The arrival of the Limited was a big event in Cannondale, and a large group of loafers always watched it hurl itself across the prairie and come to an impatient stop at the little station. On this night the three riders found nearly a hundred people lounging there. Sam Hogg was walking up and down impatiently and talking to Tim Lynch, owner of the Lone Star Saloon. The three punchers found perches on a baggage truck, rolled their cigarettes, and looked about for some one to annoy. They saw Toothpick and the sheriff whispering together in the shadow of the freight house, but the lanky cow-puncher was too quick on the come-back for their taste, and Sheriff Tom Powers was touchy these days, so they continued to search for easier prey. Tad Hicks jerked his thumb toward Dutchy and Silent Moore, leaning against the wall. "Wish I'd thought of tellin' Jim Hogg to go question them hombres," he grinned. The others chuckled and then grew glum at this lost opportunity, for Dutchy and Silent had the reputation of being morose and taciturn. Mrs. Ransom, the judge's wife, her daughter, Mary, and Snippets McPherson strolled by. "Howdy, ladies," Kansas called. Mrs. Ransom nodded, Mary giggled, and Snippets smiled. "Hello, boys," she cried. "Kansas, when are you going to bring me over that dun horse to break for you?" Kansas flushed and the others guffawed. The week before, the said dun had set him afoot ignominiously, where he had been found by Snippets. "Never mind, Kansas. I was only funnin'. I know your cinch broke, 'cause I found your saddle," she added contritely. "Now, yuh darned tadpoles, will yuh believe what I tole yuh? Yuh know darn well _that_ girl don't lie!" Kansas cried. He gazed after Snippets gratefully, for, if the truth be known, his cinch had not broken; that had been his alibi for the greatest disgrace that can happen to a puncher--to have a broken horse throw him and leave him afoot. "She's sure a swell gal," Tad Hicks said admiringly. "She's more like a fellow than a gal, an' she sure rides like one," Windy agreed. The three women passed on down the platform. When they reached Toothpick and the sheriff, Snippets stopped and stared at the tall cowboy. "Why, Snip," Mary giggled. "Are you in love with Toothpick? You're blushing." Snippets did not heed her. When Toothpick failed to see her she plucked at his sleeve. "Toothpick?" Her greeting was a question. The lanky cow-puncher swung about and snatched off his hat. He had known Snippets ever since she was a child. Then he had worked for her father up North. "'Lo, kid," he greeted. "Did yuh see him?" she asked in an eager whisper. "See who?" Toothpick feigned ignorance. "Don't tease. You know," she pleaded. "Yuh can spill it to her," Tom Powers said as he went over to join Mrs. Ransom and Mary. "Yeh, I seen him," Toothpick told the girl. She waited for him to go on. Her dark eyes, wistfully eager, were fixed upon him.