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 tion for that same kind of a job—that's what made me late to this blowout. I've just come from a session with old man Duncan."

"I aimed to see him in the morning. Do you reckon it would be any use?"

"I was goin' to say that they've put me in as a sort of a boss rider, and I'll be more than glad to give you a job if you'll take it."

"I sure am obliged to you, sir, and I'd snap it up in a minute if I had a horse."

"I've got that all fixed. Be ready to start in the morning—I'll ride around here after you. Headquarters is at Duncan's ranch, about twenty miles south. I think maybe you'll have to wait around there a day or two till I can line them other fellers out and drop them I don't want."

Winch went back to the parlor and excused himself, and gave the bride and groom a little jocular advice to leave things merry after him.

"Well, so-long till morning, Texas," he said as he came out through the office. He shook hands with a quick and sincere clasp and passed out into the street.

Texas stood in the door looking after him, pondering over the many sides that he had glimpsed in this remarkable little man. One peculiar thing he had noted of Winch, and that was his ceaseless watchfulness. No matter where he stctod, or