He was to come to the Two Diamond two weeks ago.
But he ain't showed up, an' I've about concluded that he ain't comin'.
An' so I come over to Dry Bottom to find a man." "You've found one," smiled the stranger.
Stafford drew out a handful of double eagles and pressed them into the other's hand.

"I'm goin' over to the Two Diamond now," he said.
"You'd better wait a day or two, so's no one will get wise.

Come right to me, like you was wantin' a job." He started toward the hitching rail for his pony, hesitated and then walked back.
"I didn't get your name," he smiled.
The stranger's eyes glittered humorously.

"It's Ferguson," he said quietly.
Stafford's eyes widened with astonishment.

Then his right hand went out and grasped the other's.
"Well, now," he said warmly, "that's what I call luck." Ferguson smiled.