But no go."
"That's funny," replied Gale, with a smile. "Let him stay--put
him to work."
"It doesn't strike me funny. But I'll tell you what I think. That
poor, homeles, heartbroken Indian has taken a liking to you, Dick.
These desert Yaquis are strange folk. I've heard strange stories
about them. I'd believe 'most anything. And that's how I figure
his case. You saved his life. That sort of thing counts big with
any Indian, even with an Apache. With a Yaqui maybe it's of deep
significance. I've heard a Yaqui say that with his tribe no debt to
friend or foe ever went unpaid. Perhaps that's what ails this fellow."
"Dick, don't laugh," said Nell. "I've noticed the Yaqui. It's
pathetic the way his great gloomy eyes follow you."
"You've made a friend," continued Belding. "A Yaqui could be a
real friend on this desert. If he gets his strength back he'll be
of service to you, don't mistake me. He's welcome here. But
you're responsible for him, and you'll have trouble keeping him
from massacring all the Greasers in Forlorn River."
The probability of a visit from the raiders, and a dash bolder
than usual on the outskirts of a ranch, led Belding to build a
new corral. It was not sightly to the eye, but it was high and
exceedingly strong. The gate was a massive affair, swinging on
huge hinges and fastening with heavy chains and padlocks. On the
outside it had been completely covered with barb wire, which would
make it a troublesome thing to work on in the dark.
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