They were lying under a pool table in the Fashion one gusty November dawn, lost in vague conjecture as to how they had arrived there, when Mr. Shortredge was seized of an inspiration. He told Lafe that he would give a dance, and Lafe readily consenting to this expenditure of his friend's money, they sallied forth to acquaint the citizens of the impending function, and to bid them come. "I want everybody to come a-runnin'," was Jim's formal invitation. "No style, mind; but it's best to be clean." The ball was held in Haverty's empty feed barn and the guests presented themselves with the commendable expedition their host had urged on them. At an early hour in the festivities, three male persons from Nogales sought admittance, and Lafe Johnson, not taking kindly to their looks, a slight awkwardness resulted. This was satisfactorily adjusted between the barn and the town limits, and Lafe and his companion returned to their hospitable duties in that peace of mind obtainable from work well done. "What do you think of that there girl with the yallow hair?" said Johnson, in a cautious whisper that could not be heard beyond fifty feet. "I don't think much of her," Jim answered. "Too loose in the j'ints for me." "I reckon she looks good enough to tie to," said Lafe. In pursuance of this opinion, he began to haunt the vicinity of Grace Hawes. He danced two Paul Joneses with her; followed them with a two-step and a waltz; and by that time Miss Hawes was giggling in half-hysterical mirth over her partner's unusual sallies. She slapped playfully at Lafe when he leaned close to her ear to whisper. "Say, you've got your nerve," she said, covering her face with her hands in an ecstasy of laughter. "No, I ain't. Honest I ain't. I'm sure shy as a teeny li'l' rabbit with other girls." "What makes you go to say them things then?" "You do. You make me brighten up a heap. And I'd kind of like to learn to talk easy like the other boys." "You've got 'em backed into the cactus right now," said Grace, once more overcome. The two were occupying one of the wooden benches ranged against the walls. Johnson was obliged to give her up at this point to a man from New Mexico. His visage was expressionless as he watched her depart and then he crossed to the door to institute inquiries as to how this interloper had contrived to get in. "Let's run him off," said Jim. "That big Hick ought to be in a cotton-patch, anyhow." "No-oo. She'd think I was jealous. And I'm not caring; not me. She can blister her feet for all of me, and he's a sure a-helping her. Watch him tromp on her toes. Say, Buf'lo, that's the third time she's danced with that there feller." "What're you getting all swelled up about, Lafe?" Haverty asked, overhearing. "Quit your roaring. You mad just because Steve done took your girl?" "Mad, hell!" said Johnson. "Who is this here Steve, Haverty?"