Frost-face moved out to Mamie. The telegram was from Mort Cotton, advising him to wait at Heaslep’s for a letter containing a certain newspaper clipping. The letter already at hand, was the one referred to in the telegram, for Elbert drew out a half-page of a Sunday newspaper and a moment later was deep in the latest Sonora doings. Frost-face’s jerky tones cut in presently: ‘Cal and Slim are out in the northeast range--about fifteen miles. They’ll be ridin’ farther north to-morrow, but you can get to ’em by sundown. Better drive the truck out, though.’ ‘The mare isn’t tired,’ said Elbert. ‘Her thorough-breedin’ might wilt down.’ ‘She can do fifteen--’ ‘Be careful not to let any of the cow-truck out there bite her.’ ‘I’ll watch close.’ ‘Stop off here for a package of paper napkins and readin’ matter to take out to the range--before you start.’ All that afternoon as he rode, Elbert conned the alleged facts of the newspaper story. Monte Vallejo was said to be greatly enlarging the number of his followers, turning away hundreds of peons because they had no horses. This Monte was certainly a cavalry leader first and last, Elbert reflected.... American holdings threatened; gold and silver mines and oil properties of Northern Sonora, unsafe; General Cordano reported to be establishing garrisons near the big mines in an attempt to forestall seizure, but none could tell when Monte Vallejo would strike-- Elbert reached the distant camp at sundown, but full darkness had fallen, before the final thud of ponies on the range grass, and Slim’s voice called from outside the circle of firelight. ‘... if it ain’t Elber-r-rt!’ And big Cal rocked forward, taking him by both shoulders at once--one of those moments when Elbert wouldn’t have dared to use his voice. ‘What’s this I hear about a she race horse you’re ridin’?’ Slim asked. Elbert pointed out toward his picket pin, and the two moved toward it. Mamie was led in toward the fire, and examined in all points, her owner being entirely overlooked for the time being. ‘Where did you say you come from?’ Slim asked severely. ‘San Forenso.’ ‘Any more like that there?’ ‘I didn’t see any.’ ‘Somebody leavin’ the country?’ ‘She was given to me.’ ‘Was he dyin’?’ ‘Yes.’ Cal and Slim glanced at each other. ‘Elbert,’ said Slim. ‘You didn’t hurry him off none?’ ‘No.’ ‘You see, it _has_ been done,’ said Cal. ‘For a hoss like that, it has been done. I recollect hearin’ that old Chester was fought for in his gay young days. Ever hear about that, Slim?’ The other nodded solemnly. ‘Ain’t back to stay, Elbert?’ ‘No--’ ‘Where you goin’?’ The partner’s eyes checked off each other again, and finally Cal remarked: ‘Looks as if Elbert might need help--’ ‘He’s makin’ me restless,’ said Slim.