He's
crossed over."
"I s-e-e. Twenty-four thousand dollars! Young man, that's more money
than I ever had at one time in my life."
"Same here,"--and Pete grinned. "But it don't worry me none."
"I'll make out the check for you." And Andover pulled out his fountain
pen and stepped over to the auctioneer's stand. Pete signed the check
and handed it to the auctioneer.
"Don't know this man," said the auctioneer, as he glanced at the
signature.
"I'll endorse it," volunteered Andover quickly.
"All right, Doc."
And Andover, whose account was as close to being overdrawn as it could
be and still remain an account, endorsed the check of a man worth
twenty-four thousand-odd dollars, and his endorsement was satisfactory
to the auctioneer. So much for professional egoism and six-cylinder
prestige.
Sheriff Owen, who had kept a mild eye on Pete, had noted this
transaction. After Blue Smoke had been returned to the stables, he
took occasion to ask Pete if he were still a partner to the
understanding that he was on his honor not to attempt to escape.
"I figured that deal was good till I got here," said Pete bluntly.
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