Sundown Slim

by Henry Herbert Knibbs

  CHAPTER XXIX

  A MAN'S COUNTRY

  "As for that," said John Corliss, gazing out across the mesa, "Loringand I shook hands--over the line fence. That's settled."

  Sundown had just dismounted. He stood holding the reins of his oldsaddle-horse "Pill." He had ridden to the Concho to get his monthlypay. "And pore leetle ole Fernando--he's gone," said Sundown. "That'sjest the difference between _one_ fella doin' what he thinks is rightand a _bunch_ of fellas shootin' up themselves. The one fella gets itevery time. The bunch, bein' so many of 'em, gets off. Mebby that'slaw, but it ain't fair."

  "There's a difference, Sun. A fight in the open and downing a man fromambush--two mighty different things."

  "Well, mebby. But I'm feelin' sad for that leetle Fernando jest thesame.--That Billy's new house?"

  "Yes. They expect to get settled this month."

  "Gee Gosh! I been so busy I missed a bunch of days. Reckon I got torustle up somethin' for a weddin' present. I know, be Gosh! I'll send'em me picture. Billy was kind of stuck on it."

  "Good idea, Sun. But I guess you'll miss it yourself."

  "I dunno. Neeter ain't lookin' at it as much as she used to. She'sbusy lookin' after leetle Bill--and me. 'Course I can get another onetook most any time."

  "Make it two and give me one," said Corliss.

  "You ain't joshin'?"

  "No. I'll hang it in the office."

  "Then she gets took--immediate."

  Chance, who stood watching the two men, rose and wagged his tail.

  Chance never failed to recognize that note in his master's voice. Itmeant that his master was pleased, enthusiastic, happy, and Chance,loyal companion, found his happiness in that of his friends.

  "Well," said Sundown, "I reckon I got to be joggin'. Thanks for thecheck."

  Corliss waved his hand. "I'll step over to the gate with you. Thoughtperhaps you'd stay and see Billy."

  "Nope. I ain't feelin' like meetin' folks today. Don' know why.Sky's clear and fine, but inside I feel like it was goin' to rain.When you comin' down to see leetle Bill and Neeter?"

  "Pretty soon. Is Billy well?"

  "Well! Gee Gosh! If you could hear the langwidge he uses when Neeterputs him to bed and he don't want to go! Why, yesterday he was on thefloor playin' with Chance and Chance got tired of it and lays down tosnooze. Billy hitches along up to Chance, and _Bim_! he punches Chanceon the nose. Made him sneeze, too! Why, that kid ain't afraid ofnothin'--jest like his pa. I reckon Billy told you that his wife saidthat leetle Billy took after me, eh? Leave it to a woman to see themthings!"

  "Well, I'm mighty glad you're settled, and making a go of it, Sun."

  "So be I. I was recollectin' when I fust come into this country andlanded at that water-hole. It was kind of a joke then, but it ain't nojoke now. Funny thing--that bunch of punchers what started me lookin'for that there hotel that time--they come jinglin' up last week.Didn't know I was the boss till one of 'em grins after sizin' me up andsays--er--well, two three words what kids hadn't ought to hear, andthen, 'It's him, boys!' Then I steps out and says, 'It is, gents.Come right in and have dinner and it won't cost you fellas a cent. Itold you I'd feed you up good when I got me hotel to runnin'.' Andsure enough, in they come and we fed 'em. They was goin' to the Blue.They bunked in me hay that night. Next mornin' they acted kind ofqueer, sayin' nothin' except, 'So-long,' when they lit out. And whatdo you think! They went and left four dollars and twenty-eight centsin the sugar-bowl--and a piece of paper with it sayin', 'For the kid.'We never found it out till I was drinkin' me coffee that night andliked to choked to death on a nickel. Guess them punchers ain't sobad."

  "No. They stopped here next day. Said they'd never had a finer feedthan you gave 'em."

  "Neeter is sure some cook. Pretty nigh's good as me. Well, so-long,Jack. I--I--kind of wish you was buildin' a new house yourself."

  Corliss, standing with his hand on the neck of Sundown's horse, smiled."Arizona's a man's country, Sun."

  "She sure is!" said Sundown, throwing out his chest. "And lemme tellyou, Jack, it's a man's business to get married and settledown--and--raise more of 'em. 'Specially like _me_ and _you_ and Budand Hi--only Hi's gettin' kind of old. She's a fine country, but sheneeds improvin'. Sometimes them improvements keeps you awake nights,but they're worth it!"

  "Yes, I believe they're worth it," said Corliss, "So-long, Sun."

  "So-long, Jack. I got to get back and milk Gentle Annie. We'reswitchin' Billy onto the bottle, and he don't like to be kep' waitin'."

  Chance, following Sundown, trotted behind the horse a few steps, thenturned and ran back to Corliss. He nuzzled the rancher's hand, whined,and leapt away to follow his master.

  THE END