“I’m n-not excited,” Kite stammered. “But he’ll let me alone. He don’t dare to bother me. Why, Routt, if he tries anything, I’ll--I’ll get out of town. I won’t live in the place. I’ll take my money out of the dirty little hole.” “We-ell,” said Routt, “you could do that, of course. That would suit him. He’d get his own way, then. You could get out. Or you might fight him.” “Fight him?” Kite snapped. “I’ll fight him to the last dollar.” He controlled himself with an effort. “But he’s not going to start anything. I know him. He’s inoffensive. A boy.” “Amos Caretall is no boy,” Routt reminded him. “And Amos is backing him.” Kite remembered that Winthrop Chase, Senior, had told him this same thing; had warned him that Amos meant to use Wint to clean up the town. He and Chase had made an alliance on that basis. If Wint tried a crusade, they would go after Amos together, and hang his hide on the fence. They had sworn that together.... Now Routt was saying the same thing. He had been feeling fairly secure; he and Chase had made no move. Chase had wanted him to start a back fire against Amos, but Kite had been ready to let well enough alone.... Now Routt ... Routt was one of Caretall’s men. He would be likely to know what the Congressman planned. Kite demanded angrily: “What makes you think Amos is planning anything? He and I understand each other.” Routt laughed. “Amos would double cross his best friend and call it a joke,” he said amiably. “You know that. Didn’t he double cross Chase?” “Sure. I helped him,” said Kite defiantly. “Next thing,” Routt told him, “he’ll double cross you.” Kite leaned across and gripped Routt by the arm. “What makes you say that? You and Amos are together.” “We were,” said Routt, “but I told him a few things he didn’t like. I’m no particular friend of Amos.” Kite said: “I’m not either. But as long as he plays fair with me, I’ll play fair with him.” “What if he don’t?” “I’ll smash him.” “You can’t smash Amos,” said Routt, “but you can hurt him.” “How?” “Smash young Wint.” Kite snorted. “Pshaw! Wint’s a boy.” “He’s growing up. One of these days, he’s going to send for Jim Radabaugh and tell him to clean up the town....” “By God, if he does,” Kite swore, “I’ll tear him all to pieces.” Routt got up. “When you start in to do that,” he said, “send for me. I might be able to help.” “I won’t need any help to rip Wint Chase wide open.” “You send for me,” said Routt insistently. “All right. I’ll send for you.” “I’ll be here,” Routt promised. When he went out through the store, he stopped and told Mary Dale she was the prettiest girl in town. Mary was pleased. She knew he didn’t mean it; she was simple enough, if you like; but she knew there were probably other girls just as pretty as she was. Nevertheless, she was glad Jack had told her she was pretty. She thought it meant he was pleased with her.