This was the
creature in whose power she was "like to fall."
Upon her return she found the old cowboy sitting dejectedly under a
liveoak bush. "Sir," she began timidly, "you are in trouble. I should
like to express my sympathy."
He rose with suspicious nimbleness. "Now, bless your kind heart, Miss,
to stop to console a sad old man."
"I overheard what Mr. Saul said to you, sir. He is - "
"Without doubt, without doubt, he is everything you mention. Could you,
now, be Mistress Patty Laughton, of Kentucky?"
"Yes, sir."
"I knew your Grandfather Laughton, my child, and since I came here I
have heard-of you," he finished, with innate delicacy. Indeed, who had
not heard her story?
She opened her silken reticule and drew forth a small, buckskin bag.
"Will you not accept it?" Yesterday, at the claims, I panned it out
myself. I am sorry for your plight. I am sorry for anyone in the
clutches of Slick-heels Saul."
"But - . Can you - ?"
"It does not matter. Your extremity is greater than mine."
He stood looking after the slim girl who carried her head so high.
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