McAlpin, talking volubly, essayed to move on, but de Spain, stubbornly pausing, only continued to look at the handsome saddle-horse. McAlpin saw he was in for it, and resigned himself to an inquisition. When de Spain asked whose horse it was, McAlpin was ready. That little pony is Nan Morgans, sir.
De Spain made no comment. Good-looking pony, sir, ventured McAlpin half-heartedly.
Whats it doing here? demanded de Spain coldly.
Before answering, the barn boss eyed de Spain very carefully to see how the wind was setting, for the ponys presence confessed an infraction of a very particular rule. You see, he began, cocking at his strict boss from below his visorless cap a questioning Scotch eye, I like to keep on good terms with that gang. Some of them can be very ugly. Its better to be friends with them when you canby stretching the barn rules a little once in a whilethan to have enemies of em all the timedont you think so, sir?
Whats her horse doing here? asked de Spain, without commenting on the long story, but also without showing, as far as the barnman could detect, any growing resentment at the infraction of his regulations.
McAlpin made even the most inconsequential approaches to a statement with a keen and questioning glance. The girl went up to the Cat on the early stage, sir. Shes coming back this afternoon.
What is she riding away over here to Calabasas for to take the stage, instead of riding straight into Sleepy Cat?
Once more McAlpin eyed him carefully. The girls been sick.
Sick?
She aint really fit to ride a step, confided the Scotch boss with growing confidence. But shes been going up two or three times now to get some medicine from Doc Torpythats the way of it. Theres a nice girl, sirin a bunch o ruffians, I knowthough old Duke, she lives with, he aint a half-bad man except for too many cards; I used to work for himbut I call her a nice girl. Do you happen to know her?
De Spain had long been on guard. Ive spoken with her in a business way one or twice, Jim. I cant really say I know her.
Nice girl. But thats a tough bunch in that Gap, sure as youre alive; yes, sir.
De Spain was well aware the canny boss ought to know. McAlpin had lived at one time in the Gap, and was himself reputed to have been a hardy and enduring rider on a night round-up.
Anything sick, Jim? asked de Spain, walking on down the barn and looking at the horses. It was only the second time since he had given him the job that de Spain had called the barn boss Jim, and McAlpin answered with the rising assurance of one who realizes he is in right. Not so much as a sore hoof in either alley, Mr. de Spain. I try to take care of them, sir.
What are we paying you, Jim?
Twenty-seven a week, sir; pretty heavy work at that.
Well try to make that thirty-two after this week.
McAlpin touched his cap. Thank you kindly, sir, Im sure. It costs like hell to live out here, Mr. de Spain.
Lefever says you live off him at poker.
Ha, ha! Ha, ha, sir! John will have his joke. Hes always after me to play poker with himI dont like to do it. Ive got a family to supporthe aint. But by and far, I dont think John and me is ten dollars apart, year in and year out. Look at that bay, sir! A month ago Elpaso said that horse was all inlook at him now. I manage to keep things up.
What did you say, asked de Spain indifferently, had been the matter with Nan Morgan? Her name seemed a whole mouthful to speak, so fearful was he of betraying interest.
Why, I really didnt say, sir. And I dont know. But from what she says, and the way she coughs, Im thinking it was a touch of this p-new-monia thats going around so much lately, sir.
His listener recalled swiftly the days that had passed since the night he had seen her wet through in the cold rain at Sleepy Cat. He feared
Jims diagnosis might be right. And he had already made all arrangements to meet the occasion now presenting itself. Circumstances seemed at last to favor him, and he looked at his watch. The down stage bringing Nan back would be due in less than an hour.
Jim, he said thoughtfully, you are doing the right thing in showing some good-will toward the Morgans.
Now, Im glad you think that, sir.
You know I unintentionally rubbed their backs the wrong way in dragging Sassoon out.
Theyre jealous of their power, I knowvery jealous.
This seems the chance to show that I have no real animosity myself toward the outfit.
Since de Spain was not looking at him, McAlpin cocked two keen and curious eyes on the sphinx-like birthmark of the very amiable speakers face. However, the astute boss, if he wondered, made no comment. When the stage comes in, continued de Spain quietly, have the two graysLady and Benhitched to my own light Studebaker. Ill drive her over to the Gap myself.
The very thing, exclaimed McAlpin, staring and struggling with his breath.
In some way Ive happened, both times I talked with her, to get in wrongunderstand? McAlpin, with clearing wits, nodded more than once. No fault of mine; it just happened so. And she may not at first take kindly to the idea of going with me.