XVIII. A Chaparral Prince
XIX. The Reformation of Calliope




HEART OF THE WEST



I

HEARTS AND CROSSES

Baldy Woods reached for the bottle, and got it. Whenever Baldy went
for anything he usually--but this is not Baldy's story. He poured out
a third drink that was larger by a finger than the first and second.
Baldy was in consultation; and the consultee is worthy of his hire.

"I'd be king if I was you," said Baldy, so positively that his holster
creaked and his spurs rattled.

Webb Yeager pushed back his flat-brimmed Stetson, and made further
disorder in his straw-coloured hair. The tonsorial recourse being
without avail, he followed the liquid example of the more resourceful
Baldy.

"If a man marries a queen, it oughtn't to make him a two-spot,"
declared Webb, epitomising his grievances.