“It worked, boss,” said the puncher; “she didn’t tumble. I thought I’d laff my head off when I seen her fixin’ the pillow for you—an’ your foot not hurt more than mine. You ought to be plumb tickled, pullin’ off a trick like that!”
“I ain’t a heap tickled,” declared Taylor glumly. “There’s no fun in fooling her!”
Which indicated that Taylor’s thoughts were now serious.
CHAPTER XII—LIFTING THE MASK
Elam Parsons awoke early in the morning following that on which Marion Harlan’s visit to the Arrow occurred. He lay for a long time smiling at the ceiling, with a feeling that something pleasurable was in store for him, but not able to determine what that something was.
It was not long, however, before Parsons remembered.
When he had got out of bed the previous morning he had discovered the absence of Marion and Martha. Also, he found that two of the horses were missing—Marion’s, and one of the others he had personally bought.
Parsons spent the day in Dawes. Shortly before dusk he got on his horse and rode homeward. Dismounting at the stable, he noted that the two absent horses had not come in. He grinned disagreeably and went into the house. He emerged almost instantly, for Marion and Martha had not returned.
Later he saw them, Marion leading, coming up the slope that led to the level upon which the house stood.
Marion had retired early, and after she had gone to her room Parsons had questioned Martha.