After his imitation of the “pony express,” Roy settled into a moody silence, which all Teddy’s efforts failed to disperse. Roy was given to these spells of thoughtfulness, though perhaps more so lately than before. His brother had accused him of being in love, but Roy denied this so calmly that Teddy knew that the thrust was ineffectual. The only other conclusion was that the older youth felt a responsibility growing with his years, and was taking more of a burden upon his shoulders than the occasion warranted.
As they rode along, Teddy stole a glance at the boy at his side. He noted the stiffness of the back, and the firm set of the head upon the shoulders.
“He’s worrying about something,” the younger lad thought. “He always takes everything so seriously! I’ll bet it’s that note. Maybe I shouldn’t have kidded him about it. But, golly, there’s no reason to get so low over it! Roy!” he said aloud. “Snap out of it! What’s on your mind?”
“Who, me?” the other turned, startled. Then he grinned. “Was I asleep? Guess I must have been thinking. What was that you asked me?”
“Why, I just wanted to know what you were mooning about. You were riding along staring straight ahead as though you were in a trance. What in thunder is the matter with you lately, Roy?”
“Oh, nothing,” the boy answered, laughing a bit uneasily. “I was wondering about that note, that’s all. I’d hate to have anything happen just when we’ve got over our trouble with the rustlers. Although I’ll admit we had some exciting times for a while,” and Roy’s eyes sparkled. Then he grew grave again. “But dad sort of counts on us to keep things going, you know. That’s why I’m anxious to see what he has to say when he gets back from Hawley. That gang can—”
“Aw, what can they do?” Teddy demanded. “They’re all in jail. Forget about ’em, Roy. What’s the use of crossing bridges before you reach ’em?”
“That’s true enough. But you know I saw that slouched puncher right after the landslide. If he’s really one of the rustlers, he doesn’t bear us any love, I reckon.” The boy patted Star on the side to brush off a fly. “And seeing him right after the landslide—”
“Well, for Pete’s sake!” Teddy burst out, “you don’t think he started the slide, do you? Roy, come to life! Be yourself! Now how in the name of cackling cows could he have anything to do with that?”
Roy shook his head.