human
What will he do when he gets there? wondered the girl, as she glanced into the set face of the man who rode with his eyes on the tracks in the mud,
gpt
You've got to go back, he said looking straight into her eyes,
human
But--you--where are you going?
gpt
To find Purdy.
human
But you can't find him! she cried.
gpt
He knows the bad lands. Purdy's a horse-thief, and if you did find him there would be others. He's one of a gang, and--they'll kill you!
human
Maybe--an' then, again, maybe they won't. There's two sides to this killin' game.
gpt
But you wouldn't have a chance.
human
As long as I've got a gun, I've got a chance--an' a good one.
gpt
I'm going with you, she announced.
human
I've got a gun, and I can shoot.
gpt
You're goin' home. The Texan spoke quietly, yet with an air of finality that brooked no argument. The hot blood mounted to the girl's face, and her eyes flashed. Her lips opened to frame an angry retort but the words were never spoken, for the Texan leaned suddenly toward her and his gauntleted hand rested lightly on her arm,
human
For God's sake, don't hinder--_help_! There was no trace of harshness in the voice--only intense appeal. She glanced into his eyes, and in their depths read misery, pain, worry--the very soul of him was wrung with torture. He was not commanding now. This strong, masterful man was imploring help. A lump rose in her throat. Her eyes dropped before his. She swallowed hard, and nodded:
gpt
All right--only--promise me--if you don't find him, you'll return to the ranch tonight. You've got to eat, and Blue has got to eat. I'll have a pack ready for you to start again early in the morning.
human
I promise,