First out across the desert went the derricks of the well-borers, to
develop water for the concentrator and mill; and then diamond-drill men
with all their paraphernalia, to block out the richest ore; and after
them the millwrights and masons and carpenters, to lay foundations and
build the lighter parts of the plant; and, back and forth in a steady
stream, the long lines of teamsters, hauling freight from the end of
the railroad. It was an awe-inspiring spectacle, this invasion of the
desert, this sure preparation to open the treasure-house where the
Tecolotes had locked up their ore. But Rimrock was missing from it all!
There came a time when Mary Fortune acknowledged this to herself; and,
without knowing just why, she took the next train to Geronimo. The
summer had come on and the jail as she entered it was stifling with its
close, smelly heat. She sickened at the thought of him, caged up there
day and night, shut off even from light and air; and when the sheriff
let her in through the clanging outer gate she started back at sight of
the tanks. Within high walls of concrete a great, wrought-iron
cell-house rose up like a square box of steel and, pressed against the
bars, were obscene leering eyes staring out for a look at the woman.
"Oh, that's all right," said the sheriff kindly, "just step right down
this way. I regret very much I can't bring him outside, but he's in
for a capital offense."
He led the way down a resounding corridor, with narrow windows high up
near the roof; and there, staring out from a narrow cell, she saw
Rimrock Jones. His face was pale with the prison pallor and a tawny
growth covered his chin; but the eyes--they were still the eyes of
Rimrock, aggressive, searching and bold.
"A lady to see you," announced the sheriff and suddenly they were alone.
There had been some business, some important matter upon which she had
needed his advice, but as she saw him shut up like a common felon the
sudden tears came to her eyes.
"Kind of limited quarters," observed Rimrock, smiling wanly, "nothing
like that new hotel that we're building. Well, it won't be long now
till I'm out of this hole. Is there anything special you want?"
"Why, yes!" she said, getting control of herself, "can't--can't we get
you out on bail? I didn't know it was so awful inside here--I'm going
to engage the best lawyer in town!"
"No use," answered Rimrock, "I'm held for murder--and I don't want no
lawyer, anyhow."
The old stubborn tone had come back into his voice, but swift
compassion urged her on.
"But you certainly will have one when your case goes to trial! Mr.
Lockhart said he would hire one himself."
"Nope, don't want 'em," answered Rimrock. "They're a bunch of crooks.
I'll handle my case myself."
"Yourself? Why, you don't know the law----"
"That's why I'll win," broke in Rimrock impatiently. "I'm going to
pick out that jury myself."
"No, but the briefs and papers! And who will represent you in court?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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