Всего за 5.99 руб. Купить полную версию
He wondered if Singleton knew? But Singleton had a capable business manager, while he, Rhodes, was only a range boss with the understanding that he adjust himself to any work a white man might qualify for.
The mere fact that once he had sat at the family table might not, in Singletons eyes, warrant him in criticizing an approved manager, or directing suspicion towards him. He might speak to Pike, but he realized that Pike was not taken very seriously; only welcomed because Billie liked him, and because an American ranch usually had the open door for the old timers of his caliber.
Also Pike had told him plainly that he must not be expected to mix up in the Mexican game for any reason whatsoever.
I reckon its up to us, Pardner, he decided, as he called directions to the different men loading the wagons with oats and barley for the stock on the trail. There were three mule teams ready for the railroad junction where the cars were waiting on the siding, or would be by night.
Some of the men were getting the mules straightened out in the harness while others were roping horses in the corral. It would take most of the home outfit to lead and drive them to the railroad, which meant one lonely and brief period of hilarity at the only joint where bootleg whiskey could be secured by the knowing, and a movie theater could add to other simple entertainments for the gentle Juans of the ranges. Neither Conrad nor Herrara were visible, and he presumed the latter was making arrangements for the sudden and unexpected departure from his family, but he knew he had not attempted to ride home for a farewell greeting, because his horse still stood near Conrads automobile where he had first overheard that curious conversation between the two men.
After a leisurely breakfast Pike was meandering towards the stock yard on his mule with the intent to trail along to the Junction with the boys. Rhodes, catching sight of him, looked hopefully but unsuccessfully for Singleton. The minutes were slipping by, and no definite instructions had been given him concerning the three car loads of horses. Did Conrad mean to leave every detail until the last moment and make difficulties for the new man? Was that the way he got rid of the Americans he didnt want? He recalled the prophecy of Billie that he would not hold his job. Well, he would show her!
With memories of the white and gold vision of the previous night, and the guitar in the sala, and the moonlight touching all to enchantment, he had fully decided that he would not only hold the job, but on some future day he would be business manager. And hed find that lost mine or know the reason why, and he would
For after all Kit Rhodes was only twenty-three and all of life ahead of him for dreams! He was wondering what he could fetch back from the East that would be acceptable to a witchy elf of a butterfly girl who already had, to his simple estimate, all the requisites of a princess royal.
Juanito came loping past, and Rhodes asked for his father.
I am myself looking for him, said the boy. He has there on his horse all the things for Tio Miguel, but Miguel not coming, and I wonder who goes? Maybe it will be me. What you think? he asked hopefully.
Kit did not answer, for Juanitos mention of the articles for Miguel brought from home by Tomas, and still fastened to the back of the saddle, drew his attention to the articles tied theresome clothing badly wrapped, a pair of black shoes tied together with brown strings, and under them, yet plainly visible, a canvas water bag.
There was nothing unusual in a water bag or a canteen tied back of any saddle in the dry lands, it was the sensible thing to do, but Kit found himself staring at this particular water bag stupidly, remembering where he had seen it last. It had been only partly full then, but now it was plump and round as if water-filled; yet one glance told him it was not wet, and moreover, he had noted the day before a hole in the side tied up in a hard knot by twine, and there was the knot!
Yet it might be a stock of pinole, parched corn, as evidence of Miguels forethought against privation on the long eastern trail. He could think of several reasonable things to account for an old water bag tied to a Mexicans saddle, but reason did not prevent his glance turning to it again and again.
The fear in Narciscos eyes came back to him, and his attempt to cover his harmless playthings at the coming of the unexpected American. He wondered
Say, Bub, Ive got ten dollars to invest in some little trinket for Billie boy, and I want you to put it down in your jeans and invest it in whatever it will cover, said Captain Pike at his elbow, clinking the silver coin meditatively. Youll have time to see plenty attractive things for the money there in the streets of New York, or Baltimore, or whichever of the dock towns youll be heading for.
Rhodes accepted the coin, absently frowning.
Thats one of the dark secrets not yet divulged by this curious management, he growled. Im to go, or so I was told, but have been given no instructions. Wheres Singleton?
Just rounded up for breakfast.
Is he coming down here to the corrals?
Not that I could notice. Pedro got in from the Junction with last Sundays papers, and he and Billie have the picture sheets spread around, having a weekly feast.
Kit strode over to his mount, and then halted, glancing towards the house a half mile away, and then at the telephone poles along the wide lane.
Say, theres a telephone somewhere down here at the works, connecting with the hacienda, isnt there?
Sure, in that hallway between the two adobes where the bunk house ends and offices begin.
Kit started briskly towards the long bunk house, and then turned to Pike.
Do me a favor, Captain. Stay right there till I get back, and dont let anyone take that Herrara horse away, or his load!
All right, but load!why, the spotted rat hasnt got a load for a jack rabbit, load! and Pike sniffed disdain at the little knobs of baggage dangling from the rawhide strings. He didnt think the subdued animal needed watchingstill, if Kit said so
At the same time Kit was calling the house, and hearing in reply a soft whistle of the meadow lark, and then a girls laugh.
Your music is good to listen to, Lark-child, he called back, and your ears are perfectly good at telling whos who, but this is a strictly business day, and it is Mr. Singleton I need to speak with.
Still holding your job, or asking for your time? came the mocking voice.
You bet Im holding my job, also I am on it, and want the boss.
Well, sometimes you know the boys call me the boss. What can we do for you, Mr. Kit Rhodes?
Ill use all three of my Spanish cuss words in a minute, if you dont be reasonable, he thundered.
Is that a bribe? came sweetly over the wire, and when he muttered something impatiently, she laughed and told him it was not fair to use another language when he had promised Spanish.
Listen to me, young lady, if I cant get Singleton on the wire Ill get on a horse and go up there!
And you listen to me, young man, it wouldnt do you a bit of good, for just now he is nearly having a fit, and writing telegrams about something more important than the horse corrals.
There is nothing more important this day and date, insisted Kit.
Well, if you were as strictly a white dove advocate as Papa Singleton is, and as neutral, and then saw a full page Sunday supplement of your pet picture fraulein, working for your pet charity and sifting poison into hospital bandages and powdered glass in jellies for the soldiers of the Allies, I reckon you would change your mind.