“Looks like it,” said Curtis. “You know the muskeg where the creek spreads out, about fourteen miles north?”
“I don’t; never been up so far.”
Curtis noticed the prompt disclaimer.
“Anyway, Jernyngham rode there and was knocked out with something heavy that must have left him stunned, if it didn’t make an end of him. He didn’t ride away after it, though his horse went on. The point is that it was led.”
“How do you know that?” Wandle asked.
“It’s my business to know these things. Think we can’t tell the difference between the tracks of a led horse and a ridden one? The only times two horses trot close together at an even distance is when one’s rider has both bridles, or when they’re yoked to a wagon pole. However, I’ve come to ask if you can throw any light on the matter? You and Jernyngham were partners, in a way, weren’t you?”
“That’s so. Now and then we bought implements and horses, or hired a tractor plow, between us. As a matter of fact, Jernyngham owed me about five hundred dollars. Anyhow, I’m as puzzled about the thing as you must be.”
“Then you think we’re puzzled?” Curtis said in a significant tone.
Wandle laughed.
“It struck me as likely. You know there’s not a rancher in the district who would hurt the man. He was easy to get on with.”