Page:Caroline Lockhart--The Fighting Shepherdess.djvu/38

 gotten in his keen interest in the conversation was almost upon them. " A band of woollies, a pack burro, one feller walkin', and another ridin'."

The cowboy's eyes were unfriendly, though he made no comment as they waited.

" Howdy ! "called the Major genially as, with a nod, the herder would have passed without speaking.

The stranger responded briefly, but stopped.

" Come fur? " inquired the Major sociably.

" Utah."

"Goin'fur?"

"Until I find a location. I rather like the looks of this section."

" Sheep spells ' trouble ' in this country," said the cowboy, significantly.

"Think so? "indifferently.

Seeing Teeters was about to say something further, the Major interrupted:

"What might I call your name, sir? "

"Just say ' Joe,' and I'll answer."

The Major looked a trifle disconcerted, but in his role of Master of Ceremonies continued:

" I'll make you acquainted with Mr. Teeters."

The two men nodded coldly.

To break the strained silence the Major observed:

" Got a boy helpin' you, I notice."

" Girl," replied the sheepherder briefly.

" Girl ? Oh, I see I Them overalls deceived me. Daughter, I presume."

" Pardner," laconically.

The Major looked incredulous but said nothing, and while he sought for something further to say in order to prolong the conversation they all turned abruptly at the rattle of rocks.