raised his arm and pointed toward the road. "You git!" he said. She
reached up and patted his grizzled cheek. Then she clung to him,
sobbing.




CHAPTER VIII

AT "THE LAST CHANCE"

The afternoon following the day of his discharge from the Concho,
Fadeaway rode into Antelope, tied his pony to the hitching-rail in
front of "The Last Chance," and entered the saloon. Several men loafed
at the bar. The cowboy, known as "a good spender when flush," was made
welcome. He said nothing about being out of employment, craftily
anticipating the possibility of having to ask for credit later, as he
had but a half-month's pay with him. He was discussing the probability
of early rains with a companion when Will Corliss entered the place.

Fadeaway greeted him with loud, counterfeit heartiness, and they drank
together. Their talk centered on the Concho. Gradually they drew away
from the group at the bar. Finally Corliss mentioned his brother.
Fadeaway at once became taciturn.

Corliss noticed this and questioned the puncher. "Had a row with
Jack?" he asked.

"Between you and me, I did. He fired me, couple of days ago."