The Sheriff of Badger

re at the pens to say good-by, and waved at him until the caboose followed the rest of the train

or a berth. Indeed, his last meal, which he procured at a wayside lunch counter in New Mexico, he was compelled to charge. It was made ea

content. And he went to Badger, his credit being good there until they should discover he had no money. It behooved him to get a job, with

ts back. Buffalo was lifted up in heart and scornful of roundups, having just sold a mine. It does not concern us what sort of mine

e. A week's work in the hills, a vein of copper-and here he was with money in his pocket, able to glean life's pleasures. He banged his silver down on the bar and looked all around, like a landed proprietor. Johnson agreed that it was a tem

s of behavior, and in Johnson's world they are suspicious of a man who permits himself no indulgences. Besides, in your cir

m. If one scrutinized him closely, the difference could be discerned with comparative ease. Yet Shortredge possessed traits that made the appellation peculiarly fitting. When stor

ere, when Mr. Shortredge was seized of an inspiration. He told Lafe that he would give a dance, and Lafe readily consenting to th

was Jim's formal invitation. "No sty

e festivities, three male persons from Nogales sought admittance, and Lafe Johnson, not taking kindly to their looks, a slight awkwardness resulted. This was satisfact

yallow hair?" said Johnson, in a cautious whi

r," Jim answered. "Too lo

s good enough to t

er; followed them with a two-step and a waltz; and by that time Miss Hawes was giggling in half-hysterical mir

said, covering her face with her

. I'm sure shy as a teeny li

u go to say th

heap. And I'd kind of like to learn

the cactus right now," sai

her up at this point to a man from New Mexico. His visage was expressionless as he watched her depart a

m. "That big Hick ought to b

her feet for all of me, and he's a sure a-helping her. Watch him tromp on her

" Haverty asked, overhearing. "Quit your roaring

hnson. "Who is this

K. You've heard of him, Lafe? Shore you have. Goes by the name

. He's the gunfighter.

is satisfaction. He grinned genially at Moffatt when they chanced to meet at Miss Hawes's side, and exchanged

said Moffa

lders, and this method afforded excellent opportunity for Grace to gaze up into Moffatt's eyes. Her own were deep blue and singularly enticing. Steve's were brown and very, very alert and steady, and Miss Hawes rapidly disc

ight way to dance," he said. "It don't

you didn't know whether you was on the floor or on the roof, when she had you

the doorstep-a swift, ominous quiet. He discovered Moffatt standing in the corner occupied by the Mexican orchestra. One of the three pla

hat there stool for?" Moffat

time," said the cowboy. "

ere's your guitar. Take to it. And when a gen'l'm

ominated the assembly with such disdainful unconcern. She had seen the Tumbling K boy actually shrink. Realizing quickly the need of smoothing out the situation, La

egiance. It is true that Moffatt was extremely handsome, but Lafe had a way. He might be too stooped and indolent for grace of move

by the left as you come round. Lady in the center, all hands round," he ye

te gent forward and b

hand half

left, left

corner as yo

selves at the moment and go on about his business. Taking advantage of this custom, Lafe descended upon Miss Hawes and

ss of tongue deserted him abruptly, and G

Lafe?" she asked. "Why

over something

ut looking at her: "You done give

Why? Weren't

s and four two-steps.

ht. But what's the

e have the Home Swe

. Lafe, what're

ll minute. "What'd you give that

you've got your nerve." She tilted her

that feller have

near so much as you got, Lafe J

. Leastways,

was a half-hearted impulse, wholly lacking his customary dash. Grace he

t lose no time, do

to." His vo

self at pitch in the Fashion's back room, Johnson mooned about town, or stared absently at the dust of the street whilst he leaned against a post and whittled

I like a girl what's got ginger. But I don't figure on marrying a whole can of it

're you aim

me. I'll fix