Page:J Allan Dunn--The Girl of Ghost Mountain.djvu/234

216 in his saddle and, charging the saying with venom, shouted three words at Sheridan:

"Hasta luego, senor," (Before long!)

Sheridan took no notice of the implied threat, surveying Pedro, to his exasperation, as if he had been part of the view.

Engine and cars shut off the group and Sheridan got aboard. By the time he had settled himself at the window the three had spurred off.

"It is lucky for you that I wasn't Jim Lund," thought Sheridan. "Jim would have been apt to construe that as 'starting something.' But I don't think you have, much enterprise except in your cups." He was glad, however, to know that the gate was being fixed in the tunnel that afternoon. Jackson, driving him home with his packages, told him that the job was completed.

"Didn't forgit the candy?" asked Red anxiously.

"No. Nor some magazines. Got one you'll like to read, Red. Tomorrow we'll go calling."

Sheridan had no hesitation about telling Mary Burrows and Thora the story of Juan Mendoza. Quong had given him full discretionary powers and he knew that here, if any place, confidence would not be abused but taken as a manifest of friendship.

He told the story much as Quong had done and the audience listened with fascinated, flattering interest in both the tale and its teller.

"I am so glad," said Mary Burrows. "I can't tell you how glad I am. I am sure it will turn out true, it must turn out true. It means everything to you."