"Well, I don't know. I'm afraid you can't do business with both of us, Mr.
Bellmore."
"Why not?" asked the Chicago man, somewhat surprised.
"Because Mr. Molick and I—to be frank about it—don't pull together any too well. I'm not saying whose fault it is, but he and I have been on the outs for some time, and his men are continually seeking to pick quarrels with my men. He has taken more than his share of the water that is supposed to be for our joint use, and when I objected he was very ugly about it."
"I feel it my duty to warn you that if you have any business dealings with him to look well to your own interests. He will take every legal advantage, and some that, in my opinion, are not legal."
"You surprise me!" exclaimed Mr. Bellmore. "I did not know that he was that kind of man."
"Well, he is," put in Dave. "You mustn't think we cowpunchers are in the habit of giving our neighbors black eyes, Mr. Bellmore," went on the young cowboy, "but it is for your own interests that my father is speaking."
Dave did not hesitate at the word of relationship now. Mr. Bellmore did not know the secret.
"Oh, I think I understand," the water-man said. "I'm sorry I began negotiations with Molick, but I don't very well see how I can get out of them. I need his water rights."
"Perhaps he hasn't as many rights as you think he has," suggested Mr.
Carson.
"What do you mean?"