Presently she asked Andy whether he knew what her husband's last words had
been.
"Yep," said Andy. "I heard'm plain and clear. Pete Gibbs,--the other
executor of the will, you know,--Pete says, 'It's all right, pardner, me
and Andy'll see to it,' and then your husband says, 'Thank Gawd I've been
some good to her and the child at last.'"
Which account was entirely correct. When Big Andy had returned to Get-there
City, and related how he had performed his mission, he added:
"I'd been such a lovely liar all through, it's a shame I had to go an'
spoil the story by puttin' in some truth at the finish."
They put up a wooden grave-mark where Blake was buried, and after his name
they cut in the wood this testimonial:
"A tenderfoot that was some good to his folks at last."
XX
MR. THORNBERRY'S ELDORADO
Near the uneven road among the hills a small field of stony ground lay
between woods and cultivated land. Nothing grew upon it and no house could
be seen from it. The sun beat upon it and crows flew over it to and from
the woods.
Along the road trudged a thin old negro with stooping back and gray wool.
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