Pagina 259 di 439

Arlie's eyes were shining. She looked at Briscoe and handed him

the paper triumphantly. This was her vindication for bringing the

hunted man to Lost Valley. He had been fighting their battles and

had almost lost his life in doing it. Jed might say what he liked

while she had this to refute him.

"I guess that editor doesn't believe so confidently as he

pretends," she said. "Anyhow, he has guessed wrong. Mr. Fraser

has reached his friends, and they'll look out for him."

Her father came to her support radiantly. "You bet yore boots

they will, honey. Shake hands on it, Mr. Fraser. I reckon yore

satisfied too, Jed. Eh, boy?"

Briscoe viewed the scene with cynical malice. "Quite a hero,

ain't he? If you want to know, I stand pat. Mr. Fraser from Texas

don't draw the wool over my eyes none. Right now I serve notice

to that effect. Meantime, since I don't aim to join the happy

circle of his admirers, I reckon I'll duck."