GETTING STARTED 13 



"We sure ought to have a baile before he leaves," 

 suggested another. 



The idea met with instant approval. Eiders 

 leaped to waiting horses and left at a lope in all 

 directions to seek partners for the dance. 



We seized upon the opportunity created by this 

 diversion to approach Ewing. The musician 

 greeted us quietly, lazily cordial. He appeared not 

 at all embarrassed by the circumstances of the meet- 

 ing. I was surprised at his nonchalance, surprised, 

 too, when he spoke, by the purity of his accent, be- 

 neath the veneer of cowboy slang, and the unmistak- 

 able hint of refinement in his features, marred and 

 dulled though they were by the ruthless hand of dis- 

 sipation. It was immediately apparent that the 

 packer was a man apart from his present fellows 

 a " gentlemen ranker " to all appearances at once 

 better and worse, but always different from the 

 rough, good-natured world in which he moved. 



Though patently intoxicated now, he gave no of- 

 fensive evidence of his condition. His voice was low 

 and well modulated, his manners, though a little too 

 deliberate and exaggerated, were otherwise perfect. 



Frazer, after complying with the formality of or- 

 dering drinks, diplomatically complimented the 

 musician upon his playing. 



"I should think you could make a pretty good 

 living with your violin," he finished. 



Ewing frowned. Then his countenance cleared 

 with startling suddenness. 



