Page:Caroline Lockhart--The full of the Moon.djvu/139

 "I was a pretty steady boarder there for a while," he admitted unconcernedly, "but you shouldn't a put yourself out none."

His indifference hurt her so much that she could think of nothing more to say, and they rode for nearly half a mile in silence before he asked:

"How long since the count on your cattle didn't come out right, Edie!"

"About ten days, or two weeks."

He frowned in thought.

It was a week, ten days—yes, two weeks ago, that Spiser had sent Kansas Ed to ride this particular range and brand. That yellowback cowpuncher was just the petty-larceny thief he would send to do a trick of the kind.

"I've got to quit you here"—he brought his horse to a standstill—"but tell your dad I'll keep my eyes open, and if I learn anything I'll send him word."

"All right, Ben," she said with an effort, and added in a kind of desperation, "I s'pose you couldn't come yourself?"

"Can't promise—I might—but"—with a short laugh—"Spiser's ridin' herd on me