"Yes, you can," assured Slim. "You pay it back when you get on your
feet again. I'm going to take your word."

Slim's generosity overwhelmed the boy. "Take my word!" he cried.

Slim laid his hands on the boy's shoulders. "Yes," he declared,
"You've made your first bad break, but you've had your first lesson.
An' you ain't going to forget it," he added emphatically.

"And Polly?" he faltered.

"There ain't nobody going to tell her." Speaking sternly to Bud, he
added: "You make her a good husband."

Bud seized the Sheriff's hand, wringing it warmly. "I will, Slim; I
will," he promised.

The wait had been too long for Polly. She returned before Slim called
her, saying: "I'm tired of waiting on you-all. Haven't you finished
up that business yet?"

"Yes, ma'am, it's finished," replied Slim.

"Did Bud tell you about it?" inquired Polly.

"He told me. Seems like you two are going to get married."

"Uh-huh," laughed Polly happily. "And, oh, say, will you stand up for
Bud?"

"I reckon Bud can stand up for himself now, with you to help him,"
answered Slim emphatically.

"We'll run over and tell the boys you're back," shouted Bud.

Slim took the hands of the young people in his own big ones. "I'm right
glad you two are going to hitch up," he said. "I am dead sure you'll
make a even runnin' team."

Polly glanced shyly at Slim. "Bud won't mind if you kiss me," she
hinted. Slim grinned sheepishly. In his embarrassment he rubbed one
foot on his other leg. "Well--I ain't--never--that is--" he stammered,
"Bud, if you-all don't mind," he boldly asserted, after his bashfulness
had waned, "I reckon I will play one little bet on the red."

The Sheriff never did anything in a small way. The kiss he gave her
full on the lips was a resounding one.

Bud took Polly by the hand, and silently led her to the house. Slim sat
down on a keg behind the fire. Taking some loose tobacco and a film of
rice-paper from his pocket, he deftly rolled a cigarette, and lighted
it with a brand from the blaze. With a sigh he removed his hat. He was
the picture of dejection. For several moments he sat in deep thought.
Then, with a deep in-drawing of his breath, and a shrug of the
shoulders, he cried: "Hell! nobody loves a fat man."

CHAPTER XVIII

Jack!

When Polly told the boys in the corral that Slim had returned and was
waiting for them at the mess-wagon, they dropped their work and made
for him with wild whoops an