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"I'm extending it right now. Millikan told me to pass the word

among the boys. Everybody and his neighbor invited." Dick lit a

cigar, and gathered up his reins. "So-long, boys. I got to be

going." Over his shoulder he fired another joyous shot as he

cantered away. "I reckon that hostile friend will be there, too,

Steve, if that's any inducement."

Whether it was an inducement is not a matter of record, but

certain it is that the Texan found it easy to decide to go.

Everybody in the valley would be there, and absence on his part

would be construed as weakness, even as a confession of guilt. He

had often observed that a man's friends are strong for him only

when he is strong for himself.

Howard and his guest drove to Millikan's Draw, for the wound of

the latter was still too new to stand so long a horseback ride.

They arrived late, and the dance was already in full swing. As

they stabled and fed the team, they could hear the high notes of

the fiddles and the singsong chant of the caller.