Do you believe I was framed?"

Both Mallow and Stoner nodded. "Don't you?" the former inquired. When no answer was forthcoming, he said: "Better give us the flag, Governor. We're rar'ing to go. "

"You mean--?"

"You know what I mean. Nelson's so crooked his bedclothes falloff. We pulled a boner this time, but Brick has got another windowdressed for him. "

"I'll think it over, " said Gray. 

CHAPTER XX

Ozark Briskow, like his sister Allegheny, was studying hard andlearning rapidly, but he had adopted an educational plan, acurriculum, so to speak, far different from hers. Whereas shelived between book covers and the thousand and one details of herdaily existence were governed by a bewildering army of "don'ts, "Buddy had devised his own peculiar system of acquiring wisdom, andfrom it the word "don't" had been deliberately dropped. Hisexcursion into the halls of learning, brief as it had been, hadconvinced him that books could teach him only words, whereas hecraved experiences, ideas, adventures. Adventure comes at night;pleasure walks by gaslight. Young Briskow told himself that he hadmissed a lot of late hours and would have to work diligently tocatch up, but he undertook the effort with commendable courage. 

It is said that all wish to possess knowledge, but few are willingto pay the price. Buddy was one of the minority. Early he adoptedthe motto, "Money no object, " and it provoked him not at all tolearn that there is a scale of night prices considerably higherthan the scale of day prices; to find, for instance, that anocturnal highball costs twice as much as one purchased duringdaylight hours. That phenomenon, by the way, had nothing to dowith the provisions of the Eighteenth Amendment, it merelyexplained why farmers went to bed early--they couldn't afford tosit up, so Buddy decided. 

He had learned a lot since leaving school, not only aboutprohibition, but also about speed laws, men's fashions, facialmassage, the fox trot and the shimmy, caviar, silk pajamas, bromo-seltzer, the language of flowers, and many of the pleasures anddispleasures of the higher intellectual life, such as love and insomnia. 

His education was progressing apace, for love is the greatest ofeducators, and Buddy was in love--madly, extravagantly in love. Love it was that accounted for his presence in Dallas, and hisoccupancy of the Governor's suite at the Ajax. A fellow in lovewith the most wonderful woman in the world couldn't afford to lookcheap in his home town, could he?

Of course Dallas was not Buddy's home town, but it had been hispoint of departure into the world, and it was the home of his bankaccount, hence some pride of proprietorship was pardonable. Itgave him such a pleasing sense of importance to adopt the city ashis own that he adopted everything and everybody in it. 

In spite of the fact that the train from Wichita Falls was behindtime, one morning shortly after Buddy's arrival, he was still abedwhen Calvin Gray arrived at the hotel. Instead of disturbing theslumbers of youth, Gray went directly to the detective who hadtelegraphed him, and for half an hour or more the two talked. 

Later, during the course of a leisurely bath and shave, the newarrival pondered the information he had received. Here was aproblem. Having dressed himself, he strolled around to Coverly'splace of business and interviewed the jeweler. 

"Sure! He has bought quite a bit of stuff in the last few days, "Coverly told him. "He was in only yesterday and ordered a finepiece made up. He wanted a ruby heart pierced with a diamondarrow, but I got him off that and onto a blue Brazilian solitaire. We're mounting it in a platinum lady's ring. "

"What is the price?"

"Forty-five hundred, and the value is there. "

"Have you seen the woman?"

Coverly nodded. "The boy is a good picker. I don't blame her much, either, for I've seen a lot of worse-looking fellows than Buddy. "

"Hold the ring. He may change his mind. "

"I say!" Coverly was in dismay. "Are you going to spoil the bestsale I've made in two weeks?"

"Oh, I'll take it off your hands if he doesn't. Make some excusenot to deliver it until I say the word. You don't know the woman, eh?"

"Never saw her before. "

Gray knocked several times at the Governor's suite before a sleepyresponse, a succession of yawns and mutterings, told him that hehad been heard. The door opened finally and the pride of theBriskow family, his eyes all but swelled shut, his muscular figuresplendidly arrayed in futuristic silken pajamas, mumbled:

"What's eatin' you, any--?" The eyes opened wider, Buddy's facebroke into a slow smile. "Why, Mr. Gray!" He extended a palm, abit dry and feverish, and drew his caller inside. "Dawg_-gone!_I'm glad to see you. "

Gray entered with a buoyant laugh and a hearty greeting; heclapped the young giant heavily upon the back. At the blow Buddyvoiced a sharp cry and seized his head. 

"Easy over the bumps! I'm carryin' a cargo of nitroglycerine, andI'll let go if you jar me, " he explained. 

"Sorry! I know how it feels. But, man alive, it's afternoon! Ibegan to think you were dead. "

Buddy led the way into his bedroom, piled his pillows together andgingerly lowered himself upon them. He showed his strong whiteteeth in a wide grin and winked meaningly. "I'll be all rightdirectly. It's this here sim--sympathetic booze they talk about. Have a drink, Mr. Gray? There's a coupla bottles of real liquor inthe closet--not this tiger's milk you get--"

The caller declined the invitation. "Where the devil have youbeen, Buddy? We were getting worried. "

"Who, me? Oh, I been--lookin' around. "

"Your mother is nearly frantic. "

Buddy stirred uneasily. "Pshaw! I'm fine. I can take keer ofmyself. Nobody don't need to worry about me. "

"Good! Now then, you young scoundrel, I'm going to order you the sortof breakfast that goes with what ails you, and while it is coming up, you are going to jump under the shower. "

"Where d'you get that 'jump' stuff?" the youth inquired, faintly. "Besides, I'm clean. "

But Gray had seized the phone, and as soon as he had given hisorder he strode into the bathroom and turned on the water. He wasout again in a moment, then laughingly he dragged the aching Texanfrom his couch. "Under you go, " he insisted, "or I'll wet downyour whole Japanese flower garden. "

"Some pajamas, ain't they? I got a dozen pairs, " Buddy said, proudly. 

"Quick! If you think I'll consent to hang around a lonesome hotelwhile you sleep, you're mistaken. I can't tell you how glad I amto run into you, Buddy. I'm dying to have a riotous time. "

"Eh?" Briskow turned an inquiring face to the speaker. 

"I've been hibernating in the wilderness, sucking my paw andliving off my fat, like a bear. I want you to shown me this town. "

A bath, a brisk rubdown, and breakfast put Buddy in fairly goodfettle once more; so marked was his improvement, in fact, thatGray envied him his glorious gift of youth. 

"Flying pretty high, aren't you?" the elder man inquired, with awave of the hand that took in the expensive suite. 

"Well, I ain't exactly broke. "

"True. But I know what these rooms cost. That's going strong for alad like you. "

"You took 'em, didn't you, when you had less 'n I got?"

"Ahem! It is embarrassing to be held up as an example. I've done agood many things, Buddy, that I wouldn't like to see you do. "

"If they wouldn't hurt me any more 'n they've hurt you I'd liketo try'em. "

"Another proof that you are still in short pants. I'm a bad personto copy. By the way, why did you quit school?"

Buddy considered his reply, then: "I reckon it was because of themshort pants you speak about. I can't stand bein' laughed at, Mr. Gray. It comes hard to stand up in a class along with a bunch ofchildren and make mistakes and have a little boy in a lace collarand spring heels snap his fingers and sing out in a sweet soprano, 'Oh, tee-_cher!_' Then have him show you up. They put me in with alot of nursin' babes. What the hell? I weigh a hundred and ninetyand I got a beard!"

"Didn't you learn anything?"

Buddy closed a meaning eye, and his pleasant features wrinkledinto that infectious smile. "I'll tell the world I did! After thewhistlin' squabs was asleep in their nests I went out among thewhippoorwills an' the bats. Ain't it funny how quick folks canlearn to put up with bad grammar when you got a jingle in yourjeans? I guess I've got enough education to do me; anyhow, I canwrite Ozark Briskow in the lower right-hand corner and that seemsto get me by. "

"You wouldn't consent to go back or--have a tutor, like Allie?"

"Who, _me?_" Briskow laughed scornfully. 

"Um-m! Merely a suggestion. You are the architect of your owncareer. "

"I'm fed up on that kind of schoolin', Mr. Gray. I--" Buddy's facereddened, he dropped his eyes. "I don't mind tellin' _you_--I--It's like this--I kinda got a girl!"

"_No!_" The speaker was surprised, incredulous. 

"Sure have. She's--wonderful. She's right here in this hotel!"

"Buddy, you're developing!" Gray exclaimed, with apparentadmiration. 

"I been showin" her the sights--that's what ails me this morning. Shelets me take her around to places--trusts me, you understand? Shethinks I'm aces. "

"Splendid! I wish you'd ask her to dig up a friend. "

"How d'you mean?"

"Why, ask her to find another good-looking girl for me--I assumeshe _is_ good looking--then we can make it a foursome. I'm a greatentertainer, and, while I don't drink, I haven't the slightestobjection to ladies who do. Dallas, I believe, is a pretty lively--"

"She's a stranger here, " Buddy broke in, stiffly. His enthusiasm hadcooled; he regarded Gray with veiled displeasure. "An" besides, sheain't that kind of a girl. "

"Oh! Sorry! I thought from what you said--that headache--bottlesin your closet, too! My mistake, Buddy. "

"She'll take a drink, with me, " the youth confessed. "Anyhow, she's gettin' so she will. I don't see anything wrong in a womantakin' a drink now an' then with a man she--with a man that'shonorable. " The last words were voiced defiantly. 

Hastily Buddy's caller averred: "Nor do I. We sha'n't come toblows over an abstract moral issue like that. This is an age oftolerance, an age of equality. I flatter myself that I'm quite aslawless and broad minded as the average bachelor of our verysmartest set. "

"I'm--" the speaker gulped. "I'm goin' to marry her. "

"Oh, fine!" Gray's enthusiasm was positively electric. He seizedBuddy's hand and crushed it. "Education, indeed! No use for thatnow, is there?"

"I mean I'm goin' to, if I can; if she'll let me. "

"Let you? With your money? Why, she'll jump at the chance. Nodoubt you have already asked her--or she suspects--"

The lad shook his head. "She don't have to marry nobody. She's gotmoney--an _es_-tate. You think it's all right for me to do it?"

"Simpler men than you have asked that question, and wiser men thanI have refused to answer. As for me, I've never had the courage to takethe plunge. However, the worst you can get is a heartbreak and a lifetimeof regrets. But, of course, the woman takes some chances, too. Tell meabout her. "

"Well--" Buddy beamed fatuously. "I dunno hardly where to begin. "Into his voice, as he spoke, there crept a breathless excitement, into his eyes a dumb adoration. "She's--wonderful! She's too goodfor me. "

"Once and a while they are. "

"She's educated, too--more in your class, Mr. Gray. I dunno howshe stands for me. She's the smartest, purtiest girl--"

"She's young, eh?"

"She's--older 'n I am. I reckon she's mebbe twenty-five. I neverast her. "

"Naturally. How did you meet her? When? Where? I'm a terriblyromantic old fool. " Gray hitched his chair closer and leanedforward, his face keen with interest. 

"Well, sir, it's a regular story, like in a book. I was in arestaurant with a coupla fellers an' a feller she was with struckher--"

"Struck her?"

"Yep. He was her brother, so she told me. Anyhow, I bounced him. Isure spoiled him up a lot. She was cryin' an' she ast me to takeher home. That's how I got to know her. I s'pose she cottoned tome for takin' her part that-a-way. She didn't know the sort ofplace it was her brother had took her. Pore kid! She's had a hardtime, an' every man she ever knew, but me, done her dirt. Even herhusband. " Buddy scowled. 

After a moment Gray said, quietly, "So, she's married?"

"She was. He's dead, or something. I was bashful about callin'around to see her, not havin' anything to talk about but schoolan' oil wells, but she took an interest right away, 'specially inthe wells. You'd ought to hear the story of her life, Mr. Gray. It's as sad as any novel. You see, her folks had lots of money, but her ma died an' her pa was too busy to be bothered, so he senther off to a convent. Them nuns at the convent was so cruel to herthat she run away--"

"And went on the stage. "

"How'd you know?"

"I didn't. But--the stage is the usual refuge for convent-bredgirls who are abused. I've met several. Did she--Was the old homein Virginia?"

"Sure! Mebbe you know her!" Buddy cried. 

"Perhaps. I seem to remember the story. What is her name?"

"Arline Montague. "

The elder man shook his head. "You said something about amarriage. I dare say she married some rich John whose familydisapproved of the match--so many show girls have been deceivedlike that. You can't imagine the prejudice of those Fifth Avenueparents--"

"That's what she done. An' he went off an' joined the FrenchLegion of Honor an' was killed. "

"Foreign Legion, no doubt. "

"Anyhow, he never made no pervision for her. But she wouldn't oftouched a penny of his money if he'd left it to her, she's thathonorable. " Now that the lover had fairly launched himself uponthe engrossing life story of his sweetheart he was in deepearnest, and his listener's quick understanding, his sympathy, hisgrasp of the situation, was a spur to further confidences. It wasa blessing to have a friend so old, so wise, and so worldly. 

"What is the estate you mentioned?"

"Oh, that's her own! It's all she had to fall back on. It's bein'settled up now an' she'll have her money before long. "

"The old Virginia homestead and the slaves--?"

"Good thing she met me when she did, for them lawyers had it alltied up in court and wouldn't let go till she paid their fees. "

"A providential meeting, truly. You fixed that up, of course, andgot rid of the wretched bloodsuckers. I've done much the samething, more than once. Now, one other question--how does shehappen to be in Dallas? I infer from your account that she is amodel of virtue, and that she accepted your aid only upon thecondition that your attentions to her should be characterized bythe deepest respect. So? Well then, 'how come'?"

"That was just a lucky chance. She's got some interests here;stocks an' things, belongin' to the _es_-tate. She dunno, herself, how valuable they are, but me comin' right from Texas an' bein' inoil an' all, she ast me to he'p her out. So I got her to come. Allthat had kep' her back was the expense. Mind you"--Buddy's tonebecame one of deeper admiration--"she ain't blue, or anything. Nosir-ee! Her life's been sad, but you'd never know it. She's fullof pep; allus out for fun, an'--that's what I like about her. Gee!You gotta meet her, Mr. Gray. "

"Well, rather! But meanwhile, we must telegraph your parents notonly that you have been found, but also the further good news. "

"I--We better not say anything about my gettin' married. "

"Why not? They'd like to know. "

"I'd oughta wired 'em long ago, but--you understand! Miss Montagueain't exactly Ma an' Allie's kind. "

"You're not ashamed of her?"

"Hunh!" The tone of this exclamation was an eloquent denial. 

"Then let's have them come on and get acquainted. They'll probablytake right to her. " But when this suggestion met with disapproval, Gray inquired: "Is it because you are ashamed of _them_--of yourmother and sister?"

Buddy stirred uneasily. "Pshaw, no!" A sudden thought came to him. "Why, it's this way: I haven't ast her yet. Mebbe she won't haveme. If she says yes--I'll let 'em know. "

"Good! We'll make it, for the time being, a mere message ofreassurance. To-night you and Miss Montague shall dine with me andwe'll go to a theater. " This arrangement met with young Briskow'senthusiastic approval, and so it was left. 

It was with something more than mere impatience that Calvin Grayawaited the dinner hour; he was angry, restless; his mind was backin Wichita Falls, whence the message from his detective hadabruptly summoned him. Matters of moment were at issue there, andwith a love affair of his own upon his mind he could think of noundertaking less to his taste than this: of saving a young foolfrom his folly. He could expect no thanks, if he succeeded, and ifhe failed he would in all probability incur Buddy's enmity, if notthat of the whole Briskow family. Families are like that. It wouldall take time, and meanwhile his business was bound to suffer. However, he was not one to turn back, and he remembered with apang the last look he had seen in Ma Briskow's eyes. 

Gray was prepared to find his young friend's light o' lovesuperficially attractive, and she was all of that. He was notprepared, however, to find her quite as good an actress as sheappeared to be. In spite of the fact that she probably took lesspleasure in the meeting than did he, she admirably covered herfeelings. She was delighted, flattered--Buddy had so often spokenof him that she almost felt acquainted--She was quite excited atknowing the famous Colonel Gray--She would have recognized himanywhere from Buddy's glowing description. 

Gray's heart sank as he studied Miss Montague. She was blond--tohis suspicious eye a trifle too blond--and she wore her hairbobbed. She was petite and, both in appearance and in mannerism, she was girlish; nevertheless, she was self-reliant, and there wasa certain maturity to her well-rounded figure, a suggestion ofweariness about her eyes, that told a story. 

Following his first critical appraisal, Gray was vaguely consciousof something familiar about her; somewhere within him the chordsof remembrance were lightly brushed; but try as he would he couldnot make himself believe that he had ever seen her. Probably itwas the type that was familiar. He undertook to make sure bytalking "show business" at the first opportunity; she respondedwith enough spontaneity to give an impression of candor, but hertheatrical experience was limited and that line of exploration lednowhere. 

Whatever the pose she had adopted for Buddy's benefit, it wasevident now that she credited his friend with intelligence equalto her own, and recognized the futility of deceit, therefore shemade no attempt to pass as anything except an experienced youngwoman of the world, and Gray admired her for it. She smoked a goodmany cigarettes; her taste in amusements was broad; she hadsparkle and enthusiasm. She was, in fact, a vibrant young person, and referred gayly to a road house whither Buddy had taken her onthe night before and where they had danced until all hours. Sheloved to dance. 

The elder man played host in his best and easiest style, both atdinner and at the theater; then he passed the burden ofentertainment over to Buddy, first cheerfully declaring that hewould not be sidetracked and that he intended to impose hiscompany upon the young couple whether they wanted him or not. Thiswas precisely to young Briskow's liking, and soon they werespeeding out to that road house mentioned earlier in the evening. 

Buddy drove, with Miss Montague by his side, the while Gray satalone in the back seat of the car quietly objurgating the folliesof youth and mournfully estimating his chances of surviving thenight. Frankly, those chances appeared pretty slim, for Buddydrove with a death-defying carelessness. By the time they hadarrived at their destination, Gray's respect for the girl hadincreased; she had nerves of steel. 

The resort was run on rather liberal principles; a number offlushed and noisy couples were dancing to the music of a coloredorchestra. It was a "hip-pocket" crowd, and while there was nopublic drinking, the high-pitched volubility of the merrymakerswas plainly of alcoholic origin. Gray realized that he was infor an ordeal, for he had become too well known to escape notice. Consternation filled him, therefore, at thought of the effect hispresence here might have. But the music went straight to Buddy'sfeet; syncopation intoxicated him much as the throbbing ofmidnight drums and the pounding of tom-toms mesmerizes a voodooworshiper, and he whirled Miss Montague away in his arms withoutso much as an apology to his other guest. 

There was nothing conservative about Buddy's dancing. Heembellished his steps with capricious figures, and when he led hispartner back to the table where he had left Gray, like a sailormarooned upon a thirsty atoll, he was red faced and perspiring;his enthusiasm was boiling over. "Dawg-_gone!_" he cried. "Now, if we had something wet, eh? These pants is cut purpose for abrace of form-fittin' flasks, but I left 'em in the room onaccount of you not drinkin', Mr. Gray. "

"Miss Montague, " the elder man exclaimed, "I am not a kill-joy andI hastily resent Buddy's accusation. I have pursued folly as faras any man of my years. "

"I bet him that you were a good fellow, " the girl said, with asmile. 

"Exactly! Abstinence comes as much from old age as from principle, and I am in my very prime. With all vigor I defend myself againstthe odious charge of virtuousness. Dyspepsia alone accounts forit. "

"You don't object to drinking?"

"A wiser man that I has said, 'There are many things which we canafford to forget which it is yet well to learn. ' I have had myday. May I claim the next dance?"

In spite of the fact that Ozark Briskow was compelled to sit outevery alternate dance in a distressing condition of sobriety, heenjoyed himself, for he was playing host to the one woman and theone man for whom he cared most. He had dreaded meeting Gray, fearing the effect of an open confession, expecting opposition, but Gray was broad minded, he was a regular guy. In the relief of thishour, Buddy could have worshiped him except for the fact that hewas too darned nice to Arline--nobody had the right to show herattentions as marked as his own--Gray was a man no woman couldhelp loving--

Before long Buddy experienced a new sensation--jealousy. It wasmild, to be sure, but it hurt a little. 

Once Miss Montague's suspicions had been allayed, she, too, devoted herself to having a good time. She rather enjoyed Gray andher sense of victory over him. She retired to the ladies' room, finally, to powder her nose, and when she reappeared it was withadded animation and with a new sparkle to her eyes. When next itcame the elder man's turn to dance with her, he caught upon herbreath a faint familiar odor, only half disguised by thepeppermint lozenge that was dissolving upon her tongue, and hesmiled. Evidently this charmer maintained herself in a state ofconstant preparedness, and her vanity bag hid secrets even fromBuddy. 

Where had he seen her? For the hundredth time he asked himselfthat question, for amid these hectic surroundings that firsthaunting suggestion of familiarity had become more pronounced. Butpatient delving into the dark corners of his memory wasunavailing, and her conversation afforded him no clue. 

As time passed the young woman made other trips to the dressingroom, returning always with an access of brightness and a strongerbreath; she assumed with Gray a coquetry which Buddy did not like. Buddy, indeed, strongly disapproved of it, but that only drove herto more daring lengths. She ventured, at last, to discuss theyoung millionaire with his friend. 

"He's a dear boy, isn't he? And so innocent. "

"He's learning. "

"I'll say he is. He has learned a lot from me. "

"'Delightful task, to rear the tender thought. ' But aren't youafraid he'll learn, for instance, why you are eating peppermints?"

"Oho!" Gray's petite partner lifted her head and eyed himcuriously. "Do you know why?"

"I have a suspicion, " he said, with a smile, "that when a girldeliberately perfumes her breath it is in preparation for thestruggle in the cab. "

Miss Montague laughed unaffectedly. "Say! I could like you, Mr. Wisenblum, in spite of the fact that I ought to hate you. "

"Hate me? But why?"

"Why shouldn't I?"

"Because--I'm rather nice; I dance well. "

"You are, and you do. You'd be a perfect dear if you'd only mindyour own business. Buddy is of age, and you and I will get alonglike ham and eggs if you'll remember that. "

CHAPTER XXI

"Why the SOS?" Mallow voiced this question as he entered Gray'shotel room early the following evening. 

"I'm in a predicament and I hope you can help me, " the latterexplained. "I'm trying to remember something and I can't. I have acold spot in my head. "

Mallow deposited his bag with a sigh of relief. "Glad it's noworse. Anybody can cure a cold in the head. "

"Sit down and light up while I tell you about it. " In a few sentencesGray made known the story of Ozark Briskow's infatuation, and thereason for his own interest therein. "The woman is of the common'get-rich-quick' variety, " he concluded, "and she won't do. "

"She didn't pull the family estate and her father's slaves and theorange grove on you, did she?"

"Oh no. She used that on Buddy and he believes it implicitly--soimplicitly that she warned me to keep off the track. She showedher teeth, in a nice way. I've seen her somewhere; in some placewhere I should not have been. But where? It must have been in thiscountry, too--not abroad--or I'd remember her. "

"Maybe I haven't been as wild as you, Governor. This is a bigcountry and I've missed a lot of disreputable joints. "

The former speaker smiled. "You have trained yourself to rememberfaces, Mallow. Your researches--scientific researches, my dearProfessor--have led you into quarters which I have never explored. I must identify this venturesome little gold digger without delay, for Buddy yearns to make her all his; matrimony is becoming theone object of his life. "

"Why not let the poor carp have her? It's tough enough for adame to get by since prohibition. I don't see how they make it, with everybody sober. Chances are she'd get the worst of the swap, at that. "

"Not unlikely, but that is neither here nor there. Understand me, I'm no seraph; I pose as no model of rectitude, and, unfortunatelyfor my peace of mind, Miss Montague is a really likable youngperson. But Buddy has a mother and a sister, and they hold meresponsible for him. We three are dining downstairs in an hour;perhaps you could look in on us?"

"Sure. I'll give her the once over, " Mallow agreed. "If she'sanybody in our set, I'll know her. "

The dinner had scarcely started when Gray heard his name paged andleft the table. In the lobby Mallow was waiting with a grin uponhis face. 

"Is that her?" he inquired. 

"That is the girl. "

"_Girl?_ 'Arline Montague, ' eh? Her name is Margie Fulton and shehad her hair up when they built the Union Pacific. "

"Nonsense! You're mistaken. She can't be more than twenty-five--thirty at most. "

"A woman can be as young as she wants to be if she'll pay theprice. Margie had her face tucked up two years ago. Cost her fivethousand bucks. "

"I--can't believe it. "

"You see it every day. Look at the accordion-pleated beauts in themovies. Why, some of those dolls nursed in the Civil War! Thoseface surgeons have ironed the wrinkles out of many a witheredpeach, and you're dining with Margie Fulton, the Suicide Blonde. Iknow her kid. "

"Her _what?_" Mallow's hearer gasped. 

"Sure. She was married to Bennie Fulton, the jockey, and they hada boy. Bennie was ruled off in New Orleans and started a gamblinghouse. "

"New Orleans! Wait--I'm beginning to remember. "

Into Gray's mind came an indistinct memory; the blurred pictureof a race track with its shouting thousands, a crowded bettingring; then, more clearly, a garish, over-furnished room in aSouthern mansion; clouds of tobacco smoke rising in the cones ofbright light above roulette and poker tables; negro servants inwhite, with trays; mint juleps in tall, frosted glasses; a prettygirl with straw-colored hair--"You're right!" he agreed, finally. "She was a 'come-on. '"

"That's her. She worked the betting ring daytimes and boosted inBennie's place at night. Whenever she was caught she suicided. That's how she got her name. "

"Just what do you mean by that?"

"Why, the usual stuff. A bottle of water with a poison label. If amullet threatened to call the police, she'd cry, 'You have ruinedmy life!' Then with shaking hand she'd pull the old skull bottleand drink herself to death. Of course, the poor leaping tunausually got the acid out of her hand in time to save her. She sawto that. "

Gray was laughing silently. "My dear Professor, " he confessed, "wisdom, of a sort, is mine; sometimes I grow weary with theweight of my experiences and wonder why the world so seldom showsme something new. But beside you I am as a babe. Tell me, what hasbecome of the ex-jockey husband?"

"She divorced him. Mind you, Margie was square, like most of those'come-ons. ' She'd 'how dare' a guy that so much as looked at her. You know the kind I mean. "

"And the child? Where do you suppose she keeps it?"

Mallow reflected. "The last time I saw the little cherub he wassinging bass in a bellboys' quartette at Hot Springs. He hopsbells at the Arlington summers and butchers peanuts at the trackduring the season--you know, hollers 'Here they come!' before theystart, then when the women jump up he pinches the betting ticketsout of their laps and cashes them with the bookies. "

"Could you get hold of this--this boy basso and bring him herewithout letting him or his mother know?" "I can if he's still atHot Springs, and I saw him there the last time I was up. Thelittle darling got me into a crap game and ran in some shapeddice. Of course, it would cost something to get him. "

"How much?"

Mallow "shot" his cuff and upon it gravely figured up the probableexpense. "Well, there would be the fares and the eats and his bit--he wouldn't come for nothing. He'd gyp me for ten dollars, buthe'd probably come for five. I'd offer him three--"

"There is a thousand dollars in it if you can produce him withinthe next forty-eight hours. I doubt my ability to sit on thesafety valve much longer than that, for Buddy Briskow is rapidlybreaking out with matrimonial measles. If I throw cold water onhim it will only aggravate the disease. "

"A thousand dollars!" Mallow cried. "Why, for a thousand berriesI'll bring you his head on a platter. I'll car the little devildown and lock him in a suitcase. " The speaker hesitated a momentbefore concluding. "It's a dirty trick on Margie, though. "

"I know. But I'm thinking of Buddy. Now, in Heaven's name, hurry!My constitution may survive a few more road houses, but myreputation will not. "

That night was a repetition of the one before, but with variationsand with trimmings, for Buddy wore his "two-pint trousers" again, and this time they were loaded, hence Gray had a chance to observehim at his best--or worst. A little liquor went a long way withthe boy; he derived much effect, many by-products, so to speak, from even a few drinks, and the elder man was forcibly reminded ofGus Briskow's statement that his son had a streak of the Old Nickin him. It was true; Buddy was indeed like a wild horse. Artificially stimulated, he became a creature of pure impulse, andthose impulses ran the entire gamut of hilarity: he played thedrum; he wrestled with a burly doorman; he yelled, whenever hefound what he called a good "yelling place"; he demonstrated hisability to sing "Silver Threads Among the Gold" to the accompaniment ofa four-piece orchestra energetically engaged in playing somethingquite modern and altogether different. These, and many otheraccomplishments equally unsuspected, he displayed. On the way fromone lively resort to a livelier he conceived the unique idea thathe could "swap ends" with his touring car in much the same mannerthat he could turn a nimble cow pony, and he tried it. Happily, the asphalt was wet, and in consequence the maneuver was not atotal failure, although it did result in a crumpled mud guard anda runaway. Milk-wagon horses in Dallas, it appeared, were notschooled to the sight of spinning motor cars, and the phenomenonfilled at least one with abysmal horror. 

