“And so?” laughed the ranger. “And so we’ve arranged to take a few lads up the line and have a train hold-up. I’m the robber-in-chief. Would ye like to be second in command of the lawless ruffians, me son?” Bucky met his twinkling eye gaily. “Mr. O’Connor is debarred from taking part in such an outrageous affair by international etiquette, but he knows a gypsy lad would be right glad to join, I reckon.” “Bully for him. If you’ll kindly have him here I’ll come around and collect him this evening at eight-thirty sharp.” “I hope you’ll provide a pleasant entertainment for him.” “We’ll do our best,” grinned the revolutionist. “Music provided by Megales’ crack military band. A lively and enjoyable occasion guaranteed to all who attend. Your friend will meet some of the smartest officers in the State. It promises to be a most sumptuous affair.” “Then my friend accepts with pleasure.” After the conspirator had gone, Frank spoke up. “You wouldn’t go away with him and leave me here alone, would you?” “I ce’tainly shouldn’t take you with me, kid. I don’t want my little friend all shot up by greasers.” “If you’re going, I want to go, too. Supposing—if anything were to happen to you, what could I do?” “Leave the country by the next train. Those are the orders.” “You’re always talking about a square deal. Do you think that is one? I might say that I don’t want _you_ shot. You don’t care anything about my feelings.” The soft voice had a little break in it that Bucky loved. He walked across to his partner, that rare, tender smile of his in his eyes. “If I’m always talking about a square deal I reckon I have got to give you one. Now, what would you think a square deal, Curly? Would it be square for me to let my friend O’Halloran stand all the risk of this and then me take the reward when Henderson has been freed by him? Would that be your notion of the right telling?” “I didn’t say that, though I don’t see why you have to mix yourself up in his troubles. Why should you go out and kill these soldiers that haven’t injured you?” “I’m not going to kill any of them,” he smiled “Besides, that isn’t the way I look at it. This fellow Megales is a despot. He has made out to steal the liberty of the people from them. President Diaz can’t interfere because the old rascal governor does everything with that smooth, oily way of his under cover of law. It’s up to some of the people to put up a good strong kick for themselves. I ain’t a bit sorry to give them the loan of my foot while they are doing it.” “Then can’t I go, too? I don’t want to be left alone here and you away fighting.” Bucky’s eyes gleamed. He dared an experiment in an indifferent drawl. “Whyfor don’t you want to stay alone, kid? Are you afraid for yourself or for me?” His partner’s cheeks were patched with roses. Shyly the long, thick lashes lifted and let the big brown eyes meet his blue ones. “Maybe I’m afraid for both of us.”