"Malvey's in town."
Pete's mouth hardened, then relaxed to a grin.
"Well, if he's as hungry as I am he ain't worryin' about me."
"He's got your horse."
"That don't worry me none."
"I told Malvey to get your horse from you and set you afoot at Flores'."
"And he sure made a good job of it, didn't he? But I don't sabe your game in hog-tyin' me down to Flores's place."
"I figured you'd be safer afoot till you kind of cooled down."
Pete tried to read The Spider's face, but it was as impersonal as the desert itself. "Mebby you figured to hold me there till you was good and ready to use me," said Pete.
The Spider nodded.