Gray felt sure that he had visibly aged as a result of that ride, and he began to understand why a new crop of wrinkles wasappearing about the corners of Margie Fulton's eyes. No wonder shewas beginning to look a trifle weary. 

Fearing that Buddy was likely to turn sentimental without warning, the elder man monopolized as much of "Miss Montague's" time andattention as possible; he danced with her frequently, and heassiduously devoted himself to winning her favor. The result was atribute to his acting and to his magnetism. In a moment of abandonshe confided to him that she wished he had Buddy's money or--thathe was a marrying man. Both of Buddy's flasks had been emptied bythis time, however, so Gray was not unduly beguiled by thisflattery. 

On the whole, it was a horrible night. 

As Gray languidly crept into bed about daylight he had thesatisfaction of knowing that he had at least excited his youngfriend's open jealousy. That might act as a stay. On the otherhand, of course, it might have directly the opposite effect--onecould never tell--and it might be the part of wisdom, therefore, to gain possession of that diamond ring. 

Buddy sought him out in the lobby, early the next afternoon, andafter a colorless greeting, said, queerly, "Would you mind comin'up to my room for a minute?"

"Certainly not. I'd have looked in on you before this if I'dthought you were up. " As the two mounted the wide marble stairsGray went on, cheerfully: "Not looking your best this morn--afternoon, my lad. As for me, I am, in a manner of speaking, reborn. I have taken a new start. Careful reflection upon theprovidential outcome of that amazing skid has convinced me thatwhatever joys or sorrows assail me hereafter, however much orlittle of life is spared me, it will be all 'velvet. ' A touch ofmascaro about my temples and I shall look as young as I didyesterday. What are we going to do to-night?"

"I dunno. "

Once inside his spacious suite, Buddy flung himself into a chairand with trembling fingers lit a cigarette. It was evident that hehad something to say, but either dreaded saying it or knew notwhere to begin. His companion, meanwhile, pretended to look outupon the street below. In reality, he was observing the younggiant. Poor Buddy! He was suffering. 

The latter cleared his throat several times before he managed tosay, "You don't want me to marry Arline, do you, Mr. Gray?"

"Frankly, my boy, I do not. "

"Why?"

"There are many reasons. "

"What's one?"

"I don't think you love her. "

Briskow stirred. "Is that why you--went an' got that di'mon' ringI had made?" When this query met with a nod the young Texan's faceflamed and his eyes glowed. "What in hell--" He swallowed hisanger, rose to his feet and made a nervous circuit of the roombefore coming to a pause at Gray's side. His lips were working;there was a tragic, a piteous appeal in his eyes; his voice shookas he stammered: "I didn't mean to break out at you, Mr. Gray. Ilike you. Gee! I--You're kinda like God to me. I'd ruther be likeyou than--well, there ain't nobody I like like I like you--Youcould get her away from me if you wanted to, but--you wouldn't doa trick like that, would you? I was mighty happy till you came--You--got that ring with you?"

"I have it in my pocket. "

"I want it. " Buddy extended a quivering hand. 

"Why?"

"I'm goin' to ask her to marry me, to-day. If she won't I'm goin'to--"

"She will. "

Buddy gasped. "You _sure?_"

"I'm quite sure she would if you asked her. But I don't want youto ask her. " When an expression of pained reproach leaped into thelad's face, the speaker explained, quickly: "Don't think for amoment that I care for her, nor that she has the slightestinterest in me. It is you that I care for. What you just saidpleased me, touched me. I wish you could understand how much Ireally do care for you, Buddy. Won't you wait--a few days, beforeyou--"

"I _can't_ wait. "

"You must. "

The men eyed each other steadily for a moment, then Buddydemanded, querulously, "What have you got against her, anyhow?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you. "

"She told me everything there is to tell an' I told you. I don'tcare what she's done--if she ever done anything. She's had a hardtime. "

"Will you wait forty-eight hours?"

"No. "

"Twenty-four?"

"Gimme that ring!" When Gray made no move the speaker ran on, excitedly: "I'm a man. I'm of age. It's none of your business whatI do--nor Pa's or Ma's, either. It won't do no good for them tocome. "

Gray went to the door, locked it and pocketed the key. "Buddy"--his voice was firm, his face was set--"you are a man, yes, although you were only a boy a few weeks ago. You are going to actlike a man, now. "

"You goin' to try an' _hold_ me here?" The inquiry was one ofmingled astonishment and anger, for young Briskow could scarcelybelieve his eyes. "Don't do that, Mr. Gray. I--Nobody can't _make_me do anything. Please don't! That's plumb foolish. "

"What if I told you that Miss Montague is--"

Buddy interrupted with a harsh cry. "Damn it! I said I wouldn'tlisten to anything against her. I'm tellin' you, again, keep yourmouth shut about her. " The youth's face was purple; he wastrembling; his fists were clenched, and with difficulty herestrained even a wilder outburst. "You can have the ring, but--you lemme out of here, quick. " When this command went unheeded hestrode toward the bedroom, intending to use the other exit, buthis caller intercepted him. "Lemme out!" the young man shouted. 

"One of us is going to remain in this room, and I think it will beyou. " As Gray spoke he jerked off his coat and flung it aside. "Better strip, Buddy, if you mean to try it. "

Buddy recoiled a step. Incredulously he exclaimed: "You--youwouldn't try _that_! This is my room. You must be crazy. "

"I think I am, indeed, to endure what I have endured these lasttwo days; to make myself ridiculous; to be humiliated; to risk mybusiness ruin just to save a young fool from his folly. "Impatience, resentment, anger were in the speaker's tone. 

"I never ast you. You butted in--tried to cut me out. That'sdirty. You was lyin' when you said--"

"Have it that way. I've run out of patience. "

Ozark Briskow, too, had reached the limit of his endurance; heexploded. Momentarily he lost his head and cursed Gray vilely. Foranswer the latter moved close and slapped him across the mouth, saying: "Fight, you idiot!"

Buddy's low, gasping cry had the effect of a roar; it left theroom echoing, then savagely he lunged at his assailant. He wasblind, in him was a sudden maniacal impulse to destroy; he had nothought of consequences. Gray knocked him down. 

It was a blow that would have felled an ox. As the youth lay halfdazed, he heard the other taunting him, mocking him. "Get up, youlummox, and defend yourself. You'll be a man when I get throughwith you. "

Codes of combat are peculiar to localities. In the north woods, for instance, lumberjacks fight with fist and heel; in theSouthwest, when a man is mad enough to fight at all, he is usuallymad enough to kill. As Buddy Briskow rose to his knees he gropedfor the nearest weapon, the nearest missile, something--anythingwith which to slay. His hand fell upon a heavy metal vase, andwith this he struck wickedly as Gray closed with him. This timethey went down together and rolled across the floor. The legs of adesk crashed and a litter of writing materials was spilled overthem. 

Gray was the first to regain his feet, but his shirt had been tornhalf off and he tasted blood upon his lips. He had met strong menin his time, but never had he felt such a rocklike mass of boneand muscle as now. Buddy was like a kicking horse; his fists wereas hard as hoofs, and that which they smote they crushed orbruised or lacerated. He possessed now the supreme strength of amadman, and he was quite insensible to pain. He was utteringstrange animal sounds. 

"Shut up!" Gray panted. "Have the guts to--keep still. You'll--rouse the--"

He dodged an awkward swinging blow from the giant and sent himreeling. Buddy fetched up against the solid wall with a crash, forGray had centered every pound of his weight behind his punch, butthe countryman rebounded like a thing of rubber and again theyclinched. 

A room cluttered with heavy furniture is not like a boxing ring. In spite of Gray's skill and an agility uncommon in a man of hissize, it was impossible to stop the other's rushes or to avoidthem. Straining with each other they ricocheted against tables andchairs, and only the fact that much of the furniture was padded, and the floor thickly carpeted, prevented the sound of theirstruggle from alarming the occupants of the halls and the lobby. They fought furiously, moving the while like two wrestlers tryingfor flying holds; time and again they fell with first one on topand then the other; their flesh suffered and they grew bloody. Theroom soon became a litter, for its fittings were upset, flungabout, splintered, as if the room itself had been picked up andshaken like a doll's house. 

Gray managed to floor his antagonist whenever he had time andspace in which to set himself, but this was not often, for Buddyclosed with him at every opportunity. At such times it was theelder man who suffered most. 

In a way it was an unequal struggle, for youth, ablaze with a holyfire, was matched against age, stiffened only by stubborndetermination. Neither man longer had any compunctions; eachfought with a ferocious singleness of purpose. 

Buddy's face had been hammered to a pulp, but Gray was groaning;he could breathe only from the top of his lungs, and the bones ofhis left hand had been telescoped. Agonizing pains ran clear tohis shoulder, and the hand itself was well-nigh useless. 

It was an extraordinary combat; certainly the walls of thisluxurious suite had never looked down upon a scene so strange asthis fight between friends. How long it continued, neither manknew--not a great while, surely, measured by the clock; but aninterminable time as they gauged it. Nor could Calvin Grayafterward recall just how it came to an end. He vaguely rememberedBuddy Briskow weaving loosely, rocking forward upon uncertainlegs, blindly groping for him--the memory was like that of afigure seen dimly through a mist of dreams--then he rememberedcalling up his last reserve of failing vigor. Even as he launchedthe blow he knew it was a knockout. The colossus fell, laymotionless. 

It was a moment or two before Gray could summon strength to lendsuccor, then he righted an armchair and dragged Buddy into it. Hereeled as he made for the bathroom, for he was desperately sick;as he wet a towel, meanwhile clinging dizzily to the faucet, hisreflection leered forth from the mirror--a battered, repulsivecountenance, shockingly unlike his own. 

He was gently mopping young Briskow's face when the latterrevived. Buddy's eyes were wild, he did not recognize thisunpleasant stranger until a familiar voice issued from theshapeless lips. 

"You'll be all right in a few minutes, my lad. "

Briskow lifted his head; he tried to rise, but fell back limply, for as yet his body refused to obey his will. 

"You--licked me, " he declared, faintly. "Licked me good, didn'tyou?"

"_Buddy!_ Oh, Buddy--" It was a yearning cry; Gray's streaked, swollen features were grotesquely contorted. "You won't be madwith me, will you?"

"Want to fight any more?"

The victor groaned. "My God, _no!_ You nearly killed me. "

This time Buddy managed to gain his feet. "Then I reckon I'll--goto bed. I feel purty rotten. "

Gray laughed aloud, in his deep relief. "Righto! And after I'vephoned for a doctor, if you don't mind, I'll crawl in with you. "

CHAPTER XXII

On the morning after the fight Mallow knocked at Gray's door, thenin answer to an indistinct and irritable command to be gone, hemade himself known. 

"It's me, Governor. And I've got Exhibit A. "

"Really?" came the startled query. There was a stir from within, the lock snapped and the door opened. 

"I've got a little friend here that I want you to--" Mallow pausedinside the threshold, his mouth fell open, he stared in frankamazement. "Sweet spirits of niter!" he gasped. "What happened to_you?_"

"I was playing tag in the hall with some other old men, and one ofthem struck me. "

"My God, you're a sight!" Mallow remained petrified. "I never sawa worse mess. "

"Come in and close the door. I am vain, therefore I have a certainshyness about exposing my beauty to the curious gaze. Pardon me ifI seat myself first; I find it more comfortable to sit than tostand, to recline than to sit. " Stiffly the speaker let himselfinto an upholstered divan and fitted the cushions to his aches andhis pains, his bruises and his abrasions. He sighed miserably. Hisfeatures were discolored, shapeless; his lips were cut; strips ofadhesive tape held the edges of a wound together; his left handwas tightly bandaged and the room reeked with the odor ofliniment. 

"You've been hit with a safe, or something, " Mallow declared. "Evidences of some blunt instrument, as the newspapers say; maybea pair of chain tongs. "

"Blunt and heavy, yes. Buddy Briskow and I had an argument--"

"That big bum? Did he lay it on you like that? Say, he's got themakings of a champ!"

"Pride impels me to state that he got the worst of it. He isscarcely presentable, while I--"

"Your side won?"

"It did. Now, where is the boy?"

"He's outside. " Without shifting his astonished gaze, Mallowraised his voice and cried, "Hey, Bennie!" The door opened, atrim, diminutive figure entered. "Bennie, mit my friend ColonelGray. "

The youngster, a boy of indeterminate age, advanced and shookhands. There was no mistaking him; he was Margie Fulton's son insize, in coloring, in features. "I told Bennie you could use abright kid about his age. And he's bright. "

It required no clever analysis of the lad to convince Gray that hewas indeed bright, as bright--and as hard--as a silver dollar. Hehad a likable face, or it would have been likable had it been inrepose. It was twitching now, and Gray said, with a smile, "Goahead and laugh, son. "

The urchin's lips parted in a wide grin, and he spoke for thefirst time. "Did the Germans do that?" The effect of his voice wasstartling, for it was deep and husky; it was the older man's turnto be astonished. 

"He could pass for fifteen on the street, " Mallow said; "but whenhe talks I chalk him down for thirty-five. How old are you, Ben?"

"Seventeen. What's the big idea, anyhow?" The question wasdirected impudently at the occupant of the divan. "Did you sendall the way to Hot Springs to get a guy you can lick?"

"Your mother is here in Dallas, my boy. "

"Yeah?" There was a pause. "How's it breaking for her?"

"Um-m, very well. I thought she'd like to see you. "

Bennie cocked his head, he eyed the speaker curiously, suspiciously. "Come clean, " he rumbled. "Mallow said you could useme. " "I can. I will. " The boy shrugged. "All right, Sharkey. Is'pose it'll come out, in time. Only remember, I've got twentycoming, win or lose. "

"Of course" Gray waved toward the dresser, upon which was ahandful of bills. "Help yourself. Better make it twenty-five. Thenwait outside, please. We will join you in a few minutes. "

"And don't make it thirty, " Bennie's traveling companion sharplycautioned. 

When the door had closed, Gray gave his friend certaininstructions, after which he limped to the telephone and calledArline Montague. "May I ask you to step down to Buddy's room?" heinquired, after making himself known. "Oh, it will be quite allright--We three must have a little talk--But he _couldn't_ see youlast night. He was quite ill, really; I sat up with him most of--"There was a longer hiatus then. "Hadn't we better argue that inBuddy's presence? Thank you. In five minutes, then. "

As he and Gray prepared to leave, Mallow said, sourly: "Margie isa good little dame, in her way, and I feel like a--like adamned'stool. '"

"My dear fellow, " the other told him, "I understand, and I'dgladly take another beating like this one to escape this wretcheddenouement. "

When Ozark Briskow answered Gray's request for admittance, he wasdeeply embarrassed to find Miss Montague also waiting; hisstammered protest was interrupted by her sharp inquiry:

"What is the meaning of all this mystery? He said you were toosick to see me. "

"Permit me to explain, " Gray began, as he closed the door behindthem. "Buddy and I came to blows over you; you were, in a mannerof speaking, an apple of discord between us, and the melancholyresults you behold. Jealousy of your charms was not my motive; Imerely asked Buddy to defer a contemplated action. He refused; Iinsisted. Argument failed to budge either of us and--"

The young woman's sympathetic regard of Gray's victim changed toa glare of hostility as she turned upon the speaker, crying: "You_brute!_ You ought to be arrested!"

"He ast me to wait, Arline--"

"To delay asking you a question which I felt should be moreseriously considered. In the absence of his family I took it uponmyself to--"

"To butt in!" Miss Montague exclaimed, with curling lip. 

"Quite so. I merit your disapproval, but not your disdain. "

With some heat Buddy declared: "Pa an' Ma know that I got a mindof my own. It won't do 'em any good to come. "

"See here, " the woman demanded. "What have you been telling Buddyabout me? I told him all there was to tell. "

"Quite all? I fear you have not been as frank as you would have mebelieve. That, in fact, explains my connection with the affair. Believe me when I say that I am interested only in seeing justicedone to both of you young people, and in making sure that you donot deceive each other. It is an impulse of artless youth to trickitself in glowing colors, but you should know the whole truthabout Buddy and he about you. If, after you are thoroughlyacquainted with each other, you still maintain a mutual regard Ishall have nothing further to say--except to beg that I be allowedto show my true friendship for both of you. "

"Well, spring the bad news, " said Miss Montague. Briskow nowdisplayed the first open resentment he had shown since his defeatof the day before. "You licked me, Mr. Gray, an' I took mymedicine, " he growled. "You changed my looks, but you didn'tchange my mind. I'm waitin' for the folks to come, but I ain'tgoin' to listen to 'em. "

"Let him get this off his chest, Buddy. Go ahead with the scandal, Saint Anthony. "

Gray bowed. "Suppose we ignore the early convent training andthe Old Kentucky Home and agree that they are pleasant fictions, like the estate which you are in such imminent danger ofinheriting. Those, I'm sure you will admit, are entirelyimaginary. " Buddy Briskow's swollen eyelids opened wider, histumid lips parted, and an expression of surprise spread over hisdropsical countenance. 

"Step on it, " sneered Miss Montague. "Dish the dirt!"

"Buddy's belief, however, that your stage career was blasted andyour young life laid waste by the scion of a rich New York houseshould, in the interests of truth, be corrected. "

"He knows I was married. "

"True. But not to Bennie Fulton, the jockey. "

"That is a--lie!"

"Nor that the estimable Mr. Fulton, instead of perishing upon thefield of glory, dodged the draft and is doing as well as could beexpected of a jockey who has been ruled off every track in thecountry, and is now a common gambler against whom the finger ofsuspicion is leveled--"

"It's a lie!" the woman stormed. Of Buddy she inquired: "You don'tbelieve that, do you? You don't intend to listen to that sort ofstuff?"

The object of this appeal was torn by conflicting emotions. Doubtis a weed that sprouts fastest in dull minds; suspicion is theready armor of ignorance; to young Briskow came the unwelcomevision of those oil wells. Was Gray telling the truth? Could it bethat Arline had made a fool of him? But no, she was smaller, prettier, more adorable than ever, now that she was whipped bythis gale of anger, and a girl like that could not be a deceiver. Buddy longed desperately to believe her refutation of the charge. He closed his eyes and made himself believe. 

"Even now, " Gray was saying, "if you would tell the boy all heought to know, I would take myself off and have nothing more tosay. "

"You-you make me _sick!_" Miss Montague cried, vibrantly. "Whatright have _you_ to preach? What kind of a man are you? If he believedyour lies for a minute I'd never want to see him again. He has been atrue friend to me"--her voice quavered, caught in her throat--"the onlytrue friend I ever had. _I_ don't care whether he's rich or poor, but menlike you are all alike. What chance has a girl got against you? You wantto use his money, so you p-poison his mind--break a woman's heart--justb-because you--hate me. " The last words were sobbed forth. MissMontague broke down. 

"Hell!" hoarsely exclaimed young Briskow. "You're makin' her cry!"

Gray sighed; he stepped to the door, opened it and called, "Comein, both of you. "

Arline Montague's shoulders ceased to shake, she lifted her blondhead alertly. Then she uttered a breathless exclamation. 

Buddy, meanwhile, had been staring at the door, and he wassurprised when, instead of his family, he saw entering a strangeman and a boy small of stature but old of face, a boy insouciant, impudent, swaggering. It was this boy who spoke first. 

"Hello, momma!" he cried. 

At sound of that voice Buddy recoiled, for it was deeper than hisown. His expression of dismay was no doubt ludicrous, at any ratethe urchin's lively eyes leaped to his face and remained there, while a grin spread over his features. 

"Hully Gee!" rumbled the lad. "Here's _another_ one that ought tobe buried!"

"Mrs. Fulton"--it was Gray speaking--"I took the liberty of askingyour son--"

Buddy Briskow heard no more, for his ears were roaring. Her son!That voice! Being little more than a boy himself, nothing couldhave hurt him more cruelly than this; his impulse was to flee theroom, for his world had come down in crashing ruin. She _had_lied! She _had_ made a fool of him. Gray had been right. 

The others were still talking when Buddy broke in faintly. Hisbattered visage was white, his lips were colorless. "I reckonthis--ends my part of the entertainment, " said he. Slowly he seatedhimself and bowed his head in his hands, for he had become quite ill. 

Arline Montague--Margie Fulton--once the blow had fallen, behavedrather well; she took Bennie in her arms and kissed him, then inanswer to his quick look of dismay at her agitation, she pattedhim on the shoulder and said: "It's all right, son. You didn'tknow. "

"Didn't know what?" demanded the lad. "Say--" He stared angrilyfrom one face to another. "Is it a plant?"

"Hush! You wouldn't understand. "

Bennie's suspicions now were in full play, and his gaze came torest upon Calvin Gray; his eyes began to blaze. "You--you bigbum!" he cried. "I might have known you were a double-crosser. "

"Hush, Bennie, please!"

"I'll get you for this. " The midget was quivering with rage. "You'll look worse 'n that, you--you big bum!"

"Take my key. Here!" The mother thrust her room key into the boy'shand. "Run along. I--I'll see you in a few minutes. " To Mallow shesaid: "Take him out, please. You brought him. "

Mallow, flushing uncomfortably, took Bennie by the wrist anddragged him to the door. 

"Dirty work!" said the woman, when the two had gone. Her eyes weredark with anger as she stared at Gray. 

"It must look so to you, " he agreed. "Frankly, I didn't enjoy it. "

"Bah!" Margie turned to Briskow, but in his attitude, his avertedgaze, she read the doom of her hopes. One final chance remained, however, and desperately she snatched at it. "Buddy!" she cried. "_Buddy!_" Her voice was poignant as she pleaded. "I couldn't tellyou the truth. I wanted to--I laid awake nights trying to get thecourage, but I was afraid you wouldn't understand. I'd have toldyou the whole thing, if you'd ever given me the chance. You know I'vebeen married; does it make so much difference that I have a son?" Whenthe object of her appeal only stirred, she went on, reproachfully: "Areyou going to allow this--this man to--come between us?"

"I wouldn't believe you now, if--" Buddy choked. "I'm through!"

"You mean that?" The young fellow nodded. "Very well!" Somethingin the tone of the last words, some accent of desperation, causedBuddy to raise his head. He was in time to see Margie fumble withher purse and extract something therefrom; to Buddy's eyes itresembled a bottle. "There is no use fighting any more. You haveruined my life. "

"My God!" young Briskow yelled, in dismay. "Don't do that! Stopher!" He leaped to his feet and lunged for the poison vial whichwas trembling upon Arline's lips. Gray, too, had been galvanizedinto action, but of an unexpected nature; he grappled with Buddyand held him. "Look out!" the latter gasped. "She's killin'herself. " The Texan was weak with horror; he could only pawimpotently at his captor and cry: "Arline! You wouldn't do _that?_For _me?_ Lemme go. Arline--"

"This is the end, " moaned the woman, still holding the bottle toher lips. Her despair was tragic; nevertheless, she did notinstantly hurl herself into the hereafter. This hesitation atmeeting death was only natural, perhaps, for none but the bravestcan leap into the unknown without a moment of farewell. 

"Drink hearty!" Gray exclaimed, over his shoulder, meanwhileclosing tighter his embrace of the terrified youth. 

Buddy's struggles suddenly ceased, for at last the bottle had beendrained; the girl was groping blindly toward the nearest chair. 

"God'lmighty! You let her do it!" he cried, hoarsely. "You--you_murderer_! We--we gotta get a doctor, quick. "

"Nonsense! Water won't hurt her; and that's all it is. She's knownas 'the Suicide Blonde. '"

"Say! You're bursting with information, aren't you?" It was Miss Montague, tottering upon the brink of thegrave, who voiced this explosive inquiry. Her drooping shouldersstraightened, she raised her head and flung the empty bottleviolently from her. Her face was deathly white, to be sure, butnot with darting agonies. "You know _everything_, don't you? Youmake plain the past, the present, and the future. Well, MadameThebes, you're under the wire with the horseshoe on your neck. "With head erect and with firm tread she moved to the door; sheturned there and blazed forth in bitter scorn, her bobbed curlsshaking as she spoke: "Take that selling plater back to the carbarn, where he belongs. I'm off boobs for life. I knew you had ajinx on me the minute I saw you, for I broke my mirror the day youbreezed in. Seven years bad luck? My God, you're all of that andmore! Why, you'd bring bad luck to a church! I'll beat it nowwhile you give little Rollo his bottle and rock him to sleep. Ifhe cries, tell me and--and I'll furnish the rock. "

The door slammed to behind the diminutive fury, and Gray sankfeebly into a chair. He was laughing silently. 

"By Jove! She's splendid!" he chuckled. "Buddy, I--I like thatwoman. "

It was midforenoon of the next day. Mrs. Fulton, after a restlessnight, was packing her trunks; her room was in disarray, what withopen suitcases and piles of dresses, lingerie, shoes and the likestrewn carelessly about. She had halted her labors for a secondtime to scan a brief note that had arrived a few moments beforeand ran as follows:

DEAR MRS. FULTON, --I am not really such a bad sort as you considerme, and I'm genuinely interested in that boy of yours. Let's cryquits and have a serious talk about him and--perhaps other things. 

Sincerely yours, CALVIN GRAY. She was thus engaged when there came a knock, and inanswer to her voice the writer entered. 

"Thank you for letting me come up, " he began. "I'm becomingaccustomed to dodging chambermaids and scurrying up back stairs. But I'm looking better, don't you think?"

"There's only one way you'd look better to me, " the woman said, unsmilingly, "and that is laid out. "

"Please put me at my ease. I am physically sore and mentallydistressed. "

"_You_ sore, distressed! Humph! I wouldn't have consented to seeyou except for what Mallow told me. After what he said I'd like togive you a piece of my mind. What right have _you_ doing a thinglike this? Do you know what I think of you?"

"I do. Also what Mallow thinks of me, for he told me. You see, hebelieves firmly that I am a--well, a person of much looserprinciples than I really am, and my protestations of honesty onlyexcite his veiled derision. "

"He says he's sorry. Sorry! After spilling the beans. "

"Mrs. Fulton, I have learned that life is a mixed affair, and thatmost of our actions are the results of conflicting motives. Yes, and that we ourselves are products of conflicting forces, good andevil. Few of us are as good as we would like to have peoplebelieve nor as bad as we appear. I wonder if you will believe mewhen I say that I--like you. "

"Certainly not. "

"Nevertheless, I do. For one thing, you are a good fighter and agood loser. I try to be, but I fear I lack your spirit. I wouldnot have hurt you willingly. "

The woman tossed her head and turned away; when she spoke, it waswearily: "I might have known I couldn't make the jump. I never didwin a big race. A good loser, eh? Well, I've had enough practiceat it. How is Buddy? Hurt, I suppose. His young life is blasted;he'll never trust another woman. "

"He is standing it pretty well, and is greatly cheered by thefact that he can see out of his left eye practically as well asever. He is going back to the oil fields and learn the business. Iam going to put him to work. What are you going to do withBennie?"

"Do with him? What can I do with him?"

"He is a bright boy. "

"I'm bright, too, but I have all I can do to get by. "

"It is a shame to think he will grow up into what his father was. "

Margie Fulton wheeled and her blue eyes were dark. "I suppose youthink I'm a bad mother. But what do you know about it? How do youknow what I've gone through for him; the sacrifices I've made?I've made plenty and they came hard. "

"I'd like to help you make a man of him. "

"What? _You_? How?"

"I'd like to put him in business and teach him that there is noprofit in short-changing customers; that the real wise guy isn'tthe fellow who gets the best of every bag of peanuts, but the onewho can go back to the same customer and sell him another bag. Theabstract principle has been put much more succinctly, but I doubtif it would carry the same weight with him. I'd enjoy giving theboy a hand up, but--he is more than I'd care to tackle alone. "

"There's Mallow to help you. He'd be a refining influence. " Themother's lip curled. 

"How about you?"

"Me?"

"Isn't the--sort of life you are living becoming a bit tiresome?Aren't you about fed up on uncertainties?" The object of thesequeries drew a deep breath; her eyelids flickered, but shecontinued to stare at the speaker. "Worry brings deeper wrinklesthan old age. Wouldn't you like to tie to something solid and beable to show Bennie that you are, at heart, the sort of woman Iconsider you? He'll soon be getting old enough to wonder if youare what he thinks you are or if--" "I suppose you learned this--bayonet practice in the army, " Mrs. Fulton said, hoarsely. 

"Anybody can make a good living in a country like this if he caresenough to try. I'll back you if you need money. "

"And--what's the price?"

"My price? Oh, I'd feel well repaid if some day Bennieacknowledged that I was a 'regular guy, ' and if you agreed. "

"Is that all?"

"Quite all. Is there something you do--well?"

"I can cook. I'm a good cook. Women like me usually have hobbiesthey never can follow--and I have two. I can make a fool of astove, and I--I can design children's clothes, wonderful things, new things--"

"Will you come to Wichita Falls and start a restaurant and makegood things to eat, if I supply the money and the customers?"

"_Will_ I?" The speaker's face had flushed, her eyes had begun tosparkle. "Then it's a bargain, " Gray declared, gayly. "Why, you'll get rich, for it is the chance of a lifetime. I'llguarantee patronage; I'll drum up trade if I have to turn sandwichman and ring a bell. Leave the details to me. "

Margie Fulton sank slowly into the nearest chair, regardless ofthe fact that it was piled full of lacy, white, expensive things;her voice quavered, broke, as she said: "Gee, Mr. Gray! I figuredthere must be some decent men in the world, but--I never thoughtI'd meet one. "

CHAPTER XXIII

In a long, relentless struggle between two men psychology may playa part as important as in a campaign between two opposing armies, or so at least Calvin Gray believed. That, in fact, was one of hispet theories and from the first he had planned to test it. It wascharacteristic of Henry Nelson, on the other hand, that he put nofaith whatever in "imponderables, " hence Gray's reference tomorale, on that day of their first meeting, had amused him. Morale, indeed! As if a man of his tough fiber could be affectedby the mere chanting of a Hymn of Hate! He considered himself thecaptain of his soul, and the antics of a malicious enemy, the wildwaving of false danger signals, instead of distracting a resolutemariner, would merely cause him to steer a truer course. 

But Nelson was a brooder. Time came when doubts distressed him, when he began to put faith in "malicious animal magnetism" and, despite his better sense, to wonder if some evil spell really hadnot been put upon him. 

In his arrogance it had seemed at first a simple matter to do awaywith Gray. That had been mistake number one. The miserablebreakdown of that plan, the refusal of his hireling to go forward, and the impossibility of securing a trustworthy substituteconvinced him finally that he had erred grievously in his method. Some men are invulnerable to open attack, and Gray, it seemed, hadbeen wet in the waters of the Styx. No, that had been a badbeginning and Nelson regretted it, for he feared it had served asa warning. 

So, indeed, it appeared, for not long thereafter he actually felt, or thought he felt, the vengeful claws of his enemy. A new strikein one of the western counties had become public, and a brand-newoil excitement was born overnight. Trains were crowded, roads werejammed with racing automobiles; in the neighborhood of the newwell ensued scenes to duplicate those of other pools. For thefirst week or two there was a frenzy of buying and selling, aspeculation in oil acreage and town lots. 

The Nelsons, of course, were early on the ground, for in spite ofthe father's contention that they could ill afford, at the moment, to tie up more money in unproductive properties, the son hadargued that they must have "protection, " and his arguments hadprevailed. 

Henry went in person, and he was disagreeably surprised todiscover Gray on the ground ahead of him. The latter boreevidences of hard usage in the shape of a black eye and numerousbandages, reputed to be the result of an automobile collision. Henry regretted that his enemy's injuries were so trivial. It wasindeed a pity that so few accidents are fatal. 

He bought rapidly, right and left, as much to forestall Gray asanything else, and he was back at the bank shortly with a numberof leases. Not until some time later did he learn that he had paida price for them twice as high as that charged for propertiescloser in. 

It was Bell who brought this unwelcome information home to him--brought it home in his characteristic manner. 

"What the hell ails you, anyhow?" the father inquired, inapoplectic wrath. "Have you gone clean crazy?"

After some inquiry Henry realized what ailed him and who hadcaused him to throw away his money, but he did not apprise Bell. More than once they had been parties to "wash sales, " and hadhelped to establish artificial values, but to be victimized in thesame manner was like the taste of poison. 

Of course, it meant little in the big game. At most, the firm hadbeen "gypped" only a comparatively few thousand dollars, and theloss could probably be recouped by a resale; nevertheless, theincident was significant, and, upon second thought, it appeared to shedlight upon certain other expensive transactions in other fields. 

Now, oddly enough, this new oil discovery did not develop as hadbeen expected--in fact, the excitement died out quickly--and whenHenry Nelson undertook to dispose of his holdings he was faced bya heavy loss, for Gray was offering adjoining acreage at lowprices. 

Following this unhappy experience, the scandal about the Jacksonwell became public--the Atlantic Company having at last locatedthe leak in its pipe line--and the whole Red River districtenjoyed a great laugh. Henry Nelson did not laugh. He turned greenwhen he realized how close he had come to buying that lease. Ofcourse, here was a swindle that Gray could have had nothing to dowith, and yet--Nelson wondered why "Bob" Parker had failed to sellit to him. "Bob" had tied it upon an option, awaiting his return, and he had hurried back on purpose to examine it. Why hadn't hebought it? Henry asked that question of the girl, and, when shetold him as much as she knew, he began to believe that the wholething was, indeed, an incredibly bold attempt to swindle him, andhim alone. 

Miss Parker, of course, was deeply chagrined at her connectionwith the fraud; nevertheless, the banker felt his flesh turn coldat the narrowness of his escape. He assured himself, upon calmerthought, that his imagination was running away with him; this wastoo devilishly ingenious, too crooked! And besides, Gray hadpromised to fight fair. All the same, the thing had a suspiciousodor, and Nelson slept badly for a few nights. He decided to useextra caution thereafter and see that he neither paid more forleases than they were worth nor permitted anybody to "salt" him. Salting, after all, was rare; one read about it in books, but noexperienced operator had ever been fooled in that way. 

About this time a big gasser blew in north of the Louisianafields, and wise oil men began to talk about Arkansas and quietlyto gather in acreage. Less than a week later one of Nelson's fieldmen brought into the bank a youth who owned some property in thelatter state. This yokel was a sick man; he was thin and white; hehad a racking cough, and he knew nothing about oil except fromhearsay. All he knew was that he would die if he didn't get to awarmer, drier climate; but the story he told caused Henry Nelsonto stare queerly at his field man. That very night the latter lefttown. 

On the third night thereafter, in answer to a telegram, Nelson andthe Arkansas farmer slipped unobtrusively out of Wichita Falls. Itso happened that Brick Stoner, en route to Hot Springs for alittle rest, was a passenger on the same train. 

Stoner returned in due time, much rested, and he brought with hima large check to the firm's account. 

"We timed it to the minute, " he told McWade and Mallow. "Thatgasser couldn't have come in better if we'd ordered it. Nelson'sdickering under cover for more acreage near what he's got, but Itipped off who he was. "

"He fell easy, eh?"

Stoner grinned. "He was so pleased with himself at swindling aninvalid, and so scared somebody would discover those seepages thathe couldn't hardly wait to sign up. If it hadn't of been for thegeneral excitement, he might of insisted on time to do someexploring, but he's pulled a rig off another job and he's sendingit right up. "

"We've got some good news, too, " McWade asserted. "Avenger NumberOne is trying hard to come in. "

"No?"

"I tell you Gray's got a rabbit foot. If we continue to trailalong with him, I'll be losing you as a partner, Brick. "

"How so?"

"Why, I'll be turning honest. It seems to pay. "

"Um-m. Probably I'd better keep all this Nelson money and leaveyou--"

"Oh, not at all, " the junior partner said, quickly. "That isn'tan oil deal, strictly speaking, for you say there ain't oil enoughon the land to grease a jackknife. I look on it as a real-estatespeculation. "

With a laugh Stoner accepted this explanation, and then announcedthat he was hungry for his breakfast. 

This time Mallow spoke up. "I'm bally-hooing for a new joint;Fulton's Fancy Waffle Foundry. Follow me and I'll try to wedge youin. But you'll have to eat fast and pick your teeth on thesidewalk, for we need the room. " In answer to Stoner's stare, thespeaker explained his interest in the welfare of Wichita Falls'snewest eating place, and en route thereto he told how MargieFulton came to be running it. "Gray did it. He got the Parker girlto help us, and we had the place all fixed up by the time Margiegot here. She's tickled pink, and it'll coin money--if it isn'tpinched. "

"Pinched?"

"Sure! Bennie's the cashier, and he palms everything from dimes todishtowels. Force of habit! Better count your change till I breakhim of short-changing the customers. "

"_You_--" Stoner stopped in his tracks. 

"Oh, I'm giving him lessons in elemental honesty. "

"My God! Are you turning honest, too?" the other man exclaimed. "Seems like that's all I hear lately. "

It was a blue day for Henry Nelson when Avenger Number One camein, for it made necessary immediate drilling operations on hispart. And the worst of it was the well was not big enough toestablish a high value for his holdings. It was just enough of aproducer to force him to begin three offsets and that, for themoment, was an undertaking decidedly inconvenient. 

Bell Nelson was even more dismayed at the prospect than was hisson, for upon him fell the necessity of raising the money. "Hellof a note, " the old fellow grumbled, "when a wet well puts a crimpin us! A little more good luck like this and we'll go broke. " "Wecan't afford to let go, or to sub-lease--"

"Of course not, after the stand we've taken. There's talk on thestreet about the bank, now, and--I'd give a good deal to knowwhere it comes from. " The junior Nelson had heard similar echoes, but he held his tongue. "I never did like your way of doingbusiness, " the speaker resumed, fretfully. "We've overreached. Youwanted it all and--this is the result. "

Now Henry Nelson was warranted in resenting this accusation, forit had ever been Bell's way to pursue a grasping policy, thereforehe cried, angrily:

"That's right; pass the buck. You know you wouldn't listen toanything else. If we're in deep, you're more to blame than I. "

"Nothing of the sort. " Old Bell began a profane denial, but theyounger man broke in, irritably:

"I've never won an argument with you, so have it your own way. Butwhile you're raising money for the Avenger offsets, you'd betterraise plenty, for Gray is going to punch holes down as fast asever he can. "

"Who is this Gray? What's he got against you?"

Henry's eyes shifted. "Has he got anything against me? He bought agood lease and was wise enough to get somebody to make a well forhim--"

"Those crooks! Those wildcatters!"

"Now, he proposes to develop his acreage as rapidly as possible. Nothing strange about that, is there?"

"Is he sore at you?"

"We didn't get along very well in France. "

"Humph! I suppose that means you fought like hell. And now he'sgetting even. By the way, where am I going to get this money?"

"That is up to you, " said Henry, with a disagreeable grin, whereupon his father stamped into his own office in a fine fury. 

Not long after this father and son quarreled again, for of asudden a perfect avalanche of lawsuits was released, themysterious origin and purpose of which completely mystified OldBell. The Nelsons, like everybody else, had unsuccessfully dabbledin oil stocks and drilling companies for some time before the boomstarted, also during its early stages, and most of those failureshad been forgotten. They were painfully brought to mind, however, when Henry was served with a dozen or more citations, and wheninquiry elicited the reluctant admission from the bank's attorneythat a genuine liability existed--a liability which included theentire debts of those defunct joint-stock associations in which heand his father had invested. This was enough to enrage a saint. 

Henry argued that he had invariably signed those articles ofassociation with the words, in parentheses, "No personalliability, " and he was genuinely amazed to learn that thisprecaution had been useless. He protested that scores--nay, hundreds--of other people were in the same fix as he, and that ifthis outrageous provision of the law were strictly enforced andjudgments rendered widespread ruin would result. His lawyer agreedto this in all sympathy, but read aloud the provisions of thestatute, and Nelson derived no comfort from the reading. Thelawyer was curious to know, by the way, who had taken the troubleto acquire all of these claims--a task of heroic size--but aboutall the encouragement he could offer was the probability of a longand expensive series of legal battles, the outcome of which wasproblematical. That meant annoyance, at best, and a possibleimpairment of credit, and the Nelson credit right now was aprecious thing, as Henry well knew. Eloquently he cursed the dayhe had met Calvin Gray. What next, he wondered. 

He discovered what next when the driller he had sent up toArkansas in charge of his rig one day came into the office ingreat agitation. The man's story caused his employer's face towhiten. 

"_Salted!_ I--don't believe it. " Nelson seized his head in hishands. "Oh, my God!" he gasped. Misfortunes were coming with aswiftness incredible. Salted! Victimized, like the greenesttenderfoot! A small fortune sunk while the whole country was stillchuckling over the Jackson scandal! This _was_ a nightmare. 

Henry was glad that his father was in Tulsa in conference withsome other bankers over that Avenger offset money, otherwise therewas no telling to what extreme the old man's rage would havecarried him at this final calamity. And that whining, coughingcrook, that bogus farmer, was in Arizona--or elsewhere--out ofreach of the law! The younger Nelson turned desperately sick. Ifthis was not more of Gray's work, it was the direct result of thecurse he had called down. 

"Does anybody know?" Henry inquired, after he had somewhatrecovered his equilibrium. 

"Nobody but us fellows. "

"You--you mustn't shut down. You've got to keep up the bluffuntil--until I get time to turn. "

"You going to bump off that land to somebody else?"

"What do you think I'm going to do?" Nelson was on his feet nowand pacing his office with jerky strides. "Take a loss like that?"He paused and glared at the bearer of bad tidings, then growled:"What are you grinning about? Oh, you needn't say it. You wantyours, eh? Is that it?"

"Well--it's worth something to turn a trick like this. "

"How much?"

"It's a big deal. It'll take something substantial--somethingsubstantial and paid in advance--to make our boys forget all theinteresting sights they've seen. But I'd rather leave the amountto you, Henry. You know me; I wouldn't be a party to a crookeddeal, not for anything, except to help you out--"

"How much?" the banker repeated, hoarsely. 

But the field man merely smiled and shrugged, so, with a grunt ofunderstanding, Henry seated himself and wrote out a check tobearer, the amount of which caused him to grind his teeth. 

Now it was impossible to dispose of a large holding like thatArkansas tract at a moment's notice. In order to evade suspicion, it was necessary to go about it slowly, tactfully, hence thefinancier moved with as much circumspection as possible. Hiscareful plans exploded, however, when he met Calvin Gray a day orso later. 

Gray had made it an invariable practice to speak affably to hisenemy in passing, mainly because it so angered the latter; thistime he insisted upon stopping. He was debonair and smiling, asalways, but there was more than a trace of mockery in his tone ashe said:

"So your luck has changed, hasn't it? That Avenger well of minehas put a good value on your property. I congratulate you, Colonel. "

"Humph! I don't believe in luck, " Nelson mumbled. "And the Avengerisn't enough of a well to brag about. "

"So? You don't believe in luck? It seems to be our lot invariablyto differ, doesn't it? Now, my dear Colonel, I'm not ashamed toconfess that I am deeply superstitious, and that I believeimplicitly in signs and prodigies. You see, I was born under ahappy star; 'at my nativity the front of heaven was full of fieryshapes, ' as it were. Comfortable feeling, I assure you. Take thatincident at New-town, not long ago; doesn't that prove mycontention?"

"What incident?"

Gray's brows lifted whimsically. "Of course. How should you know?There was a clumsy attempt to do me bodily harm, to--assassinateme. Funny, isn't it? So ill considered and so impracticable. --Butabout this Avenger matter, if you find it inconvenient to offsetmy wells as fast as I put them down, perhaps you'd considerselling--"

"_Inconvenient?_" Nelson felt the blood rush to his face at thisinsufferable insult, but he calmed himself with the thought thathis opponent was deliberately goading him. After all, it servedhim right for permitting the fellow to stop him. "Inconvenient!Ha!" He turned away carelessly. 

"No offense, my dear Colonel. I thought, after your Arkansasfiasco, you might wish--"

"What Arkansas fiasco?" Nelson wheeled, and in spite of himselfhis voice cracked. 

"Ah! Another secret, eh?" Gray winked elaborately--nothing couldhave been more deliberately offensive than that counterfeit of afriendly understanding. "Very well, I sha'n't say a word. "

"You--" The banker was gasping. "You're doing your damnedest to--to start something, aren't you?"

"Every day. Every hour. Every minute. " The speaker bowed. "Indefense of my promise to fight fair, let me assure you, however, that I did not start this. As a matter of fact, I knew nothingabout it until you had been hooked. Apropos of that quixoticpromise, please remember that your own actions have absolved mefrom it. "

The men stared at each other for a moment that seemedinterminable. Gray was watchful, expectant; Nelson was plainlyshaken by a desire so desperate that resistance left him weak. Hewas like an animal frozen in the very attitude of springing. 

"Foxy, aren't you?" he managed to say, at last. "Tempting me to--make the first move. " With a mighty effort of will he forced histense body to relax. "The act of a bully! Bah! Wouldn't I be afool--"

"A bully is usually a coward, " Gray said, slowly. "Neither of usis a coward. I'm not ready to--join the issue that way, especiallyin a place like this. The game is too exciting to--"

"You'll get all the excitement you're looking for, " Nelson cried, wrathfully. "You've cost me a lot of money, but you could havecost me a lot more if you hadn't been fool enough to brag about itand give me warning. Now--I'll send you out of Texas afoot. "

"On my back, perhaps, but never on my feet. "

Without another word the banker passed on, but he went blindly, for his mind was in black chaos. No chance now for secrecy; he wasin for a bit of hell. He managed to kill the story in the localpapers, but it appeared in the Dallas journals, which was evenworse, and for the first time in his life he found himself anobject of ridicule. The Arkansas transaction was made to appearthe most outrageous swindle of recent oil history, and, coming soquickly after the Jackson exposure, it excited double interest andamusement. 

In truth, the facts about the salting of that Arkansas tract didmake a story, for the methods employed had been both new andingenious. Nelson had been fooled by a showing of oil in anordinary farm well, and by a generous seepage into a runningstream some distance away. Not until a considerable sum had beenspent in actual drilling operations, however, did those seepagesdiminish sufficiently to excite suspicion sufficiently, in fact, to induce the crew to pump the water well dry. This done, anamazing fraud had been discovered. It had been found that thevendor of the land had removed the rock curbing and behind it hadpacked a liberal quantity of petroleum-soaked cotton waste. Naturally, when the well had been walled up again and permitted toresume its natural level, the result was all that the unscrupulousowner could have expected. 

The creek seepage had turned out to be equally counterfeit, buteven more ingeniously contrived. It had manifested itself where astratum of clean white sand, underlaid with clay, outcropped atthe foot of a high bank. In the undergrowth, quite a way back fromthe stream, tardy investigation disclosed that a hole had been dugdown to that layer of sand and into the hole had been pouredseveral barrels of "crude. " The earth from the digging had beenremoved and the hole had been cunningly covered up. Naturally, theoil from this reservoir had followed the sand stratum and--theresultant phenomenon at the water's edge had been well calculatedto excite even the coldest-blooded observer. It had excited HenryNelson to such an extent that he had bought not only this farm, but a lot of other farms. And Nelson was shrewd. Oh, it was a great joke!The whole mid-continent field rocked with laughter at it. 

Nelson, senior, returned from Tulsa bull-mad, and he came withoutthe money he had expected to get. What went on in his office thatmorning after he sent for his son none of the bank's employeesever knew, but they could guess, for the rumblings of the oldman's rage penetrated even the mahogany-paneled walls. 

CHAPTER XXIV

Gray had once told Barbara Parker that there was no one quite likehim--a remark more egotistical in the sound than in the meaning. Unusual in many ways he probably was, but, like most men, thediscovery that his proudest virtues were linked with vices ofwhich he was ashamed struck him as extraordinary. As if naturewere not forever aiming at a balance. 

In spite of the fact that he was impulsive, headstrong, swift in mostthings, this girl possessed the unique faculty of rendering himacutely self-conscious, and it annoyed him the more, therefore, tofind how timorous he could be in putting her feelings to thetest. That was the one thing he could never quite summon courage todo. She was so young, so cool, so disconcertingly straightforwardthat, in contrast, his own age appeared the greater, and his manycounterfeit qualities were thrown into uglier relief. 

Then, too, her answer meant so much that fear of refusal became anactual torture, and the mere thought of it left his arrogantspirit strangely humble. To a man in his vengeful mood, to a menwhipped by one savage purpose, love had come as a blessed relief;and, in consequence, anger at his indecision was the greater. Sometimes he told himself that he deserved to lose her. 

One such occasion was after he had taken her out to the Avengerlease. 

There was more than one well by this time; Avenger Number Two andThree and Four were going down, and offsetting the first Avengerwere three of Nelson's rigs. "Bob" studied the situation briefly, then, with a dubious shake of her head, she announced: "You aretaking a big risk, Mr. Gray. "

"You mean these new holes may come dry? Of course, but I believein crowding my luck. I don't know any other way to work. "

"You _have_ been lucky, haven't you?" She stared at him with adetached, impersonal interest. "Everything is coming your way, even down in the Ranger district. "

"Oh, I have my share of troubles. I lost a crooked hole, recently--had to skid the derrick and start over. Then a pair of chaintongswas dropped into another hole--"

"That makes an expensive fishing job. "

"The worst ever. "

"Somebody must have it in for you. " When Gray nodded, "Bob's" facelit up with surprise. "Really. Do you suspect someone inparticular?"

"I know. "

"How interesting. " After a moment had passed and he had explainedno further, the girl went on: "Everybody is talking about you andyour success. They say you have the golden touch. "

"That is a good reputation to enjoy; but this country is full offellows who came here knowing as little about oil as I knew andwho have accomplished more sensational results. I've come up likea rocket, to be sure; it remains to be seen whether I shall falllike a stick. "

"You won't fall. "

"Do you really believe that?" The inquiry was eagerly put. "I'dtrust your intuition, Miss--"Bob. " Sometimes I have moments ofuneasiness, for, you see, I'm drilling more wells than I should. It is double or quits, you understand? If my luck breaks, so doI. "

"You have always impressed me as a--a man of destiny. I think fatehas selected you as an instrument with which to do big things. That's why I'm always a bit overawed by you. "

"Overawed?" Gray laughed. "Why, I feel the same with you. If youknew how little I am, how little it all signifies, except as ameans to an end. If you only knew what it is that I want so muchmore than oil, or money, or--"

"I thought you were like all the others here--absorbed only in thegame. "

"I was, at first. I had reason to be; a very great reason, Iassure you. Then I saw something far more desirable than fortune, far more absorbing than--than the motive that brought me here. Some days, like today, I think I'm going to win it, then again Igrow faint-hearted. "

"Faint-hearted? _You?_" There was an elaborate skepticism in"Bob's" tone, but as the meaning of Gray's ardent gaze struck hometo her, she turned her head with a lightly affected laugh. She wascoloring, but she knew that her companion's agitation was so muchgreater than hers that he did not notice it. 

"Fair lady, " he said, a bit uncertainly, "you multiply my couragetenfold, and I shall retain the guerdon of your faith. But weswashbuckling fellows are proud; we must come as victors or not atall, and I am anything but victorious, yet. I've had many a fall, and my armor is dented in a dozen places. I have a record offailures that only a lasting success can wipe out. When, if ever, that record is wiped out, why--my tongue shall be my heart'sambassador. " This was the boldest speech that Gray had everpermitted himself. 

Never had he felt "Bob" to be so close to him as on this day, andin consequence he made of it a festival. He played the lover witha respectful ardor, doubly thrilling by reason of its restraint, and that night it was not Henry Nelson's face that lingered lastin his memory. He wondered, before he fell asleep, if he had actedwisely in letting slip his hour. Opportunity has a fickle way ofjilting those who ignore her, and yet--how could he speak withhonor to himself?

It must not be inferred that Henry Nelson endured with patiencethe blows that were rained upon him. On the contrary, he fought back withevery weapon he could lay hands upon, and there were many. In this he wasaided by Old Bell, for father and son were much alike and their frictionhad been only such as results from the rubbing of two hard bodies ofidentical composition; now that they were put under heavy pressure, they adhered and functioned without heat. 

They were handicapped, however, in that they had the bank to thinkabout, and, in times of frenzied finance such as this, a bankingbusiness is more of a liability than an asset. Under normal conditionsno single individual of Gray's limited resources could have causedthem more than temporary annoyance; but in the midst of a speculativefrenzy, in a time of vast "paper profits" and overnight losses, at anhour when they themselves were overextended and the financial fabricof the whole oil industry was stretched to a point of inflation wherea pin prick was apt to cause complete collapse, the feat of wardingoff a lance in the hands of a destructive enemy was one that kept themin a constant state of nervous panic. 

To make matters worse, the crest of the wave had passed, the boomwas nearly over, and money was no longer easy. Outside investorswere cooling; mysterious and powerful influences were at work, andthere were rumors of a break in the price of crude. Meanwhile, sofar as the Nelsons were concerned, it was necessary to pour asteady stream of dollars into the earth in order to save thatwhich had been accomplished at immense cost, and such oil as theirproducing wells gave forth was swallowed up in other holes. Itbecame, with them, a problem of how to hold on, how to financefrom day to day until production returns overtook exploitationexpense--a problem that put gray hairs in their heads and linesabout their eyes. They were forced to many expedients. 

How they managed it at all baffled Gray, and worried him, too, forhe knew that if ever they turned the corner they would be safefrom him, and his vengeance would fall [Illustration: NEVER HAD HEFELT "BOB" TO BE SO CLOSE TO HIM AS ON THIS DAY] to the ground. One big well would set them up, and there was always that danger, for scarcely a week went by without news of some gigantic gusher. Knowing all there was to know about their field activities, he sethimself to the task of learning more about the bank itself andabout their method of operating it. This was a task, indeed, andhe spent much time at it--time he could ill afford, by the way, for he, too, had about exhausted his last resource. 

He was surprised one day to receive from Roswell, the banker whohad first backed him, an almost peremptory summons to Dallas. Grayhad made much money for Roswell and his crowd; they were stillheavily interested with him, and he was counting upon theirfurther support. The tone of this letter, therefore, gave him adisagreeable shock. On the whole, however, he was glad of anexcuse to go, for the Briskows had returned and had bought a homein Dallas, and he was eager for a sight of them. 

Mr. Roswell's greeting was quite as cool as his letter; but hebetrayed a keen interest in the progress of their joint affairsand asked a good many searching questions. Gray answered frankly. 

"You surprise me, " the banker announced, finally, "for you confirmsomething I did not wish to believe. I have just learned that youare using us to further a private grudge and to ruin a reputableman. I couldn't credit such a statement without--"

"It is quite true, except that I haven't 'used' you. Not, atleast, in the sense you imply. "

"You have used our money. It is the same thing. "

"Oh, not at all I have handled a number of speculations--investments is a better word--for you and your group and I've madea lot of money for you. That's the most you expected; that's all Ipromised. So long as I continue to do that, my motives, mypersonal likes and dislikes, concern you in no wise. Neither areyou concerned in the use I make of my winnings. " "Legitimatecompetition is one thing; malice, double-dealing, dishonesty is--"

"Dishonesty?" Gray interrupted, sharply. "I am a quick-temperedman, Mr. Roswell. I'll ask you to choose your words morecarefully. "

"Don't you call salting a well dishonest?"

"I do. I didn't salt that Arkansas property--and I assume yourefer to that. In fact, I knew nothing about it, and I so informedNelson. Evidently he didn't believe me, and I don't expect you todo so. Nevertheless, it is true. I have never lied to you, and Inever shall. Now, malice--Yes, I bear malice toward Henry Nelsonand I shall continue to bear him malice long after I have put himin his grave. " Roswell's startled eyes leaped to the speaker'sface. "Exactly! I propose to put him in his grave, and he knowsit. "

"Nonsense! That's wild talk and you'll regret it. What has he doneto you?"

The object of this inquiry shrugged. "A private matter, purely. Asto double-dealing--is it double-dealing to go to an enemy and tellhim frankly that you intend to down him and how you propose to doit?"

"Did you do that?"

"I did. What is more, I offered to fight fair and he agreed. But, of course, he broke that, as he feels free to break any agreementwhen it becomes onerous or unprofitable. He began by trying toassassinate me. "

"What are you saying?" Roswell cried. "This is incredible. "

Gray's cigar had gone out; he lighted it with steady anddeliberate fingers before he said: "I am giving you facts. Thefighting has not been all on my side. For instance, I haven'thired men to drop tools in his wells or run crooked holes, andthat sort of thing, as he has. Not that I wouldn't follow his leadif he forced me to, but I haven't had to resort to pettyannoyances. I haven't had to make any 'small change, ' for I haveoriginality, imagination--even a small amount of daring, while he--Well, heis obvious. He has nothing except physical courage. Thank God, he's not acoward! He'll die hard. "

"Amazing!" The banker was at a loss for words. After a moment, heinquired: "What about Bell Nelson?"

"A harsh, headstrong, ruthless old man whose history will not bearcareful reading. His sins shall be visited upon him through hisoffspring. He will have to go, too. "

Roswell stirred as if to shake off the effect of some oppressive, mesmeric influence; reluctantly he admitted, "All I can say is youhave a colossal nerve--"

"Precisely. And that is all I had when I came to Texas. "

"I was coming to that. You deceived me, Gray. You said yourepresented big capital; had friends and connections--"

"A pardonable deceit, under the circumstances, was it not? As amatter of fact, I said nothing of the sort; I merely allowed youto infer--"

"You're splitting hairs. " The banker was impatient. "The factremains that you led me to make a fool of myself. Why, man alive, I have your whole history here, and it's a record of onesensational failure after another. You had no backing whatever, no--"

"Is that the result of your own investigation?"

"Partly. "

"For the rest, you took Nelson's word, eh? Very well, I've beatenhim out from cover sooner than I expected. Now as to my failures. Failure proves only this: that one's determination to succeed isnot strong enough. Who fail, except those who try? You have notalways succeeded; neither have I invariably failed. Your report isa bit unfair. "

"You will fail now. And you deserve to fail. "

"Indeed? Why?"

"Because you're doing an outrageous thing; because--See here, Gray, I know why you hate Nelson. " There ensued a moment ofsilence. 

"He told you that?" The younger man's face had slowly whitened; hespoke with difficulty. 

"He told me everything. He told me that you were dishonorablydischarged from the army--cashiered, we used to call it--and thatyou blame him. I don't mind saying it was a shock--worst I've hadin years. In time of war, too! The army doesn't do that unless--without ample--Well, Gray, it's damned nasty!"

"Quite the nastiest thing that can happen to a man, " the otheragreed in a thin, flat voice. 

"I couldn't, wouldn't believe it. "

"Why not? You believed everything else he told you. "

"I wouldn't accept his word on a thing like _that_ without askingyou. " Another pause followed. "There's probably some explanation. I told him so--" Mr. Roswell showed his genuine distress by thefrown upon his brow and by his averted eyes. He stirreduncomfortably, then he broke out, irritably: "Well, well? Why inhell don't you say something?"

"There is nothing to say. "

"What? My God, man! You don't mean--See here, you're not a coward, or a thief, or an incompetent. What's your side of the story?What's the explanation?"

"Explanations are hateful. The man who makes them deceives eitherhimself or the other fellow--usually both. It is easy to beplausible. Would a mere statement from me, unsupported by proof, convince you where it failed to convince a court martial? Ofcourse not. Then why make you uncomfortable by doubting my word?"Gray's smile was like the mirthless grin of a mummy. "I was foundguilty, all in due military order, and--disgraced, branded! Myuniform was taken from me, and I can't wear it again. I can neveragain serve my country. It was handled quietly, with admirablediscretion, for those things are bad for the morale, youunderstand? Very few know about it. I'm a proud man, a vain man; Iassure you the death penalty would have been much easier to bear. "

"What did Henry Nelson have to do with it?"

"He alone can answer that. "

"An extraordinary situation! This is your revenge, eh?"

"As a man of spirit, I had a choice of but two things, revenge or--suicide. "

"Hm-m! It is an embarrassing situation for me. "

"Indeed?"

"Nelson has sold a large block of his bank stock to one of ourdirectors. "

"Tell him to get out from under, quick, " Gray said, sharply, "forI'll break Henry Nelson or--I'll kill him!"

"Tut, tut! You're excited. You mustn't talk like that. I give youcredit for an honest hatred, but--I can't sympathize with it. Neither can I believe so ill of Henry Nelson. Remember, I've knownhim and Bell for years. " With a complete finality the bankerconcluded, "You'll have to give it up, Gray. "

"I beg pardon?"

"I say we sha'n't permit you to go on with this murderous feud. Wecan't be parties to it. What you've told me warrants us inwithdrawing our support instantly, but I--I--Damn it all, I can'thelp liking you and believing in you! Frankly, there's somethingsublime about a grudge like yours. However, we can't go on likethis. We can't put up more money now that we know what you have inmind. Call this thing off and perhaps I can induce our crowd toleave their money in until it can be worked out. That's the most Ican undertake. "

"I need your money and your support now more than ever, " the otherman gravely confessed. "I need it at once; to-day. Nevertheless, Isha'n't quit. "

"You _must!_" Roswell cried, impatiently. "You can't defy us. "

"The devil I can't!" It was Gray's turn to blaze. "That's exactlywhat I'm doing. I defy you to get your money out. I defy you tointerfere with me in the slightest or to wring a particle of mercyout of me. I knew this would come, sooner or later, and I plannedaccordingly. What d'you think I am, eh? I tell you I've got him!Otherwise he'd never squeal about this--army matter. Now then, tell your crowd to try and pull out! That's not a threat, sir, forthey have played fair with me, and I sha'n't sacrifice a pennyof their money--unless they force me to do so. But--I'm incontrol. I'm sitting pretty. They can't unseat me, and I warn themnot to try. "

"You are making a great mistake. We will find a way to--to _pull_you off. "

"Ever try to pull a bulldog out of a fight when he had the otherdog down and his teeth in its throat? I have. There's somethingrather horrible about it--rather beastly and shocking. And there'salways the danger of losing a hand. " The speaker rose. Hehesitated, before leaving, to say: "Your son served with honor, Mr. Roswell. I know how you must feel about this--other matter, therefore I shall spare you the embarrassment of declining myhand. "

The financier's face reddened; rather stiffly he said, "You knowwhether you have a right to offer it. "

Instantly the departing visitor extended his palm, and Roswellrealized that he had seldom seen a man more deeply moved. "Thanks!I--It is a blow to lose your support, but--nothing can swerve me. Meanwhile, I'm glad that we do not part as enemies. "

When he had gone, when he had passed out with head up andshoulders square, the banker shivered slightly. Audibly hemurmured: "God, what a man! What a hatred!"

The Briskows had just moved into their new home, and the place wasstill in some confusion when Gray mounted the steps. Pa answeredthe bell in his shirt sleeves and with a claw hammer in his hand, for he had been hanging pictures. He favored his visitor with awide smile of welcome and a hearty greeting-quite a feat, inasmuchas his mouth was full of nails--then, having rid it of itscontents, he explained:

"We got a slave that tends the door, but I 'ain't got gentled upto bells an' things yet. Allie's away an' Ma's layin' down, so--"

"Ma isn't ill, I hope?"

"N--no. Just ailin'. I thought mebbe one of the neighbors had runin to see her, but--I guess they're busy. We got lots of neighborshere, rich ones, an' we made up our minds to like 'em, if they'llgive us a chance. "

"You were in luck to find a house in such a smart neighborhood, Gus. Now show me around, quickly, for I'm dying to see it. "

"Lord, I'm dyin' to show it to _somebody!_ You're the first onethat's dropped in an' we been here 'most two weeks. Say, you'llstay an' eat supper, won't you?"

"Of course I will, and breakfast, too, if you can take care ofme. "

"Pshaw! Didn't we take keer of you when you come to the ranch? Wegot three niggers now, just doin' the housework. " As if injustification of this riotous mode of life, the oil man explained:"Ma wanted to do it herself, but she's porely, an' Allie vetoed itcomplete. She says we'll be stylish an' enjoy life if it kills allthree of us. I'd of bought a bigger house if they'd of let me, but--"

"It is large enough. Anything more would merely add to yourcares. "

"Her and Ma picked out the furniture. Swell, ain't it?"

"Beautiful!" Gray exclaimed. Inwardly he groaned, for, althoughthe contents of the home appeared to be expensive, almostostentatious, they nevertheless betrayed a conspicuous lack oftaste both in character and in arrangement. Here and there werecolor combinations so atrocious that they positively hurt thecaller. On the whole, however, the place looked better than he hadexpected, and such indications of harmony and restraint as hedetected he attributed to Allie. It was a nice enough home, andwith a little change, a little rearrangement, it could be madeattractive even to one of elegant tastes. Those changes, ofcourse, Gray determined to make. 

Gus, plainly, was not yet accustomed to the sense of ownership, and he hung with eagerness upon his guest's expressions ofapproval. After a tour of inspection the men wound up in thelibrary--an absurd misnomer under the circumstances, inasmuch asthe shelves were entirely bare except for Allie's dog-eared schoolbooks--and there, before a blazing gas log, they discussed themiracle. 

"Allie's gone out to the old farm to get some stuff for Ma, " thefather explained in due time. "Some pitchers of her an' Buddy whenthey was little, an' a rockin'-chair, an' Ma's favorite bedspread, an' some other things she likes. "

Gray remembered the portraits, executed by a St. Louis"enlargement" concern. They had wide gilt frames, and wereprotected from ravaging flies by mosquito netting. He hoped thatMa would not hang them in the hall or the living-room. And thatrocker, for which she yearned, was probably the one with thecreaking coiled springs--the one that had leaped after him andclashed its jaws like an alligator. 

"By the way, how does Buddy like the new home?" the latterinquired. 

"He 'ain't seen it yet. Says he's too busy to leave the job. Whatyou done to that boy, anyhow?"

"I'm making a real man out of him--and an oil man, too. He knewhow to dress tools when I got him, but he's a pretty good drillernow. Before long he'll be able to take charge of your property andrun it on practical lines. I told you he had it in him, and thathe'd make a 'hand. '"

"You never wrote us nothin' about his--his trouble. "

"I left the explaining for him. "

Gus smiled meditatively. "First we knew that you an' him had beenfightin' was when he wrote us a letter sayin' he was doin' greatan' could see out of one eye. " Then, more gravely: "It was worryin'over Buddy's affair that got Ma to ailin'. She 'ain't been right wellsince. Say, wha'd you do with that--woman?" Briskow pronounced thelast word with an accent of scorn and hatred. 

"I gave her a chance to make an honest, decent living. I set herup in business. "

"_What?_"

"And she is making good. " When the elder man shook his headimpatiently Gray went on, "I'm pretty worldly and calloused, butif one virtue has been spared me, it is charity. "

For a moment the father studied his caller. "Tell me, " he began, "was it altogether on Buddy's account that you an' him tied intoone another?"

Gray threw back his head and laughed frankly. "Altogether, Iassure you. That's why I found it so hard. "

"He _oughta_ been licked! Takin' up with a--a thing like her. " Guswas groping for words more eloquent of his displeasure at his sonand his hatred for the object of Buddy's misplaced affections, when Gray forestalled him. 

"Just a minute. You are a rich man and you are growing richer. Careful, frugal, prosperous people like you are apt to becomeunduly hard and oversuspicious; but you mustn't permit it. Think, for instance, what environment did to your children, then rememberthat under slightly different circumstances it might have madeevildoers even of them. Most people would like to run straight, and would do so if they had a chance. Anyhow, it is an interestingexperiment to put the chance in their way. Tell me, Gus, how muchmoney have you got?"

"I dunno. Figgers over a thousand dollars don't mean much to me. "

Gray searched the speaker's face with a speculative gaze. "It'smostly liquid, I presume. " There was a pause. "I mean it's in cashor the equivalent?"

"Oh, sure! These bonds an' stocks an' things--" Briskow shook hishead disapprovingly. "Land ain't any too safe, either. It'srainin' now, an' it 'll keep on rainin' till the farmers is alldrowned out. Next year it'll be droughty an' fry 'em to a crisp. No, I'm skeered of land. I'm skeered of everything!" This last wassaid plaintively. "Why, lookit these Liberty bonds! Goin' downsteady. I wouldn't put no money into the gov'ment unless I hadsomething to say about runnin' it. An' s'pose I did? I wouldn'tknow how it oughta be run. "

"How about oil properties? Wouldn't you like to invest in a good, safe proposition, with the prospect of big--"

"Gosh, _no!_ I'm skeerder of oil than anything, 'cause I knowsomethin' about it. Feller been tryin' to sell me life insurance, lately, but you gotta die to get your money back. No; there's acatch in all them propositions. Sometimes I wake up nightsdreamin' we're all back at the old place an' pore again. That endsmy sleepin'. You see, Allie's a lady now, an' she's used to silkstockin's, an' Buddy's been out in the world spendin' money onwomen, an' Ma's gettin' old. I could go back to corn bread, but itwould kill them. Worst of it is, the black lime ain't holdin' up, an' our wells will give out some day. " Briskow sighed heavily andhis brows drew together in an anxious pucker. 

"You'll have enough money in bank to do you. "

"Banks bust. I tell you the hull world's full of skullduggery. Suspicious? I should say I was! I use' to think if we had moneyour troubles would be over, but--Lord, that's when they begin! Yousee, if I was bright an' knew what slick people is up to, I'd beall right; but--Why, I'm like a settin' hen. I can feel the eggsunder me, but how am I goin' to keep the skunks away when theysmell the nest? I'm 'most tempted to turn everything I got over tosome honest man an' let him han'le it. Some feller that had thesavvy. "

"Unfortunately, such people are rare. "

"I don't know but one. "

"Indeed? Who is he?"

"I reckon you know, " said Briskow. 

The listener looked up with quickened interest; there was a sharpring to his voice when he said: "Let me get this right. "

"You're the only man I ever knowed that I'd bank my life on. An'you're smart. You wouldn't take Buddy, but mebbe you'd kinda--takeme; take all of us. I tell you I'm skeered!"

"Just how much confidence do I inspire in you?" Gray's expressionwas peculiar, for amazement, doubt, eagerness were equallyblended. 

"This much: I'd turn the hull works over to you, if you'd look outfor us. "

"You--scarcely know me. "

"Oh, I know you well enough!" Briskow smiled his slow, shrewdsmile. "So does Ma. So does Allie an' Bud. "

For quite a while the caller sat with head bowed, with his gazefixed upon the flames; when he looked up his face was red, hiseyes were brighter than usual. 

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved. Yes, andit's hell to be born with a conscience. " He fell silent again, forthis was a moment to be treasured and he could not let it pass tooquickly. "You say you want nothing to do with oil?"

"Anything but that. I know it so well, an'--Ma's gettin' feeble. "Again silence. "Of course, if you'd do it, I wouldn't ask noquestions. I'd rather shut my eyes an' trust you than keep 'emopen an'--"

"You don't know how much I'd like to say yes, but I fought Buddyto prevent him from making a mistake, and I sha'n't allow you tomake this one. "

"Hm-m! Will you keep me from makin' _other_ mistakes?"

"I will, if I can. "

"Mebbe that's enough. Anyhow, I'll sleep better to-night forseein' you. "

"I think I hear Ma stirring, " said Gray, as he rose. "I broughther a few little presents, and I'd like to take them up to her. "As he left the room there was the same queer light in his eyes;nevertheless, he moved slowly, like a man tired. 

CHAPTER XXV

Gray was shocked at the change in Ma Briskow. She had failedsurprisingly. Pleasure lit her face, and she fell into a briefflutter of delight at seeing him; but as soon as their firstgreeting was over he led her to her lounge and insisted uponmaking her comfortable. He had tricks with cushions and pillows, so he declared; they became his obedient servants, and there was aknack in arranging them--the same knack that a robin uses inbuilding its nest. This he demonstrated quite conclusively. 

It was nice to have a great, masterful man like this take chargeof one, and Ma sighed gratefully as she lay back. "It does kindafeel like a bird's nest, " she declared. "And you kinda look like arobin, too; you're allus dressed so neat. "

"Exactly, " he chuckled. "Robins are the very neatest dressers ofall the birds. But look! Like a real robin, I've brought springwith me. " He opened a huge box of long-stemmed roses and heldtheir cool, dewy buds against Ma Briskow's withered face, then, laughing and chatting, he arranged them in vases where she couldsee them. Next, he drew down the shades, shutting out the drearyafternoon, after which he lit the gas log, and soon the room, whether by reason of his glowing personality or his deftrearrangement of its contents, or both, became a warm and cheerfulplace. 

He had brought other gifts than flowers, too; thoughtful, expensive things that fairly took Ma's breath. No one had evergiven her presents; to be remembered, therefore, with useless, delightful little luxuries filled her gentle soul with a guiltyrapture. 

But these were not gifts in the ordinary sense; they wereofferings from the Duke of Dallas, and his manner of presentingthem invested every article with ducal dignity. The PrincessPensacola had not played for a long time, and so to reclinelanguidly in a beautiful Japanese kimono, with her feet in a pairof wonderful soft boudoir slippers spun by the duke's privatesilkworms and knit by his own oriental knitting slaves, while hepaid court to her, was doubly thrilling. 

The duke certainly was a reckless spender, but thank goodness hehadn't bought things for the house--things just to _look_ at andto share with other people! He knew enough to buy intimate things, things a woman could wear and feel rich in. Ma hugged herself andtried to look beautiful. 

Gray was seated on the side of her couch with her cold handbetween his warm palms, and he was telling her about the princessof Wichita Falls when the summons to dinner interrupted them. 

Ma was not hungry, and she had expected to have a bite in her ownroom; but her caller was so vigorous in his objections to thisplan that she finally agreed to come downstairs. 

The Briskow household was poorly organized as yet, and it was onlynatural that it should function imperfectly; nevertheless, Graywas annoyed at the clumsy manner in which the dinner was served. Being a meticulous man and accustomed to comfort, incompetentservants distressed him beyond measure, and he soon discoveredthat the Briskow help was as completely incompetent as any he hadever seen. The butler, for instance, a pleasant-faced colored man, had evidently come straight from the docks, for he passed the foodmuch as a stoker passes coal to a boiler, while the sound of acrashing platter in the butler's pantry gave evidence that thesecond girl was a house wrecker. 

"See here, Ma!" Gray threw down his napkin. "You have a beautifulhome, and you want it to be perfect, don't you?"

"Why, of Course. We bought everything we' could buy--"

"Everything except skillful servants, and they are hard to find. You are capable of training your cook and teaching your upstairsgirl to sweep and make beds; but the test of a well-run house is awell-served meal. Dish-breaking ought to be a felony, and when Ibecome President I propose to make the spoiling of food a capitaloffense. Now then, you're not eating a bite, anyhow, and Gus won'tmind waiting awhile for his dinner. With your permission, I'd liketo take things in hand and add a hundred per cent to your futurecomfort?"

In some bewilderment Ma agreed that she would do anything herguest suggested, whereupon he rose energetically and called thethree domestics into the dining room. 

"We are going to start this dinner all over again, " he announced, "and we are going to begin by swapping places. I am going to serveit as a dinner should be served, and you are going to eat it as--Well, I dare say nature will have to take its course. I shallexplain, as I go along, and I want you to remember every word Isay, every move I make. Mr. And Mrs. Briskow are going to look on. After we have finished you are going to serve us exactly as Iserved you. "

Naturally, this proposition amazed the "help"; in fact, itsabsurdity convulsed them. The man laughed loudly; the cook buriedher ebony face in her apron; the second girl bent double withmirth. Here was a quaint gentleman, indeed, and a great joker. Butthe gentleman was not joking. On the contrary, he brought thislevity to an abrupt end, then, gravely, ceremoniously, he seatedthe trio. They sobered quickly enough at this; they became, infact, as funereal as three crows; but their astonishment at whatfollowed was no greater than that of the Briskows. 

Gray played butler with a correctness and a poise deeplyimpressive to his round-eyed audience, and as he served thecourses he delivered a lecture upon the etiquette of domesticservice, the art of cooking, and the various niceties of aservant's calling. Nothing could have been more impressive thanbeing waited upon by a person of his magnificence, and hislecture, moreover, was delivered in a way that drove understandinginto their thick heads. 

It was an uncomfortable experience for all except Gray himself--heactually enjoyed it--and when the last dish had been removed, andhe had given instructions to serve the meal over again exactly ashe had served it, the three negroes were glad to obey. Of coursethey made mistakes, but these Gray instantly corrected, and theresults of his dress rehearsal were, on the whole, surprising. 

"There!" he said, when the ordeal had finally come to an end. "Alittle patience, a little practice, and you'll be proud of them. Incidentally, I have saved you a fortune in dishes. "

"I wish Allie'd been here. She'd remember everything you said, " Madeclared. 

"Lord! Think of Mr. Gray waitin' on them niggers!" Gus was stilldeeply shocked. 

"You see what a meddlesome busybody I am, " the guest laughed. "Idon't know how to mind my own business, and the one luxury I enjoymost of all is regulating other people's affairs. " He was stilltalking, still lecturing his hearers upon the obligationsprosperity had put upon them, when he was summoned to thetelephone by a long-distance call. He returned in some agitationto announce: "Well, at last I have business of my own to attend. "

"Was that Buddy talkin'?"

"It was, and he gave me some good news. He says that well onthirty-five is liable to come in at any minute, and it looks likea big one. " The speaker's eyes were glowing, and he ran on, breathlessly, "He says they're betting it will do better than tenthousand barrels!"

"_Ten thousand bar'ls!_" Briskow echoed. 

"That's what he said. Of course, they can't tell a thing about it. Buddy's only guessing, but--I haven't had a big well yet. " Gray tooka nervous turn about the room. 

"Ten thousand barrels! Lord! That would help. That would do thetrick. And to think that it should come now, this very day--" Helaughed triumphantly and ran on as if talking to himself: "'Thewicked are fatted for destruction. Their happiness shall pass awaylike a torrent. ' Pull out and leave me, eh?" A second time helaughed, more loudly. "Luck? It isn't luck, it's Destiny. Themills of the Gods are grinding. Ma Briskow, the fairy ladiesdanced upon the hearth when I was born. Do you know what thatmeans?"

"Ten thousand bar'ls a day, an' you buttlin' for three niggers!"gasped the head of the house. 

"I'm going out on to-night's train and see it come in--if it doescome in. I told Buddy to stop work; not to drop another tool untilI arrived. 'Fatted for destruction. ' I like the sound of that. Tenthousand barrels! Ho! I'll write this day in brass. Why, thatlease will sell for a million. It--it may mean the end. "

Gray brought himself to with an effort, hastily he kissed MaBriskow's faded cheek and wrung her husband's hand. A moment laterhe was gone. 

"Thirty-five, " where Buddy was working, was only a few miles fromthe Briskow ranch, therefore the boy was able to meet his sisterat Ranger and drive her directly to the old home. The place wasmuch the same as when they had left it, thanks to the watchfulattention of the men in charge of the Briskow wells, and therethey spent the night. Buddy and his sister had always been closeconfidants, and their long separation, their varied experiences, left many things to be discussed. 

The ranch house seemed very mean, very insignificant to Allie, butshe slipped into one of her old dresses and prepared the supperwhile Buddy straddled a kitchen chair and chattered upon tenthousand topics of mutual interest. 

"Doggone!" he exclaimed, finally. "I hardly knew you when youstepped off that train, but it seems like old times now, with youhustlin' around in that gingham. "

"I wish it was. "

"Hunh?"

"I wish, sometimes, that we'd never struck oil. "

"Good Lord! Why?"

"Oh"--Allie turned her back and bent over the stove--"for lots ofreasons! Ma never had a sick day till lately. Now she's failin'fast. " Buddy frowned at this intelligence. "And Pa's as restlessas a squirrel. All the time scared of losing his money. "

"Well, _you_ got no kick coming, sis. You've sure made good. "

"How?"

"I dunno--You've got rich ways. An' rich _looks_, too!"

Allie lifted an interested face, and her brother undertook, somewhat awkwardly, to tell her wherein she had improved. Shelistened with greedy delight, but when he had finished she shookher head skeptically and declared: "It sounds nice, and God knowsI've tried hard enough, but-there's a difference, Bud. We're'trash' and always will be. "

Of course young Briskow's mind was full of business, and he couldnot long stay off that absorbing topic. When, during their supper, he announced the fact that the well on thirty-five showed signs ofcoming in shortly, and that he intended to send for Calvin Gray, Allie changed her mind about returning home and decided to waitover until the latter arrived. 

She and Buddy talked until a late hour that night, but althoughshe was dying to have him tell her about his romance, his dream oflove, he never so much as referred to it, and she could not bringherself to disregard his reticence. Nor could she bear to discusswith him the problem that lay nearest her own heart. She hadbrooded long over that problem, and her soul was hungry to shareits bitter secret; nevertheless, she could not do so, for it is ofteneasier to bare our wounds to strangers than to those welove. If her breedings, her bitterness of spirit manifestedthemselves, it was in a fixed undertone of pessimism and in anoccasional outburst of recklessness that bewildered her brother. 

On the morning of Gray's coming she rode with Buddy over tothirty-five. It was a wretched, rainy day, and nothing is morebleak than a rainy day in a drilling camp. Work had been haltedand the men were loafing in their bunk house. Brother and sisterspent the impatient hours in the mess tent. As usual, they talkeda good deal about Calvin Gray. 

"Funny, him comin' here a stranger, an' gettin' to run our wholefamily, ain't it?" Buddy said. 

Allie nodded. "Funnier thing than that is your working for him. "Buddy was surprised, so she asked him: "Aren't you sore at himfor--what he did? For breaking up that affair?" It was a questionthat had been upon her lips more than once; she could not credither brother with entire sincerity when he answered, franklyenough:

"Sore? Not the least bit. "

"Didn't you--care for her?"

"Why, sure. I was all tore up, at first. But he did me the biggestkind of a favor. "

Allie shook her head uncomprehendingly. "Men are queer things. You_must_ have loved her, for a while. "

"I reckon I did, if you're a mind to call it that. But he saysthat sort of thing ain't real love. "

"'_He says_'!" the girl cried, scornfully. "My God, Buddy! Wouldyou let _him_ tell you--? Is he pickin' out women for you like hepicks out a dress for me and a hotel for Ma? How does _he_ knowwhat's the real thing?"

"She was a--grafter, " the brother explained, with a flush ofembarrassment. "She'd of probably took my money an' quit me cold. "

"Bah!" The girl rose and, with somber defiance in her smolderingeyes, stared out at the desolate day. "You'd have had her for awhile, wouldn't you? You'd have lived while it lasted. What's thedifference if she was a grafter? D'you think you're going to fallin love and marry a duchess, or something? I wish I'd had yourchance, that's all. "

"What d'you mean by that?" Buddy queried, sharply. 

"I mean this, " Allie flamed at him. "We're nobodies and we've gotnothing but our money. A counterfeit is as good as ever we'll get--and it's as good as we're entitled to. I'd rather know what it isto live for an hour than to go on forever just pretending to live. If I've got to be unhappy, then give me something to be unhappyover; something to look back on. I'd rather be--But, pshaw! Youdon't understand. You couldn't. "

"I dunno what's got into you lately, " Buddy declared, with afrown. 

"Nothing's got into me. Only, what's the use of starving when theworld's full of good things and you've got the price to buy them?_I_ won't do it. If ever I get my chance, you watch me!"

Gray's trip from the railroad was more like a voyage than a motorjourney, for the creek beds, usually dry, were angry torrents, andthe 'dobe flats were quagmires through which his vehicle plowedhub deep; nevertheless, he was fresh and alert when he arrived. After a buoyant greeting to Allie, he and Buddy inspected thewell, then he issued orders for work to be resumed. 

"We're gettin' close to something, " young Briskow declared. "She'smaking gas an' rumblin' like she'd let go any minute. We gotreservoys built an' the boiler's moved back, so we can douse thefire when she starts. I figger she'll drownd us out. "

"What are the indications at Nelson's well?" Gray turned his eyesin the direction of a derrick on the adjoining property, the topof which showed over the mesquite. 

"Nothin' extra. They won't tell us anything, but they're deeper 'nwe are. "

"How do you know?"

Buddy winked wisely. "We counted the layers of cable on the bull-wheel drum. Checked up their casing, too, an' watched theircuttin's. They got their eye on us, too, an' they'll be over whenwe blow in. "

That was an anxious afternoon, for as the drill bit deeper intothe rock it provoked indications of a terrific force imprisonedfar below. To the observers it seemed as if that sharp-edged toolwas tap-tapping upon the thin shell of some vast reservoir alreadyleaking and charged to the bursting point with a mighty pressure. An odor of gas escaped from the casing mouth, occasionally therecame hoarse, throaty gurglings of the thick liquid at the bottomof the well. The bailer was run frequently. 

Word had gone forth that there was something doing on thirty-five, and from the chaparral emerged muddy motor cars bringing scouts, neighboring lease owners, and even the members of a near-by casingcrew. 

