bad. But I see now that a few
wild cowboys, going on a spree, and shooting up a saloon, or shooting
each other occasionally, was tame beside Marco."

"You're right. Marco is a hard place, and getting worse. There's
considerable gold. The new Eldorado idea, you know. It draws lawless
men and women from places that are beginning to wake up. And they prey
upon honest men."

"Did the Yellow Mine belong to Hardman?" asked Pan curiously.

"Him and Matthews. Young Hardman claims it. He's already clashed with
Matthews, so I heard."

"He'll do more than clash with Matthews, if he isn't careful. He'll
_cash_!" declared Pan grimly. "Matthews is a four-flush sheriff. He
wouldn't face a dangerous man. But he'd make short work of Dick
Hardman."

"If I'm not inquisitive in asking--would you mind telling me, do you
mean to _meet_ Matthews and young Hardman?" inquired Wiggate,
hesitatingly.

"I'll avoid them if possible," rejoined Pan. "Dad and I will get out
of Marco pretty pronto. We're going to Arizona and homestead."

"That's sensible. You'll have money enough to start ranching. I wish
you luck. I shall make this my last horse deal out here. It's
profitable, but Marco is a little too--too raw for my blood."

According to figures that the counters agreed upon there were fourteen
hundred and eighty-six wild horses in the trap.

Wiggate paid cash upon the spot. He had some bills of large
denomination, but most of the money was in rather small bills. Pan
made haste to get rid of all except his share. He doubled the wages of
those who had been hired. Then he divided what was left with Blinky.

"My--Gawd!" gasped that worthy, gazing with distended eyes at the
enormous roll of bills. "My Gawd! ... How much heah?"

"Count it, you wild-eyed cowpuncher," replied Pan happily. "It's your
half."

"But, pard, it's too much," appealed Blinky. "Shore I'm robbin' you.
This was your drive."

"Yes, and it was your outfit," returned Pan. "You furnished the packs,
horses, location, and I furnished the execution. Looks like a square
deal, share and share alike."

"All right, pard," replied Blinky, swallowing hard. "If you reckon
thet way.... But will you keep this heah roll fer me?"

"Keep it yourself, you Indian."

"But, pard, I'll get drunk an' go on a tear. An' you know how bad I am
when I get lickered up."

"Blink, you're not going to drink, unless in that one deal I hinted
about," said Pan meanin