"
The Texan laughed. "Anyway Purdy's dead, an' they've got the pilgrim
locked up, an' the girl's held fer a witness, an' I told Sam Moore I'd
take a shot at him if he locked her up wherever he's goin' to lock up
the pilgrim--in the wool-warehouse I reckon. Anyhow, he told her to go
to the hotel an' specified me fer a guard."
"Oh, he did, did he? Well jest you wait 'til I get my hat. I guess
maybe she'll be safer with _two_ guards." With a meaning look the girl
hurried away and a moment later returned and followed the Texan from
the room.
"Why was you so anxious she was to have Number 11, if what you've told
me is on the level?" she asked, as they approached the hotel.
"I don't know, yet, exactly. But I've got a hunch they'll be somethin'
doin' a little later."
"Uh-huh, an' I'll be right there when it's doin', too. An' you can bet
your last blue one on that!"
Alice Marcum swung unassisted to the ground as the two approached. And
as she glanced into the wide, friendly eyes of the girl she felt deeply
grateful to the Texan for bringing a woman. Then the woman was
speaking: "Come right along in the house. I'm Jennie Dodds, an' I'll
see't you get settled comfortable. Tex, he told me all about it. Land
sakes! I bet you feel proud! Who'd a thought any pilgrim could a got
Jack Purdy! Where's your grip?"
"Gosh! I plumb forgot!" exclaimed the cowboy, and started for his
horse.
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