Charlie grinned as he handed Molly’s letter to Johnny. He was an Indian, but he knew a thing or two.
Johnny lost his happy-go-lucky air as he read the following brief note:
“Johnny:
“I am a prisoner here at the ranch. Aaron Gallup came today. Father insists that I marry him. The man is coming back tomorrow with a minister.
“Madeiras is here, too, the traitor! If Charlie Paul finds you I know you will come.
“Molly.”
“Good boy, you, Charlie Paul,” Johnny said warmly, laying a hand upon the Indian’s arm. “You savvy what’s up?”
“Pretty well me savvy.”
“Plenty fight comin’,” Johnny told him. “Shots, kill maybe—all right, you?”
“All right, me,” Charlie said simply.