"As we were coming in we met the sheriff going out. He'd been over there with half a dozen warrants for the old man and Joe. Seems they've been stealing sheep and cattle for a good while. That's where our stock went, of course. Garnett told me about finding the hides. Fine neighbors, weren't they? Well, I'm glad we're rid of them."
"Rob," Harry began and stopped. It was hard to tell him. "Rob, they didn't all go. Isita is here."
"Isita here! Well, of all things! Where is she?"
"Up at the house. I wanted to explain to you before you saw her. She's here to stay, you see. I ought not to have kept her without asking you, but there was no time. And it seemed so dreadful to leave her with that father. I know I'm adding another burden to you, but——"
"Yes, it's terrible. I know she'll ruin us; big strapping creature like that. She'll eat as much as two cow-punchers. I'll harness right up again and ship her on the next train."
Harry was relieved that he took it so lightly, but she was still more relieved by the new life in his voice.
"Bobby! What is it? You've had good luck?" she said as they started toward the barn. "You sold my herd." She felt an immense relief and at the same time her heart sank at having to let them go. "Who took them? Did you get enough to pay Ludlum?"
"A thousand." Bob ignored the first question.
"A thousand! But we'll need more than that."
"Of course, I know. But haven't I been making wages haying and harvesting, besides what I had in the bank?"