you right to the hospital."

"I might get back in time," she said hopefully.

"You might, but you won't."

"Oh, well," she sighed. "If you're going to act like that."

The cowboy helped her into the ambulance and found himself a seat.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked with a smile a bit twisted
by pain.

"I reckon I'll go far as the hospital with you."

"I reckon you won't. What do you think I am--a nice little parlor girl
who has to be petted when she gets hurt? You're on to ride inside of
fifteen minutes--and you know it."

"Oh, well! I'm lookin' for an alibi so as not to be beaten. That Cole
Sanborn is sure a straight-up rider."

"So's that Kirby Lane. You needn't think I'm going to let you beat
yourself out of the championship. Not so any one could notice it. Hop
out, sir."

He rose, smiling ruefully. "You certainly are one bossy kid."

"I'd say you need bossing when you start to act so foolish," she
retorted, flushing.