However, we're
wastin' time, gents. Where's that bunk-house? Nothin' but money
talks loud enough for me to hear. Good-day, white folks!"
Gallagher saluted Miss Chapin and her friends with a flourish,
and moved away in company with the cowboys.
"I never," said Glass, "seen so many tough guys outside of a
street-car strike."
"Gallagher has been in prison," Jean informed him. "He's a
wonderful shot."
"I _knew_ it!"
Speed spoke up brightly: "Well, let's go back to the house and
wait for Covington."
"But you were getting ready to go running," said Helen.
"No more running for me! I'm in good enough shape, eh, Larry?"
"Great! Barring the one thing."
"What's that?" queried Fresno.
"A little trouble with one of his nerve-centres, that's all. But
even if it got worse during the night, Covington could run the
race for him."
The Californian started. At last all was plain. He had doubted
from the first, now he was certain; but with understanding came
also a menace to his own careful plans. If Covington ran in
Speed's place, how could he effect his rival's exposure? On the
way back to the house he had to think rapidly.
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