“Well, the boys found one with his rope on choked to death, and another was shot.”
“Shot? Where was it?”
“Up Sage Creek.”
“When?”
“Week or so ago.”
“Oh!” Alta’s eyes flashed as a new thought struck her. “How did they know Fred shot it?”
“They don’t know exactly; but it looked suspicious, and when Hanks faced him, he wouldn’t tell nuthin’ one way or the other.”
“And the foreman discharged him?”
“Yes, he said he’d have to tell or git.”
“Where did he go?”