“Tex fell to the floor after he was hit, but he’s as game as a bulldog and ordered the men at the hotel to put him on his horse and he rode for home. The doctor says the long ride is more to blame for his present low condition than the bullet.”
They were interrupted at this point by MacNutt who came hurrying toward them.
“The doctor says that Tex will live,” he said briefly, addressing Bud, and giving Mason a curt nod. MacNutt was standing in his slouching way and regarding Bud with dull eyes.
Bud lit a cigarette and offered one to MacNutt.
“That’s good news,” Bud replied as he watched MacNutt puffing dolefully on the cigarette. “What’s on your mind, man? You act as though you were in a trance.”
MacNutt shifted his feet awkwardly.
“I want to ask a favor of you, Bud,” he said gravely.
“I want you to let me lead your men on this round up of Ricker’s gang.”
It was an amazing request coming from a man of MacNutt’s caliber, and Bud stared hard at him.
“Did I get you right?” he questioned slowly, astonishment in his voice, “Just say that again.”