"Very far. Many days. You never find him. You stay here, keep
girl, and me and my people your friends. You come after him--not
your friends!"

"Why, bless your heart, I never want to see that man again; your
daughter is welcome to him, but I'm afraid she's got a bad bargain.
This girl's just as I'd have her--unencumbered. I'm AWFUL glad you
come, pardner! Whenever you happen to be down in this part of
Texas, drop in and make us a visit!"

With every passing moment, Willock was realizing more keenly what
this amazing sequel to the past meant to him. He would not only
have company in his dreary solitude, but, of all company, the very
one he yearned for to comfort his heart. "Give us your paw, old
man--shake. You bet I'll take her!"

He strode forward and addressed the girl: "Are you willing to stay
with me, little one?"

She shrank back from the wild figure. During his two years of
hiding in the mountains, Willock had cared nothing for his personal
appearance. His garments, on disintegrating had been replaced by
skins, thus giving an aspect of assorted colors and materials rather
remarkable. Only when driven by necessity had he ventured on long
journeys to the nearest food-station, carrying the skins obtained
by trapping, and bringing back fresh stores of provisions and
tobacco on the pony purchased by the Spanish gold.

Willock was greatly disconcerted by her attitude. He said
regretfully, "I guess I've been so much with myself that I ain't