"He's been on a drunk for a week. I could run him in for disturbing the peace and--"
"And he'd suspect what we're after and freeze up, tight. No, let him run loose, but keep your eye on him. He'll give the deal away, sooner or later."
"I hope it's sooner," said the Colonel. "Cheyenne is holed up down the street, waiting for a chance to get Sears. Cheyenne didn't say so, but it was in his eye. He's changed considerable since I saw him last."
"Was there any one with him: a tall, dark-haired, kind of clean-cut boy, for instance?"
"No, not when I saw him. He rode in with his usual outfit."
"Wonder where he lost young Bartley? Well, I'm glad the boy isn't here. He might get hurt."
"Wild?"
"No. Quiet. Writes stories. He's out here to look at the West. Stayed at the ranch a spell. Mrs. Brown likes him."
Colonel Stevenson nodded and offered the Senator a cigar. "Let's step over to the hotel, Steve. It's a long time since--"