Page:The Cow Jerry (1925).pdf/224

 "It was an act of providence," said Jim. "No judge in the world can lay hands on a man for an act of providence. Go up there and tell 'em that."

"Right here's where I resign!" said Perry, as with sudden inspiration that cleared all his difficulties away in a breath.

"Act of providence or no act of providence, I'm with you!" Hank declared.

"If you see anybody lookin' for us, tell 'em we've gone to McPacken," Perry requested.

"As far as we're concerned, pardner, you can keep them cows," Hank addressed the Indian with lofty relief. "Providence drove 'em down here, and we ain't a goin' to run agin providence drivin' 'em back."

They galloped for the line, their interest all ahead of them. The Indian cowboy grinned.

"Well, there's your stalk, Tom," said Jim Kelly, his enthusiasm and humor rising again. "It's not goin' to cost you any dollar a head to take 'em, neither. Them's my men holdin' 'em."

"Yes, sir. It occurred to me they must be," said Tom.

"I'll let you have a couple of 'em to help you across the river; you can make the drive in eight or ten days. Hold 'em a little north of southwest and you'll hit the old crossin'. You can walk 'em over this time of the year."

"Yes sir, I don't doubt it could be done," said Tom.

"They're on my grass now; I lease down here," Jim