"And I don't know that it's any of your business, either," Branders went on. "Ain't nothing to be ashamed of, though. You know I used to travel a bit with the political crowd at home."
"With the heelers of the city," Noll amended.
Tip scowled, but continued:
"Well, I got into a bit of a row, that's all. So I lit out until things could blow over a bit."
"And took some of your mother's cash before you left, I heard," nodded Private Noll Terry.
"She gave it to me," cried Tip fiercely. "Now, see here, don't you fellows say nothing about seeing me out in this part of the country. I'm out here trying to run down a good, new start in life. You just keep your tongues behind your teeth as far as my affairs are concerned."
"What kind of a new start can you make out in these hills?" queried Hal.
"That's what I'm here to find out. My cash has about run out, so I'm walking. I'm bound for a ranch about forty miles west of here, where I expect to land a job. So don't you go to talking too much about me, and trying to spoil me."
"Why did you try to knock me over with a small-sized boulder?" Hal insisted.
"Because I wanted to play a joke on you," retorted Tip, with a grin.