Dingwell moved forward reluctantly. It was easy to read chagrin and
depression in the sag of his shoulders and the drag of his feet.

The pig eyes of the fat little man on horseback shone with triumph. He
was enjoying himself hugely. It was worth something to have tamed so
debonair a dare-devil as Dingwell had the reputation of being. He had
the fellow so meek that he would eat out of his hand.




Chapter II

Dave Caches a Gunnysack

Fox rode about ten yards behind his prisoner, who plodded without
spirit up the creek trail that led from the basin.

"You're certainly an accommodating fellow, Dave," he jeered. "I've
seen them as would have grumbled a heap at digging up that sack, and
then loaning me their horse to carry it whilst they walked. But you're
that cheerful. My own brother wouldn't have been so kind."

Dingwell grunted sulkily. He may have felt cheerful, but he did not
look it. The pudgy round body of Fox shook with silent laughter.

"Kind is the word, Dave. Honest, I hate to put myself under
obligations to you like this. If I hadn't seen with my own eyes how
you was feeling the need of them health exercises, I couldn't let you
force your bronc on me. But this little walk will do you a lot of