Supper was a jumpy meal, and nobody had much to say, Allie Briskowleast of all. She was silent, intense; she curtly refused Buddy'soffer to send her home, and when the meal was over she followedGray back to the derrick. He was on edge, of course. It seemed tohim that every blow of that bit was struck upon his naked nerves, for he had a deep conviction that this was to prove the night ofhis life, and the strain of waiting was becoming onerous. Thiswell meant so much. Ten thousand barrels, fifteen, five--even onethousand; it mattered little how heavy the flow, for a good-payingwell would see him through his immediate troubles. And this was awell of some sort, or else indications meant nothing and everybodywas greatly mistaken. Of course, a big well, something to create afuror--that was what he needed, for that not only would bridge hisfinancial crisis, but also it would mean a frenzy of quickdrilling, new wells crowded close together, hundreds of thousandsof dollars poured into the earth, and the Nelsons couldn't standthat. It would break them--break them, and he would taste the fullsweetness of revenge. Oh, he had waited long! Nor was that all. Once he had Henry Nelson down, and his foot on the fellow'sthroat, he'd have something to say to Barbara Parker. He could sayit then and look her in the eyes. He wished she was here to-nightwhile he stood on the top of the world. Ten thousand barrels!Twenty thousand! Twenty-thousand-barrel gushers were not unknown. A well like that would mean a fortune every day. But why didn't itstart?

They were bailing again and curiosity drew the owner in upon thederrick floor. This time the flow might begin; at any moment nowoil might come with the water. There is some danger in standingclose to a well during this bailing process, but Gray was like abit of iron in the field of a magnet; spellbound, he watched thecable as it ran smoothly off the drum, flowed up over the crownblock and down into the casing mouth. That heavy, torpedolikeweight on the end of the line was dropping almost half a mile. Upit came swiftly, as if greased; up, up, until it emerged into theglare of the incandescent overhead and hung there dripping. It wasswung aside and lowered, and out gushed its muddy contents. 

Water! Black and thick as molasses, but water nevertheless. 

Buddy Briskow was running the rig, and the dexterity with which hehandled brake and control rod gave him pride. He had seated hissister on a bench out of the way, where she was protected from thedrizzle, and he felt her eyes upon him. It gave him a sense ofimportance to have Allie watching him at such a crisis; he wishedhis parents were with her. If this well blew in big, as it seemedbound to do, it would be a personal triumph, for not many cubdrillers could boast of bringing in a gusher the first time. Itwas, in fact, no mean accomplishment to make any sort of a well;to pierce the earth with an absolutely vertical shaft a half miledeep and line it with tons upon tons of heavy casing joined air-tight and fitted to a hair's breadth was an engineering feat in itself. It was something that only an oil man could appreciate. And he was an oilman; a darn good one, too, so Buddy told himself. 

He eased the brake and the massive bailer slid into the casing asa heavy shell slips into the breech of a cannon. As he furtherreleased his pressure, the cable began to pour serpentlike fromthe drum. Buddy turned his wet, grimy face and flashed a grin atAllie. She smiled back at him faintly. Some lightninglike changein her expression, or perhaps some occult sense of the untowardwarned him that all was not as it should be, and he jerked hishead back to attention. 

There are moments of catastrophe when for a brief interval natureslows, time stops, and we are carried in suspense. Such an instantBuddy Briskow experienced now. He knew at first glance what hadhappened, and a frightened cry burst from his throat, but it was acry too short, too hoarse, to serve as a warning. 

During that moment of inattention the bailer had stuck. Perhapsfive hundred feet below, friction had checked its plunge, andmeanwhile the velvet-running drum, spinning at its maximumvelocity by reason of the whirling bull wheel, was unreeling itscable down upon the derrick platform. Down it poured in giantloops, and within those coils, either unconscious of his danger orparalyzed by its suddenness, stood Calvin Gray. 

Men schooled in hazardous enterprises carry subconscious mentalphotographs of the perils with which their callings are investedand they react involuntarily to them. Buddy had heard of drillersdecapitated by flying cables, of human bodies caught within thosewire loops and cut in twain as if made of lard, for when a wedgedtool resumes its downward plunge it straightens those coils aboveground in the twinkling of an eye. Instinct, rather than reason, warned Buddy not to check the blinding revolutions of the bullwheel. Without thought he leaped forward into the midst of thoseswiftly forming loops, and as he landed upon the slippery floor heclenched his fist and struck with all the power he could put behindhis massive arm. Gray's back was to him, the blow was like that ofa walking beam, and it sent the elder man flying as a tenpin ishurled ahead of a bowling ball. Buddy fell, too. He went sprawling. As he slid across the muddy floor he felt the steel cable writhingunder him like a thing alive, and the touch of it as it streamed intothe well burned his flesh. He kicked and fought it as he would havefought the closing folds of a python, for the bailer was fallingagain and the wire loops were vanishing as the coils in a whiplashvanish during its flight. 

Buddy's booted legs were thrown high, he was tossed aside like athing of paper, but blind, half stunned, he scrambled back to hispost. By this time the whole structure of the derrick was rockingto the mad gyrations of the bull wheel; the giant spool wasspinning with a speed that threatened to send it flying, like thefragments of a bursting bomb, but the youth understood dimly thedanger of stopping it too suddenly--to fetch up that plungingweight at the cable end might snap the line, collapse the derrick, "jim" the well. Buddy weaved dizzily in his tracks; nevertheless, his hand was steady, and he applied a gradually increasingpressure to the brake. Nor did he take his eyes from his taskuntil the drum had ceased revolving and the runaway bailer hungmotionless in the well. 

When he finally looked about it seemed to him that he had lived along time and was very old. Gray lay motionless where he hadfallen, and his body was twisted into a shockingly unnaturalposture. He was bleeding. Allie Briskow was bending over him. Other dim, dreamlike figures were swarming out of the gloom andinto the radiance of the derrick lights; there was a far-awayclamor of shouting voices. Buddy Briskow felt himself growingdeathly sick. 

They carried Gray to the bunk house, and his limbs hung loosely, his head lolled in a manner terrifying to Buddy and his sister. As theystumbled along beside the group, the girl cried:

"Oh, my God! Oh, my God!" She repeated the cry over and over againin a voice strange to her brother's ears. 

"It--it wasn't my fault, " he told her, hoarsely. "I aimed to savehim. "

"You killed him!"

"He ain't--" Buddy choked and clung to her. "He's just stunnedlike. He ain't--that!" The youth was amazed when Allie turned andcursed him with oaths that he himself seldom ventured to employ. 

But Gray was not dead. Buddy's blow had well-nigh broken his neck, and he had suffered a further injury to his head in falling;nevertheless, he responded to such medical aid as they couldsupply, and in time he opened his eyes. His gaze was dull, however, and for a long while he lay in a sort of coma, quite asalarming as his former condition. They brought him to at last longenough to acquaint him with what had happened, and although it wasplain that he understood their words only dimly, he ordered thework resumed. 

When for a second time he lapsed into semiconsciousness, it wasAllie Briskow who put his orders into execution. "You ain't doingany good standing around staring at him and whispering. Bring inthat well, as fast as ever you can, and bring it in _big_. Now, get out and leave him to me. "

Buddy was the last to go. He inquired, miserably: "Honest, heain't hurt bad, is he? You don't think--"

"Get out!"

"He won't--die? Ain't no chance of him doin' that, is there?"

"If he does, I'll--" The speaker's face was ashen, but her eyesblazed. "I'll fix you, Buddy Briskow. I will, so help me God!"

It was late that night when the well came in. It came with a rushand a roar, drenching the derrick with a geyser of muddy water anddriving both crew and spectators out into the gloom. Up, up thecolumn rose, spraying itself into mist, and from its iron throatissued a sound unlike that of any other phenomenon. It was ahoarse, rumbling bellow, growing in volume and rising in pitchsecond by second until it finally attained a shrieking crescendo. Ten thousand safety valves had let go, and they steadily gatheredstrength and shrillness as they functioned. A shocking sound itbecame, a sound that carried for miles, rocking the air andstunning the senses. It beat upon the eardrums, pierced them; menshouted at each other, but heard their own voices only faintly. 

Calvin Gray had recovered his senses sufficiently to understandthe meaning of that uproar, and he tried to get up, but Allie heldhim down upon his bed. She was still struggling with him when herbrother burst into the house, shouting:

"It's a gasser, Mr. Gray! Biggest I ever seen. "

"Gas?" the latter mumbled, indistinctly. "Isn't there any--oil?"His words were almost like a whisper because of the noise. 

"Not yet. May be later. Say, she's a heller, ain't she? I'll betshe's makin' twenty million feet--"

"Gasser's no good. "

"Can't tell yet. We gotta shut her down easy so she don't blow thecasing out--run wild on us, understand?" Buddy was stillbreathless, but he plunged out the door and back into that sea ofsound. 

With a tragic intensity akin to wildness, Gray stared up intoAllie Briskow's face. "Worthless, eh? And they told me tenthousand barrels. " He carried a shaking hand to his bandaged headand tried vainly to collect his wits. "What's matter?" he queried, thickly. "Everything whirling--sick--"

"You had an accident, but it's all right; all right--No, no! Pleaselie still. "

"Running wild, eh? Tha's what hurts my head so. Blown the casingout--Bad, isn't it? Sometimes they run wild for weeks, years--ruineverything. " He tried again to rise, then insisted, querulously: "Gotoget oil in this well! I've got to! Last chance, Allie. Got to get tenthousand barrels!"

"Please! You mustn't--" Allie had her strong hands upon his shoulders;she was arguing firmly but as gently as possible under thecircumstances, when something occurred so extraordinary, sounexpected, as to paralyze her. Of a sudden the interior of thedim-lit, canvas-roofed shack was illuminated as if by a searchlight, and she turned her head to see that the whole out-of-doors wasvisible and that the night itself had turned into day. 

With a cry that died weakly amid the chaos of sound beating overher, the girl ran to the window and looked out. What she beheldwas a nightmare scene. The well was afire. It had exploded intoflame. Where, a moment before, it had been belching skyward anenormous stream of gaseous vapor, all but invisible except at thecasing head, now it was a monstrous blow torch, the flaming crestof which was tossed a hundred feet high. Nothing in the nature ofa conflagration could have been more awe-inspiring, moreconfounding to the faculties than that roaring column of consumingfire. It was a thing incredibly huge, incredibly furious, incredibly wild. Human figures, black against its glare, wereflying to safety, near-by silhouettes were flinging their armsaloft and dashing backward and forward; faces upturned to it werewhite and terrified. The scattered mesquite stood against thenight like a wall, spotted with inky shadows, and, above, theheavens resembled a boiling caldron. 

It was a hellish picture; it remained indelibly fixed upon AllieBriskow's mind. As she looked on in horrid fascination, she sawthe derrick change into a latticelike tower of flame, saw itsupper part begin slowly to crumble and disintegrate. The forcewith which the gas issued blew the blaze high and held it dancing, tumbling in mid-air, a phenomenon indescribably weird andimpressive. The men who stood nearest bent their heads and shieldedtheir faces from the heat. 

Allie tore her eyes away from the spectacle finally. She turnedback to the bed, then she halted, for it was empty. The door, still ajar from Buddy's headlong exit, informed her whence herpatient had gone, and she flew after him. 

She found him not half a dozen paces away. In fact, she stumbledover his prostrate body. With an amazon's strength, she gatheredhim into her arms, then staggered with him back to his couch, andas she strained him to herself she loudly called his name. Amidthat demoniac din, amid the shrieking of those million devils, freed from the black chasms of the rock, her voice was as feebleas the wail of a sick child. 

When she had laid her inert burden upon the bed, Allie knelt andtook Gray's head upon her bosom. Then, for the first time, thoseforces imprisoned deep within her being ran wild, and under thered glare of that flaming geyser she kissed his hair, his eyes, his lips. Over and over again she kissed them with the hungrypassion of a woman starved. 

CHAPTER XXVI

A subdued but continuous whispering irritated Calvin Gray. When itpersisted, minute after minute, he opened his eyes, askinghimself, dully, why it was that people couldn't let a fellowsleep. He lay, for some time, trying to recognize his unfamiliarsurroundings; oddly enough, he could not discover the origin ofthat low-pitched murmur, since there was nobody in his bedroom. Evidently he had slept too hard, for his eyes were heavy, hisvision was distorted, and an unaccustomed lassitude bore down hisbody and stupefied his brain. A thousand indistinct memories weremoving about in the penumbral borderland of consciousness, butthey refused to take shape. They would emerge into the lightpresently, of course. Meanwhile, it was restful to remain in thisstate of semi-stupefaction. He was pretty tired. 

That whispering, he realized after a while, was nothing more thanthe monotonous murmur of rain upon a shingle roof, and the gurglefrom dripping eaves. Oh yes! It had been pouring for several days;raining buckets, barrels--Ten thousand barrels a day!

Yonder was something familiar; a patent, spring rocking-chair. Gray knew it well. It creaked miserably when you sat in it, andwhen you got up to look at diamond rings it snapped its jaws atyou like an alligator. Odd that they'd let an alligator into theAjax Hotel. Nelson's doings, probably. Always up to some deviltry, that Nelson. But, thank God, the fire was out, and that ear-splitting racket that hurt his head had changed into the soothingpatter of raindrops. There couldn't be any fire with ten thousandbarrels of rain falling. 

Gray closed his eyes and dozed briefly. But he had dreams;calamity haunted him; he awoke to the realization of some horror. Slowly his brain began to function, then more swiftly, until, likea flood released, memory returned. He groaned aloud. 

Allegheny Briskow appeared out of nowhere and laid a soothing handupon his brow. When she saw the light of sanity in his eyes, herface brightened and she cried, eagerly:

"You're coming around all right, aren't you?"

"Ten thousand barrels!" he mumbled. "They said it would be a bigwell and I counted on it. "

"Don't try to think--"

"But it came in a gasser. I remember it all now--nearly all. I--I'm about ruined, I guess. "

"No, no!"

"It caught fire. "

"You mustn't talk. Everything is all right--all right, honestly. I'll tell you everything, but just you rest now until Buddycomes. " There was magnetism to the girl's touch and comfort in hervoice. 

It was some time later that Gray opened his eyes and spoke in amore natural voice, saying, "How do I happen to be here in yourhouse, Allie?"

"We brought you over at daylight. Buddy's gone for a doctor, buthe'll be back. " The girl averted her face quickly and moved towardthe window. 

"I remember being hurt in some way--derrick fell on me, orsomething. Then the well caught fire. What time is it?"

"It's afternoon. About four o'clock. Buddy 'll be back--" Allie'svoice caught queerly. "He'll get back somehow. "

"He ought to be at the well--putting it out. God! What a sight! Isee it yet!"

"The well is out!" Allie returned and seated herself beside thebed. "You probably won't understand it or believe it--I canscarcely believe it myself, for it's a miracle. All the same, itis out, shut in, and not much damage done. You're not ruined, either, for Buddy says they're short of fuel here, and a gasser thissize is worth a good deal--'most as much as a fair oil well. '"

"How can it be shut in? It was blazing, roaring--a tower of flame. The derrick itself was going--"

"I know, but the strangest thing--" Allie spoke breathlessly. "Letme do the talking, please. You remember the drill stems werestanding over in one corner? Well, the fire drove everybody off, of course; there was no facing it, and they thought sure they'dhave a job--have to send for boilers and smother it down withsteam, maybe, or tunnel under, or something--work for days, maybeweeks, and spend a fortune. Anyhow, they were in a panic, but whenthe derrick went down what do you think? That stack of drill stemsfell in such a way as to close the gate valve at the top of thecasing. "

Gray frowned, he shook his head. "Impossible. You're trying toease my mind. "

"Of course it's impossible. But it happened, just as I tell you. Buddy had a bar fixed in the valve wheel, like a long handle, sothat a half turn, or maybe a quarter, would shut it. Anyhow, thosedrill stems caught that bar in falling and closed the valve. Somebody said it happened once before, to an oil well over inLouisiana--"

"It--sounds incredible. " The speaker made an effort to collecthimself, he raised an uncertain hand to his bandaged head. "Whatails me? I recall a lot of things, but they're pretty wellconfused. "

Allie made known, the nature of the accident resulting in Gray'sinjury, and he nodded his understanding. "So Buddy saved my life!"He smiled. "Great boy, Buddy! I'll know better than to mix it withhim again--he learns too quickly. "

"Oh, it was terrible! I've been so--so frightened!" Allie Briskowsuddenly lost control of herself and, bowing her head, she hid herface in the musty patchwork quilt. Her shoulders shook, her wholestrong body twitched and trembled. "You've b-been awful sick. Idid the best I could, but--"

"There, there!" Gray placed his hand upon the girl's head; hetook her palm in his and stroked it. "I'm not worth your tears, child. And, anyhow, I'm all right again; I am, indeed. I'm as wellas ever, so far as I can tell. By the way, what set the wellafire?"

"Buddy thinks somebody must have dropped a cigarette when thestampede came. " The girl raised her face and wiped the tears fromit. "It doesn't seem possible anybody would be so careless as tosmoke near a well that was coming in, but--Just think, Mr. Gray, those drill stems shut it off! Why, it was the hand of God!"

"It seems so. My luck hasn't run out, that's plain. " The speakerpondered briefly, then he said: "Shut in! Safe! Jove, it'swonderful! Buddy can take me to the railroad to-night and--"

"Oh, you can't leave. You're not able. "

"I must. This gasser was a great disappointment to me. I allowedmyself to count on a big well, and now I have a serious problem tomeet. It must be met without delay. Buddy will soon be back, Idare say?" Allie undertook to evade the speaker's eye, butunsuccessfully, and he inquired, sharply: "What's wrong? What'shappened to him?"

"Nothing. He's all right, but"--Gray's evident alarm demanded thetruth, therefore she explained--"but I don't know when he'll beback. That's why I've been so frightened. It has been raining catsand dogs; the creek has overflowed and everything is under water. "

"Under water? Here? Why, that can't be. " Gray insisted uponrising, and Allie finally consented to his doing so; then, despitehis protest that ha was quite able to take care of himself, shehelped him to the window. From that position he beheld asurprising scene. 

The Briskow farm lay in a flat, saucerlike valley, arid and dustyat most seasons of the year, but now a shallow lake, the surfaceof which was broken by occasional fences, misty clumps of bushes, or the tops of dead weeds. The nearest Briskow derrick was dimlyvisible, its floor awash, its shape suggestive of the battle mastof a sunken man-of-war. 

"It's not more than a foot or two deep on the level, " Allieexplained, "but that's enough. And it has come up six inches sinceBuddy left. He'd have been back before this if he could have madeit. "

"Did you ever see it like this before?"

"Once, when I was a little girl. Some years the creek never has adrop in it. "

"Then we're marooned. "

"We were cut off for three days that time. "

Gray frowned. What next? he asked himself. Here was a calamitythat could not be dodged. He shrugged, finally. "No use to fret. No use to crouch beneath a load. I'd give my right arm to be backin Dallas, but--this is our chance to cultivate the Christianvirtue of submission. So be it! One must have a heart for everyfate, but, " he smiled at the girl, "it is hard to be philosophicalwhen you're hungry. And I'm hungry. "

"Oh, you _are_ better!"

"I'm well, I tell you, except for the bruises bequeathed me byyour brutal brother. Three days--a week, maybe! My God! By theway, is there any food in the house?"

"Plenty. "

"Then--we've nothing to do except get better acquainted, and thatis something I've wanted to do for some time. "

Allegheny Briskow sang while she prepared supper, for the reactionfrom the strain of the last twelve hours was like an intoxication. Mr. Gray was in no further danger; he was well except for abandaged head and some bruises. And he was here alone with her. They were as completely cut off from the outside world as ifshipwrecked on some island, and, for the time being at least, hewas hers to look out for, hers to wait upon and to guard. Allielaughed at the drumming of the rain upon the kitchen roof, and shethrilled at memory of some of the things she had done. She could feelagain Gray's head upon her bosom, his lips against hers, his bodystrained to hers. She had listened to his heartbeats; with her ownabundant strength she had shielded him, fought for him, drawn him, byvery force of her will, back to life; the anguish she had sufferedduring those long hours became, in retrospect, a poignant pleasure. 

She wondered if by any chance he would remember--there had beentimes when he had seemed to be almost rational. She hoped not. Andyet--why not? If he did remember, if indeed he had felt her kissesor heard her pleadings, that memory, even if subconscious, mightserve to awaken him. It might evoke some response to the flamingpassion that had finally escaped her control. Gray was a strongman; his emotions, once roused, were probably as wild as hers, therefore who could tell what might happen? Irresistible forces, fire and flood, had thrown them together. They were at the mercyof elemental powers, and they were alone with each other--a manand a woman. Allie hoped against hope; she prayed recklessly, defiantly, that her hour had struck. 

Gray came into the kitchen after a while to warm himself over thestove. He was still a little bit unsteady on his feet, and hishead felt queer; but he assumed a certain gayety and insisted uponbearing an awkward hand with the cooking and the dishes. He hadnever seen Allie as she was now, nor in a mood to compare withthis, and for the first time he realized how fully she haddeveloped. It was not surprising that her metamorphosis hadescaped his attention, for he had never taken time to do more thanbriefly appraise her. With leisure for observation, however, henoted that she had made good her promise of rare physical charm, and that her comeliness had ripened into real beauty--beauty builton an overwhelming scale, to be sure, and hence doubly striking--moreover, he saw that all traces of her stolidity had vanished. She was an intelligent, wide-awake, vibrant person, and at thismoment a genial fire, a breathless excitement, was ablaze withinher. Gray complimented her frankly, and she was extravagantly pleased. 

"Buddy said almost the same thing, " she told him. "I don't carewhether it's true or not, if you believe it. "

"Oh, it's true! I saw great things in you, but--"

"Even when you saw me hoeing in the garden that first day?"

"Even then; but I wasn't prepared for a miracle. You were anenchanted princess, and it required only a magic word to break thespell. "

"It is all your doings, Mr. Gray. Whatever I am I owe it all toyou. And it's the same with the rest of the family. I--" Alliehesitated, looked up from her work, then shook her head smilingly. 

"What?"

"I feel as if--well, as if you'd made me and I--belonged to you. "It was dusk by this time; the girl's face was lit only by theindirect glow from the open door of the stove, therefore Graycould make nothing of her expression. 

"How very flattering!" he laughed. "As a real matter of fact, Ihad almost nothing to do with it. "

"All the same that's how I feel--as if I owed you everything andhad to give something back. Women are queer, I guess. They love togive. And yet they're selfish--more selfish than men. "

"I wouldn't say so. "

"You don't know how bad hurt you were, Mr. Gray. I saved your lifeas much as Buddy did. You'd have died only for--only I wouldn'tlet you. "

"I believe it. So, you see, you have more than evened the score. After all, I merely awakened the Sleeping Beauty, while you--"

"The prince woke her up with a kiss, didn't he?" Allie said, witha smile. 

"So the story goes. Fairy stories, by the way, are the only kindone can afford to believe. "

"Then I've got--something coming to me, haven't I?"

This time the girl turned her face invitingly to the speaker andwaited. 

Here was a new Allie Briskow, indeed, and one that amazed, nay, disturbed, Gray. Romance, he told himself. The girl meant nothingby this; nevertheless, her fancy had run far enough. He ignoredher invitation, and instead of kissing her he patted her shoulderaffectionately, saying:

"You're a dear child, and I can never repay you for mending mypoor cracked head. "

He turned his back, went to the table and lit the lamp, uncomfortably aware of the fact, meanwhile, that Allie remainedmotionless where he had left her. He ran on, casually, during thetime he adjusted chimney and wick: "I was on the porch just nowand found a rabbit crouching there. The poor thing was too wet andfrightened to move. " Allie did not seem to hear him. "All sorts ofthings are floating about; dead chickens, rattlesnakes, and--Ohyes, another thing I noticed; there's a good deal of oil on thewater! I wonder where it comes from?"

Allie stirred herself; she jerked open the oven door, peered in, then slammed it shut. Her voice was sullen as she said: "They'vebeen expecting a gusher on sixteen. Maybe the reservoirs haveoverflowed, or a pipe line has broken. Maybe it came in wild, youcan't tell. This flood will cost a good many people a lot. "

Supper, when the two sat down to it, proved to be a pleasant meal, for the soft glow of the lamp, the warmth from the stove, made ofthe Briskow kitchen a cozy place, while the drumming of the rainoverhead enhanced their feeling of comfort and security. Gray'sappetite was not that of a sick man, and Allie, who had regainedher agreeable humor by this time, waited upon him with eager faceand shining eyes. He paused, finally, to say:

"See here! You're not eating a bite. "

"I'm not hungry. I couldn't eat, to-night. Please--I'm perfectlyhappy. I feel like a slave at the great lord's table; all I careto do is look on. " After a moment she continued: "It couldn't havebeen so bad to be a slave--a girl slave. Somebody owned them, anyhow; they belonged to their masters, body and soul, and that'ssomething. Women are like that. They've got to belong to somebodyto be happy. "

Gray was a talkative man, therefore he argued this point until hebegan to suspect that his companion was not heeding his words somuch as the sound of his voice. More plainly than before herealized that there was something about Allie to-night utterlystrange and quite contrary to his conception of her, but, becausehe believed her to be unlike other women, he did not try tounderstand it. 

During the night an explosive crash followed by a loudreverberation awoke Calvin Gray and brought him up sitting. Hisroom was lit by white flickers, against which he saw that the rainstill sheeted his windows; he fumbled for his watch and found thatit was two o'clock. This was a storm, indeed, and he began to fearthat this deluge might swell the waters to a danger point;therefore he rose, struck a light, and dressed himself. Sleep wasout of the question, anyhow, amid such an uproar. As he steppedout upon the front porch, his attention was instantly drawn to ayellow glow in the west, a distant torch, the flame of whichilluminated the angry night. He stared at it for a moment beforehe realized its meaning. A well was afire! Lightning had wrecked aderrick and ignited the stream of oil. No wonder, he told himself, for this field was dotted with towers well calculated to leadlightning out of the skies, and amid a play of destructive forcessuch as this nothing less than a miracle could have preventedsomething of the sort. But it was a pity, for yonder a small-sizedfortune was going up in smoke. 

By the next flare he saw that the waters had crept higher. Theywere nearly up to the porch floor now, and, obviously, they werestill rising. That rabbit was crouched where he had last seen it, a wet ball of fur with round, black eyes. The heavens echoedalmost constantly, now to a thick, distant rumble, again to anappalling din directly overhead; for seconds at a time there was lightenough to read by. The house, Gray decided, was in no danger, except froma direct bolt, for the valley was nothing more than a shallowlake; nevertheless--

A blinding, blue-white streak came, and he counted the secondsbefore the sound reached him. Sound traveled something like athousand feet a second, he reflected; that bolt must have struckabout a mile distant. Nothing alarming about that, surely. Amoment, then he blinked and rubbed his eyes, for out of the murkwas born another bonfire like that to the westward. 

Hearing an exclamation behind him, Gray turned to behold AllieBriskow's dim figure in the door. 

"Hello!" he cried, excitedly. "Did you see that? Yonder are twowells afire. "

"I know. I haven't closed my eyes. You can see another one from mywindow. " Allia snapped the light from a pocket flash upon Gray, and, noting that he was only partly clad, she urged him to comeinto the house. When he ignored the request she joined him, andtogether they stared at the mounting flames. 

"Jove! That's terrible!" he muttered. 

"Look here. " Allie directed the beam of her light down over theedge of the porch, and moved it slowly from side to side. Thesurface of the water was not only burdened with debris, but alsoit was thick with oil. "It's just like that on the other side. That gusher on sixteen must be wild. "

"Why didn't you call me?" the man inquired, sharply. 

"What was the use? There's no chance for us to get out. "

"How far is it back to high ground?"

"Quite a ways. Too far to wade. It would be over our heads inplaces, too. I don't like the look of it, do you? Not with thosefires going, and--"

"I dare say it won't get any worse. " Gray spoke with acarelessness that he was far from feeling, but his tone did notdeceive the girl. 

"It doesn't have to get any worse, " she declared, im patiently. "There's oil enough here to burn. We're in the middle of a lake ofit. What 'll happen if it catches fire?"

"Frankly, I don't know. I've never been marooned in a lake of oil. Probably this rain would quench it-"

"You know better than that!" Allie cried. "Don't act as if I werea kid. We're in a bad fix, with fire on three sides of us. "

"At least we'll be as well off inside as out here, " Gray declared, and his companion agreed, so together they went into her room, where, side by side, they peered through her window. What Alliehad said was true, and the man pinched himself to see if he weredreaming. This conflagration was even closer than the others, andhe could not doubt that there was every likelihood of itsspreading to the surface of the lake itself. Here was a situation, truly. For the life of him he could think of no way out of it. 

"I've read about this sort of thing, " Allie was saying. "Tanksbursting and rivers afire. It spreads all over, the fire does, andthere's no putting it out. "

"One thing sure, this lightning won't last long--"

A blue glare and a ripping explosion gave the lie to Gray'scheering words. Allie Briskow recoiled from the window. 

