“Why, if it isn’t Connie Carl!” exclaimed the rancher. “Come right in. You didn’t walk all the way here?”
“Yes, from Eagle Pass! I was held up.”
Connie related what had occurred. Then she telephoned the sheriff’s office in Red Gulch, asking him to send a posse at once to search for the man.
“We’ll saddle up and do a little huntin’ ourselves,” George Slocer promised. “That’s the lowest trick I ever heard tell about. Stealing a gal’s money!”
“I don’t believe there’s a chance of catching the man now,” Connie said glumly. “He’s had a good half hour’s start.”
“Did you get a look at him?” the rancher asked.
“Not really. It was so dark and he kept the handkerchief over his face.”
“Didn’t recognize the hoss?”
“No, it was a dark pony about Silvertail’s size. I’m sure it must have been some man who knew me because he disguised his voice.”
“Likely someone who knew you were carrying the money on your person. Do you remember tellin’ anyone you were cashin’ the check?”