He seemed to forget his flirty proclivities in amazement.
Then he looked cunning. I read his mind. It was news to him that
all the land along the valley had been taken up.
"He said something about not seeing any squatters on the land,
and then he shut up tight on that score. But he began to be
flirty again. He got hold of Jose's bridle, and before I could
catch my breath he said I was a peach, and that he wanted to make
a date with me, that his name was Chase, that he owned a gold mine
in Mexico. He said a lot more I didn't gather, but when he called
me 'Dearie' I--well, I lost my temper.
"I jerked on the bridle and told him to let go. He held on and
rolled his eyes at me. I dare say he imagined he was a gentlemen to
be infatuated with. He seemed sure of conquest. One thing certain,
he didn't know the least bit about horses. It scared me the way he
got in front of Jose. I thanked my stars I wasn't up on Blanco
Diablo. Well, Dad, I'm a little ashamed now, but I was mad. I
slashed him across the face with my quirt. Jose jumped and knocked
Mr. Chase into the sand. I didn't get the horse under control till I
was out of sight of those surveyors, and then I let him run home."
"Nell, I guess you punished the fellow enough. Maybe he's only a
conceited softy. But I don't like that sort of thing. It isn't
Western. I guess he won't be so smart next time. Any fellow
would remember being hit by Blanco Jose. If you'd been up on Diablo
we'd have to bury Mr.
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