"Yes."
"He seemed to understand his business very well. Know much about him?"
"I only know that he is said to be on friendly terms with Ranger, and is believed to be rather sweet on one of the women on his station."
"Is that so?" added Puffey. "Then the fellow hasn't lost much time."
"Well, I can't say for certain," continued the speaker, "as I work on a neighbouring farm; but I heard one of my mates talking a while ago about him."
Puffey felt that here, at all events, was a source from whence some useful information might in all probability be gathered, but he was anxious not to appear too eager, for fear of exciting unnecessary inquiry.
Allowing the conversation to drop, he sat and watched the players until the one he had held converse with gave signs of intending departure.
Rising from his seat, Puffey sauntered out of the store, and lounged about for a while until he saw the other come out, when, accosting him, he said—
"Look here, mate, I should like to have a word or two with you, if you can spare a few moments."
"All right, Puffey," replied the fellow; "say on."