CHAPTER XII
QUONG TALKS
It was late when Sheridan and Jackson got back from the Hidden Meadow, where, tired as they were, they helped to restore order and patch up the broken doors. And, on the way home. Red gratefully assented to Sheridan's proposition that they lay off on the morrow. Juanita was a burden to be shifted. It was necessary that she should stay at the Circle S overnight, and, much against her will, Sheridan had packed her off to bed and locked the door upon her. She was departing for Yuma and marriage. Any breath of scandal that might arise would pass off her person as mist from a mirror.
"You'll see her to the train, buy her ticket through to Yuma, and ride herd on her, Red. Better slip something to the conductor to see she doesn't miss connections."
Red assented without comment and the next day he escorted Juanita and carried out instructions to the letter, buying her pinto and saddle at a fair price for the ranch. Juanita, fortified with enough for an elaborate trousseau and some over for dowry, departed cheerfully. To the fate of Hollister she appeared absolutely indifferent. What love she might have ever held for him had been bullied, beaten out of her.
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