"I don't figure the need is pressing in my case. Different with you."

"I told you I would back my chances against yours. Well, I'm standing
pat on that."

"The road will be open to me to-morrow. I wonder will it be open to you
then."

"My friend, who elected you guardeen to Buck Weaver?" drawled the big
man carelessly.

"I wish you would go," Phyllis pleaded, plainly troubled over his
obstinacy.

"Me, I always hated to disoblige a lady," Buck admitted.

"Then go," she cried eagerly.

"But I hate still more to go back on my word. So I'll stay."

There was nothing more to be said. They rode forward to the ranch.
'Rastus, at the stables, raised a shout and broke for the store on the
run.

"Hyer's Miss Phyl done come home."

At his call light-stepping dusty men poured from the building like seeds
from a squeezed orange. There was a rush for the girl. She was lifted
from her saddle and carried in triumph to the porch. Jim Sanderson came