he did. Then the wily autocrat of the "Mesa News,"
after reading the apology, agreed to an armistice and mentioned the
fact that it was a hot day. Sundown intimated that he knew one or two
places in Usher which he was not averse to visiting under the
circumstances. And so the treaty was ratified.

Perhaps among Sundown's possessions there is none so cherished,
speaking broadly, as a certain clipping from an Arizona newspaper in
which the editor prints a strangely worded and colorful apology, above
his personal signature, for having been misled temporarily in his
estimation of a "certain person of warlike proclivities who visited our
sanctum bent upon eradicating us in a physical sense." The apology
follows. In a separate paragraph, however, is this information:

"We find it imperative, however, to state that the above apology is a
personal matter and in no wise affects our permanent attitude toward
the lawlessness manifest so recently in our midst. Moreover, we were
forced at the muzzle of a six-shooter, in the hands of the
above-mentioned Sundown, to insert that illiterate and blood-thirsty
gentleman's screed in the MESA NEWS, as he, together with the gang of
cutthroats with whom he seems in league, stood over us with drawn
weapons until the entire issue had been run off. Such is the condition
of affairs under the present corrupt administration of our suffering
State."

Such advertising, Sundown reflected, breathing of battle and carnage,
would obviate the necessity for future upholding of his reputation in a
physical sense. Great is the power of the press! It became whispered
about that he was a two-gun man of dexterous attainments in dispensing
lead and that his mild and even apologetic manner was but a cloak.
Accident and the tongues of men earned for Sundown that peace which he
so thoroughly loved. He became immune to strife. When he felt his
outward attitude sagging a little, he re-read the clipping and braced
up.

Sundown rode to the Concho gate, dismounted and opened it. Chance ran
ahead, leaping up as Corliss came from the ranch-house.

"Got them holes plugged in the tank," said Sundown. "Got the engine
runnin' ag'in and things is fine. You goin' to put them cattle back on
the water-hole range?"

"Yes, as soon as Bud can get around again. He's up, but he can't ride
yet."

"How's Bull?"

"Oh, he's all right. Mebby-So's laid up yet. He got it pretty bad."

"Well, I reckon they ain't