第38章

"I cherished the opinion," drawled on Bill, while Gwen stuck her handkerchief into her mouth, "that mebbe they'd put up for it the seven hundred dollars, and, even as it was, seein' as The Pilot appeared to be sot on to it, if them fellers would find two hundred and fifty I cher--" another shriek from Gwen cut him suddenly short.

"It's the rheumaticks, mebbe," said Bill, anxiously."Terrible bad weather for 'em.I get 'em myself.""No, no," said Gwen, wiping away her tears and subduing her laughter."Go on, Bill.""There ain't no more," said Bill."He bit, and the master here put it down.""Yes, it's here right enough," I said, "but I don't suppose you mean to follow it up, do you?""You don't, eh? Well, I am not responsible for your supposin', but them that is familiar with Bronco Bill generally expects him to back up his undertakin's.""But how in the world can you get five hundred dollars from the cowboys for a church?""I hain't done the arithmetic yet, but it's safe enough.You see, it ain't the church altogether, it's the reputation of the boys.""I'll help, Bill," said Gwen.

Bill nodded his head slowly and said: "Proud to have you," trying hard to look enthusiastic.

"You don't think I can," said Gwen.Bill protested against such an imputation."But I can.I'll get daddy and The Duke, too.""Good line!" said Bill, slapping his knee.

"And I'll give all my money, too, but it isn't very much," she added, sadly.

"Much!" said Bill, "if the rest of the fellows play up to that lead there won't be any trouble about that five hundred."Gwen was silent for some time, then said with an air of resolve:

"I'll give my pinto!"

"Nonsense!" I exclaimed, while Bill declared "there warn't no call.""Yes.I'll give the Pinto!" said Gwen, decidedly."I'll not need him any more," her lips quivered, and Bill coughed and spat into the next room, "and besides, I want to give something I like.And Bill will sell him for me!""Well," said Bill, slowly, "now come to think, it'll be purty hard to sell that there pinto." Gwen began to exclaim indignantly, and Bill hurried on to say, "Not but what he ain't a good leetle horse for his weight, good leetle horse, but for cattle--""Why, Bill, there isn't a better cattle horse anywhere!""Yes, that's so," assented Bill."That's so, if you've got the rider, but put one of them rangers on to him and it wouldn't be no fair show." Bill was growing more convinced every moment that the pinto wouldn't sell to any advantage."Ye see," he explained carefully and cunningly, "he ain't a horse you could yank round and slam into a bunch of steers regardless."Gwen shuddered."Oh, I wouldn't think of selling him to any of those cowboys." Bill crossed his legs and hitched round uncomfortably on his bench."I mean one of those rough fellows that don't know how to treat a horse." Bill nodded, looking relieved."I thought that some one like you, Bill, who knew how to handle a horse--"Gwen paused, and then added: "I'll ask The Duke.""No call for that," said Bill, hastily, "not but what The Dook ain't all right as a jedge of a horse, but The Dook ain't got the connection, it ain't his line." Bill hesitated."But, if you are real sot on to sellin' that pinto, come to think I guess I could find a sale for him, though, of course, I think perhaps the figger won't be high."And so it was arranged that the pinto should be sold and that Bill should have the selling of it.

It was characteristic of Gwen that she would not take farewell of the pony on whose back she had spent so many hours of freedom and delight.When once she gave him up she refused to allow her heart to cling to him any more.

It was characteristic, too, of Bill that he led off the pinto after night had fallen, so that "his pardner" might be saved the pain of the parting.

"This here's rather a new game for me, but when my pardner," here he jerked his head towards Gwen's window, "calls for trumps, I'm blanked if I don't throw my highest, if it costs a leg."