CHAPTER X
A LOSING GAME
RED had given his hail as he went forward—“Hello, friends.” Even as he did so, he realized who they were, for he recognized McGowan, as that worthy came forward to see from whom the greeting had come. Red whispered to Brownie, gave him a pat and the horse loped off. It was too late for him to turn away, even if he had any desire to do so. He saw other men join McGowan at the front of the cave. He also heard excited whispering.
No answer greeted him. There was a moment’s distrustful gaze and then the leader said surlily:
“What brings you here? What do you want?”
“Nothing much,” answered Mack. “I heard folks talking and wondered if it wasn’t some of our boys. I went off to Big Gulch, day before yesterday, and knew our boys would be somewhere about. Didn’t exactly expect you folks,” he added whimsically, “or I might not have been so free with my call. I guess I’ll move on, as I seem to have interrupted you,” he added in a louder voice.
We know McGowan’s answer. There was a consultation for a half minute. They suspected that what Red Mack told them was not the truth; on the other hand, he would hardly have come to them if he knew who they were. There were no others with him; if there were, they would not have given the thieves time to get ready.
“What are you men up to? Stealing cattle is mighty dangerous.” He sat down and rolled a cigarette while the men watched him distrustfully and uncertainly. “This is good catching time, you know.” A pause. “What are you going to do with me?” But he seemed absolutely unconcerned as to what they would do.
“Well,” answered McGowan, “we might make you food for animals, if you really have a desire to know. We are somewhat uncertain as yet. You haven’t any say, although I admit you have some interest in our decision. I’m inclined to think,” added the speaker, “you can’t harm us if we keep you here while we do our job.”
“Yes,” one of the other men added. “Our reputations won’t be hurt much by what you may be mean enough to say after we are through. Catching time is a long way off, the border-line is much nearer. Day after tomorrow the U.S.A. for us.”
“I’ll tell you this, Red. If any of your friends come to investigate, you’re going to make an easy shot,” McGowan warned him.