“How does the old head feel, Teddy?� Roy asked.
“Pretty good. Aches a little now and then. But I’d rather have a headache than an obituary notice. Roy, if you and dad hadn’t gotten there when you did, I’d have had to be swept up with a shovel.� A slight shudder passed over the boy.
“Forget it,â€� Roy advised, laying a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “It’s over now. Say, I’ve been thinking. I—â€�
“So have I,â€� Teddy interrupted. “About Flash, mostly. I miss him, Roy. Miss him like anything! If I ever catch the thief who took him—â€�
“I know,� and Roy nodded. “I feel the same about Star, and I guess dad does about General, too. But we can’t do any good thinking about it. When the time comes, we’ll act. The boys say that the gang who rustled the cattle from the 8 X 8 is around again, and I’ve still got a hunch those are the waddies who stole our broncs. We just have to sit tight, Teddy, and do a little figuring. In the meantime, I’ve got an idea that might interest you.�
“Let’s hear it,� Teddy suggested. “Not about the broncs, is it?�
“No,â€� Roy answered. “It’s about those two girls over at Pete Ball’s place. Remember—Nell and Ethel?â€�
“Well, now that you speak about it, I do,� Teddy drawled, with an assumption of carelessness. “Why?�
“Nothing, except that they’re coming over here.�
“They are?� Teddy looked up with quick eagerness, then, as quickly, turned away his head. “Well, that’ll be nice for you, Roy.