Forlorn and smuggle arms into Mexico.  Of course, my job is to keep tab on Chinese and Japs trying to get into the U.S. from Magdalena Bay.  But I’m supposed to patrol the border line.  I’m going to hire some rangers.  Now, I’m not so afraid of being shot up, though out in this lonely place there’s danger of it; what I’m afraid of most is losing that bunch of horses.  If any rebels come this far, or if they ever hear of my horses, they’re going to raid me.  You know what those guerrilla Mexicans will do for horses.  They’re crazy on horse flesh.  They know fine horses.  They breed the finest in the world.  So I don’t sleep nights any more.”

“Reckon me an’ Jim might as well tie up with your for a spell, Beldin’.  We’ve been ridin’ up an’ down Arizona tryin’ to keep out of sight of wire fences.”

“Laddy, it’s open enough around Forlorn River to satisfy even an old-time cowpuncher like you,” laughed Belding.  “I’d take your staying on as some favor, don’t mistake me.  Perhaps I can persuade the young man Gale to take a job with me.”

“That’s shore likely.  He said he had no money, no friends.  An’ if a scrapper’s all you’re lookin’ for he’ll do,” replied Ladd, with a dry chuckle.

“Mrs. B. will throw some broncho capers round this ranch when she hears I’m going to hire a stranger.”

“Why?”

“Well, there’s Nell—­ And you said this Gale was a young American.  My wife will be scared to death for fear Nell will fall in love with him.”

Laddy choked off a laugh, then evidently slapped his knee or Belding’s, for there was a resounding smack.

“He’s a fine-spoken, good-looking chap, you said?” went on Belding.

“Shore he is,” said Laddy, warmly.  “What do you say, Jim?”

By this time Dick Gale’s ears began to burn and he was trying to make himself deaf when he wanted to hear every little word.

“Husky young fellow, nice voice, steady, clear eyes, kinda proud, I thought, an’ some handsome, he was,” replied Jim Lash.

“Maybe I ought to think twice before taking a stranger into my family,” said Belding, seriously.  “Well, I guess he’s all right, Laddy, being the cavalryman’s friend.  No bum or lunger?  He must be all right?”

“Bum?  Lunger?  Say, didn’t I tell you I shook hands with this boy an’ was plumb glad to meet him?” demanded Laddy, with considerable heat.  Manifestly he had been affronted.  “Tom Beldin’, he’s a gentleman, an’ he could lick you in—­ in half a second.  How about that, Jim?”

“Less time,” replied Lash.  “Tom, here’s my stand.  Young Gale can have my hoss, my gun, anythin’ of mine.”

“Aw, I didn’t mean to insult you, boys, don’t mistake me,” said Belding.  “Course he’s all right.”

The object of this conversation lay quiet upon his bed, thrilling and amazed at being so championed by the cowboys, delighted with Belding’s idea of employing him, and much amused with the quaint seriousness of the three.