She had no words in which to answer. She stood thus for one uncertain moment. Then she thrust out her hand. It contained the threatening message.
"Will you read that—at once?"
His cold regard dropped from her face. The man noted the dirty paper in her soft white hand. Then he took it. Nor did their hands come into contact.
"Is it a matter of importance?"
Elvine could have cried out with the stab of the question. Only some matter of vital importance justified her action in his eyes. Her gaze was averted to hide her pain.
"I should not have come to you otherwise."
The man moved to the edge of the veranda to obtain more of the dying light. At that moment the ranchman approached with two saddle horses. Elvine scrutinized him carefully. He was a complete stranger to her.
Jeff had read the note. He stood regarding the ranchman. Suddenly his voice broke sharply.
"Leave my horse at the tying post. Wait for me at the barn."
He watched the man secure his horse. Then he watched him return to the barn. Nor did he speak again till he was out of earshot.