Scott absently hung up the receiver. His jaw was set and his face wore an angry frown for he knew from the tone of the supervisor’s voice that he was under suspicion. But the question which had been bothering him was settled. They came up the steep little cañons to the west. Now that he knew that much it would be an easy matter to prevent it in the future and he felt that he could soon prove the suspicions unfounded.
CHAPTER IX
THE MYSTERY OF THE FOUR THOUSAND SHEEP
Early the next morning Scott called up Dawson to find out what his orders would be in regard to the recount. He was itching to serve notice on those herders.
“Good-morning, Mr. Dawson. Did Mr. Ramsey tell you of my report on the number of sheep that are on this district?”
“Yes, he ’phoned me last night. I heard it rumored around among the boys yesterday afternoon and mentioned it to him. How many extras do you think there are?”
“About four thousand altogether.”
“How did you count them?”
“Of course I did not count them, but I am sure that the estimate is not far off. Every band will run at least five hundred over.”
“Well, if you are sure of that notify those herders to have their bands back at the chute for a recount next.... What day is this?”