nful-looking document for all its
neat, clear writing. It was stained with patches of dark red that were
almost brown, and the envelope he held in his other hand was almost
unrecognizable for the same hideous stain that completely covered it.

The man who had delivered it was resting on the edge of the veranda.
He had told his story; and now he sat chewing, and watching his weary
horse tethered at the hitching-post a few yards away.

"An' he drove that cart fer six hours--dead?" Minky asked, without
removing his eyes from the blood-stained letter.

"That's sure how I sed," returned the messenger, and went stolidly on
with his chewing. The other breathed deeply.

Then he read the letter over again. He read it slowly, so as to miss
no word or meaning it might contain. And, curiously, as he read a
feeling of wonder filled him at the excellence of the writing and
composition. He did not seem to remember having seen Bill's writing
before. And here the rough, hard-living gambler was displaying himself
a man of considerable education. It was curious. All the years of
their friendship had passed without him discovering that his gambling
friend was anything but an illiterate ruffian of the West, with
nothing but a great courage, a powerful personality and a moderately
honest heart to recommend him.

"My Dear Minky,

"I'm dead--dead as mutton. Whether I'm cooked mutton, or raw, I
can't just say. Anyway, I'm dead--or you wouldn't get this
letter.

"Now this letter is not to express regrets, or to sentimentalize.
You'll agree that's not my way. Death doesn't worry me any. No,
this letter is just a 'last will and testament,' as the lawyers
have it. And I'm sending it to you because I know you'll see
things fixed right for me. You see, I put everything into your
hands for two reasons: you're honest, and you're my friend. Now,
seeing you're rich and prosperous I leave you nothing out of my
wad. But I'd like to hand you a present of my team--if they're
still alive--team and harness and cart. And you'll know, seeing I
always had a notion the sun, moon and stars rose and set in my
horses, the spirit in which I give them to you, and the regard I
had for our friendship. Be good to them, old friend.

For the rest, my dollars, and anything else I've got, I'd like
Zip's kids to have. They're bright kids, and I've got a notion for
them. And, seeing Zip's their father, maybe dollars will be useful