e your point,
Jode. I'll be careful to keep you apart. As a member of the College of
Physicians I've felt that way about homeopathy and the faith-cure.
All very well if patients will call 'em in, but can't meet 'em in
consultation. But three months' drought annually, Jode! It's slow--too
slow. The Western people feel that this conservative method the Zodiac
does its business by is out of date."

"I am quite serious, sir," said Jode. "And let me express my
gratification that you do see my point." So we changed the subject.

Our weather scheme did not at first greatly move the public. Beyond
those who made up the purse, few of our acquaintances expressed
curiosity about Hilbrun, and next afternoon Lin McLean told me in
the street that he was disgusted with Cheyenne's coldness toward the
enterprise. "But the boys would fly right at it and stay with it if the
round-up was near town, you bet," said he.

He was walking alone. "How's Mrs. McLean to-day?" I inquired.

"She's well," said Lin, turning his eye from mine. "Who's your friend
all bugged up in English clothes?"

"About as good a man as you," said I, "and more cautious."

"Him and his eye-glasses!" said the sceptical puncher, still looking
away from me and surveying Ogden, who was approaching with the Governor.
That excellent man, still at long range, broke out smiling till his
teeth shone, and he waved a yellow paper at us.

"Telegram from Hilbrun," he shouted; "be here to-morrow"; and he
hastened up.

"Says he wants a cart at the depot, and a small building where he can be
private," added Ogden. "Great, isn't it?"

"You bet!" said Lin, brightening. The New Yorker's urbane but obvious
excitement mollified Mr. McLean. "Ever seen rain made, Mr. Ogden?" said
he.

"Never. Have you?"

Lin had not. Ogden offered him a cigar, which the puncher pronounced
excellent, and we all agreed to see Hilbrun arrive.

"We're going to show the telegram to Jode," said the Governor; and he
and Ogden departed on this mission to the signal service.

"Well, I must be getting along myself," said Lin; but he continued
walking slowly with me. "Where're yu' bound?" he said.

"Nowhere in particular," said I. And we paced the board sidewalks a
little more.

"You're going to meet the train to-morrow?" said he.

"The train? Oh yes. Hilbrun's. To-morrow. You'll be there?"

"Yes, I'll be there. It's sure been a dry spell, ain't it?"

"Yes. Just like last year. In fact, like all t