"We all know you are the whitest man on the Sweetwater," assured Sage-brush, speaking for the punchers, as they left Jack a prisoner with Slim.
Speaking in a low tone, Jim asked Jack: "Where did you get that money?"
"Don't you know?" he asked, in surprise.
"From—"
Jack nodded his head.
"I'll wait for you in the other room," said Slim.
"Maw, Polly, we all better leave 'em alone."
As the woman and the girl left the room, the old ranchman paused at the doorway, leading to the kitchen, to advise his son-in-law earnestly: "I 'low you better tell her; it's best."
The two young people were left alone in the room in which they had passed so many happy hours to face a crisis in their lives. The day which had begun sunnily was to end in darkest clouds. The awful accusation was incredible to Echo. Her faith in her husband was not shaken. Jack, she felt, could explain. But, no matter what the outcome might be, she would be loyal to the man she loved. On this point she was wholly confident. Had she not pledged her faith at the marriage altar?
"Jack?" a volume of questions was in the word. Taking her hands in his and looking searchingly in her eyes, he said: