“You’ll not find anyone hereabouts that has ever been to the Headless Hollow region.”
“You mean the place has never been explored?” Walz demanded.
“Men have gone there,” Warner drawled, “but they don’t seem to come back.”
The remark jarred Walz for a moment. “You’re trying to scare me out of it!” he accused.
“No,” the rancher answered quietly. “Just giving you the facts. I reckon a good mountain climber who’s willing to take punishment could reach the place, but he’d have to face hazards.”
“Bears? Cougars?”
“Animals shouldn’t give any trouble if a man minds his business.”
“Then what is holding us back?” Walz demanded impatiently. “Are you afraid of the climb?”
“It may be tricky finding a pass down into the valley.”
“They told me in town you’re one of the best mountaineers in this section—you and Pete Ranier, the half-breed Indian.”