" He made a wry face and
knocked gingerly.
Jennie Dodds opened the door, and for a moment eyed the half-breed with
frowning disfavour.
"Look a here, Bat Lajune, is this on the level? They say you're the
squarest Injun that ever swung a rope. But Injun or white, you're a
man, an' I wouldn't trust one as far as I could throw a mule by the
tail."
"Mebbe-so you lak' you com' 'long an' see, eh?"
"I got somethin' else to do besides galavantin' 'round the country
nights with cowboys an' Injuns."
The half-breed laughed and turned to Alice. "Better you bor' some
pants for ride de horse. Me, A'm gon' git nudder saddle. 'Fore you
ride little ways you bre'k you back."
"Go over to the livery barn an' tell Ross to put my reg'lar saddle on
in place of the side-saddle, an' when you come back she'll be ready."
Jennie Dodds slipped from the room as the outer door closed upon the
half-breed's departure, and returned a few minutes later with her own
riding outfit, which she tossed onto the bed.
"Jest you climb into them, dearie," she said. "Bat's right. Them
side-saddles is sure the dickens an' all, if you got any ways to go."
"But," objected Alice, "I can't run off with all your things this way!"
She reached for her purse. "I'll tell you, I'll buy them from you,
horse and all!"
"No you won't, no such thing!" Jennie Dodds assumed an injured tone.
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