But I had sense enough to realise I despised him. I
went by the railroadstockyards late last night, cause I live out thet
way.
The pines had given place to cedarsand pifions, and
these soon made way for sagebrush. Ive had the very same fear myself, admitted
Jim.
He knew,of course, about Uncle Jim, the rich
ranchman.
But we younger girls hadnt really gotten into it
yet.
But he saw that he made no impression on her. That
was how he had used to address her when he was on hisdignity or wished to reprove.
Its the wildest an most beautiful place to liveI ever seen in Arizona.
Ten years ago a fine-spoken, most damnlikable
fellow, named Stokes, drifted into Flag. At that it aint badto be back in the old
cabin. An you bet your life Curly Prentiss seen me. If you only hadnt engaged
yourself to this backwoods girl!
It was a slick job fer any cow-punchin outfit. Ive
three trunks, too, rejoined Gloriana. Never in her life hadshe been subject to such
an intense and penetrating look as Gloriana gaveher. It probably will be, replied
Jim, coolly. I expect to marryher in the spring, if I can persuade her. Icould go
away somewhere, I suppose, and work. Gloriana, Im shore happy to welcome you heah,
said Molly, with simplesweet warmth.
Wal, so longs there are big open ranges therell be
rustlers.
Glory, I dont want to lose patience with you, said
Jim, slowly, tryingto keep his temper. Weve got supplies till spring, plenty of
drink an money to gamblewith. Thus Jim saw with delight a new species of men and
life dawn upon hisbewildered sister.
An you bet your life Curly Prentiss seen
me.
Jim, dont misunderstand, she said,
quickly.
Lots of beaver left in Yellow Jacket, anwhere
theres beaver you bet its wild. If you only hadnt engaged yourself to this backwoods
girl! It never lastedlong, said his sister, reflectively.