Undoubtedly, in his own way, he was in love--but he would never admit it, that he knew, too. So he sank down on the blankets and swore harshly, while De Lancey stared at him in unfeigned surprise. "Well, then," he went on, taking Bud's answer for granted, "what're you making such a row about? Can't I go to a dance with a girl without you jumping down my throat?" "W'y, sure you can!" rumbled Bud, now hot with a new indignation. "But after getting me to go into this deal against my will and swearing me to some damn-fool pledge, the first thing you do is to make friends with Aragon and then make love to his daughter. Is that your idea of helping things along? D'ye think that's the way a pardner ought to act? No, I tell you, it is not!" "Aw, Bud," protested De Lancey plaintively, "what's the matter with you? Be reasonable, old man; I never meant to hurt your feelings!" "Hurt my feelings!" echoed Hooker scornfully. "Huh, what are we down here for, anyway--a Sunday-school picnic? My feelings are nothing, and they can wait; but we're sitting on a mine that's worth a million dollars mebbe--and it ain't ours, either--and when you throw in with old Aragon and go to making love to his daughter you know you're not doing right! That's all there is to it--you're doing me and Kruger dirt!" "Well, Bud," said De Lancey with mock gravity, "if that's the way you feel about it I won't do it any more!" "I wish you wouldn't," breathed Bud, raising his head from his hands; "it sure wears me out, Phil, worrying about it." "Well, then, I won't do it," protested Phil sincerely. "So that's settled--now who's going to turn Mexican citizen?" "Suit yourself," said Bud listlessly. "I'll match you for it!" proposed De Lancey, diving into his pocket for money. "Don't need to," responded Bud; "you can do what you please." "No; I'll match you!" persisted Phil. "That was the agreement--whenever it was an even break we'd let the money talk. Here's your quarter--and if I match you I'll become the Mexican citizen. All set? Let 'er go!" He flipped the coin into the air and caught it in his hand. "Heads!" he called, without looking at it. "What you got?" "Heads!" answered Bud, and Phil chucked his money into the air again and laughed as it dropped into his palm. "Heads she is again!" he cried, showing the Mexican eagle. "I never did see the time when I couldn't match you, anyway. So now, old socks, you can keep right on being a Texan and hating Mexicans like horny toads, and I'll denounce the Eagle Tail the minute the time is up. And I won't go near the Aragon outfit unless you're with me--is that a go? All right, shake hands on it, pard! I wouldn't quarrel with you for anything!" "Aw, that's all right," mumbled Bud, rising and holding out his hand. "I knowed you didn't mean nothing." He sat down again after that and gazed drearily out the door.