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THE SAGA OF BILLY THE KID

dered men often return to haunt the place where they were killed.'

"'Absurd,' she replied. 'I have no patience with people who believe in ghosts.'

"'Have you heard nothing at night of late?' asked Pete.

"'Nothing.'

"'Listen!' The sound like padding footsteps started up again.

"'Billy the Kid's ghost,' breathed Pete, and made the sign of the cross.

"'I'm not afraid,' said Paulita. 'I'll go see what that is.'

"'Better not go,' I advised her.

"'She threw open the door and boldly stepped out on the porch. In a moment she came back laughing.

"'The ghost of Billy the Kid, eh?' she flung at us contemptuously. 'It was nothing but a stray jackrabbit hopping along the porch.'

"'Paulita's discovery relieved the situation that had become oppressively spooky.

"'So, Paulita,' said Pete at length, 'you're not afraid of ghosts?'

"'Not a bit.'

"'And you don't believe the Kid's spirit can come back?'

"'Of course not.'

"'Yet you would be afraid to pass his grave at night.'

"'I'd not be afraid.'

"'Oh, yes, you would.'

"'I tell you I should not.'

"Pete puffed at his pipe a moment in silence.

"'You talk very brave, little sister,' he said. 'I dare you to go out to his grave now. It is only a little way. What do you say? Will you go?'

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