Bud buried his face in his hands, the tears trickling through his fingers, although he fought strongly against showing his weakness. Slim rose and stepped to his side, laying his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Mebbe she won't have to know. Buck, he's dead, and only you and I know." Bud looked at the speaker in amazement. A lovable smile crept over Slim's face. "I'm goin'," he said, "to slip you a new deck, an' give you a fresh deal. That was part my money that was stole. I never came back at the county fer it. Buck, he's paid half. I'll let 'em all think it was the whole. I'll put in a thousan' I have at home, that I was savin' to buy in with the Triangle B, in case I don't git elected nex' time. So, Bud, I'm going to lend a thousan' o' this to you, just to give you a chance at that little home." "You're the whitest man I ever knew!" cried Bud. "I reckon I ain't colored, 'cept a little red mite on top," laughed Slim. He disliked any show of feeling by the boy over the offer he had made. "But I can't take your money," Bud protested. "Yes, you can," assured Slim. "You pay it back when you get on your feet again. I'm going to take your word." Slim's generosity overwhelmed the boy. "Take my word!" he cried. Slim laid his hands on the boy's shoulders. "Yes," he declared, "You've made your first bad break, but you've had your first lesson. An' you ain't going to forget it," he added emphatically. "And Polly?" he faltered. "There ain't nobody going to tell her." Speaking sternly to Bud, he added: "You make her a good husband." Bud seized the Sheriff's hand, wringing it warmly. "I will, Slim; I will," he promised. The wait had been too long for Polly. She returned before Slim called her, saying: "I'm tired of waiting on you-all. Haven't you finished up that business yet?" "Yes, ma'am, it's finished," replied Slim. "Did Bud tell you about it?" inquired Polly. "He told me. Seems like you two are going to get married." "Uh-huh," laughed Polly happily. "And, oh, say, will you stand up for Bud?" "I reckon Bud can stand up for himself now, with you to help him," answered Slim emphatically. "We'll run over and tell the boys you're back," shouted Bud. Slim took the hands of the young people in his own big ones. "I'm right glad you two are going to hitch up," he said. "I am dead sure you'll make a even runnin' team." Polly glanced shyly at Slim. "Bud won't mind if you kiss me," she hinted. Slim grinned sheepishly. In his embarrassment he rubbed one foot on his other leg. "Well--I ain't--never--that is--" he stammered, "Bud, if you-all don't mind," he boldly asserted, after his bashfulness had waned, "I reckon I will play one little bet on the red." The Sheriff never did anything in a small way. The kiss he gave her full on the lips was a resounding one.