But what I want to know, is it true what Joel seen?"
"It's true, Holley. But what I did isn't so bad--so bad as he'd make it look."
"Wal, I knowed thet. I knowed fer a long time how Lucy cares fer you,"
returned the old rider, kindly.
Slone raised his head swiftly, incredulously. "Holley! You can't be serious."
"Wal, I am. I've been sort of a big brother to Lucy Bostil for eighteen years.
I carried her in these here hands when she weighed no more 'n my spurs. I
taught her how to ride--what she knows about hosses. An' she knows more 'n her
dad. I taught her to shoot. I know her better 'n anybody. An' lately she's
been different. She's worried an' unhappy."
"But Holley, all that--it doesn't seem--"
"I reckon not," went on Holley, as Slone halted. "I think she cares fer you.
An' I'm your friend, Slone. You're goin' to buck up ag'in some hell round here
sooner or later. An' you'll need a friend."
"Thanks--Holley," replied Slone, unsteadily. He thrilled under the iron grasp
of the rider's hard hand.
"You've got another friend you can gamble on," said Holley, significantly.
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