A scowl flashed over Steve’s face.
“Yes,” he said; “perhaps you’d like to know who it’s from next.”
“Can’t say it interests me,” retorted Ned, and Steve laughed a taunting little laugh.
“No?” he said. “I thought it might. It’s not so long since you showed a decided interest in my affairs, though, and not for the first time.”
He refolded the note and thrust it back in his pocket, and Ned made no reply, although Steve caught the glance of hatred he threw at him.
Towards midnight the cattle quietened down, and in another hour they were nearly all lying down and resting.
“I think we’re safe tae turn in now,” said Scottie. “Those beasts have had a good bucketin’ round, an’ they should lie quiet enough for the rest o’ the nicht. But keep yer horses saddled an’ close handy in case.”
Some of the men were nodding over the fire, but on the word they all rose, and there was a general unstrapping of blankets and preparations for sleep.
Suddenly, and without an instant’s warning, there was a quick rustle from the herd. A rattle of clicking horns ran through them, there was a heaving and stamping, a single loud bellow, a yell from the man on guard, and they were on their feet.
“Quick, lads,” shouted Scottie. “Mount an’ ride roun’ them.”