None of these riders knew what was amiss.
But instantly a change passed over them. It came because Bostil pulled a gun.
"Holley, I've a mind to bore you!"
The old hawk-eyed rider did not flinch or turn a shade off color. "What fer?"
he queried. But his customary drawl was wanting.
"I left you to watch Lucy. . . . An' she's gone!"
Holley showed genuine surprise and distress. The other riders echoed Bostil's
last word. Bostil lowered the gun.
"I reckon what saves you is you're the only tracker thet'd have a show to find
this cussed Slone."
Holley now showed no sign of surprise, but the other riders were astounded.
"Lucy's run off with Slone," added Bostil.
"Wal, if she's gone, an' if he's gone, it's a cinch," replied Holley, throwing
up his hands. "Boss, she double-crossed me same as you! . . . She promised
faithful to stay in the house."
"Promises nothin'!" roared Bostil. "She's in love with this wild-hoss
wrangler! She met him last night!"
"I couldn't help thet," retorted Holley. "An' I trusted the girl.
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