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Steve laughed. "I don't reckon he would think, it a terrible

burden, ma'am. And about the Mal Pais--this is how it is. Fort

Lincoln is all of sixty miles from here as the crow flies. The

mines are about seventeen. My notion was you could get there and

take the stage to-morrow to your town."

"What shall I do for a horse?"

"I expect Mr. Neill will let you ride his. He can walk beside the

hawss."

"That won't do at all. Why should I put him to that

inconvenience? I'll walk myself."

The ranger flashed his friendly smile at her. He had an instinct

that served him with women. "Any way that suits you and him suits

me. I'm right sorry that I've got to leave you and take out after

that hound Struve, but you may take my word for it that this

gentleman will look after you all right and bring you safe to the

Mal Pais."

"He is a stranger to me. I've only met him once and on that

occasion not pleasantly. I don't like to put myself under an

obligation to him. But of course if I must I must."