"Havin’ a brand-new, Cayenne pepper cayuse to learn about, an’ show off," laughed Tex, "it wouldn’t set on me like a calamity. Shall I bring a horse for Miss Saunders, or saddle up her own?" "She hasn’t any; but----" "--me no buts," interrupted Tex. "I’ll now pay my respects to yore sister, with yore permission, an’ invite her to ride out with me, tomorrow, an’ view th’ lovely brown hills an’ dusty flats, where every prospect pleases, an’ only man is vile. Procrastination never was a sin of mine: it’s th’ one I overlooked. We’ll likely go far enough from town so there won’t be no panicky fears of a hostile raid. Does Miss Saunders favor any particular hoss?" "No, and she can ride, so you won’t have to get one that’s nearly dead." Tex laughed. "All right; but when she gets it, it won’t be as ornery as it might be. How is it that nobody but Murphy paid any attention to our shootin’?" "They’re used to it by this time." "Well, so-long," and Tex swung into the saddle and rode off. Jane showed her pleasure at his visit and smilingly accepted his invitation to go riding. They examined the coop and yard, talked of numerous things and after awhile Tex turned to leave, but stopped and grinned. "Bring your six-gun, Miss Saunders, and we’ll have a match," he said. "The great western target, the ubiquitous tin can, is sure to be plentiful, despite the killing drought." "My gun?" she laughed. "I have no gun. Do you think that I go around with a gun?" He tapped his forehead significantly. "I’m so used to carrying one that I forgot. Shucks, that’s too bad. Well, if we overtake any wild cans you can use mine, although a smaller gun would be more pleasant for you. Too bad you haven’t a short-barreled gun--a .32, for instance. Shooting is really great sport. Then I’m to call at two o’clock?" "If there was some place where we could enjoy a lunch," she murmured. "We could leave earlier and get back earlier." "There is sure to be," assured Tex, smiling. "Say ten o’clock, then?" "That will be much better. I’ll have everything ready when you come. Is there anything in the eating line which you particularly fancy?" Tex fanned himself with the sombrero, a happy expression on his face. "Yes, there is," he admitted. "Mallard duck stuffed with Chesapeake oysters. Plenty of cold, crisp, tender celery, and any really good brand of dry champagne. I’ll enjoy anything you prepare, and I’ll have a round-up appetite." "I’ll try to give you a change from hotel food," she laughed as he swung into the saddle. She watched him ride away and walked slowly back to the house. Then her face brightened a little as she thought of the revolver in Jerry’s room. Jerry had said it was a .38. The station agent answered the hail and went out to the edge of the platform. "All fixed?" he asked.