"When I left she kissed me good-bye, Lee."
In spite of his bravado, Buck was deeply anxious. He watched Haines narrowly. Only two men in the mountain-desert would have had a chance against this man in a fight, and Buck knew perfectly well that he was not one of the two.
"Watch yourself, Daniels," said Haines. "I know you're lying and I'm going to keep an eye on you."
"Thanks," grinned Buck. "I like to have a friend watchin' out for me."
Haines turned on his heel and went back to the card table, where Buck immediately joined the circle.
"Wait a minute, Lee," said Silent. "Ain't it your turn to stand guard on the Cumberlands tonight?"
"Right—O," answered Haines cheerfully, and rose from the table.
"Hold on," said Buck. "Are you goin' to spoil all the work I done today with that girl?"
"What's the matter?" asked Silent.
"Everything's the matter! Are you goin' to put a man she hates out there watchin' her."