"We'll be burned alive!" she gasped. "Roasted like rats in a trap. I--I'm frightened, Mr. Gray. " She drew closer to him. 

"No need of that. We'll get out of this scrape somehow--peoplealways do. " A flicker lit the room, and he saw that the faceupturned to his was wide eyed, strained. That brief glimpse ofAllie, like a picture seen through the shutter of a camera, remained long with the man, for her hair was unbound, her lipswere parted, and her dark eyes were peculiarly brilliant; throughthe opening of her lacy negligee her round, white neck andswelling bosom were exposed. It was a head, a bust, to beremembered. 

"I--You got to--hold me, " she said, huskily, and he felt her bodyshrink close to his. She clung tightly to him, trembling at first, thenshaking in every limb. Fright, it seemed, had suddenly mastered AllieBriskow. 

Gray endeavored for a moment to soothe her, then gently to loosenher hold; he spoke to her as he would have spoken to a terrifiedchild, but the wildness of her emotion matched the wildness of thenight, and her strength was nearly equal to his. Knowing her as hedid, this abysmal terror was inexplicable; such abandon wasentirely out of keeping with her. But she had acted queerly eversince--Gray was ashamed of the thought that leaped into his mind;he hated himself for harboring it. He hated himself also for thethrill that coursed through him at contact with this disheveledcreature. The touch of her flesh disturbed him unbearably. Roughlyhe tore her arms from about his neck and put her away from him; bymain strength he forced her into a chair, then snatched a coveringof some sort from the bed and folded it around her shoulders. Hisvoice was hoarse--to him it sounded almost brutal as he said:

"Get hold of yourself! We're in no great danger, really. Now then, a light will help us both. " With clumsy hands he struck a matchand lit the lamp. "Light's a great thing--drives away foolishness--nightmares and fancies of all sorts. " Without looking at her heseized the electric torch and muttered: "I'll take a look around, just to see that things are snug. Back presently. "

Gray despised himself thoroughly when the turmoil within himpersisted; when he still felt the unruly urge to return whence hehad come. Wild horses! That was how Gus Briskow had described hischildren. Well, Allie had followed Buddy's example and jumped thefence. Here was something unique in the way of an experience, sureenough; here were forces at play as savage and as destructive asthose that lit the heavens. The girl was magnificent, maddening--and he was running away from her! He, a man of the world, asruthless as most men of his type! It was a phenomenon to awakensardonic mirth. He wondered what had come over him. He hadchanged, indeed. 

Could it be that he had read a wrong significance into Allie'sactions? Thus his mind worked when he grew calmer. He tried toanswer in the affirmative, but already he hated himselfsufficiently. No, the night had done it. Texas cattle stampede onstormy nights. They run blindly to destruction. The very air wassurcharged, electric, and the girl was untamed, only a stepremoved from the soil. The possibility that she could be seriouslyinterested in him, strangely enough, never presented itself. 

Gray laid strong hold of himself, but it is not easy to subduethought, and he could feel those strong, smooth, velvet armsencircling him. Disorder without and chaos within this house! Theheavens rumbled like a mighty drumhead, the lightning made uselessthe feeble ray in his hand. It was the place, the hour of impulse. Gray swore savagely at himself, then he stumbled into his room anddressed himself more fully. 

"Well, there doesn't seem to be much change, " he said, cheerfully, as he opened Allie's door awhile later. "The fires don't seem tobe spreading. " She was sitting where he had left her, she had notmoved. "Anything new on this side?"

Allie shrugged; slowly she turned, exposing a face tragic andstony. "I guess you don't think much of me, " she said. 

"Indeed!" he declared, heartily. "This is enough to frightenanybody. I don't mind saying it has upset me. But the worst isover. " He laid a reassuring hand upon her shoulder. 

Allie moved her body convulsively. "Lemme be!" she cried, sharply. "I don't mind the lightning. I ain't scared of the fire, either--hell fire or any other kind. I ain't scared of anything, and yet--I'm a dam' coward!"

She rose, gathered her loose robe more closely about her, and madeblindly toward the bed. She flung herself upon it and buried herface in the pillows. "Just a--dam' coward!" she repeated, in amuffled wail. "My God, I wish the blaze would come!"

CHAPTER XXVII

Buddy Briskow had difficulty in getting out of the valley on hisway for a doctor, for never had the roads been like this. He droverecklessly; where necessary he disregarded fences and pushedacross pastures that were hub deep; he even burst throughoccasional thickets in defiance of axle and tire. It was a madjourney, like the ride in a death-defying movie serial; only bysome miraculous power of cohesion did the machine hold togetherand thus enable him to keep it under way and bring it out to highground. Since he had not taken time before leaving to change intodry clothing, he was drenched to the skin; he was, in fact, sheeted with mud like the car itself. 

To find a doctor, however, was a problem. Buddy tried first onecamp, then another, but without success. Meanwhile, the downpourcontinued and the creeks rose steadily, obliging him to makenumerous detours and to follow the ridge roads wherever possible. He was aching in every bone and muscle from the pounding he hadreceived, his arms were numb, his back was broken. He drowned hismotor finally in fording a roily stream and abandoned the car. 

He came into Ranger that afternoon on the back of a truck horsethat he had borrowed--without the owner's consent. For a time itseemed that if he got a doctor at all he would have to follow asimilar procedure, but the Briskow name was powerful, and Buddytalked in big figures, so eventually he set out on the returnjourney--this time in a springless freight wagon drawn by thestoutest team in town. A medical man was on the seat beside him. 

Progress was maddeningly slow, incredibly tedious; creek beds, long dry, had become foaming torrents; in places even the level roads were bellydeep and the horses floundered. When one of them fell, it requiredinfinite labor and patience to get it upon its feet again. 

It was after midnight when Buddy and his miserable companiongained the comparatively easy going of the last ridge, that flintyrange beyond which lay the Briskow farm. Here they drove in theglare of lightning and under a sky that rumbled almost steadily, for a frightful electric storm had broken. Here it was that theysaw what havoc was being wrought--they counted several blazingwells ahead of them. 

Buddy stopped at a drilling camp where lights showed the occupantsto be astir, and there he received confirmation of his fears. Theflats beyond were inundated to a depth rendering travelimpossible, and although some of the men stationed out there hadmanaged to work their way back, others were, for the time being, hopelessly cut off. What was more alarming by far, in view ofthese blazing beacons, was the news that a huge gusher on sixteenwas wild and pouring its inflammable flood out upon the surface ofthe water. 

Buddy stood in the midst of a spreading puddle from his streamingclothes, and through chattering teeth announced: "My sister andMr. Gray are out there. I _gotta_ get through!"

"How you going to get through, kid?" one of the drillers inquired. "Our men had to swim in places. "

"I guess I can swim, if I try. Feller can do 'most anything if hehas to. How about you, Doc?" Buddy turned to his travelingcompanion. 

The latter shook his head positively. "You're crazy, Briskow. We'dprobably drown. If we didn't, we'd be burned alive when that looseoil catches fire. "

"Looks like it's bound to catch if this lightning keeps up, " someone declared. "Listen to that!"

Buddy cursed furiously and lurched toward the door. It took forceto restrain him from going. 

That was indeed a night of terror in the oil fields, fordestruction was wholesale, and to those who were fortunate enoughto be in no danger it was scarcely less trying than for theluckless ones out in the flooded area. Buddy Briskow was halfdemented. At one time it seemed certain that the surface oil wasaflame near his father's farm, and the pictures he conjured upwere unbearable. 

The rain ceased with the passing of the electrical storm, but thelate hours of the night were thick and the fires continued toburn. It seemed as if morning would never come. With the firstlight Buddy mounted one of his horses, and, regardless ofadmonitions, set out. In miles he had no great distance to go;nevertheless, it was midday before he came in sight of hisfather's unpainted farmhouse, and when he dismounted at the frontporch he fell rather than walked through the door. 

He broke down and blubbered weakly when he saw Calvin Gray up andaround and apparently well. He collapsed into a chair and huddledthere in a wet heap, the while he sobbed and laughed hysterically. He was considerably ashamed of his show of feeling. 

Even after he had been helped into the kitchen and his wet clotheshad been stripped from him, he could tell little about his trip, but hot food and drink brought him around and then, indeed, hisstory was one that deeply touched the elder man. 

Already the waters had ceased to rise, but Buddy's difficulty ingetting through proved the folly of attempting escape for the timebeing; his horse had been forced to swim with him in more than oneplace; in others he had waded waist deep, stumbling throughthickets, hauling the animal after him by main strength. There wasnothing to do, it seemed, but await a subsidence of the flood. Then, too, the boy was half dead for sleep. 

Under the circumstances it was not easy for the elder man to facethis delay. His affairs were in a precarious condition and more in needof his immediate attention than ever before; to be cut off, therefore, to be lost for several days at this particular time was more than amisfortune--it was a catastrophe. Such vague plans as he had consideredhe was now forced to abandon. He could see ruin ahead. 

One purpose this enforced idleness did serve, however; it enabledhim--nay, it forced him--to evolve a new scheme of relief. Someminds become paralyzed in moments of panic, others function withunexpected clearness and ingenuity, and his was such a mind. Anidea came to him, finally, which seemed sound, the more he thoughtabout it. Indeed, its possibilities galvanized him, and hewondered why he had been so long in arriving at it. It wasspectacular, daring, it might prove to be impossible ofaccomplishment; nevertheless, it was worth trying, and he couldscarcely wait for Buddy Briskow to wake up so that he could put itto him. 

Late that evening, after Allie had gone to bed, he had a long talkwith his young friend, during which he told him more about hisaffairs than he had made known even to Roswell, the banker. 

Buddy listened with the closest attention. He drew a deep breathat last and said: "I knew you was in deep, but I thought it wasjust your way. Now I _know_ it was Nelson's crew that fired ourgasser. Why, they might have cost us thousands--yes, hundreds ofthousands--if it had been the kind of a gusher we figgered on!Say"--the speaker's brows drew together in an angry scowl--"whatails this Nelson, anyhow--tryin' to get you shot, an' firin' yourwells, an' everything?"

"He once did me a great injury. "

"What kind?"

There was a pause. "I'd rather not go into that now, Buddy. Torepeat what I've been telling you, however, the situation is this:I've gone as far as I can go with the backing I have, and I mustmake a quick turn--strike one final blow or give up. Nelson and Iare like two wrestlers floundering on the mat. We're both tired, groggy, out of breath. Whichever one gets the first hold will win, for theother lacks strength to break it. Do you think your father wouldtrust me? Do you think he'd go it blind on my say-so?"

"If he won't, I will. I got money. So's Allie. "

Gray declined this offer with a positive shake of the head. "Itmust appeal to him on its merits. I wouldn't permit you to gocontrary to his judgment. "

"Judgment? What's Pa's judgment worth? He knows it's no good, an'so do we. Everybody's tryin' to do him up but you; you're the onlyone he trusts. An' the same here. There's my bank roll--you canshoot the whole piece. I don't care if it never comes back. Tryin'to get you killed! An' spoilin' a well on me!"

"Thank you, Buddy! You--make me slow to trust my own judgment. I--I seem to be developing a conscience. But I'm sure this is thething to do, for you and your father as well as for me. Peoplecan't stand still; they must go forward. The Briskow fortune mustgrow or it will crumble. "

"I dunno if we've got as much in us as you seem to think, " the boysaid, doubtfully. 

"Look at Allie! And, you, too! You took hold of this field workand ran it like a man. I said you'd make a hand, and you have. Theday is coming when people like you, who went from poverty toaffluence overnight, will retrace that journey. That's the timewhen the truly dramatic story of the Texas oil boom will bewritten. Then will come the real tragedy, and you mustn't becaught in it. Money isn't a servant, Buddy; it is a master, and amighty stern, relentless master, at that. When your first wellblew in, it didn't mean ease and enjoyment, as you thought; itmeant hard work for the rest of your life. "

"If you'd talked to me like this when I went off to school, " theboy said, after a moment of consideration, "mebbe I'd of mademyself swallow some more education, even if I had to take it out of abottle along with the little kids. "

Gray smiled. "You have common sense, at least, and that'ssomething you can't get in school. Men wear smooth from contactwith one another, and it is time you got in touch with somethingbigger than mere drilling. If you're willing, I'll take you toWichita Falls with me. "

"_Willing?_" Buddy's eyes sparkled. Guiltily he confessed: "It'sbeen pretty--lonesome out here with the scorpions. But I wanted toshow you I could make good. "

"Do you drink any more?"

"Haven't touched a drop. I don't reckon I ever will, either. Idon't take to the idea of back-trackin' to this farm an' gettin'old in overalls, like you say. I'm sort of penurious an' I aim tokeep what little sense I got. A feller as dull as I am can'tafford to drink. "

"One thing more. " Gray nodded approvingly. "I want you to promiseme that you won't fall in love with the first woman you meet. I'dnever be able to lick you again. "

Buddy showed his strong, white teeth in a broad grin. "I promise!That boy with the bass voice cured me. I'm goin' to be a hermit. "

News of the damage wrought by the recent storm was naturally ofgrave concern to Henry Nelson, but owing to the fact that lineswere down, about his only source of information, during the daysimmediately following it, was the press reports. He was readingthe Dallas papers with interest one morning when his attention wasarrested by the name of Calvin Gray. Now Gray's name in printaffected the banker almost as disagreeably as did a sight of theman himself; therefore it was with intense resentment that he readthe article in which it appeared. It was a vividly written accountof the former's experience during the flood, and, due no doubt toGray's personal touch, it read a good deal like fiction. The manhad a unique turn for publicity, a knack for self-advertising thatinfuriated Nelson. To read this anybody would think that he wasone of the dominant figures in the oil industry, and that hisenterprises were immensely successful. With a sneer Nelson flungthe paper aside. So, that was how it had happened. The well hadbeen fired--Henry believed he could account for that--but amiracle had quenched the flame. Falling drill stems! Who everheard of such a thing? Such luck was uncanny--enough to give onethe creeps. If Gray were tied hand and foot and thrown into ariver, somebody would drag him out--with his pockets full of fish!And to be marooned for days in the midst of a blazing lake--Damnation! Well, luck like that was bound to change. It hadchanged. The note of assurance in this self-edited story waspatently counterfeit, or so Henry told himself, for surely thefellow must know by this time that his race was run. Probably thiswas a desperate effort to secure further backing. If so, it wouldfail. 

Henry believed that he had weakened his enemy's support socompletely that he would fall of his own weight; he considered it, in fact, about the cleverest move he had ever made to dispose of ablock of bank stock in such a way as not only to tide him over hisown difficulties, but also to make allies of Gray's associates--the very men who had been fighting him. Those men were throughwith the scoundrel now, and who else could he appeal to, once theyabandoned him? Nobody. No, the ice had been thin, at times--Henryhad felt it bending under him--but he was safe at last. Thecrossing had been made. 

So much accomplished; now that the fellow was down and could nolonger fight back, it was time to see that Barbara Parker learnedthe truth about her gallant suitor. The next time Tom Parker cameinto the bank Henry called him into his private office and had atalk with him. 

Old Tom listened silently; nevertheless, it was plain that hewas deeply shocked. 

"I s'pose you ain't lyin', " he said, coldly, when the banker hadfinished. 

"It's a matter of record, Tom. He can't deny it. "

"Why did you--hold off so long?"

"We're not exactly friends. He foolishly believes that I hadsomething to do with his disgrace, and he has done his best toinjure me. Under the circumstances, I couldn't very well sayanything. I wouldn't speak now, except for the fact that 'Bob' isinterested in him and--well, I'm interested in 'Bob. '"

"She's been interested in him from the first. I don't see that thecircumstances are much different than they have been, " Tom said, sourly. 

"Put it down to jealousy, if you wish. " Henry was impatient. 

"And I don't know as 'Bob' ever encouraged you to think--"

"Perhaps not. But she is the only woman I ever saw that I'd makeMrs. Nelson. "

"What was it he did?"

"'Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman' is the way therecord stands. That covers a lot. "

"Did he welch--quit under fire?"

"No. "

"Steal something?"

"No. "

"Woman scrape?"

"There was--a woman concerned. Pretty nasty mess, Tom. He's thesort of man to intrigue any foolish woman. Women can't see far. "

"I s'pose so. " Mr. Parker rose stiffly. "But we don't have toworry about 'Bob. ' She ain't foolish and her eyesight is good. She's got more sense than all three of us men. " With thisnoncommittal remark the father limped out. 

But Tom was more deeply troubled than he had shown. Nothing to besaid against a man could have weighed more heavily with him thanthis particular charge. To a man of his type dereliction of dutywas a crime; dishonorable discharge from the army of his countrywas an appalling indictment implying utter moral turpitude. Tomhad known more than one fellow who was guilty of conductunbecoming a gentleman--as a matter of fact, he had reason torespect certain of them for some of their ungentlemanly conduct--but conduct unbecoming an officer was something altogetherdifferent. He had never met but one such, and he had shot thatfellow just above the bridge of the nose. A traitor to his oath ofoffice, a man who could dishonor his state, his country, was worsethan a renegade; his name was a hissing upon the lips of decentpeople. Scalawags like that were not to be tolerated. It seemedincredible that Gray could be one. 

Yes, and "Bob" liked the fellow--but so did he, for that matter. In great perturbation of spirit Tom consulted Judge Halloran. 

The judge listened to him in astonishment; angrily he cried: "Theidea of his paying court to 'Bob'! The insufferable insolence ofit! Why, I consider it a personal affront. "

"Where do _you_ come in to get all het up?" Tom growled. 

"_What?_" Halloran's irascible face reddened. '"Where do I--'? MyGod! Haven't I--? Don't I stand in _loco parentis_ to the girl?"

"You ain't as _loco parentis_ to her as I am. She's my son. Trouble is, I like Mr. Gray. You don't think Henry could belying?"

"He wouldn't dare. It is too serious. No, Tom, there's just onething to do; you and I will go directly to the scoundrel, tell himwe are aware of his infamy, and order him out of town. Ha! That'sthe way to go about it; cut deep and quickly. Tar and feathers aretoo good for--"

"Trouble is, " Tom repeated, with a reluctant sigh, "I like him andI ain't sure--" "The trouble is you're a weakling!" Halloransnapped. "You are a--sentimentalist. You lack my stern, uncompromising moral fiber. _Like_ him? Pah! What has that to dowith it? I have no weakness, no bowels of compassion. I am aSpartan. I am--"

"You're a damned old fool--if you think you can run _him_. He'sliable to run you. "

Judge Halloran was furious at this; he was hurt, too. He sputteredfor a moment before managing to say: "Have it your own way. Youare trying to be unpleasant--not that it requires consciouseffort--but I won't argue with you. "

"Don't! I hate arguments. That's why I don't like to talk thisover with Mr. Gray. When I'm mad enough to argue I'm mad enough tofight, and I fight better than I argue. "

If, indeed, Calvin Gray's affairs were in a condition asprecarious as Nelson believed, he showed no signs of it when hereturned to Wichita Falls. On the contrary, he was in an exultantmood, and even on the train young Briskow, who accompanied him, was amazed at the change that had come over his friend. With everymile they traveled Gray's buoyancy increased and upon his arrivalhe trod the street to his office like a conqueror. McWade andStoner, who came in for a conference with minds preoccupied andfaces grave, left with a smile and a jest. 

When they had gone, Gray rose with relief and surprised Buddy bysaying: "That's enough for now, thank goodness! Business is onlyone side of life, my boy. You are going to make this city yourhome, so you must begin by meeting the right people, theinfluential people. Nicest people in the world right here, Buddy;nicest place in the world, too!"

Now to a youth who, for months, had been immured in the oilfields, Wichita Falls did indeed resemble a city of marvelousportent. Pavements, large buildings, bright lights, theaters--Buddy wasthrilled. He prepared himself for introduction to oil operators, to menof finance sitting in marble and mahogany offices; he made ready to stepforth into the big world. 

Great was his astonishment, therefore, when after a swift walkGray turned into a tiny frame insurance office on a side street. Funny place to look for people of influence, Buddy cogitated. 

A girl was seated at a desk; she rose at sight of Gray, and herface broke into a smile. Her greeting was warm; her hand lingeredin his; for the moment neither of them seemed to remember Buddy'spresence. When she did hear his name, however, her face lightenedand she gave her hand to him as to an old friend. When she smiledat him, as she had smiled at his companion, Buddy dropped his hat. He had never seen anyone in the least like this creature and--sheknew Allie! She knew his mother! That was astonishing. He wonderedwhy they had never said anything about it. Before she had finishedtelling him about that meeting in the store at Dallas, Buddyrealized that here indeed was an influential person, a citizen ofsupreme importance. He had missed her name, but probably she ownedthat Dallas department store, or was the Mayor of Wichita Falls. He had never before been so embarrassed. 

Mr. Gray certainly was a wonderful man. His poise, his air ofrespectful but easy familiarity with this--this angel raised himimmensely in Buddy's esteem. Think of joking, chatting, makingpretty speeches to an--an angel! That was going some. The gall ofit!

They were talking about that big gasser of Gray's; the fire; theoverflow; and the melodramatic occurrences of the past fortnight. Gray was telling her how Buddy had saved his life at the well, howhe had risked his own, later, in braving the flood, and she waslistening with eager smiles and nods and exclamations. When sheturned admiring, grateful eyes upon the hero of Gray's story--andthe story had been told in a manner to make Buddy no less--thatyouth felt himself suffocating, burning up. Mr. Gray sure knew howto talk; he could sling language. And _lie_--! Gosh, howbeautifully he could lie! It was splendid of him to exaggeratelike this, so as to set him in solid with the most importantperson in town. That was noble! People were awful nice. And thiscertainly was a grand city. Buddy knew he was going to get alongfine; and he'd never forget Mr. Gray for this. 

After a while, when the two men were on the street again, Buddyinquired: "Who is that young lady? I mean--her name?"

Gray told him, then with a friendly twinkle: "Well, speak out!What do you think of her?"

"Oh--_Gee_!" Buddy cried, breathlessly, whereupon his companionlaughed in perfect satisfaction. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

Gray returned to his desk that morning after his call on "Bob"Parker determined to tackle energetically the numerous businessdetails needing his attention, but he found that he could not doso. As usual, his brief sight of the girl, instead of satisfyinghim, had merely increased his hunger; made him the more restless, the more eager to see her again--alone. He gave up fighting hisdesires, presently, and invented the necessity of a hurried tripto the Avenger lease. 

Her ready acceptance of the invitation he construed to indicate aneagerness akin to his own, and during the several hours they weretogether he had hard work to keep from breaking his resolve andtelling her all she had come to mean to him. 

"Bob" seemed to expect something of the sort, as a matter of fact. Her shyness, her fluttering agitation when his voice unconsciouslybecame tender--and he realized that, in spite of himself, the toneof his voice conveyed a message quite at variance with his words--taxed his self-control to the utmost. Well, it wouldn't be longnow--another two weeks perhaps! But two weeks is an eternity whenhearts are pounding, when ears are strained and lips are waiting. 

Two callers were awaiting Gray when, late that afternoon, hemounted the stairs to his office--Tom Parker and Judge Halloran--and something in their formal, awkward greeting sent a quick chillof alarm through him. Mechanically he ushered them into hisprivate room and offered them chairs. He heard himself chattingcasually enough, but neither his own words nor theirs conveyedmuch meaning to him. Nelson, it seemed, scorned no advantage, however dishonorable. Gray's hatred of the man attained deeper, blacker depths than ever. To-day of all days! What a reckoning wasdue!

The two old men were talking, one lamely supplementing the other'sefforts to lead up to the object of their visit. Gray turned a setface to Tom Parker finally, and interrupted by saying:

"Permit me to ease your embarrassment, sir. You object to myattentions to your daughter. Is that it?" Tom dropped his eyes andmumbled an uncomfortable affirmative. "Not, I hope, because youquestion the nature of my intentions?"

"Oh no!"

"I'd say yes and no to that, " Halloran declared, argu-mentatively. "Tom and I are gentlemen of the old school; we live by the codeand 'Bob' is our joint property, in a way. Any man who aspires tothe honor of--well, of even paying attentions to that girl muststand the acid test. There must be no blot upon his 'scutcheon. "

"You imply, then, that there is a blot upon mine?"

"That is what prompts our visit, sir. Can you assure us that thereis none?"

After a moment of hesitation Gray inquired, curiously: "Judge, doyou believe that a man can live down disgrace?"

"Disgrace, yes. Dishonor, never! A man's honor is so sensitivethat to stain it is to wound it. Like the human eye it cannotsuffer the slightest injury without serious damage. "

The younger man ignored the pompous tone of this speech; henodded. "I see. Someone said also that it is like an island, rugged and without landing place; and once outside of it we cannever re-enter. That is your idea, I dare say. "

"Precisely!"

Tom Parker stirred; irritably he broke out, "I'm damned if I thinkyou did it!"

"Did what?"

Tom remained silent, but when his companion drew a deep, preparatory breath, Gray lifted a hand. He rose nervously and in achanged tone continued:

"Again let me speak for you and shorten our mutual distress. First, however, I must make my own position plain. I--love yourdaughter, Mr. Parker. " The declaration came at great cost, thespeaker turned away to hide his emotion. "I think--I hope she isnot indifferent to me. I would give my life to marry her and, Godwilling, I shall. So much for that. " He swung himself about andmet the eyes of first one old man, then the other. Harshly, defiantly, he added: "Understand me, nothing you can do, nothingon earth--nothing in Heaven or in hell, for that matter--will stopme from telling her about my love, when the time comes. Now then, Henry Nelson has told you that I was--that I was sent back fromoverseas in disgrace. You want to know if he spoke the truth. Hedid!"

After a moment of silence Judge Halloran said, with stifffinality: "Under the circumstances there is nothing more to talkabout. You amaze me when you say--"

"I want to know more than if he was just telling the truth, " Tominterrupted, grimly. "I want to know if you were guilty. "

"That was the verdict of the court martial. "

"To hell with that! Innocent men have been hung. "

A faint smile softened Gray's face. "And guilty men have gone tothe gallows protesting their innocence. Which are you to believe?I made the best defense possible, but it was insufficient. I haveno new evidence. I would rather endure the stigma of guilt thanhave you consider me a liar, and, of course, that is what youwould think if I denied it. "

Halloran was on his feet now, and evidently anxious to terminatethe interview. "There are two sides to every case, of course, andjustice is not always done. However, that really makes nodifference in this instance. The findings of a military tribunalare as conclusive as those of any court of law, and it is not forus to question them. To repeat what I started to say just now, Ifail to understand how you can expect us to tolerate your furtherattentions to Miss Barbara or how you can persist in your insanedetermination to ask her hand in marriage. "

"Perhaps you'll understand when I say that I propose to clearmyself. "

"How? When?"

"Soon, I hope. "

"And in the meantime?"

Gray considered this question briefly. "In the meantime--if youwill agree to say nothing to 'Bob, ' I will promise not to declaremy feelings, not to see her alone. "

"That's a go, " said the father. 

"Mind you, I may fail to right myself. In that event I shall feelat liberty to tell her the facts and ask her to believe in meagainst the world. I trust she will do so. If she loves me as Ilove her, she will marry me even though she knows I am a liar anda blackguard. "

"Never!" Halloran exploded. "'Bob' isn't that sort of a girl. "

"I hope it never comes to the test. "

"I hope so, too, " the father declared, earnestly. "I'm--right fondof 'Bob, ' and I wouldn't like to see her team up with a man shecouldn't be proud of. _I_ wouldn't take it easy. " Mild as werethese words, coming from Tom Parker they had the ominous effect ofa threat. 

Without further ado the two old men left. 

There was little sleep that night for Calvin Gray, and the daysthat followed were a torture. It was a torment to avoid "Bob, " forself-denial only whetted his appetite to see her, and thosecunning plans he had laid at the time of their last meeting--plansdevised solely to bring them together--he had to alter upon oneexcuse or another; he even forced Buddy Briskow to substitute forhim. Fortunately, there were certain negotiations requiring hispresence in Dallas, in Tulsa, and elsewhere, and it some whatrelieved his irritation to put miles between him and the city hehad come to regard as his home. 

The Nelsons' bank was known as the Security National, and itrepresented the life work of two generations of the family. Bell'sfather had founded it, in the early cattle days, but to the geniusand industry of Bell himself had been due its growth into one ofthe influential institutions of the state. Other banks had finerquarters, but none in this part of the country had a more solidstanding nor more powerful names upon its directorate. BennettSwope, for instance, was the richest of the big cattle barons;Martin Murphy was known as the Arkansas hardwood king, and HermanGage owned and operated a chain of department stores. The othertwo--there were but seven, including Bell and his son--wereNorthern capitalists who took no very active interest in the bankand almost never attended its meetings. For that matter, the threelocal men above named concerned themselves little with the actualrunning of the institution, for the Nelsons, who owned nine-tenthsof the stock, were supreme in that sphere. It was only at theannual meetings when directors were re-elected--and invariablythey succeeded themselves--that they forgathered to conduct thedull routine business which is a part of all annual meetings. After they had adjourned as stockholders they reconvened asdirectors, and again mumbled hurried and perfunctory ayes to themotions put before them, so that Bell could the more quickly getout his bottle of fine old Bourbon, the one really ceremoniousprocedure of the day. The Security National was as conservative, as rock ribbed, as respectable, and as uninteresting as any bankcould well be, and its directors were always bored when electiontime came around. 

