Part 13 (1/2)

”That was a good story, Parson--it's straight, ain't it?” asked Slim, as a wave of doubt swept over him.

”It's gospel truth,” answered the minister. ”Do you know the moral of the story?”

”Sure,” replied Slim. With a confidence born of deep self-a.s.surance, Slim launched the answer: ”Don't be a fatted calf.”

At first his hearers did not grasp the full force of the misapplication of the parable. Mr. Price could not refrain from laughing. The others joined with him when the humor of the reply dawned upon them. Pointing scornfully at the fat Sheriff, they shouted gleefully, while Slim blushed through his tan.

”Now, if you'll kindly show me where--” began Mr. Price.

”Sure. All the liquor's in the kitchen--” said Sage-brush, expanding with hospitality.

Slim pushed Sage-brush back into his chair, and Parenthesis tapped the minister on the shoulder to distract his attention.

”Thanks. I meant to ask for a place to change clothes.”

”Sure you mustn't mind Sage-brush there,” apologized Parenthesis; ”he's allus makin' breaks. Let me tote your war-bag. Walk this way.”

”Good day, gentlemen,” smiled Mr. Price. ”When you are up my way, I trust you will honor my church with your presence--” adding, after a pause--”without waiting to lose an election bet.”

The entrance of a Greaser to refill gla.s.ses diverted the attention of the guests until the most important function for them was performed.

With ”hows” and ”here's to the bride,” they drank the toast. Slim, as majordomo of the feast, felt it inc.u.mbent upon himself to keep the others in order. Turning angrily upon Sage-brush, he said. ”Why did you tell the Sky Pilot where the liquor was?”

”I was just tryin' to do the right thing,” answered Sage-brush defiantly.

”Embarra.s.sin' us all like that. You ought to know that parsons don't hit up the gasoline--in public,” scolded Slim.

Sage muttered sulkily: ”I never herded with parsons none.”

Parenthesis diplomatically avoided any further controversy by calling: ”They're gettin' ready. Jim's got Jack in the back room tryin' to cheer him up. Boys, is everything ready for the getaway?”

”Sage-brush, did you get that rice?” demanded Slim.

”That's so--I forgot. I couldn't get no rice though. Dawson didn't have none.”

Without telling what he did get, Sage-brush ran from the room to the corral.

”I told you not to let him have anything to do with it,” said Fresno, glaring at his fellow workers. Each was silent, as the accusation was general, and none had been taken into the confidence of Sage-brush and Fresno when arrangements were being made for the feast. Fresno had to blame some one, however. By this time Sage-brush had returned, carrying a bag.

”What did you get?” asked Slim.

”Corn,” replied Sage-brush laconically.

”Ain't he the darndest!” Show Low expressed the disgust which the others showed.

”Why, darn it,” shouted Slim, shaking his fist at the unfortunate Sage-brush, ”you can't let the bride and groom hop the home ranch without chuckin' rice at 'em--it's bad medicine.”

”Ain't he disgustin'!” interrupted Fresno.

”What does rice mean, anyhow?” asked the bewildered Sage-brush.

”It means something about wis.h.i.+n' 'em good luck, health, wealth, an'