Buck ran for the door. Outside he stood bareheaded, breathing deeply.
His face was hot with shame and delight, and he had to walk up and
down for a moment before he could trust himself to enter the ranch
house. When he finally did so he received a greeting which made him
think himself a curiosity rather than a man. Even Jim Silent regarded
him with awe.
"Buck," said Jordan, "you don't never need to work no more. All you
got to do is to walk into a town, pick out the swellest heiress, an'
marry her."
"The trouble with girls in town," said Buck, "is that there ain't no
room for a man to operate. You jest nacherally can't ride a hoss into
a parlour."
Lee Haines drew Buck a little to one side.
"What message did you bring to her, Buck?" he said.
"What d'you mean?"
"Look here, friend, these other boys are too thick-headed to
understand Kate Cumberland, but I know her kind."
"You're a little peeved, ain't you Lee?" grinned Buck. "It ain't my
fault that she don't like you."
Haines ground his teeth.
"It was a very clever little act that you did with her, but it
couldn't quite deceive me. She was too pale when she laughed."
"A jealous feller sees two things for every one that really happens,
Lee.
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