In spite of the fact that the program this year was as thoroughlycut and dried as usual, the day of the meeting found both fatherand son decidedly nervous, for there were certain questions ofmanagement and of policy which they did not wish to touch upon, and their nervousness manifested itself in an assumption offriendliness and good fellowship quite unusual. 

Senator Lowe, the bank's attorney and secretary, was arranging hisminute books, his reports, and his miscellaneous papers, MartinMurphy was telling his latest story, when a knock came at the doorto the directors' room. Bell himself answered it, but his protestat the interruption died upon his lips when he beheld Calvin Gray, Gus Briskow, and the latter's son, Ozark, facing him. 

Gray spoke sharply, and his words fell with the effect of a bomb, at least upon Bell and Henry, for what he said was: "We areattending this meeting as stockholders, and we came early toenable the secretary to record the necessary transfer of ourshares. "

Disregarding the president's gasp of astonishment, the speakerpushed past him and entered, then introduced himself and hiscompanions to the other men present. 

Henry Nelson experienced a sick moment of dizziness; the room grewblack before his eyes. It was Bell who broke out, harshly:

"_Stockholders?_ Where did _you_ get any stock in this bank, I'dlike to know?"

"We bought it. Picked it up here and there--"

"I don't believe it!" Bell glared at the speaker, then he turnedhis eyes upon Swope, upon Murphy, upon Gage. "Did any of you sellout?"

"We don't own enough to make it worth while, " Swope said, dryly. Murphy and Gage agreed. Bell's peculiar display of emotionsurprised them; they exchanged glances. "I thought there wasn'tany stock outside of what's owned by our group. What's the idea?"

Gray answered, easily. "There is now a considerable amount outsideof that. A very considerable amount. "

Henry Nelson made himself audible for the first time, and sneeredangrily. "Quite theatric, Gray, this eleventh-hour move. How muchhave you got? What's your--your object?" In spite of himself hisvoice shook. 

"My object is purely selfish. " Gray's tone was equallyunpleasant. He had expected to create a sensation, and he was notdisappointed. "Mr. Briskow and his son are looking for a secureinvestment, and I have convinced them of the soundness of yourinstitution. My operations make it necessary for me to establish aclose banking affiliation--one where I can ask for and receiveconsideration"--his mockery was now unmistakable--"so where shouldI turn, except to my friends? I assume you make no objection tothe stock transfer? Very well. " He drew from his pocket a bundleof shares and tossed them across the table to Senator Lowe. 

Henry made his way to his father's side; they withdrew to a cornerand bent their heads together, murmuring inaudibly. Gray watchedthem with unblinking intensity; he nodded to Buddy Briskow, andthe latter, as if heeding some prearranged signal, removed hishands from his pockets and stepped farther into the room. He, too, watched the agitated pair. 

"Why--look here!" the secretary gasped, after a moment or two. "This--this gives you control!"

Bell Nelson raised a stricken face. "Control?" he repeated, faintly. "_Control_?" He strode to the end of the table, and withshaking hands he ran through the sheaf of neatly foldedcertificates. "Sold out, by God!" He fell to cursing certain men, the names of whom caused Swope and Murphy and Gage to prick uptheir ears. 

Gray was still staring at the junior Nelson; it was to him morethan to the father that he spoke: "Sold out is right! It camehigh, but I think it was worth the price. We intend to vote ourstock. "

"By that I infer that you're going to take the bank over--take itsmanagement away from Bell and Henry?" Bennett Swope ventured. 

"Naturally. "

The elder Nelson voiced an unintelligible exclamation. 

"That's a pretty rough deal. Bell has put his life into it. It isan--an institution, a credit to the community. It would be amisfortune if it fell into the hands of--into the control ofsomebody who--" The ranchman hesitated, then blurted forth, angrily: "Well, I don't like the look of this thing. I want toknow what it means. "

"I'll tell you, " Henry cried, unevenly. "I'll tell you what itmeans. Persecution! Revenge! Hatred! I quarreled with this man, inFrance. He's vindictive; he followed me here--tried every way toruin me--cost me thousands, hundreds of thousands of dollars. Father and I were--we were pinched. We had to realize some quickmoney to protect our oil holdings--offsets and the like--and wesold a lot of our stock with the understanding that we could--thatwe would buy it back at a higher figure. We only borrowed on it, you might say--hypothecated it. We thought we were dealing withfriends, but--_Friends_! My God!" The speaker seized his head. 

"The stock was not hypothecated. You sold it, " Gray said, quietly, "and we bought it in. "

"It is all a personal matter, a grudge. "

"Is that true, Mr. Gray?" Swope inquired. 

"Substantially. But I'm waiting for Colonel Nelson to tell youmore; to tell you the whole story of our antagonism. "

Martin Murphy, who had been a silent onlooker up to this point, made himself heard. "Mr. Gray, I don't like the look of this anybetter than Swope does. Your quarrel with Henry is wholly your andhis affair, but the welfare of the Security National is partlyours. Banks are not toys, to be juggled and played with inmischief or in spite. You say you paid high for your stock; do youintend to wreck the institution, lose a fortune--?"

"By no means. "

"That's precisely what you will succeed in doing. "

"I had ventured to hope that you three gentlemen would remain onthe board. "

"Am I dreaming?" Bell Nelson's collar appeared to be choking him, and with clumsy fingers he tugged at it. "Going to kick Henry andme off the board, eh? Rob us? Well, I'm damned if you do! You'll notkick us off--"

"He doesn't want the bank, " the son exclaimed, hoarsely. "That'sall a bluff. He wants blackmail. That's the kind of man he is. Hewants his price. I know him. How much, Gray? What'll it cost us?"

"I'll tell you what it will cost--"

"Ha! Didn't I say so?"

"Oh, there is a price for everything! Mine will surprise you, however, it is so low. Can't you guess what it is?" The speaker'sintent gaze had never left Henry Nelson's face; it was fixed therenow, as cold, as relentless as the stare of a python. 

Bell Nelson leaned forward, his lips parted, a new eagerness cameinto his purple countenance. "Well, well! What is it?" hedemanded, querulously. 

"Vindication!"

There was a moment of silence. "What is he talking about, Henry?"Bell's eyes were strained toward his son. 

"I don't know, " the latter said, in a thin voice. "He's crazy--always was. "

"I'm giving you a chance, Colonel. You'd better take it. Thinkcarefully. " When there came no response to this warning, Grayshrugged. "Very well! There is nothing further, except to completethe transfer and proceed with the business of the meeting. Mr. Briskow will be the next president, and I shall occupy theposition of vice-president and treasurer now held by you--"

The effect of this declaration was electric. With a cry theyounger Nelson lunged forward. Confusion followed. It was of shortduration, however, for Henry found himself locked in the arms ofthe Briskow giant. Others lent Buddy their assistance, and, inspite of his struggles, the vice-president was flung backward upona deep leather divan. He rose unsteadily, but, meeting Buddy'sthreatening gaze and realizing the impossibility of getting pasthim, he cried: "Let me out of here! Let me out, damn you! I--I'll get you for this, Gray. Let me out, I tell you!"

"Buddy!" Gray jerked his head in the direction of the door to oneof the adjoining offices. "He keeps a gun in his desk--top drawer. Get it before me makes a fool of himself. " Young Briskow steppedout of the room. Gray continued, speaking to the others, "I havesomething to say to you gentlemen before we go on with themeeting, and I wish to say it in the presence of Colonel Nelsonand his--"

"You'll not keep me here. I refuse to stay, " Henry shouted, and hepushed past Swope toward the door. 

"Wait!" It was the elder Nelson speaking, and in his voice was anew note--a note of triumph. "Stock can't be transferred at anannual meeting. It has to be done in advance--ten days, I think itis. Am I right, Senator?"

"That is the usual procedure, " Senator Lowe agreed. 

"Better look it up and make sure, " Gray directed. 

There followed a few moments of uncomfortable silence while thebank's attorney ran through the by-laws. It seemed to thosewaiting that it was a long time before he frowned and shook hishead. 

"I--ah--I can find nothing against it. It seems I have nothing todo except transfer the shares. "

"Then there won't be any meeting!" Bell loudly declared. 

The three directors greeted this remark with exclamations ofgenuine relief. "Sure! Let's adjourn--put it over until--" one ofthem began, but the bank's president was bellowing in rising furyat the interlopers:

"Get out! Get out of my office, d'you hear? Get out--"

"Looks to me like it's _my_ office, " Gus Briskow said, quietly, "or it will be, directly. You, Bell, put on the muffler! I came along ways to attend this meetin'. It's the first one I ever beento, an' it's goin' to happen. Shut up your fuss! I want you tohear what Mr. Gray's got to say. "

"To hell with him, and you, too!" stormed the financier. "Hold the meeting, eh? Hold it if you dare! I defy you. Steal my bank, double-cross me--We'llsee about that. Come along, Henry. "

"You're in, " Gray said, menacingly; "you'd better stay and voteyour stock or you may never get back again. " But neither fathernor son heeded him. When they had gone he frowned. "I'm sorry. Really I am. I hoped I could force--"

"I think we'd better go, too, " some one said. "This is tooextraordinary--We're in no frame of mind to go ahead--"

"I must insist that you remain long enough to hear me out. Youhave no right to refuse. There is something you _must_ be told. "

"I'll admit I'm curious to know what the devil it all means, "Murphy, the lumberman, confessed; "but I don't know that I shouldaccept an explanation from you. Not after Henry's accusations. I've known him and Bell for years--"

"I respect your friendship for them, and I sha'n't expect you toput trust in my words. It seems to me, however, that you owe it tothat friendship to hear me. This incident has taken a turn whollyunexpected, and, I must confess, disappointing. I looked for adifferent outcome--hoped I'd be able to force an explanation--"The speaker shook his head and frowned again, perplexedly. When, after a moment of indecisive murmuring, the three directors seatedthemselves, Gray thanked them with a bow. "I'll be as brief aspossible, and if you don't mind I'll stand as I talk. I'm in nomood to sit. I'll have to go back a bit--" It was several secondsbefore he resumed. 

"When it became evident that the United States was going to war, Imanaged to get in at Plattsburg and took the officers' trainingcourse. It was easy for me to complete that course, because I hadserved in the Spanish War and had kept up my interest in militaryaffairs. Something convinced those who ought to know that Ipossessed qualifications of unusual value to the country--a widebusiness experience at home and abroad, a knowledge of languagesperhaps--anyhow, I was called to Washington. There I met HenryNelson--a valuable man, too, in his way. We were commissioned atthe same time and sent overseas on the same ship to engage in thesame work--military intelligence. I didn't like the job, but itwas considered important, and naturally I couldn't pick andchoose. Of course it was secret, confidential work. No need ofgoing into that here. 

"Nelson's and my duties were identical, our authority was equal;we were ordered to work hand in hand, and although we werecommissioned together, technically, he outranked me owing to thefact that he was given his commission a moment before I got mine. 

"That's where the trouble started. We clashed, even on shipboard. He proved himself to be authoritative, overbearing; he immediatelyassumed the position of my superior officer. I'm not a mild-tempered man, but I put up with it, figuring that our paths wouldsoon separate. But they didn't. When we arrived in France Itackled my job with all the energy in me; I tried for results. Nelson, I discovered in time, was concerned only in taking entirecredit for all that he and I and the whole organization under usaccomplished and in advancing himself. I worked; he playedpolitics. 

"You are not military men, so I sha'n't bore you with army termsor technical details, but--by one means or another he managed tointrench himself in a position of actual authority over me not atall in accord with our purpose or our instructions. I swallowed myresentment, for it seemed rather petty, rather selfish, in a timelike that, to divert my attention from the important work in handto quarrel with him. You understand? Then, too, he was not makinggood and I was, and I thought time would surely cure the trouble. He must have appreciated my feelings--nevertheless, he persistedin abusing his powers; he began finally to really interfere with me, tocall me off of important tasks and humiliate me with futileassignments, and I realized that I was threatened with failurethrough his meddling. This may sound trivial to you"--the speakerraised his eyes to his audience--"but, take my word for it, therewere many instances of the kind over there. Jealousy, intrigue, malevolence, petty spite, drove more than one earnest, patrioticofficer to rebellion and--ruined many a career. 

"I rebelled. I had to, or be made ridiculous. I warned him, privately, as man to man. He ignored the warning. Then I prepareda complete report showing by the copies of his orders, by therecords of our respective accomplishments, by our correspondence, how he had systematically and maliciously endeavored to nullify mywork and--and the like. It was not a pretty report to read. Iturned it in to him for submission higher up. 

"Then it was that he outgeneraled me. He was furious, of course, but he apologized--abjectly. He admitted that he had been wrong;that he had imposed upon me. He promised to play fair if I'dpermit him to withhold the report, and--I was deceived. No manlikes to be thought a cry-baby. Those were eventful times;personal complaints were not welcomed in any quarter--not with theworld rocking on its foundations. I was glad to accept hispromises. 

"For a while we worked in harmony. I became engaged in anintricate case, having to do with a leak concerning transportsailings and routes--a matter involving the lives of thousands ofour boys, millions of dollars in supplies, and I went to Brest, under cover. It had to be handled with extreme care--some dangerabout it, too. A very interesting case, I assure you. I lived in ahouse with some of the people under surveillance. One of them wasa woman, extremely attractive--thoroughly unscrupulous. My avenueof approach was through her. Nelson, of course, knew what I wasdoing; he was about the only one who did. "I worked a long whileand I was upon the verge of success--it would hare been a realaccomplishment, too--when, without apparent cause, the gang tookwarning, scattered, the whole thing blew up. Months of work fornothing! I had made worse than a failure this time. "

"You mean to accuse Henry of--of treachery of that sort?" Swopeinquired. 

"I do. And that's not all. Out of a clear sky charges werepreferred against me. Outrageous charges in which that womanfigured. " Up to this point Gray had spoken smoothly, rapidly, butnow his tone changed, his words became hesitant, jerky. "I wasamazed! Joke, I called it at first. Sort of a blanket indictment, it was, charging me with inefficiency, negligence, exceeding myauthority, dishonesty--and things even worse. Those were some ofthe least serious, the least--nasty. It was all too absurd! Beingpeculiarly vain and sensitive, my impulse was to shoot HenryNelson. But I couldn't believe the charges would be takenseriously. 

"Well, there was an investigation. I was court-martialed. Idisproved a good deal; I think I'd have exonerated myself on everycount only for the woman--that one I spoke about. She turned thetrick. I was found guilty, disgraced, sent back. Even though youare not military men, you can appreciate the extent of mydishonor. 

"There, gentlemen, you have in a few words an unconvincing summaryof a long and complicated story--one that I detest telling. However, I could not permit you to sit with me at the directors'table of this bank without knowing who I am, what I am, and why Ihave run that rat into his hole. Colonel Nelson spoke the truthwhen he said this was purely a personal matter between us. It isso purely personal that I was willing to spare humiliation to hisfather--leave Old Bell in control of his bank and end our fight--if he'd right that old wrong. But you heard him refuse. So theymust both fall. He said I've been persecuting him--" Gray smiledgrimly. "Let me tell you how. That disgrace cost me my friends, andwhat money I had, for I tried long and earnestly to get back, toget a rehearing, to enter the navy--anything to re-establishmyself. Failing that, I came to Texas. I came without a dollar, without an acquaintance, and--began my 'persecution' of HenryNelson. I began it by coming here to the bank and telling him whatI was up to. I put him on guard, and we engaged each other, as theFrench would say, 'to the death. ' I--won. That's all there is tothe story. "

"Well, I'll be damned!" Martin Murphy exclaimed. 

"At least Henry played fair in this; he didn't betray yoursecret, " Gage said, coldly. 

"Oh, I meant to tell you that he didn't dare betray me, for he, too, came back in disgrace. The pot couldn't very well talk aboutthe kettle. "

"_What_?"

"Henry Nelson?"

"Impossible!"

"I mean exactly what I say. No man of his type could have lastedover there. Then, too, the story of our quarrel leaked out, thatold report of mine turned up--Yes, he got the same medicine hegave me. But he had influence in Washington, and he managed todelay final action almost up to the day of the armistice. Eventhen he succeeded in pretty well covering up the reason for hisdismissal. "

"Why, even Bell doesn't know that!"

"Henry's been a terrible hero, hereabouts, " said Gus Briskow. After a moment he addressed the other men. "Mr. Gray told me this, an' I wanted him to tell it to you. I dunno what you-all think ofhis story, but I know him an' I believe every word of it. What'smore, I believe this bank is goin' to be run as well as ever itwas even if I am president. A man can be president an' stay athome, if he's got folks under him that know more than he does. What d'you say if we start that meetin' we been talkin' about? I'mwilling to see Mr. Gray settin' in yonder at Henry's desk if youare. "

"I don't see that it makes much difference whether we're willingor not, " Swope confessed. "You have the votes, between you, to doabout as you choose. "

"Of course we have, but, with Bell an' Henry gone, it seems likesome of their neighbors ought to stay an' look out for whatpotaters they've left in the ground. What d'you say?"

Swope eyed his companions briefly, then he nodded. "We'll stay. "

"Then, Mr. Secretary, let her go!"

CHAPTER XXIX

One morning, several days after the annual meeting, Gus Briskowopened the door between his and Gray's office and inquired, "Busy?"

The new vice-president of the Security National raised apreoccupied face to the new president and said: "I'm never toobusy to talk to you. What is it?"

"Nothing! I'm just kinda lonesome; kinda tired of lookin' brightabout things I don't savvy. " Gus seated himself and crossed histhin legs. "Folks give an owl credit for bein' wise just becausehe keeps his mouth shut. Prob'ly he's got nothing of interest tosay. "

"Perhaps. But you can say 'no, ' Gus, and that's about all theaverage banker is called upon to say. "

"Um-m!" The elder man nodded reflectively. "I heard about acaptain of industry that allus smelled a pink when he did hisheavy thinkin'. Now me, I'm goin' in for bananas. I keep a bag of'em in my desk. I'most killed myself on bananas when our firstwell came in--never thought I'd be able to afford all I wanted. How's the bank?"

"Why, it's still here, as you see. "

"I know. That's the remarkable part. I keep thinkin' it's goin' tobust--I mean blow up an' disappear. I wake up nights dreamin' it'sgone. It's all right, is it?"

"Positively! I put an accountant at work on the books and heshould be ready to report any time now. "

"No chance of Bell Nelson throwin' us out, is there? He's inDallas tryin' to stir up money--"

"Not a chance, unless you want him to do so; unless you're afraidwe'll make a failure of the business. "

"_We?_" Gus smiled quizzically. "_You_ won't fail. Folks around town aretalkin' about how quick you're takin' hold, an' they're beginning tothink you'll make a better banker than the Nelsons. Funny, ain't it, how easy reconciled folks is to losin' a coupla prominent citizens likethat? Looks like Bell an' Henry are about the only ones that take it hard. "

"The funny thing is"--Gray frowned, perplexedly--"they _don't_take it hard. At least, Henry doesn't appear to do so. That's whatpuzzles me. No move of any sort--That's not like him. "

Gus agreed to this. "I been expectin' him to cut some capers. That's why I been hangin' around so steady. "

"I know. "

"Every time I peel a banana I peel an eye for Henry. I worrywhenever you go out alone. "

The younger man rose and nervously paced the floor. "I'mcompletely mystified, " he admitted. "The whole affair has been agreat disappointment to me. I thought I'd sprung a coup, but--I'mat a standstill. I'm stumped--checkmated. "

"About that trouble between you an' him, eh? Why, we took yourword for that. "

"Unfortunately, that didn't help me very greatly. Other peoplearen't so easily convinced as you and Swope and Gage and Murphy. Damnation! I thought my troubles were over. "

"Well, your money troubles is over--"

"They're the smallest part. I'd go back and start all over againif I could clean up that--that army record. It's a pretty flattriumph. "

"Humph! Most triumphs is. A feller has a dream--a longin', an' hebows his back an' works his life away tryin' to realize it. If hedoes, the chances is he's disappointed. He finds he's kep' hisback bent so long he can't straighten it. Look at me--pore as dirtan' scarcely enough to eat! I used to pray for a miracle; pray formoney enough to do something for Ma an' the children--for athousan' dollars. Here I am, president of a whole bank, but Ma'ssick, Allie's miserable, an' I can't sleep nights for fear I'lllose what I got!"

"Poverty wouldn't have helped Ma's health--"

"Oh, I ain't sayin' I'd trade!" Gus wagged his sandy head. "I getmy shoes shined every two hours because that bootblackin' stand isa nice place to look at the bank from. I set there an' tell myselfI'm president of it! But that's the biggest dividend I've got, sofar--five shines a day an' all the bananas I can eat. 'Flat' isthe word. "

Gray smiled affectionately at the speaker. "At least Buddy ishappy. He's reaping his dividends, if I'm any judge. "

"I figger he's in love again. "

"Good heavens!" Gray paused in his restless pacing and turned anexpression of almost comic dread upon the father. "With thatwoman, eh? Well, I refuse to interfere again. I haven't fullyrecovered from his first infatuation for her. "

"I can tell the boy's symptoms. I felt the same way when I wascourtin' Ma. I acted just like him. "

"He has been trying to tell me something for a week, but I've beentoo busy and too worried to listen. "

Briskow's kindly face had settled into graver lines when next hespoke. "You prob'ly wonder why I take it so easy. Well, I rememberwhat you told me once about judgin' people I don't know. MebbeAllie was right, too, when she said a little genuine happiness isworth all it costs. Anyhow, if Buddy wants that woman, I won't saya word. She's turned out pretty good, an' people speak well ofher. Buddy's a man, an' some men just _have_ to get married--thesooner it's over, the better for 'em. He's like that. But what'smore 'n all that, love between two young people is a pretty sacredthing, an' when old folks keep interferin' it seems to me they'resettin' themselves up to be wiser than God. Ma's folks didn't caremuch for me. "

"I feel a rebuke in your words, " Gray said; "and no doubt I've earned it, for it has always been my weakness to rearrange the lives of those I love. But--who am I, after all? If I were so divinely wise, why is my own lifewhat it is? When I marry, perhaps I shall have to ask B--ask the girlto ignore in me things as--as disagreeable to think about as those whichBuddy will have to ignore in Margie's past. That boy, in fact all youBriskows, have put me so deeply in your debt that I'm afraid Ishall have to conquer my meddlesome instincts. " The speaker lookedup suddenly. "You'll never know, by the way, how deep is my debtof gratitude. When a vainglorious, supersensitive man findshimself under a cloud, it is pretty nice to know that there issomebody whose faith is unshakable; somebody who needs no legalproof that he's--Proof! Here I am, back again right where I waswhen you came in; back to my own selfish concerns. I can't getaway from them. What to do next? The Nelsons are on their lastlegs. The loss of this bank will certainly destroy what creditremained, and even a good well now would scarcely tide them over. But--damn it, Gus, I can't kick a man if he refuses to stand up! Ican't beat a corpse!"

There came a rap at the door, and the accountant whom Gray had putto work upon the bank's books entered. "I'd like to talk to youabout this report, " the man began. 

"Don't go, " Gray said, as Briskow unfolded his legs and rose. 

But the president of the Security National shook his head, saying:"Bookkeepin' is all Choctaw to me. I saw one statement an' Ithought 'liquid assets' meant that bottle of whisky Bell left inhis desk. "

"Mr. Gray, " the auditor announced, when they were alone, "I wishyou'd ask somebody else to take this job off my hands. "

"Why?"

"Well, somebody else could probably do it better. " There was apause. "I've known Bell Nelson all my life--" "That is why Iengaged you. You've been over these books before. " Again there wasan instant of silence, then into Gray's face there flashed acurious alertness. "Come!" he cried, sharply. "What is it?"

"I'm sorry to be the one to--" The auditor shrugged. "If youinsist on an explanation, I suppose I shall have to tell you. Perhaps it's just as well, anyhow. They say figures don't lie, butyou and I know better. I only wish they didn't. "

"Have you caught them lying, here?"

"I have. And--it has made me rather ill. You'd better prepareyourself for a shock. "

It was nearly an hour later that Gray telephoned to Senator Lowe, the bank's attorney, and to Bennett Swope, the latter being theonly member of the board available at short notice. This done, hewrote a note to Henry Nelson. In spite of his effort to controlhis hand, it shook when he signed his name, and on second thoughthe destroyed the missive. There is something ominous about thewritten word. If Nelson grew suspicious, he'd never come. 

Gray stepped into Gus Briskow's office and asked him to call theformer vice-president, first, however, explaining exactly what hewished Gus to say. The ruse succeeded; then Gray returned to his ownoffice. He drew a deep breath. Within him he felt a ferociouseagerness take fire, for it seemed to him that the day of reckoninghad come. Henry's behavior was now easily understandable; the fellowwas cringing, cowering in anticipation of a second blow. Well, thewhip was in Gray's hands, and he proposed to use it ruthlessly--tosink the lash, to cut to the bone, to leave scars such as Henry hadleft upon him. Nor was that his only weapon. There was, for instance, Old Bell Nelson's honor. If coercion failed, there were rewards, inducements. Oh, Henry would have to speak! The Nelson fortune, orwhat remained for salvage from the wreck thereof, the bank itself, they were pawns which Gray could, and would, sacrifice, ifnecessary. His hunger for a sight of "Bob" had become unbearable. Freedom to declare his overwhelming love--and that love he knew was noimmature infatuation, but the deep-set passion of a full-grownman--was worth any price he might be called upon to pay. Yes, Henrywould speak the truth to-day or--for one of them, at least, therewould be an end to the feud. 

Gray, too, kept a revolver in his desk. He removed it and placedit in his pocket. 

Buddy Briskow chose this, of all moments, to thrust his grinningvisage into the door and to inquire, "Got time for me now, Mr. Gray?"

"Not now, Buddy. "

"When?"

"Why--almost any other time. "

"I wouldn't bother you, but it's important and I--I promised acertain party--" The youth's face reddened, his smile widenedvacuously. 

"Later, if you don't mind. "

It was plain that Buddy did mind; nevertheless, he withdrew. 

When Swope and Lowe arrived, Gray could with difficulty restrainhimself from blurting out the reason for his urgent summons, buthe contented himself by asking them to wait in the president'soffice. 

Henry Nelson entered the bank with his head up, with acontemptuous smile upon his lips and an easy confidence in hisbearing. His hand was outstretched toward the knob of Briskow'sdoor, when the one adjoining opened and, from the office hehimself had so long occupied, Calvin Gray spoke to him. 

"Please step in here, Colonel. "

Nelson recoiled. "No, thank you!" he said, curtly. 

"Briskow and I are amateur bankers; there is a matter upon whichwe need your advice. "

"Indeed? Finding it isn't as easy to run a bank as a drilling rig?He said you were out, otherwise--"

"Will you come in?"

Stiffly, reluctantly, as if impelled by some force outside of himself, Nelson stepped within, but he ignored the chair that was proffered him. 

Gray closed the door before saying: "The deception was mine, notBriskow's. You prefer to stand? Um-m--I appreciate your feeling offormality. I felt a bit ill at ease on the occasion of my firstcall here, when our positions were reversed--"

"If you got me here just to be nasty--"

"By no means. Nevertheless, it gratifies my vanity to remind youthat you considered me a braggart, a bluffer, whereas--"

"I haven't changed my opinion. "

"So be it. One matter, only, remains between us. I am about toring up on the last act of our little comedy. "

"Theatrical, as always, aren't you?" Nelson's lip curled. 

For a moment Gray stared at the speaker curiously; his tone hadaltered when he said: "You're a better poker player than Ithought. You're almost as good a bluffer as I am. That, by theway, is probably the last compliment I shall pay you. "

"Come! I've no time to waste. "

"You will soon have ample time--if not to waste, at least tomeditate--"

"What do you mean by that?" The query came sharply. 

