“Neeter is sure some cook.  Pretty nigh’s good as me.  Well, so-long, Jack.  I—­I—­kind of wish you was buildin’ a new house yourself.”

Corliss, standing with his hand on the neck of Sundown’s horse, smiled.  “Arizona’s a man’s country, Sun.”

“She sure is!” said Sundown, throwing out his chest.  “And lemme tell you, Jack, it’s a man’s business to get married and settle down—­and—­raise more of ’em.  ’Specially like me and you and Bud and Hi—­only Hi’s gettin’ kind of old.  She’s a fine country, but she needs improvin’.  Sometimes them improvements keeps you awake nights, but they’re worth it!”

“Yes, I believe they’re worth it,” said Corliss, “So-long, Sun.”

“So-long, Jack.  I got to get back and milk Gentle Annie.  We’re switchin’ Billy onto the bottle, and he don’t like to be kep’ waitin’.”

Chance, following Sundown, trotted behind the horse a few steps, then turned and ran back to Corliss.  He nuzzled the rancher’s hand, whined, and leapt away to follow his master.

THE END