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a _reata_ on my back from my grandmother for that running away. I was thirteen years old then! But when I was nearly sixteen we did get away, Andreas and I, and after that it was as well for the grandmother to pay a priest for us, and let us alone. Ai-ji! senorita, I am not forgetting what I know! And while I am here in Granados there must be nothing less than a grand marriage, and may the saints send the right man, for a wrong one makes hell in any house!" Billie forgot her sulkiness in her joy at the elopements of Tia Luz. No wonder she distrusted an American girl who was allowed to ride alone! But in the midst of her laughter she was reminded that Singleton was still detained at the telephone in the adjoining room, and that his rather high-pitched tones betrayed irritation. "Well, why can't you give the telegram to me? Addressed to Conrad? Of course if it's a personal message I don't want it, but you say it is a ranch matter--and important. Horses? What about them?" Billie, listening, sped from the table to his side, and putting her hand over the telephone, whispered: "If Brehman, the secretary, was here, they'd give it to him. They always do." Singleton nodded to her, and grew decided. "See here, Webster, one of our men was hurt, and Brehman took his place and went East with that horse shipment. Mr. Conrad had to go down in Sonora on business, and I am the only one here to take his place. Just give me the message as you would give it to the secretary. But you'd better type a copy and send by mail that I can put it on file. All right? Yes, go ahead." Billie had quickly secured paper and pencil, but instead of taking them, Singleton motioned for her to write the message. Adolf Conrad, Granados Ranch, Granados Junction, Arizona. Regret to report September shipment horses developed ailment aboard vessel, fifty per cent dead, balance probably of no military use, OGDEN, BURNS & CO. Word by word Singleton took the message and word by word Billie wrote it down, while they stared at each other. "Developed ailment aboard vessel!" repeated Singleton. "Then there was something wrong on shipboard, for there certainly is not here. We have no sick horses on the ranch, never do have!" "But these people?" and Billie pointed to the signature. "Oh, they are the men who buy stock for the Allies, agents for the French. They paid for the horses on deli
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