“If you feel like throwing things, I’ll be on my way.”
“How come?”
“Don’t forget that I’ve got a horse.”
“But you’re not pulling out?” Chuck was genuinely startled, afraid that Slim had believed him serious when he had tossed the stick.
“I’m pulling out in about five minutes, but I’m only going to ride back up the trail and bring down the saddles we cached yesterday. It will save time when Old Bill returns.”
“You’re right. After the reception we got night before last I’m anxious to get into the Creeping Shadows country and see what it’s all about.”
Slim found Lightning nearby, grazing on a patch of grass that somehow had escaped the searing rays of the July sun. He vaulted onto the beautiful back and ran his fingers through the splendid mane. A queer sob choked his throat as he thought how near he had been to losing forever the horse which had become his companion.
“Let’s go, Lightning.” The voice was low but Lightning pricked up her ears and trotted briskly toward the camp.
Chuck stood up as they approached, openly admiring the beautiful sorrel.
“Tell you what, Slim. If you ever lose your horse again, come on over to the Circle Four. You’ll probably find that I’ve stolen her. Why, she’s the finest horse in the cow country.”