"Lance," began the other with some hesitation, "I'm a-livin' right here in the Settlement, and aim so to do from this on. If you can git through without bringin' my name in, I'd be obliged to you. If you need me, I'm ready. If you don't need me, it'll save hard feelin's with the man that keeps the store I trade at, and with all his kin and followin'." "All right," agreed Lance briefly. "I won't give any names--there's no need to." [327] "Well, I been a studyin' on this thing right smart, and I had sorter worked it out in my mind for you to hear the talk yo'self--just happen in and hear Mr. Hands. Don't you reckon that'd be the best way?" suggested Fuson. "Yes--good as any," assented Lance. "I'm not lookin' for much trouble with Flent Hands. Here, Jimmy," he called to the sleepy boy who came yawning in, "you take my black horse out of the wagon, and put a saddle on him--you've got one here, haven't you? Put a saddle and a riding bridle on him, and tie him in the vacant lot across from Derf & Hands's store about half-past eight o'clock. I'll bring the saddle back when I'm through with it." "All right," Jimmy roused himself to assure Lance. "I'll have Sate thar on time. Pap's got a saddle an' bridle o' yo' brother Taylor's here, Fuson. Lance can take 'em back." As the two friends came out shoulder to shoulder, Buck said quietly, "Derf, he's got it in for you, too." Lance nodded. "Derf ain't never forgive me because he robbed me of money," he added, well aware that his indifference to Ola had given the father perhaps greater offence. They walked for a little time in silence; then Fuson said a little wistfully, "I 'lowed I ort to tell you." [328] "Hit was what a friend should do," Lance agreed with him, putting out a hand. Presently the other spoke again, out of the dark. "I wish't thar was time to git word to Sylvane and your father," he hesitated. "Looks like we've got too few on our side." "Huh-uh, Buck," came back Lance's quiet, positive tones. "This thing is between me and Flent. There it'll stay, and there we'll settle it. I'm not saying that I don't think Pappy and Sylvane would stand by me. They would. My father is one of the best men that God ever made, and he's a religious man; but I know how he'd feel about such as this--I don't need to go ask him. The most I hate in it is that it's bound to bring sorrow to him, whichever way it turns. He's mighty tender hearted."