And all the time she snuggled against his
breast.
"Dearest!" Dave held her away in gentle hands. "I was afraid you'd
go to pieces like this, but I had to break through the best way I
could. I learned you were here and something about what was going
on from the people at the next ranch. But I expected to find HIM
here, too."
"How did you manage to get here?"
"I hardly know. I just wouldn't let 'em stop me. This lieutenant
wouldn't let me in until I told him I was from Monterey with
important news. I don't remember all I did tell him. I tried to
get here last night, but I had trouble. They caught me, and I had
to buy my way through. I've bribed and bullied and lied clear from
Romero. I reckon they couldn't imagine I'd risk being here if I
wasn't a friend."
It was more Dave's tone than his words that roused Alaire to an
appreciation of what he said.
"Are you alone?" she asked, in vague dismay. "Then what are we
going to do?"
"I don't know yet. My plans ended here."
"Dave! You rode in just to find me! Just to be with me?"
"Yes. And to get HIM." Alaire saw his face twitch, and realized
that it was very haggard, very old and tired.
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