“Who is he?” asked Bob.
“You know as well as I do,” was Jerry’s answer. “He said he was a cattle buyer.”
Jerry said this as he was passing the hotel clerk’s desk. The man made a motion as though he wanted to speak to Jerry, and when the latter leaned forward the clerk said:
“Don’t get into any games with that man. I don’t know him, though I’ve seen him around here the last few days. I think he’s a professional sport and gambler.”
“He’s dressed the part,” answered Jerry. “Thanks for the tip. We’ll steer clear of him.”
As Jerry and his chums turned to go into the dining-room they heard the man who had tried to scrape an acquaintance with them talking in loud tones to someone near the cigar counter.
“Yes, cattle buying is my business,” he was saying, “though I have a couple of side lines. I’m on my way now to a place in Wyoming where I expect to do a good trade.”
“Wyoming!” was the reply of the other. “I’m from there. What ranch did you say yours was?”
“I didn’t say, but I expect to buy some cattle from the Square Z outfit.”
Jerry, Ned and Bob stood still in surprise.