“It is a remarkable fact,” said Neighbor Jones with great composure, “that, in spite of all the brag about the Southwest as a health resort, the death rate here is precisely the same as that of the crowded East Side of the city of New York--namely, one per capita. Such being the case, since I can die but once and must die that once--I should worry!--as we say in dear old Harvard. Therefore, though you may do all the dictating, I will make bold to mention the only terms that will be acceptable or accepted. I have no fancy for humble pie--my digestion ain’t good.” “There is a certain force to your contention, certainly,” conceded Baca, bending an attentive regard on his opponent. “You put it in a new light. Come, I must revise my former estimate of you, I see. And then?” “Then, this!”--Neighbor checked off the counts with the thumb and fingers of his left hand--“I am perfectly willing to leave town and I never expect to come back--but I won’t promise not to come back. Dicky can have his trunk packed and sent after him--leastly because he wouldn’t have time to pack, and lastly because there was no question of a threat about his baggage. Me, I’ll take my duds.” “Are you sure?” “I’m sure. And I’ll keep my gun. It’s become a habit with me--that gun.” “We shall have to insist on the gun, I’m afraid.” “Baca,” said Neighbor severely, “do you want me to nonplus you?” “Why, no,” said Baca after consideration; “I don’t.” “Be a little ware, then. Don’t bank too much on your militia. Any insurance company would rate you as a bad risk if they suspected you of any designs on my gun.” “Jones,” said Baca, “you please me. Have it your own way. By all means march out with the honors of war, side arms and flags flying. Only you needn’t march--I’ll take you down in the machine.” Jones rose and looked at the clock. “Well, let’s go, then.... One thing more: You send the money for the cattle on to Albuquerque to-morrow, and we will both pass our words that we’ll never, after this day and hour, try to recover the Drake money from you or make any claim to it. Yes, we will, Ducky. Do as I say and save your cow money. You can’t collect a cent from Bennett and Baca, and there’s no use in trying.... All right--he’ll promise if you will, Baca.” “It’s a go!” said Baca. “Shake, then!” A big touring car purred at the door. At Baca’s invitation Ducky drove, with Jones beside him; while the bearded philosopher sat with Baca in the tonneau. During the exchange of views in the house the excitement had kept Drake’s spirits up, but he cooled down now, and showed some natural depression, realizing the extent and hopelessness of his loss. But Jones was in no way abashed. “I see the smoke. You’ll have to hurry, if you want that suit case,” said Baca as they drew up at Neighbor’s hotel. “Oh, no--got her all packed; it won’t take but a minute. Come along, if you’re afraid I’ll give you the slip.” “I’m not,” said Baca. “What good would it do you?”