“Well,” said Henry soberly, “when I told Frijole what I had ordered, he said that he would protect it with his life. Frijole, I believe, likes nice things. Slim also has a feeling for art. Why, I’ve seen him stand for long periods of time in front of that picture in the King’s Castle, studying it intently.” “What picture?” asked Judge curiously. “The one at the end of the bar-room, Judge. A beer advertisement, I believe. It depicts a member of the female sex, leaning over a rock, peering into a spring. Rather nicely done, too.” “Oh, that!” snorted Judge. “I happened to note Slim Pickins studying the print at close range, and I asked him if he was interested in the technique of the artist, and he said, ‘Hell, no! I’m tryin’ to see what she’s a-lookin’ at.’” Henry grinned slowly. “Maybe Slim is a realist, Judge.” John Campbell dropped in and they discussed the inquest for a while, but finally Campbell said: “You probably don’t know it yet, Henry, but the Commissioners are holding a special meeting tomorrow afternoon at Scorpion Bend. I have not been asked to attend.” Henry looked at the big lawyer thoughtfully, but did not comment. The implication was plain. They were going to decide to ask for his resignation. After a long pause, the lawyer went on. “I hear that James Wadsworth Longfellow Pelly is spending a few days at the Circle G, where Mr. Thomas Akers has also been the guest of Peter Gonyer. I heard that they bought a case of bourbon from the King’s Castle.” “Mr. Akers,” remarked Henry, “is the chairman. But will the others vote with him, John?” “I don’t know, Henry--but I’m afraid they will.” * * * * * Frijole, Slim and Oscar came in from the ranch, driving a young team to a battered old buckboard. Judge said, “You can look at that equipage and know what that new buckboard will look like in a few days.” They met the three men on the sidewalk and Henry said to Frijole, “You take the team over to the livery-stable and hitch them to a spring-wagon. We are going to Scorpion Bend to bring back our new buckboard.” “Vit yellow veels?” asked Oscar. “Yudas, Ay von’t to see it.” “Who is going?” asked Judge quickly. “Don’t you want to go, Judge?” asked Frijole. “Ride over Lobo Canyon grades with any of you three doing the driving--at night?” “I shall do the driving, Judge,” assured Henry soberly. “We shall be back before morning.” “In that event,” said Judge firmly. “I shall stay right here in Tonto City. You drive! And how on earth will you bring that pristine vehicle back, if I may be so bold as to ask?” “Tie her on behind and trail her home,” said Slim. Judge shrugged. “I still shall stay here,” he decided. They secured the two-seated spring-wagon, and with Henry at the lines, seated with Frijole, they rode away, with Oscar and Slim Pickins on the back seat, holding a gallon jug between them. “Ay am crazy to see a bockboard vit yellow veels,” declared Oscar.