"I've had an examination of the bank's books. That, as you willreadily understand, explains why I sent for you. "

"Why--no. I don't--"

"I wondered how you and your father got the money to keep going solong, for I discovered you were in a bad way even before I turnedup. It is no longer a mystery. When you and he, as directors ofthe Security National, lent yourselves money, as individuals, youmust have realized that you were--well, arranging ample leisurefor yourselves in which to meditate upon the stringency of thebanking laws--"

"Nonsense! That's n-nothing--nothing serious. " Nelson's ruddycolor had slowly vanished; with uncertain hand he reached for thenearest chair, and upon it he leaned as he continued, jerkily:"Irregular, perhaps--I'll admit it was irregular, but--there'snothing _wrong_--Oh, you'll make it look as bad as possible, Idare say! But you don't understand the circumstances. Anyhow, father is getting it straightened out; all he needs is time. We'llbe able to handle it, all right. We're good, you know, perfectlygood--"

"You're broke! Everybody else knows it, if you don't. '_Irregular_'! Ha! There's a choice of words!" The speaker laughedsilently. "It is an 'irregularity' that carries with it free boardand lodging at the state's expense. "

An incoherent protest issued from Nelson's throat. When next hemanaged to make himself audible, his words were such as really toamaze his hearer. "_I_ didn't do it, " he cried, in a panic-stricken voice. "It was father's idea! You had us crowded--therewas no other way. I warned him--"

"Wait a minute! You blame it on _him_?" Gray's inquiry was harsh, incredulous. After a momentary pause his lips moved, but for oncehe stammered, his ready tongue refused its duty. He exploded, finally, with an oath; he jerked open a drawer in his desk. Fromhis pocket he removed his revolver, flung it inside, then jammedthe drawer back into place with a crash. "You--_rat_!" heexclaimed. He turned his back upon Henry Nelson and made a circuitof the little room. 

"It's a thing you and I can easily fix up, " the latter feeblyinsisted. "Now that personal matter of yours--Perhaps I could helpyou reopen it somehow, clear it up. "

"Ah! Indeed!"

"Give and take, I say. I'm willing to do anything I can, if--"

"There won't be any 'ifs'! No conditions whatever. "

"Is that so?" Nelson flamed forth, in a momentary explosion ofresentment. "If you think I intend to stand the brunt of this, you're crazy. I can't afford to figure in a scandal--bankingscandal--like this. I'm a young man. Bell has had his day. He'sold. You can hush this up. There are lots of ways to do that. Keepme out of it and--and I'll do what's right by you; I'll doanything you say. "

"You'll do that, anyhow, " Gray replied, in a voice that grated. Heflung himself into his desk chair and, seizing pen and paper, hebegan to write rapidly, shakily. 

"I want to see what I'm signing, " Nelson warned. A growl was hisanswer. 

For an interminable time the only sound in the office was thescratching of that pen. When at last it came to an end, Gray rose, thrust the loose sheets into Nelson's hand, then, indicating thevacant chair, said:

"Sign that!"

The wretched recipient of this curt command read the linescaiefully. He read them twice, thrice, for his mind no longerfunctioned clearly. He raised a sick face, finally, and shook hishead. 

"Wouldn't I be a fool?" he queried. 

"Listen, you--" Gray's body was shaking, his words were uneven. "I'm sorry for Bell, but not for you. I'll never forget norforgive what you did to me. Nothing can undo that. Disgrace clingsto a man. You're going to get yours, now, and you can't squirm outof it, or lie out of it, no matter how you try, for I sha'n't letyou. You're ruined, discredited, blown up, but--I don't think Iwant to send you to the penitentiary. I'd rather see you walkingthe streets with dandruff on your collar. I'd rather keep you tolook at. Anyhow, you'll have to sign that. "

"If you'll guarantee to keep this bank matter quiet--if you'llprotect me, I'll sign. Otherwise, you can go to hell. We'll beatit out, somehow. We can do it. "

Inflexibly Gray asserted: "I'm going to turn you over, whether orno. But I'll help Bell get the money to repay those loans. He'llprobably manage to save himself and--save you, too. "

"I won't do it!" Nelson flung down the pen. "Not on thoseconditions. You can't bulldoze me. It's your day to crow, but, Iwarn you, don't push me too far. "

Gray voiced an epithet. It was low pitched, but its explosiveforce, the impelling fury back of it, fairly caused the room tovibrate. He was white of lip, his rage had reached the foamingpoint. 

"Don't make me lay hands on you--choke you into it, " he cried, hoarsely. "If you do, by God, I'll finish you!"

Like a man fighting some hypnotic influence stronger than hiswill, Henry Nelson took up the pen and signed his name waveringly. The next moment Gray smote the door to Briskow's office a heavyblow and, as it flew open, he barked:

"Come in here! All three of you!" He stood aside as Gus, BennettSwope, and Senator Lowe entered. "Yonder is a statement which Iwant you to read and witness. When you've done that, I'm going totell you why Henry Nelson signed it. The rest will be up to you. "

It was midafternoon. Swope and Lowe had left the bank. Briskowdrew a deep breath and said, with genuine relief: "I'm glad_that's_ over. We can handle the debt between us, an', after all, Old Bell's a pretty good citizen. As for Henry, I s'pose he'llwiggle out of it, somehow. I dunno as I'd of been so easy on himif I'd been in your place. "

"I'll tell you why I was easy on him, " Gray confessed. "I'm tiredof fighting; I'm worn out. I've won my point, and he'll carry thesort of load I've been carrying. But there is this difference: forhim there will be no vindication at the end. " Taking from hispocket Nelson's statement, he stared at it, then slowly his facelightened. "I was blind mad at first. I felt as if I couldn't keepmy hands off him. It was such a dirty trick he did me and soreasonless! He had no excuse whatever for injuring me, Gus. However, I suppose most quarrels sprout from tiny seeds. Well, I'msquare with the game! I--I'm afraid, even yet, that it's all adream. I've wanted to yell--" The speaker chuckled; the chucklegrew to a laugh. "There's magic in this document, Gus, old boy. I've grown young all at once. "

"You needn't of took it so hard. Us fellers would have stood byyou if you'd turned out to be a horse thief. Texas men are likethat. "

"You proved it. But that wasn't enough. A man's businessassociates will frequently overlook a lot more than their wivesand daughters will overlook. There's a certain loyalty thatdoesn't apply outside of the office. " Gray rose and filled hislungs. "D'you know why I felt this thing so keenly? Why I foughtso long? Of course you don't, for I've held out on you. Fact! I'veheld out on my partner--had a secret from him. Now then, steelyourself for a surprise. I'm suffering from Buddy's complaint, only ten times aggravated!"

"What?" Briskow stared up at the animated countenance above him. "You thinkin' about gettin' _married_?"

"I'm thinking about nothing else. That's what ails me. Why, Gus, you've no idea what a perfectly charming person I can be when--when I can be what I am. I thought I was too old and too blaseever to become seriously interested in a woman, above all in agirl, but--Do you remember when Ma and Allie came to Dallas thatfirst time? Something happened about then to upset all my ideas. "

Briskow's sun-parched face slowly lightened, his bright, inquisitive eyes grew bluer, brighter. "I'm--mighty glad! I allushoped--" He tried to finish his sentence, then shook his head andmurmured, huskily, "Mighty glad!"

Here was a marvel, a miracle, for which he had never dared evenhope. He thought of Allie and a lump came into his throat. She hadreached the stars. His girl! he would be mighty glad, too--

Gray was speaking, and in his voice was a new, vibrant quality, a new vigor. "Now you'll know why this is the biggest day of mylife; why I thought those men would never go. I'm shaking allover, Gus. You'll have to run the bank for a while; I'm too youngand irresponsible. I'm going out to buy a hoop and a jumping ropeand a pair of roller skates. " Again he laughed, boyishly; then, with a slap that knocked the breath from Briskow's lungs, hewalked lightly into his own office and seized his hat. 

For a long time the father sat at his big, empty desk, staring, smiling into space. This would make Ma well. Money wasn'taltogether a worry, after all; it bought things that nothing elsecould buy--stars and--and things. 

From the expressions upon the faces Gray passed in leaving thebank, he realized that his own must wear a grin; but, in spite ofhis dignified effort to wipe it off, he felt it widening. Well, this was his day to grin; his day to dance and caper. People weretoo grave, anyhow. They should feel free to vent their joy inliving. Why act as if the world were a place of gloom and shadow?Why shouldn't they hop, skip, and jump to and from business, if soinclined? He visualized the streets of the city peopled withpedestrians, old and young, fat and thin, thus engaged, and helaughed aloud. Nevertheless, it was a good idea, and when hebecame mayor, or perhaps the junior Senator from Texas, he'dadvocate public playgrounds for grown-ups. "Bob" would help himput it through. There was a girl who would never grow old. Theywould grow young together. He caught sight of his reflection in ashop window and slowed down his gait, telling himself that pendingthe time his new idea was definitely planted it might be well towalk in the old-fashioned manner. Men of substance, bankers, forinstance, shouldn't rush through the streets as if going to afire; they shouldn't dash over crossings and take curbstones as ifthey were hurdles. It wasn't being done. No reason, however, why abanker shouldn't throw his shoulders back and walk springily uponhis toes. 

When he beheld the familiar painted sign, "Tom and Bob Parker. Real Estate and Insurance, " he paused. The mere sight of thelittle wooden building, the name, gave him an odd shortness ofbreath. It was weeks since he had been here. 

He realized of a sudden that he had brought nothing with him; nogift, not even flowers. But there was enough to talk about. She'dforget that. What a shower of gifts he would pour upon her--andupon Old Tom, too! Good Old Tom! Tom had wanted to believe. Tomand he would be great pals. They couldn't help being pals withjust one thing, between them, to love; one thing in all the world!

It was a disappointment to find the office empty, except for thefather himself, but Gray began with a rush, "Well, I told you I'dclear myself, and--here I am, walking on air. "

"You did it, eh? That's good news. "

"We had a show-down at the bank. Henry Nelson and I locked hornsand--But here! Read what he signed. That cleans the slate. He'lldo anything further that may be necessary, officially. Where's"Bob"?"

"They're fishin' for a bit in one of your Avenger wells. She's outthere. "

"So? I'd forgotten. "

"Did you see--? Did Buddy have a talk with you? To-day, I mean?"

"Buddy? Oh, Buddy Briskow! I saw him for a moment only. She'll beback soon, I dare say?"

Tom Parker stirred; it was a moment before he spoke, then it was withapparent irrelevance that he said: "I'm sorry you and he didn't have agood talk. 'Bob' asked him to see you--sent him there a-purpose. " Thesight of Gray's smiling, eager, uncomprehending face caused the oldman's steady gaze to waver. He cleared his throat. "Buddy's a fineboy. "

"Finest in the world! I claim responsibility for him, in a way. He's part mine. " Gray laughed; his eyes sparkled. 

"Him and 'Bob' are out there together. They've been together alot, Mr. Gray. Both of 'em young, that-away--"

"Of course. I knew you'd both like--" Some quality in Tom's voice, some reluctant evasiveness to his eyes, bore a belated message to theyounger man--snapped his chain of thought--dried the words upon hislips. Into his eyes leaped a sudden, strained incredulity. Sharply, hecried, "What do you mean?" Then, after an instant, "Why did he want tosee me?" The two men gazed squarely at each other for the firsttime. "My God! Why--that's absurd! I--I brought him here. He's justa _boy_!"

"And she's just a girl, Mr. Gray. "

The younger man shrank as if at a blow. He closed his eyes; heraised a shaking hand to his face, which was slowly assuming thecolor of ashes. "That's too--rottenly unfair!" he said, faintly. "I brought him here--made a man of him. Of course he doesn't know--" His eyes opened; eagerly he ran on: "Why, Tom, it's just theboy and girl of it! Puppy love! You know how that is. "

"I didn't notice how things was going till if was too late. Wemight as well talk frankly, Mr. Gray. Prob'ly it's well you saw mefirst, eh? Well, when I understood where they was heading, Iworried a lot--after what you said that day, understand? But thosetwo! Pshaw! It was like they had known each other always. It waslike 'Bob's' mother and me when we first met; her beautiful andfine and educated, and me rough and awkward. Only Buddy's a betterboy than I was. He's got more in him. I s'pose all womenfolks havethat mother feeling that makes 'em yearn over the unlikeliestfellers. " Parker looked appealingly at his stricken hearer, thenquickly dropped his eyes, for Gray's countenance was like that ofa dying man--or of a man suffering the stroke of a surgeon'sknife. 

"After all, it's youth. You're a good deal older than 'Bob, ' and Is'pose you sort of dazzled her. She likes you. She thinks you'regreat. You kinda thrill her, but--I don't believe she ever dreamedyou was actually--that you actually cared for her. You've got agrand way, you know, and she ain't a bit conceited about herself. Why, I _know_ she never figgered it that way, because she madeBuddy promise to tell you the first thing; sent him to the bank a-purpose, thinking you'd be so glad on his account. "

"Then they've--settled it between them?"

Tom nodded gravely. "She told me last night. And from the way shetold me, I know it's not just boy and girl love. She's beensinging like a bird all day. And Buddy! He's breathless. I knowhow he feels. I couldn't draw a full breath for two weeks after'Bob's' mother--"

Gray uttered a wordless, gasping cry. He moved unsteadily towardthe door, then paused with his hand upon the knob. Tom Parker wassurprised when, after a moment, he saw the man's shoulders shakeand heard him utter a thin, cackling laugh. "Time is a grim oldjoker, isn't he? No way of beating him, none at all. Now I thoughtI was young, but--Lucky I found you here and spared my vanity. " Heturned, exposing a face strangely contorted. "You won't mention myfoolish mistake, will you? No use hurting the ones we love. Youknow how we feel--fatherly. That's it, fatherly love. I was asilly old fool. They'll be happy. Young people like that--" Thespeaker choked. "Young people--Well, _adios_, old man!" He openedthe door and walked blindly forth. 

CHAPTER XXX

Calvin Gray did not return to the bank. He went straight to hishotel and, as soon as he could sufficiently control himself to doso, he telephoned Gus Briskow, telling him that he intended toleave town. Then he began mechanically to pack his bag. He movedlike a man in a trance, for the blow had fallen so suddenly as tonumb him; his only impulse was to escape, to hide himself fromthese people who, of a sudden, had become hateful. His city ofdreams had collapsed. The ruins, as they lay, meant nothing asyet, for his mind refused to envisage them and he could see themonly as they had stood. He groped amid a hopeless confusion ofthought--at one moment bewildered, piteously hurt, at the nextsuffering a sense of shameful betrayal. He had grown old and dulland feeble, too, and for the time being he was incapable offeeling the full force of a strong man's resentment. Thissurprised him vaguely. 

Soon, however, like kindling fires among the ruins, his fury rose--fury at himself, at Buddy, at Barbara--and in the heat of thosescorching flames he writhed. She _had_ loved him. He'd swear tothat. He had swayed her, overpowered her; he had lacked only thecourage to trust his instinct. Coward's luck! It served him right. He had held her in his arms and had let her slip through; her lipshad been raised to his, and he had refused to press them. Imbecile!

He groaned; he tore the collar and the tie from his neck, for theywere choking him. Old, eh? Too old! That was the grimmest jest ofall, for at the mere thought of Barbara's lips unruly forces tookpossession of him; he experienced a fierce, resistless vigor suchas he had never felt in his younger days. It was a dreadful, anunappeasable yearning of soul and body, and when the paroxysmhad passed, it left him weak. He sank into a chair and lay therestupid, inert, until again those fires began to lick at him and againhe twisted in dumb agony. Buddy Briskow! Buddy, of all people!That lout; that awkward simpleton, who owed him everything! ButBuddy was _young_!

Gray heard himself laughing in hoarse derision. He rose andtramped heavily around his room, and, as he went, he crushed andripped and mutilated whatever his hands encountered. His slow, deliberate, murderous rage demanded some such outlet. All thewhile he felt within himself two conflicting impulses, heard twovoices: the one voice shouted at him to search out Buddy and visitupon him the punishment warranted by a base betrayal; the othertold him jeeringly to lay the scourge upon his own shoulders andendure the pain, since he had betrayed himself. His mind was likea battle ground, torn, up-heaved, obscured by a frightful murk--heremembered a night in France, a black night of rumbling, crashingterror, when, as now, the whole world rocked and tumbled. Someremnant of self-control induced him to lock his door and pocketthe key, for Buddy might come. He probably would look him up, allgrins and smirks and giggles, to tell him the glorious news, toacclaim the miracle. That would be too much. 

One thing was certain, there was no safety except in flight, ignominious, cowardly flight. .. After all, how could Buddy haveknown? He was a good boy, and he had shown his love, his loyalty, in a thousand ways. Gray hated him at this moment, but, morebitterly even, he hated himself. It was fate. .. . He fell tocursing aloud, but there was no relief in that, and again theappalling irony of the situation silenced him. He had deifiedhimself, set himself upon a high place, bent men and affairs tohis own ends, until he had acquired a godlike belief in his powerto accomplish all things. His victory had been complete. He hadwon all--except the one thing he most desired, the very fruit ofvictory. 

Some time later he heard Buddy come whistling merrily down thehall and knock at his door. Gray cowered in his chair, listeningin breathless dread until the footsteps retreated. When he rose hemoved about stealthily. 

When night came he took his bag and slunk out of the hotel, for itseemed that men must surely know what a fool he had made ofhimself. It would have been a relief to feel that he was leavingnever to return; but even that was denied him, for, after hisfirst panic, the truth had come home. He could not run away. Hehad forged chains for his own limbs. Like a tethered mustang hecould plunge only to the end of his rope. Friendship, again! Therewas simple, trustful, faithful Gus Briskow. And the bank. God, what a mess things were in! Gray knew he would have to return, have to see "Bob" and Buddy day after day, month after month, andthe prospect was too distressing to dwell upon. Again his mindgrew weary, baffled; he experienced a wretched physical illness. .. Where to go, where to hide until his sickness had passed? That wasthe question. 

For the first time he appreciated the full extent of his loneliness;his utter lack of resource in a crisis like this. Most men, howeversolitary, lay by material things for themselves, build homes andsurround themselves with personal possessions from which, or amidwhich, they can gain some sort of solace in times of trial. But he hadnot fashioned so much as a den into which he could creep and lick hiswounds. Once he had left his hotel room behind him he was in the openand without cover. Not a single soul cared whether he came or went, not another door stood ajar for him. And he had planned so much uponhaving a home, a real home--But he could not trust himself to thinkmuch along that line; it induced an absurd desire to weep at hisplight. It made him feel like a child lost in a wood. That was silly, just an emotional reaction; nevertheless, the impulse was real andcaused him to yearn poignantly for human comfort. 

He thought of Ma Briskow, finally. She was human; she had a heart. And Dallas was a sort of homey place; anyhow, the bellboys at theAjax knew and liked him. That was probably because he had tippedthem handsomely, but what of that? If they'd be kind to him nowhe'd tip them more handsomely than ever. Lonely men--old ones--must expect to pay for what they get. He bought a ticket toDallas. 

Ma Briskow's eyes were dim; nevertheless, she saw the change inCalvin Gray when, late the following afternoon, he came to seeher. 

"Land sakes!" she exclaimed, in a shocked voice. "Pa never saidyou was ailin'. Why, Mr. Gray!"

"I'm not really ill, " he told her, wearily, "just old. I've had a badnight. " Seating himself beside her couch, he took her hand in his andmade her tell him all about herself. He had brought her an armful offlowers, as usual, and extravagant gifts for her adornment--giving, itseemed, was his unconscious habit. While she admired them withecstatic "Ohs!" and "Ahs!" he busied himself with bowls and vases, butMa noted his fumbling uncertainty of touch and the evident effort withwhich he kept up his assumption of good cheer. She told him, finally:

"Something mighty bad has happened to you, Mr. Gray. "

He gazed at her mutely, then nodded. 

"Is it something about the--the Princess of Wichita Falls?"

"Yes, Ma. "

"Tse! Tse! Tse!" It was a sympathetic cluck. "Was she a wickedprincess?" The query was gently put, but it deeply affected theman. He tried to smile, failed, then like a forlorn little boy hecame and bowed his head beneath her hand. 

"I knew you'd understand, Mother Briskow, so I--I ran to you withmy hurt, just as I used to run to my Mother Gray. " After a while hecontinued in a smothered voice: "She isn't a wicked princess. She didn't mean to hurt me and--that's what makes it hurt so deep. She tumbled the old duke's castle down upon his head; tumbledthe old duke out of his dreams. He isn't a duke any longer. "

"He'll allus be a duke, " Mrs. Briskow firmly declared. "He wasborn that way. "

"At any rate, he's a sad old duke now; all his conceit is gone. You see, he was a vain old gentleman, and his courtiers used totell him he was splendid, handsome--They said he looked ashandsome as a king, and by and by he began to think he must be aking. His enemies sneered at this and said he was neither duke norking, but a--a mountebank. That made him furious, so he went towar with them, and, by Jove, he fought pretty well for an oldfellow! Anyhow, he licked 'em. When they fell down and begged formercy he knew he was indeed a great person--greater even than hehad suspected and worthy of any princess in the land. "

"Pshaw! Ain't a duke higher than a princess?"

"No, Ma. Not higher than this princess. Her father made all thelaws. She is very noble and very good. Good princesses are scarceand--and so, of course, they're very high. But the Duke of Dallasdidn't stop to think of that. He told himself that he was sostrong and so rich and so desirable that she would be flattered athis notice. He got all dressed up and went to call on her, and, onthe way, whenever he looked into a shop window, he didn't see thebuns and the candies and the dolls inside; all he saw was his ownreflection. It looked so magnificent that he strutted higher andthought how proud he was going to make her. 

"I guess that was the trouble with the old duke all along; he hadnever looked deeply enough to see what was inside. Anyhow, what doyou think, Ma? While he'd been off at war conquering people andmaking them acknowledge that he was a king, the little princesshad fallen in love with--with his nephew. Nice boy, that nephew, and the duke thought a lot of him. "

Ma Briskow's hand, which had been slowly stroking Gray's benthead, ceased its movement; she drew a sharp breath. 

"There happened to be an old mirror in the princess's boudoir, andwhile the duke was waiting for her he saw himself in it. He sawhimself just as he was, not as he had looked in the shop windows, for it was a truthful mirror and it told everything. My! That wasa bad moment for the Duke of Dallas, when he saw that he wasn'tyoung and beautiful, but old and wrinkled and--funny. That wasbad enough, but when he looked again and saw the princess whom heloved in the arms of his handsome nephew, why, he gave up. All hisfine garments fell off and he realized with shame that, after all, he was only the withered mountebank. 

"When he got home his castle had collapsed. There wasn't a stonestanding, so he ran away--ran to his mother. "

"Oh, Mr. Gray!" Ma Briskow quavered. "I could cry. An' after allyou done for Buddy!"

The man shook his head vigorously, still with his face hidden. "Itisn't Buddy. It's youth. Youth needs no fine adornment, no crown, no victory. "

"What you goin' to do?" she asked him. 

"Go on playing the duke, I suppose; rebuild the castle the bestway I can. That's the hard part. If I could run away and forget, but--I can't. The old duke walled himself in. He must grin andstrut and keep people from guessing that he's only a fraud untilhe can find a hole in the wall through which he can creep. "

There was a long silence, then Ma inquired: "Would you like totell me something about the little princess? Sometimes it helps, to talk. "

"N-not yet. "

"You're a duke, an' the best one that ever lived, Mr. Gray. Youcan't fool me; I've met too many of 'em. That lookin'-glass lied!Real dukes an' kings an' such people don't get old. It's onlycommon folks. There's lots of magic, the world's full of it, an'your castle is goin' up again. "

"After a fashion, perhaps"--Gray raised his head and smiledcrookedly--"but it will never be a home, and that's what I wantedmost of all. Do you think I'm very weak, very silly to come to youfor a little mothering?"

"That's the kind of children mothers love best, " the old womansaid, then she drew him down to her and laid her cheek againsthis. 

"There! I've made you cry, " he exclaimed, reproachfully. "What aselfish beast I am! I'll go now. "

"Won't you stay an' have supper with Allie an' me? We're awfullonesome with Pa gone. Allie's out som'er's, but--it would do megood to know you was here an' it 'll do you good to stay. You canrest yourself while I take my nap. "

Ma Briskow did not wish to take a nap, but she knew that Grayneeded the solace of his own thoughts just now, so, when heagreed, she sent him downstairs. 

First balm, indeed, had come to the man; the smart was lessintense. To put his trouble into words somehow lightened it; then, too, the grateful knowledge that some warmth of sympathy was hismade it easier to bear. But it remained a cruel burden. Thatgentle, dreamy soul up yonder could not know how it hurt. Howcould she understand, for instance, what it meant to go back andface the deadly dull routine of a life from which all zest, allinterest, had fled? A routine broken only by moments of downrighttorture. Yes, and the effort it would take to smile! God! If therewere only some way to break his fetters, slip his gyves!

Gray's brain, like his body, had grown tired and feverish. To besure, little more than a day had gone by since he had salliedforth like a knight, but it seemed a year, an age, and every hourbrought a new and keener distress. He found it possible now, forthe first time, to relax a bit physically, so he closed his eyesand lay back in an easy chair while the twilight stole in uponhim. Sooner or later his mind, too, would cease its torment, forpain distils its own anodyne. Then he would sleep. It would be ablessing to forget for even an hour, and thus gain strength withwhich to carry on the fight. But what a useless battle it was! Hecould never win; peace would never come. 

He heard Allie enter the house, but he did not stir. He would haveto put on the mask soon enough, for, of course, she must neversuspect, on Buddy's account. The room, which had grown agreeablydark, was suddenly illuminated, and he lurched to his feet to findthe girl facing him from the door. She was neither startled norsurprised at his presence, and when he tried to smile and to greether in his accustomed manner, she interrupted him by saying:

"I knew you were here. "

"So? Then Ma is awake again?"

Allie shook her head vaguely. "I knew you were here the minute Icame in. I can 'most always tell. " There had been a shadow of asmile upon her lips, but it vanished; a look of growing concerncrept over her face. "What's the matter? Whatever has happened, Mr. Gray?"

"Why, nothing. I was feeling tired, worn out. Indulging myself ina thoroughly enjoyable fit of the blues. " His voice broke when hetried to laugh. 

Allie uttered a quick, low cry, a wordless, sympathetic sound. Herdark eyes widened, grew darker; she came forward a step or two, then she halted. "Would you rather be alone?" she asked. Hesignified his dissent, and she went on: "I know what the blues arelike. I sit alone in the dark a good deal. "

She busied herself about the room for a few moments, straighteningthings, adjusting the window shades. Allie had the knack ofsilence, blessed attribute in man or woman, and to Gray's surprisehe found that her mere presence was comforting. She startled himby saying, suddenly:

"You're hurt! Hurt badly!"

He looked up at her with an instinctive denial upon his lips, but, realizing the futility of deceit, he nodded. "Yes, Allie. "

The girl drew a deep breath, her strong hands closed, harshly shesaid: "I could kill anybody that hurt you. I wanted to kill Buddythat time. Is it those Nelsons? Have they got you down?" There wassomething fierce and masterful in Allie's concern, and her inquirycarried with it even more than a proffer of help; she had, infact, flung herself into a protective attitude. She suggestednothing so much as a lioness roused. 

"No, no! It is nothing like that. I merely fooled myself--had adream. You wouldn't understand, my dear. "

Allie studied him soberly for a moment. "Oh yes, I would! I do! Iunderstand perfectly. Nobody _could_ understand as well as I do. "

"What do you mean by that?"

"I've been hurt, too. " She laid a hand upon her breast. "That'swhy I sit in the dark. "

"My dear child! I'm sorry. Gus said you were unhappy, but Ithought it was merely--the new life. You're young; you can forget. It's only us old ones who can't forget. Sometime you must tell meall about it. " The girl smiled faintly, but he nodded, positively:"Oh, it's a relief to tell somebody! I feel better already forconfiding in Ma. Yes, and your sympathy is mighty soothing, too. It seems almost as if I had come home. " He closed his eyes andlaid his head back. 

Allie placed her hand upon his forehead and held it there for amoment before she moved away. It was a cool and tranquilizing palmand he wished she would hold it there for a long time, so that hecould sleep, forget--

Allie Briskow went to her room, and there she studied herreflection in the mirror carefully, deliberately, before saying:"You can do it. You've _got_ to do it, for he's hurt. When a girlis hurt like that, it makes a woman of her, but when a man's hurt it makeshim a little boy. I--I guess it pays to keep on praying. "

It was perhaps a half hour later that Ma Briskow heard a sound thatcaused her to rise upon her elbow and listen with astonishment. It wasthe sound of low, indistinct, but joyous singing; it came from Allie'sroom. Allie singing again! What could have happened? Slowly Ma's facebecame wistful, eager. "Oh, Mister Fairy King!" she whispered. "Pleasebuild up his castle again. You can do it. There's magic in theworld. Make him a duke again, an' her a queen, for yours is the poweran' the glory for ever an' ever. Amen!"

THE END