The Rustlers of Pecos County | Page 7

"I
am--just a little overexcited. I didn't mean to be inquisitive. Thank you
for your confidence. I've enjoyed your call, though your news did
distress me. You may rely upon me to talk to papa."
That appeared to be a dismissal, and, bowing to her and Sally, the
Ranger went out. I followed, not having spoken.
At the end of the porch I caught up with Steele and walked out into the
moonlight beside him.
Just why I did not now reveal my identity I could not say, for certainly
I was bursting with the desire to surprise him, to earn his approval. He

loomed dark above me, appearing not to be aware of my presence.
What a cold, strange proposition this Ranger was!
Still, remembering the earnestness of his talk to Miss Sampson, I could
not think him cold. But I must have thought him so to any attraction of
those charming girls.
Suddenly, as we passed under the shade of cottonwoods, he clamped a
big hand down on my shoulder.
"My God, Russ, isn't she lovely!" he ejaculated.
In spite of my being dumbfounded I had to hug him. He knew me!
"Thought you didn't swear!" I gasped.
Ridiculously those were my first words to Vaughn Steele.
"My boy, I saw you parading up and down the street looking for me,"
he said. "I intended to help you find me to-morrow."
We gripped hands, and that strong feel and clasp meant much.
"Yes, she's lovely, Steele," I said. "But did you look at the cousin, the
little girl with the eyes?"
Then we laughed and loosed hands.
"Come on, let's get out somewhere. I've a million things to tell you."
We went away out into the open where some stones gleamed white in
the moonlight, and there, sitting in the sand, our backs against a rest,
and with all quiet about us, we settled down for a long conference.
I began with Neal's urgent message to me, then told of my going to the
capitol--what I had overheard when Governor Smith was in the
adjutant's office; of my interview with them; of the spying on Colonel
Sampson; Neal's directions, advice, and command; the ride toward San
Antonio; my being engaged as cowboy by Miss Sampson; of the

further ride on to Sanderson and the incident there; and finally how I
had approached Sampson and then had thought it well to get his
daughter into the scheme of things.
It was a long talk, even for me, and my voice sounded husky.
"I told Neal I'd be lucky to get you," said Steele, after a silence.
That was the only comment on my actions, the only praise, but the
quiet way he spoke it made me feel like a boy undeserving of so much.
"Here, I forgot the money Neal sent," I went on, glad to be rid of the
huge roll of bills.
The Ranger showed surprise. Besides, he was very glad.
"The Captain loves the service," said Steele. "He alone knows the
worth of the Rangers. And the work he's given his life to--the good that
service really does--all depends on you and me, Russ!"
I assented, gloomily enough. Then I waited while he pondered.
The moon soared clear; there was a cool wind rustling the greasewood;
a dog bayed a barking coyote; lights twinkled down in the town.
I looked back up at the dark hill and thought of Sally Langdon. Getting
here to Linrock, meeting Steele had not changed my feelings toward
her, only somehow they had removed me far off in thought, out of
possible touch, it seemed.
"Well, son, listen," began Steele. His calling me that was a joke, yet I
did not feel it. "You've made a better start than I could have figured.
Neal said you were lucky. Perhaps. But you've got brains.
"Now, here's your cue for the present. Work for Miss Sampson. Do
your best for her as long as you last. I don't suppose you'll last long.
You have got to get in with this gang in town. Be a flash cowboy. You
don't need to get drunk, but you're to pretend it.

"Gamble. Be a good fellow. Hang round the barrooms. I don't care how
you play the part, so long as you make friends, learn the ropes. We can
meet out here at nights to talk and plan.
"You're to take sides with those who're against me. I'll furnish you with
the money. You'd better appear to be a winning gambler, even if you're
not. How's this plan strike you?"
"Great--except for one thing," I replied. "I hate to lie to Miss Sampson.
She's true blue, Steele."
"Son, you haven't got soft on her?"
"Not a bit. Maybe I'm soft on the little cousin. But I just like Miss