“She pops!” said Jim Nabours suddenly. He had decided.
“How long to make the herd?” McMasters also kindled.
“Two weeks. We could brand out within another two, only we’ll have to rope and throw. Our pens won’t hold. We got no chute.”
“Build one to-day. It will pay you.”
Nabours looked at the newcomer curiously with an eye not free of suspicion.
“You taken a mighty interest.” He spoke slowly.
“I have! I want to go up the trail with you-all. I’ve reason for going north again. My business there wasn’t settled.”
“But what’s your reasons for being so brash about coming in with us? I dunno’s I’ve give you leave, and I know the boss didn’t.”
“Two reasons. One I’ve told you—the business that took me north and brought me south will take me north again. Never mind what that is. I’m a captain of Rangers, and we can’t talk. The other reason you can guess.”
“I reckon I do guess.”