Mrs. Starr stared at Waring.
He shook his head and smiled. "I don't know. I can only guess at it."
"Well, you'll stay for supper—and you can talk to Jasper. He's worried."
"Thank you. And would you mind asking this man Pete in to supper with us?"
"I figured to, him being with Jasper and not feeling right well."
About sundown Starr rode in. Waring helped him from his horse. They shook hands in silence. The old cattleman knew at once why Waring had come, but he had no inkling of what was to follow.
The cowboy, Pete, took care of the horses. A little later he clumped into the house and took a seat in a corner. Waring paid no attention to him, but talked with Starr about the grazing and the weather.
Just before supper Starr introduced Waring.
The cowboy winced at Waring's grip. "Heard tell of you from the boys," he said.
"You want to ride over to our place," said Waring pleasantly. "Pat and I will show you some pretty land under fence."