Van Horn took alarm: "That was put up to you in confidence," he said angrily.
"So was the barbecue," responded Laramie. "I wouldn't take in the first proposition, so I'm enjoying the second." He turned from Van Horn, and, ignoring him, spoke to Kate: "You remember you said you were going to show me your ponies."
It was Kate's turn to stare: "You must be mistaken."
He did not press the subject: "Perhaps you've forgotten," was all he said.
"When or where did I ever say that?" Kate asked, resenting the intimation.
He looked down, then looking up his eyes rested on Kate's. He was not disturbed: "Is that a challenge?" he asked.
"If you wish to make it one," she returned coolly.
"The 'where' was one day at Sleepy Cat Junction, the 'when' was the day we rode up the Falling Wall river."
"Oh," she exclaimed, collecting herself, "I had forgotten."
"Do you remember now?" he asked; and she thought there was resentment in the question. "If you don't," he added, "we'll let it go."