argued the worst of a possible situation.

"And before I'll see Jimmy take a lickin'--this trip--I'll ride back and
shoot it out with Sneed and his outfit," stated Cheyenne.

"I reckon you're fool enough to do it," said Uncle Frank.

* * * * *

An hour later Bartley and Cheyenne were at the Lawrence ranch, where
they changed packs, saddled Filaree and Joshua, and turned the horses
borrowed from Steve Brown into Uncle Frank's back pasture.

Little Jim watched these operations with keen interest. He wanted to
help, but refrained for fear that he would muss up his hair--and he
wanted Uncle Frank to notice his hair as it was.

Aunt Jane hastily prepared a meal and Dorothy helped.

In a few minutes Cheyenne and Bartley had eaten, and were ready for the
road. Cheyenne stepped up and shook hands with Jimmy, as though Jimmy
were a grown-up. Jimmy felt elated. There was no one just like his
father, even if folks did say that Cheyenne Hastings could do better
than ride around the country singing and joking with everybody.

"And don't forget to stop by when you come back," said Aunt Jane,
bidding farewell to Bartley.

Dorothy shook hands with the Easterner and wished him a pleasant
journey, rather coolly, Bartley thought. She was much more animated when