"A few swigs of
that'll make a pioneer of you quicker'n alkali. She's favoring you--eh?
Now if she tells you of a system, take my advice and quit while your
hair's long."

"My hair is my own fashion, sir," I rebuked. "And the lady is not for
discussion between gentlemen, particularly as my acquaintance with her is
only casual. I don't understand your remarks, but if they are insinuations
I shall have to ask you to drop the subject."

"Tut, tut!" he grinned. "No offense intended, Mister Pilgrim. Well, you're
all right. We can't be young more than once, and if the lady takes you in
tow in Benton you'll have the world by the tail as long as it holds. She
moves with the top-notchers; she's a knowing little piece--no offense. Her
and me are good enough friends. There's no brace game in that deal. I only
aim to give you a steer. Savvy?" And he winked. "You're out to see the
elephant, yourself."

"I am seeking health, is all," I explained. "My physician had advised a
place in the Far West, high and dry; and Benton is recommended."

His response was identical with others preceding.

"High and dry? By golly, then Benton's the ticket. It's sure high, and
sure dry. You bet yuh! High and dry and roaring."

"Why 'roaring'?" I demanded at last. The word had been puzzling me.

"Up and coming. Pop goes the weasel, at Benton. Benton? Lord love you!
They say it's got Cheyenne and Laramie backed up a tree, the best days
they ever seen. When you step off at Benton step lively and keep an eye in
the back of your head. There's money to be made at Benton, by the wise
ones. Watch out for ropers and if you get onto a system, play it. There
ain't any limit to money or suckers."

"I may not qualify as to money," I informed. "But I trust that I am no
sucker."

"No green in the eye, eh?" he approved. "Anyhow, you have a good lead if
your friend in black cottons to you." Again he winked. "You're not a
bad-looking young feller." He leaned over the side steps, and gazed ahead.
"Sidney in sight. Be there directly. We're hitting twenty miles and better
through the greatest country on earth. The engineer smells breakfast."

CHAPTER III

I RISE IN FAVOR

With that he went forward. So did I; but the barricade at the end of My
Lady's seat was intact, and I sat down in my own seat, to keep expectant
eye upon her profile--a decided relief amidst that crude melange of people
in various stages of hasty dressing after a night of cramped pos