ed; sired by Trump, out of Kansas Chippy--if that means
anything to you fellows." He looked them over, eyes meeting eyes until
his glance rested on Jeff Hall. "I've got his registration papers in my
grip, if you aren't convinced. And," he added by way of rubbing it in,
"I guess I've got about all the money there is in this valley."

"No, you ain't!" Pop Truman cackled, teetering backward and forward
while he counted his winnings. "I bet on ye, young feller. Brought me in
something, too. It did so!"

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: WHILE THE GOING'S GOOD

At supper Bud noticed that Marian, standing at his right side, set down
his cup of coffee with her right hand, and at the same instant he felt
her left hand fumble in his pocket and then touch his elbow. She went
on, and Bud in his haste to get outside drank his coffee so hot that it
scalded his mouth. Jerry rose up and stepped backward over the bench as
Bud passed him, and went out at his heels.

"Go play the piano for half an hour and then meet me where you got them
mushrooms. And when you quit playing, duck quick. Tell Honey you'll be
back in a minute. Have her hunt for music for yuh while you're out--or
something like that. Don't let on."

Bud might have questioned Jerry, but that cautious young man was already
turning back to call something--to Dave, so Bud went around the corner,
glancing into the pantry window as he passed. Marian was not in sight,
nor was Honey at the moment when he stood beside the step of the
post-office.

Boldness carries its own talisman against danger. Bud went in--without
slamming the door behind him, you may be sure--and drew his small
notebook from his inside pocket. With that to consult frequently, he sat
down by the window where the failing light was strongest, and proceeded
to jot down imaginary figures on the paper he pulled from his coat
pocket and unfolded as if it were of no value whatever to him. The piano
playing ordered by Jerry could wait.

What Marian had to say on this occasion could not be written upon a
cigarette paper. In effect her note was a preface to Jerry's commands.
Bud saw where she had written words and erased them so thoroughly that
the cheap paper was almost worn through. She had been afraid, poor lady,
but her fear could not prevent the writing.

"You must leave to-night for Crater and cash the checks given you to pay
the bets. Go to Crater. If you don't know the way, keep due north after
you have crossed Gold Ga