midnight
You did n't think that I was the sort of a fellow to go back on you now , did you ? We 'll see this thing through together . '' Conniston put out his hand impulsively , ashamed of having misjudged his friend . Long before midnight Jimmie left the saloon and crept away to the stable to stroke the soft nose of a restive cow-pony , and to swear soft , endearing curses of eternal farewell . Not long afterward he had the satisfaction of seeing his fellow-cowboy steal through the darkness to whisper good-by to his own horse . And in the early dawn both Jimmie and Bart stood peering out from behind the corner of the barn at two figures riding rapidly southward into the morning mists . That day 's ride was a matter never to be forgotten by the two men .