Baldwin," said Patches presently, "could you let me have the team
and buckboard? I want to get my prisoners to Prescott to-night, and"--he
laughed shortly--"well, I certainly would appreciate those cushions."
"Sure, son, you can have the whole Cross-Triangle outfit, if you want
it," answered the Dean. "But hold on a minute." He turned with twinkling
eyes to his neighbor. "Here's Jim with a perfectly good automobile that
don't seem to be busy."
The big man responded cordially. "Why, of course; I'll be glad to take
you in."
"Thank you," returned Patches. "I'll be ready in a minute."
"But you're goin' to have something to eat first," cried Mrs. Baldwin.
"I'll bet you're half starved; you sure look it."
Patches shook his head. "Don't tempt me, mother; I can't stop now."
"But you'll come back home to-night, won't you?" she asked anxiously.
"I would like to," he said. "And may I bring a friend?"
"Your friends are our friends, son," she answered.
"Of course he's comin' back," said the Dean. "Where else would he go,
I'd like to know?"
They watched him as he went to his prisoner, and as, unlocking the
handcuff that held Nick's right wrist, he re-locked it on his own left
arm, thus linking his prisoner securely to himself.
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