Thrusting his hand into his pocket, George found with dismay that his wallet, which contained some bills, was missing.
"Anything you ask in reason, but you'll have to take a check on a
Brandon bank. Have you got a pen and paper in the house?"
"How am I to know your check's good?" The farmer laughed ironically.
George was doubtful of the man, but he must take a risk.
"My name's Lansing, from the Marston homestead, beyond Sage Butte.
It's a pretty big place; any check I give you will be honored."
The farmer looked at him with growing interest.
"Well," he said, "you can't have my horse."
It was evident from his manner that reasoning would be useless.
"How does Sage Butte lie from here?" George asked him.
"Can't tell you; I've never been in the place."