eir differences in standing
together against an attack of the Indians. He extolled Dick's bravery,
relating how, severely wounded, he had stood off the savages to enable
himself to escape.

When he handed over Dick's watch to Echo--for he had learned on his
return that she was betrothed to Lane--as a last token from her lover,
no doubt remained in the minds of his hearers of the truth of his
story, and Payson and Bud Lane gave up their purposed expedition.

The owner of Sweetwater Ranch, while accepting McKee's account, could
not wholly forget the half-breed's former evil reputation, and was
reserved in his reception of the advances of the ex-rustler who was
anxious to curry favor. Warm-hearted, impulsive Bud, however, whose
fraternal loyalty had increased under his bereavement to the supreme
passion of life, took the insinuating half-breed into the aching
vacancy made by his brother's death. The two became boon companions,
to the great detriment of the younger man's morals. McKee had plenty
of money which he spent liberally, gambling and carousing in company
with Bud. Polly was wild with indignation at her sweetheart's
desertion, and savagely upbraided him for his conduct whenever they
met, which may be inferred, grew less and less frequently. It was in
revenge she made advances to another man who long "loved her from afar."

This was William Henry Harrison Hoover, sheriff of the county, known as
"Slim" Hoover by the humorous propensity of men on the range to give
nicknames on the principle of contraries, for he was fattest man in
Pinal County. Slim was one of those fleshy men who have nerves of
steel and muscles of iron. A round, boyish face, twinkling blue eyes,
flaming red hair gave him an appearance entirely at variance with his
personality. A vein of sentiment made him all the more lovable. His
associates--ranchers, men of the plains, soldiers, and the owners and
frequenters of the frontier barroom--respected him greatly.

"He's square as Slim" was the best recommendation ever given of a man
in that region.

Pinal County settlers had made Slim sheriff term after term because he
was the one citizen supremely fitted for the place. He had ridden the
range and "busted" broncos before election. After it he hunted
wrong-doers. Right was right and wrong was wrong to him. There was no
shading in the meaning. All he asked of men was to ride fast, shoot
straight, and deal squarely in any game. He admitted