"I do not understand," Houghton responded. Cayley drew Houghton back from where they stood and away from the horse.
"Look at that horse," he said. "Did you ever see a better?"
"Never," answered Houghton, running him over with his eye, "never."
"You notice the two white feet and the star on the forehead. Now, listen. Firefoot, here!"
"My God!" said Houghton, turning upon him with staring eyes, "you are—"
"Whose horse is that?" interjected Cayley. Firefoot laid his head upon
Cayley's shoulder.
Houghton looked at them both for a moment. "It is the horse of Hyland the bushranger," he said. "All Queensland knows Firefoot." Then he dazedly added: "Are you Hyland?"
"A price is set on my head," the bushranger answered with a grim smile.
Houghton stood silent for a moment, breathing hard. Then he rejoined:
"You are bold to come here openly."
"If I couldn't come here openly I would not come at all," answered the other. "After what I have told you," he added, "will you take me in and let me speak with your wife?"