"Aren't you connected with the road?" inquired one of the visitors,
drinking next to Neale.
"Yes," replied Neale.
"Saw you in Omaha at the office of the company. My name's Blair. I
sell supplies to Commissioner Lee. He has growing interests along
the road."
Neale's lips closed and he set down his empty glass. Excusing
himself, he went back to the group he had left. Larry sat on the
edge of the table; Ruby stood close to him and she was talking;
Stanton and the other woman had taken chairs.
"Wal, I reckon you made a rake-off," drawled Larry, as Neale came
up. "Lend me some money, pard."
Neale glanced at Larry and from him to the girl. She dropped her
eyes.
"Ruby, do you like Larry?" he queried.
"Sure do," replied the girl.
"Reddy, do you like Ruby?" went on Neale.
Beauty Stanton smiled her interest. The other woman came back from
nowhere to watch Neale. Larry regarded his friend in mild surprise.
"I reckon it was a turrible case of love at fust sight," he drawled.
"I'll call your bluff!" flashed Neale. "I've just won three thousand
dollars. I'll give it to you. Will you take it and leave Benton--go
back--no! go west--begin life over again?"
"Together, you mean!" exclaimed Beauty Stanton, as she rose with a
glow on her faded face.
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