His big heart ever warm for those in distress, as he heard of the tribulations besetting the fair girl and her family, the world-famous desperado became interested and when the loss of the cow was disclosed, he uttered an ejaculation of anger that anyone should be so cruel.
Something of what was passing through his mind showed in his eyes and instead of closing the door, as she started to do, the girl looked at him eagerly.
"Where are the men folks?" he asked.
Wincing as though she had been struck with a lash, the beauty drew back.
"I beg pardon," hastily continued Jesse. "I didn't mean to add to your anguish. I fancy I understand about them."
And the relief that his words brought to the blue eyes was ample reward to the bandit-chieftain and he continued: "How would it be if we should buy some food at the village, would you cook it for us? We'll pay you for your trouble."
Scarce believing her ears, the girl looked at the outlaws as though they were genii sprung from the earth, then exclaimed:
"I'll ask Ma. Won't you come in? You'll have to excuse the looks of the house but I haven't felt much like tidying up."
Accepting the invitation eagerly, in the hope that he might get a glimpse of the fever-stricken woman and the infant, Jesse entered.
But the sight that greeted his eyes made the yard seem clean and well-kept, in comparison.