"Certainly," said Fresno. "He lost a foot-race."
In spite of his assurance, J. Wallingford Speed felt a tremor of
anxiety, but he laughed it off, saying: "One would think a foot-
race in this country was a pearl necklace."
"These cowboys ain't good losers, eh?" queried Glass.
"It's win or die out here."
During the ensuing pause Mrs. Keap took occasion to call Speed
aside. "I have something to contribute to the training-quarters
if you will help me bring it out," said she.
The young man bowed. "Most gladly."
"We'll be back in a little while," the chaperon announced to the
others, and a moment later, when she and Speed had reached the
veranda of the house, she paused.
"I--I want to speak to you," she began, hesitatingly. "It was
just an excuse."
Wally looked at her with concern, for it was plain that she was
deeply troubled.
"What is it?"
"I have been trying to get a word alone with you ever since I
heard about this foot-race." The young man chilled with
apprehension as Mrs. Keap turned her dark eyes upon him
searchingly.
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