time in getting back,
neither."

Shields felt of his ear and laughed softly. He had a sudden, strong liking
for his humorous, clever enemy, for he recognized qualities which he had
always held in high esteem. While he had waited in the chaparral for the
Apaches to break cover he had wondered if the Indians which The Orphan
had sent north had been sent for the purpose of meeting him, and now
he had the answer. Instead of embittering him against his companion, it
increased his respect for that individual's strategy, and he felt only
admiration.

"I saw your reception committee in time to duck," the sheriff said,
laughing. "If they kept on going as they were when I saw them they must
have crossed my trail about three hours later. When they hit that it
is a safe bet that at least some of them took it up. So if it's all the
same to you, I'll leave both the north and the west alone and take another
route home. I have shot up all the war-whoops I care about, so I am
well satisfied."

He suddenly reached down toward his belt, and then looked squarely into
The Orphan's gun, which rested easily on that person's hip. His hand
kept on, however, but more slowly and with but two fingers extended,
and disappeared into his chap's pocket, from which it slowly and gingerly
brought forth a package of tobacco and some rice paper. The Orphan looked
embarrassed for a second and then laughed softly.

"You're a square man, Sheriff, but I wasn't sure," he said in apology.
"So long."

"That's all right," cried the sheriff heartily. "I was a big fool to make
a play like that!"

The Orphan smiled and turned squarely around and walked away in the
direction of his horse. Shields stared at his back and then rolled a
cigarette and grinned: "By George!" he ejaculated at the confidence
displayed by his companion, and he slowly followed.

After they had mounted in silence the sheriff suddenly turned and looked
his companion squarely in the eyes and received a steady, frank look in
return.

"What the devil made you ventilate them sheep herders that way?" he asked.
"And go and drive all of them sheep over the bank?"

The Orphan frowned momentarily, but answered without reserve.

"Those sheep herders reckoned they'd get a reputation!" he answered. "And
they would have gotten it, too, only I beat them on the draw. As for the
idiotic muttons, they went plumb loco at the shooting and pushed each
other over the bank. To hell with the herders--they