“Whew!” whistled Sam.
“It’s a fact,” said Arthur earnestly. “I’ve tried every plan I can think of, and can do nothing more.”
“What did you say you wanted to do with the money?”
“I told him that I wanted to go back East, but father said he was afraid that if I attempted to leave the ranch now, I would get myself into trouble with the herdsmen.”
“Very likely you would,” replied Sam, indifferently. “I talked with some of them yesterday, and, although they don’t know that you had any hand in sawing the oars—”
“And I didn’t, either,” interrupted Arthur. “You sawed them yourself, and I never knew a thing about it.”
“Look here, young man,” exclaimed Sam, in a tone of voice that frightened Arthur, “you needn’t try to throw all the responsibility upon my shoulders, for I won’t stand it! You are just as much to blame for what happened to Bob Howard and his partner as I am!”
“Didn’t you propose it?” faltered Arthur.
“Didn’t you consent to it?” retorted Sam, looking at Arthur so savagely that the latter dared not deny the accusation. “You did! and if the boys ever find it out, they will make things hot for you, I tell you.”
“But of course you will not tell them,” implored Arthur.