For some reason that Lex Sangerly could not understand, it was with manifest reluctance that Dot finally agreed to accompany him into Geerusalem. She favored returning to the ranch, in the face of the knowledge that they would have to pass the disgruntled night riders approaching along the road.
“Mrs. Liggs will be safe until we come back,” argued Lex, as they went whirling away. “This fellow, Billy Gee, doesn’t seem like a man who would harm a defenseless old lady. Wasn’t that the most spectacular rescue, Miss Huntington?”
“I am sure he wouldn’t harm her,” said Dot slowly. “He’s wonderful! One man against forty cowardly curs. Didn’t I tell you in San Francisco what an extraordinary person he was?”
“He certainly isn’t what I’ve always pictured a bandit to be. He’s got character in his face. A good eye. A rather likable fellow, I’d say.”
She looked at him. “You’re going to meet him to-night, Mr. Sangerly. I know you’re going to admire Billy Gee hereafter. Hasn’t it struck you as odd that he is trusting you? What assurance has he that you won’t have him placed under arrest?”
“My understanding was that I was to visit Quintell. I didn’t suppose that I was to meet him there, also,” said Lex coldly. “Keeping an appointment with a criminal, Miss Huntington, is not exactly——”
“Mr. Sangerly, please don’t ask me how I know, but this meeting will be to your interest. I am positive of it. I feel it, with a woman’s intuition. Can’t you see that he is really risking his liberty so that you may hear something for yourself? That’s just what he said. He knows who you are—all about you. And you must bear in mind that there have been no more holdups on the Mohave & Southwestern. He has reformed. Please don’t smile. He has. I want to ask this favor of you: Meet him to-night, as you would keep any appointment, but not with an officer at your elbow. Will you do that?”
She had spoken rapidly, a strange, eager, pleading note in her voice. Her eyes, fixed on him, held an animated light, her cheeks the faintest tint of red. They were just turning into Geerusalem Gulch, the rays of the rising sun silvering the windows of the camp a mile away.
For a long moment, Lex stared at her, searching her pretty face. Then he broke into a laugh.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were—well, an ardent admirer of this far-famed train robber, and that would be putting it mildly. But your arguments are reasonable. I’ll do it. I promise to meet him under those conditions—this one time. You appear to know a lot about Billy Gee, don’t you, Miss Huntington?” he added curiously.