“Bully! I’ll do the same. Thunderbolt wasn’t shot, but it was the scout’s rope and Jake’s saddle that landed him. The scout’s rope is good for my five hundred to the baron.”
“And the truth of this business, first brought out by the help of that trailing saddle of Jake’s,” said Phelps, “is worth five hundred to me.”
“Then, truly,” chuckled the doctor, “all’s well that ends well. When you’re in Hackamore next, Cody, come and see me. I’d like to talk with you.”
“You’ll see me, doctor,” answered the scout.
“And I want you to pay me another visit at the H-P ranch,” said Phelps. “I can promise you a different welcome next time you come, Buffalo Bill.”
“I doubt whether I shall have time.”
“If he has any time,” put in Benner, “he’ll spend it at the Circle-B.”
“Not at all,” cried Dunbar, “he’ll spend all his time at the Star-A.”
“We’ll see about it later,” said the scout, and the party separated.
Phelps, Prouther, the doctor, and Bloom rode off toward the H-P ranch, while the scout and the others turned their horses into the branch trail.