"Yes, of course," said Dave, wondering what was the matter with Len. "My father, Randolph Carson."
"He isn't your father!" burst out Len in angry tones. "And you aren't his son! You're a nameless picked-up nobody, that's what you are! A nobody! You haven't even a name!"
And with this taunt on his lips Len spurred his horse away from Dave's.
CHAPTER III
A CONFESSION
Something seemed to strike Dave Carson a blow in the face. It was as though he had suddenly plunged into cold water, and, for the moment, he could not get his breath. The sneering words of Len Molick rang in his ears:
"You're a nameless, picked-up nobody!"
Having uttered those cruel words, Len was riding on, driving before him some of his father's stray cattle, as well as some belonging to the Bar U ranch. The last act angered Dave, and anger, at that moment, was just what was needed to arouse him from the lethargy in which he found himself. It also served, in a measure, to clear away some of the unpleasant feeling caused by the taunt.
"Hold on there a minute, Len Molick!" called Dave, sharply.
Len never turned his head, and gave no sign of hearing.