"
Something in the cowboy's hand glinted darkly bright in the starlight.
"You'd recognize me, if it wasn't so dark," replied Gale, halting.
"I spoke to you a little while ago--in the saloon back there."
"Come over an' let's see you," said the cowboy curtly.
Gale advanced till he was close to the horse. The cowboy leaned
over the saddle and peered into Gale's face. Then, without a word,
he sheathed the gun and held out his hand. Gale met a grip of
steel that warmed his blood. The other cowboy got off his nervous,
spirited horse and threw the bridle. He, too, peered closely into
Gale's face.
"My name's Ladd," he said. "Reckon I'm some glad to meet you again."
Gale felt another grip as hard and strong as the other had been. He
realized he had found friends who belonged to a class of men whom he
had despaired of ever knowing.
"Gale--Dick Gale is my name," he began, swiftly. "I dropped into
Casita to-night hardly knowing where I was. A boy took me to that
hotel. There I met an old friend whom I had not seen for years.
He belongs to the cavalry stationed here. He had befriended a
Spanish girl--fallen in love with her. Rojas had killed this girl's
father--tried to abduct her....You know what took place at the hotel.
Gentlemen, if it's ever possible, I'll show you how I appreciate
what you did for me there. I got away, found my friend with the
girl. We hurried out here beyond the edge of town. Then Thorne
had to make a break for camp.
Pages:
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76