Rathburn sat down heavily and took his hat in his hand.
“That makes it different,” he said dully, as if to 234 himself. “Maybe she’s stuck on him for his money, an’ maybe she’s stuck on him because he’s a good guy. Maybe this thing would hurt him.”
“Oh, I don’t think they’d blame him,” said Price with a note of consolation in his voice; “an’ he probably wouldn’t lose nothin’.”
“But she might think––it might be that she–––” Rathburn swung his hat to his head and rose. He walked toward the door, but Joe Price got in his way.
“Where you goin’?” he asked.
“To the Mallory ranch!”
“You can’t get there!” said Price hoarsely, pushing him back.
“I’ve got to get there!” answered Rathburn grimly, pushing the old man aside. “I must see Laura.”
“You got here just by luck,” Price pointed out. “An’ there’s more men in by now. Maybe they know you’re here. But wait till I get your horse––he’s hid.”
“Get him,” Rathburn commanded.