you're thinkin', Miss Gray. I seen a spell back how you was
wonderin' that I could josh about my grub, and Doc Andover. Well, I
got in bad, and I ain't blamin' nobody--and I ain't blamin' myself--and
that's why I ain't hangin' my head about anything I done. And I ain't
kickin' because I got started on the wrong foot. _I'm_ figurin' how I
kin git started on the other foot--and keep a-goin'."

"But why should you tell me about these things? I can't help you. And
it seems terrible to think about them. If I were a man--like Dr.
Andover--"

"I reckon you're right," said Pete. "I got no business loadin' you up
with all my troubles. I'm goin' to quit it. Only you been kind o'
like a pardner--and it sure was lonesome, layin' here and thinkin'
about everything, and not sayin' a word to nobody. But I jest want you
to know that I didn't kill Sam Brent--but I sure would 'a' got him--if
somebody hadn't been a flash quicker than me, that night. Brent was
after the money we was packin', and he meant business."

"You mean that--some one killed him in self-defense?"

"That's the idee. It was him or us."

"Then why don't you tell the police that?"

"I sure aim to. But what they want to know is who the fella was that
got Brent."

"But the papers say that the other man escaped."

"Which is right."

"And you won't tell who he is?"

"Nope."

"But why not--if it means your own freedom?"

"Mebby because they wouldn't believe me anyhow."

"I don't think that is your real reason. Oh, I forgot to return your
letter. I'll bring it next time."

"I'll be goin' Thursday. Doc Andover he's goin' over to Sanborn and he
ast me to go along with him."

"You mean--to stay?"

"For a spell, anyhow. But I'm comin' back."

Doris glanced at her wrist watch and realized that it was long past the
hour for the evening meal. "I'm going out to my sister's to-morrow,
for the day. I may not see you before you leave,"

Pete sat up. "Shucks! Well, I ain't sayin' thanks for what you done
for me, Miss Gray. 'Thanks' sounds plumb starvin' poor and rattlin',
side of what I want to tell you. I'd be a'most willin' to git shot
ag'in--"

"Don't say that!" exclaimed Doris.

"I would be shakin' hands with you," said Pete. "But this here is just
'Adios,' for I'm sure comin' back."

CHAPTER XLI

"A LAND FAMILIAR"

The following day Pete had a long talk with Sheriff Owen, a talk which
resulted in the sheriff's accompanyin