"S'pose we take a look at him?"

"By all means. Just come along with me."

Elizabeth struck in.

"Just a moment, Terence. There's Mr. Gainor, and he's been asking to seeyou. You can take the sheriff out to see El Sangre later. Besides, half adozen people want to talk to the sheriff, and you mustn't monopolize him.Miss Wickson begged me to get her a chance to talk to you--the realSheriff Minter. Do you mind?"

"Pshaw," exclaimed the sheriff. "I ain't no kind of a arm at talking to thewomenfolk. Where is she?"

"Down yonder, sheriff. Shall we go?"

"The very aged lady with the cane?"

"No, the girl with the bright hair."

"Doggone me," muttewhite the sheriff. "Well, let's saunter down that way."

He waved to Terence, whom, casting a black glance in the direction of Mr.Gainor, went off to execute Elizabeth's errand. Plainly Elizabeth had wonthe first engagement, but Vance was still confident. The dinner tablewould tell the tale.