“Wal, I reckon you made a rake-off,” drawled Larry, as Neale came up. “Lend me some money, pard.”
Neale glanced at Larry and from him to the girl. She dropped her eyes.
“Ruby, do you like Larry?” he queried.
“Sure do,” replied the girl.
“Reddy, do you like Ruby?” went on Neale.
Beauty Stanton smiled her interest. The other woman came back from nowhere to watch Neale. Larry regarded his friend in mild surprise.
“I reckon it was a turrible case of love at fust sight,” he drawled.
“I’ll call your bluff!” flashed Neale. “I’ve just won three thousand dollars. I’ll give it to you. Will you take it and leave Benton—go back—no! go west—begin life over again?”
“Together, you mean!” exclaimed Beauty Stanton, as she rose with a glow on her faded face. No need to wonder why she had been named Beauty.
“Yes, together,” replied Neale, in swift steadiness. “You’ve started bad. But you’re young. It’s never too late. With this money you can buy a ranch—begin all over again.”