"No. It would look like desertion--cowardice--as if I went because this
matter became known. It will get out soon enough now, since the Molick
outfit knows it. But that's just the reason I'm going to stick. I won't
fly in the face of the enemy. I won't desert!

"The real reason why I intended to go, though, Dave, is because the ranch
isn't making money enough. It is holding its own, but that is not enough.
As you know, I was, up to a year or so ago, pretty well off. But those
unfortunate cattle speculations pulled me down, so now I am really, what
would be called poor, as ranchmen go.

"But I'll make good!" declared the cattle owner. "I'm going to stick now,
until something happens. It may be for the best, or it may be for the
worst. But I'll stick until I'm fairly beaten!

"The ranch needs more water, that's the main trouble. I haven't control of
the water rights I need. I can't go into the cattle business on a large
enough scale because of the lack of water. Rolling River and Forked
Branch, while well enough in their way, aren't big enough to stand the dry
years.

"That was the reason I was going to sell out, Dave, but I'm not now. I'm
going to stick. And now I'll tell you the secret concerning you--that is
as much of it as I know. It isn't much, for I know so little myself, so
you will not be much wiser than you are now."

"Won't I know who I am?" Dave asked in a low voice.

"No, Dave, for I can't tell you myself. I wish I could. I wish I could