“We’re not dodging trouble so you can notice it, amigo,” returned Wild Bill.
“I hope, for Dick Perry’s sake, that you will dodge trouble, and keep your hands clear so that you can help him. Will you give me a part in the work before you?”
This was embarrassing to the pards—to have a minister along with them when the prospects were bright for rough work.
“I’ll not be a hindrance to you,” continued Jordan, noting the pards’ hesitation, “but, on the other hand, my familiarity with the country may prove a help. I have a marriage ceremony for four o’clock; after that, I’ll join you at supper at the hotel. Following supper, we’ll saddle up and ride toward Phelps’ ranch. On the way, we’ll stop at Perry’s. Perry’s daughter, Hattie, must be about wild over what’s happened to her father.”
“Is there any one at Perry’s besides the girl?” asked Wild Bill.
“No one, now, but Nate Dunbar, a cowboy who works for Perry and has an interest in the cattle. Dunbar may know something about Perry which will be a help to us. We’ll ride to Perry’s first, see Nate Dunbar and Hattie, then go on to Phelps’ ranch.”
“Parson,” spoke up Nomad, grabbing Jordan’s hand, “ye’ve shore made er hit with me. This hyar’s ther fust time on reecord I ever trotted a heat with a sky pilot, but I’m cottonin’ ter you real strong, an’ I fer one will be tickled ter hev ye go with us.”
“Nomad’s sentiments are mine, parson,” seconded Wild Bill. “You go ahead and splice that couple at four o’clock, then blow in at the hotel and we’ll sit in together at the chuck table.”
“Thank you for your confidence in me,” said Jordan quietly. “You’ll find that I’m not a figurehead in the enterprise, I think. You are brave men, and pards of one of the bravest and most chivalrous Westerners the border has ever known. It is a pleasure to be engaged in such a venture with you. Adios, for the present.”
The slender, boyish figure turned and swiftly vanished. Old Nomad stood staring after him.