"And some cartridges," suggested Bartley.
"How many?" queried the storekeeper.
"All you got," said Little Jim.
But Bartley's good nature was not to be imposed upon to that extent. "Give us five boxes, Mr. Hodges."
"That cleans me out of twenty-twos," declared Hodges.
Jimmy grinned triumphantly. Dorothy had come in and was viewing the purchase with some apprehension. She knew Little Jim.
Bearing the rifle proudly, Jimmy marched from the store. Dorothy and Bartley followed him, and Bartley briefly outlined Cheyenne's recent sprightly exodus from San Andreas.
"I heard about it, from Mr. Hodges," said Dorothy. "And I also noticed that you have hurt your hand."
Bartley glanced at his right hand--and then at Dorothy, who was gazing at him curiously. It had become common news in town that Cheyenne Hastings and the Easterner had engaged in a free-for-all fight with the Sneed outfit, and that two of the Sneed boys were laid up for repairs. That was Mr. Hodges' version.
"I also heard that you had left town," said Dorothy.