Cook pulled up sharp and his horse reared as he jerked savagely on the bit.
“What’s the idea of invading my range?” asked Cook angrily, his heavy face flushing.
“What’s the idea of driving our cattle around on your range?” countered Joe.
“We’re bringing them home. Found them here a couple of hours ago and started back with them. I don’t want those scrubs eating up my grass.”
“So you found them?” drawled Nels, his light blue eyes little more than slits under his shaggy brows. “Well, mister, let me tell you, those cattle were rustled last night off the Box B’s east line and one of their riders is missing. Someone’s going to have a lot of explaining to do.”
“I’m not explaining anything,” replied Cook. “We found the cattle this morning. Go get ’em and take them home.”
“Your horse looks about worn out, Hack,” put in Joe. “Must have been doing a lot of night riding.”
“We don’t ride our range at night,” replied the Diamond Dot boss.
“Well, anyway, your horse is about worn out. Better get another or this nag may collapse and you’d have to walk home, which would be just too bad.”
Cook growled something under his breath, but wheeled and galloped back to join his own riders. They soon drew away from the Box B cattle, heading back for their ranch house.