The round-up of the herd at Harver’s Gully started in clear weather. Pop Burns stayed at the ranch with Mr. Manley, and Teddy and Roy were in charge. Nick and Bug Eye rode with them.
Just before they left the X Bar X, Teddy noticed Silent strapping a rifle case to his saddle. Later this was filled with a weapon.
“Any special reason?” Teddy asked easily.
Silent looked over at him with a frown. The puncher was about twenty-five or six, although the lines in his face seemed to add a few years to this total. He was short and stocky, and anything but handsome.
“Any objection?” Silent demanded. His tone was hostile.
“No, I reckon not—but there isn’t much sense to it.”
“My business,” Silent growled.
Teddy looked at him for a moment.
“As you say, it’s your business,” he said slowly. “But if you’re intending to use it on anything except animals, then it’s my business. Take me?”
Silent did not reply, but went on with his preparation. Teddy watched him.