McWade was lithe and nervous and fleet; he managed to swing under the last Pullman at the same instant his captor reached its rear platform.
It is probable that a blithe determination even such as this would have eventually succumbed to repeated discouragements, but at the next stop, a watering tank, aid came from an unexpected quarter.

From the roof of the car another knight of the road signaled, and thither McWade clambered, kicking off the clutching hand of his former enemy.
The second traveler was a robust man, deliberate but sure of movement, and his pockets were filled with nuts and bolts.

This ammunition he divided with his companion, and such was their unerring aim that they maintained their sanctuary for the remainder of the journey.
On the way in to Wichita Falls the stranger introduced himself as Brick Stoner.

He was a practical oil man, a driller and a sort of promoter, too.

It was his last promotion, he confided, that had made it necessary for him to travel in this fashion.