She trailed the bridle reins, went up the porch steps, and drew off her
gauntlets. Her hand was outstretched to open the door when her gaze fell
upon a large bill tacked to the wall. Swiftly she read it through, and,
having read it, remained in suspended motion. For the first time she fully
realized the danger and the penalty that confronted her.
ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS
Will Be Paid By Thomas L. Morse
For the arrest and conviction of each of the men who were implicated
in the robbery of the Fort Allison stage on April twenty-seventh
last. A further reward of $1000 will be paid for the recovery of the
bullion stolen.
This was what she read, and her eye was running over it a second time when
she heard the jingle of a spur approaching.
"We're red-hot after them, you see, Miss Lee," a mocking voice drawled.
"If you want to round up a thousand plunks, all you've got to do is to
tell me who Mr. Hold-up is."
He laughed quietly, as if it were a joke, but the girl answered with a
flush. "Is that all?"
"That's all."
"If I knew, do you suppose I would tell for five thousand--or ten
thousand?"
For some reason this seemed to give him sardonic amusement. "No, I don't
suppose you would."
"You'll have to catch him yourself if you want him. I'm not in that
business, Mr. Flatray."
"I am. Sorry you don't like the business, Miss Lee." He added dryly: "But
then you always were hard to please. You weren't satisfied when I was a
rustler."
Her eyes swept him with a look, whether of reproach or contempt he was not
sure. But the hard derision of his gaze did not soften. Mentally as well
as physically he was a product of the sun and the wind, as tough and
unyielding as a greasewood sapling. For a friend he would go the limit,
and he could not forgive her that she had distrusted him.
"But mebbe you'd prefer it if I was rustling stages," he went on, looking
straight at her.
"What do you mean?" she asked breathlessly.
"I want to have a talk with you."
"What about?"
"Suppose we step around to the side of the house. We'll be freer from
interruption there."
He led the way, taking her consent for granted. With him he carried a
chair for her from the porch.
"If you'll be as brief as possible, Mr. Flatray. I've been in the desert
two days and want to change my clothes."