“It’s on me,” he laughed. “I beg your pardon. I spoke without thinking, but what you said about the fool-making faculty calls for general ratification. We all have it.”
Brant nodded, and the newcomer relighted his cigar, which had gone out in the explanation. “Going in to Denver?” he asked, willing to let interest atone for impudence.
“Yes.”
“Wish I were. I’ve been out a week now, and I’m beginning to long for the fleshpots.”
“You have my sympathy if you have to stop overnight anywhere between this and Denver,” said Brant, who knew the country.
“Luckily, I don’t have to. I am merely riding down to the meeting point with Number Three to kill time. I have to go back to Voltamo to-night.”
Brant laughed. “Do you find it cheaper to ride than to wait?”
“It is quite as cheap in my case; the railway company has to foot the bills, anyway.”
“Oh—you are in the service, are you?”
“Yes.”