“Jeff!”
Jeff fell back beside Charley. “Tired, pardner?”
“Jeff, I’m terribly tired! I’m not used to riding so far; and I’m sleepy—so sleepy!”
“All right, pardner; we’ll go slower. We’ll walk. Most there now. There’s the railroad.”
“Keep on trotting. I can stand it. We must get to the river before daylight. Is it far?” Charley’s voice was weary. The broad sombrero drooped sympathetically.
“Two miles to the river. El Paso’s seven or eight miles up the line. Brace up, old man! You’ve done fine and dandy! It’s just because the excitement is all over. Why should you go any farther, anyhow? There’s Ysleta up the track a bit. Follow the road up there and flag the first train. That’ll be best.”
“No, no. I’ll go all the way. I’ll make out.” Charley straightened himself with an effort.
They crossed the Espee tracks and came to a lane between cultivated fields.
“Jeff! I’d like to say something. It won’t be breaking my promise really.... I didn’t mean what I said about—you know. I was only teasing. She’s a good enough girl, I guess—as girls go.”
Jeff nodded. “I did not need to be told that.”