But crossin' a_lone_ on the _burn_in' sands,
She's hell, with a _grin_ on her face."

"Got to slow up to get that right," he said, "or jest stop an' git off.
But we ain't got time. 'Oh, down in Arizona there's a . . .' No. I
reckon I won't. I want to sing, but I can't take no risks."

That "the Colonel's lady and Julie O'Grady are sisters under their
skins," is not to be doubted. That Romeo and Sundown are brothers,
with the odds slightly in favor of Sundown, is apparent to those who
have been, are, or are willing to be, in love. "Will this plume, these
trunks and hose, this bonnet please my fair Juliet?" sighs Romeo to his
mirror. And "Will these here chaps and me bandanna and me new Stetson
make a hit with me leetle Anita?" asks Sundown of the mesas.

That the little Anita was pleased, nay, overwhelmed by the arrival of
her gorgeous caballero was more than apparent to the anxious Sundown.
She came running to the gate and stood with clasped hands while he
bowed for the seventh time and slowly dismounted, giving his leg an
unnecessary shake that the full effect of spur and concha might not be
lost. He felt the high importance of his visit, and Anita also
surmised that something unusual was about to happen. He strode
magnificently to the house and again doffed his Stetson to the
astonished and smiling Senora. Evidently the strange vaquero had met
with fortune. With experienced eye the mother of Anita swiftly
estimated the monetary outlay necessary to possess such an equipment.
It was well to be courted, of that she was reminiscently certain. Yet
it was also well to be courted by one who bore the earmarks--so to
speak--of prosperity. Sundown was made heartily welcome. After they
had had dinner,--Chico Miguel would return at night as usual,--Sundown
mentally besought his stars to aid him, lend him eloquence and the
Senora understanding, and found excuse to follow the Senora to the
kitchen where he offered to wipe the dishes. This she would not hear
of, but being wise in her generation she dismissed Anita on a trivial
errand and motioned her guest to a seat. What was said is a matter of
interest only to those immediately concerned. Love is his own
interpreter and labors willingly, yet in this instance his limitations
must be excused by the result. The Senora and Sundown came to a
perfect understanding. The cabellero was welcome to make the state of
his heart known to Anita. As for her father, sh