Pagina 76 de 439

"Is that what the government pays you for?"

"Not entirely. Part of the time I examine irrigation projects and

report on their feasibility. I have been known to build dams and

bore tunnels."

"And what of the young ladies you reclaim? Do you bore them?" she

asked saucily.

"I understand they have hitherto always found me very

entertaining," he claimed boldly, his smiling eyes on her.

"Indeed!"

"But young ladies are peculiar. Sometimes we think we're

entertaining them when we ain't."

"I'm sure you are right."

"And other times they're interested when they pretend they're

not."

"It must be comforting to your vanity to think that," she said

coldly. For his words had recalled similar ones spoken by him

twenty-four hours earlier, which in turn had recalled his

unpardonable sin.

The lieutenant of rangers appeared over the hill and descended

into the draw. Miss Kinney went to meet him.

"He got away?" she asked.