The Youngest Bad Man gave the baby into the keeping of The Wounded Bad Man once more, while he and The Worst Bad Man busied themselves spreading the double blanket over the ruined canvas roofing to keep out the sun. Next they prepared some condensed milk and set the feeding bottle out in the hot salt gravel until it should be heated to the right temperature. And while they waited, sitting there in silence, The Wounded Bad Man leaned back against the salt wall and closed his tired eyes. The Worst Bad Man stooped and took the baby from him; yet he did not seem to be aware of this action. This was a bad sign. The Youngest Bad Man shook his head dubiously. Presently The Wounded Bad Man spoke. His speech was very thick and labored, like that of a paralyzed man. “Bob,” he said, “I had somethin' to say to you, but I'm too weak to preach now. Tom'll tell you. Got that Bible yet?” “Yes, Bill, I got it.” “All right, Bob. I'm just goin' to find out if there's a God, and if there is I guess he'll give me a square deal. I'm goin' to give Him three chances to prove He's on the job, an' I got to win two heats out o' three before I'll believe. Open that Bible, Bob, an' read me the very first thing you see.” The Youngest Bad Man opened the Bible and read from the Gospel according to St. Matthew: “And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” The Youngest Bad Man closed the book. “Open it again,” The Wounded Bad Man commanded. The Youngest Bad Man opened it at random and read from the Gospel according to St. Luke: “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. “But the other answering rebuked him, saying, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? “And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” “That'll do, Bob,” murmured The Wounded Bad Man. “I call upon you an' Tom to witness that I receive that woman's baby--in God's name. If I whimper for water don't give it to me. There's blood poison in my shoulder an' arm an' I'm goin' crazy. I'm burnin' up--but it's comin' to me. Lord, it's comin' to me. I don't complain none, Lord, an' I thank Thee for bringin' me this far--with the little chap--for Thy sake, Lord. Our Father, who art--who art--who art--who art--in Heaven, blessed--I can't remember, Bob. It's a long time.... I'll try another--”