Page:Morley roberts--Painted Rock.djvu/277

 "About what, man?" demanded the minister.

"About Amandy," said George. "Now are you kemmin' along, or will you compel me to kill you in your tracks?"

"I think I'll come," said Brandram rather weakly. "This is very remarkable treatment, sir."

George put up his gun.

"I cayn't help it, and when you've done it, I'll apologise," he said. "But when you see Bill he'll explain it to you, and you'll understand that what Bill says goes every time. He's a terror, he is."

They rode on in silence.

"I wish I understood," said the unfortunate captive,—"I wish I understood."

Now, about this time, Bill, armed with his deadly shot-gun and mounted on the antique pinto, was just about to come across Billy Prentiss. They told him at the Circle X outfit that Billy was over to Salt Creek, and when Bill got there he found him sure enough.

"Why, thess is Ole Higginson," said