“Hilbrun?” said the Governor, staring.

“If that’s his name—­yes, sir.  As a member of the Weather Bureau and the Meteorological Society I can have nothing to do with the fellow.”

“Glory!” said the Governor.  “Well, I suppose not.  I see your point, Jode.  I’ll be careful to keep you apart.  As a member of the College of Physicians I’ve felt that way about homeopathy and the faith-cure.  All very well if patients will call ’em in, but can’t meet ’em in consultation.  But three months’ drought annually, Jode!  It’s slow—­too slow.  The Western people feel that this conservative method the Zodiac does its business by is out of date.”

“I am quite serious, sir,” said Jode.  “And let me express my gratification that you do see my point.”  So we changed the subject.

Our weather scheme did not at first greatly move the public.  Beyond those who made up the purse, few of our acquaintances expressed curiosity about Hilbrun, and next afternoon Lin McLean told me in the street that he was disgusted with Cheyenne’s coldness toward the enterprise.  “But the boys would fly right at it and stay with it if the round-up was near town, you bet,” said he.

He was walking alone.  “How’s Mrs. McLean to-day?” I inquired.

“She’s well,” said Lin, turning his eye from mine.  “Who’s your friend all bugged up in English clothes?”

“About as good a man as you,” said I, “and more cautious.”

“Him and his eye-glasses!” said the sceptical puncher, still looking away from me and surveying Ogden, who was approaching with the Governor.  That excellent man, still at long range, broke out smiling till his teeth shone, and he waved a yellow paper at us.

“Telegram from Hilbrun,” he shouted; “be here to-morrow”; and he hastened up.

“Says he wants a cart at the depot, and a small building where he can be private,” added Ogden.  “Great, isn’t it?”

“You bet!” said Lin, brightening.  The New Yorker’s urbane but obvious excitement mollified Mr. McLean.  “Ever seen rain made, Mr. Ogden?” said he.

“Never.  Have you?”

Lin had not.  Ogden offered him a cigar, which the puncher pronounced excellent, and we all agreed to see Hilbrun arrive.

“We’re going to show the telegram to Jode,” said the Governor; and he and Ogden departed on this mission to the signal service.

“Well, I must be getting along myself,” said Lin; but he continued walking slowly with me.  “Where’re yu’ bound?” he said.

“Nowhere in particular,” said I. And we paced the board sidewalks a little more.

“You’re going to meet the train to-morrow?” said he.

“The train?  Oh yes.  Hilbrun’s.  To-morrow.  You’ll be there?”

“Yes, I’ll be there.  It’s sure been a dry spell, ain’t it?”

“Yes.  Just like last year.  In fact, like all the years.”

“Yes.  I’ve never saw it rain any to speak of in summer.  I expect it’s the rule.  Don’t you?”