“Wal?”
And Tresler knew that his presence was accepted, and that he had scored the first point. At once he assumed a businesslike air. He sat up and generally displayed a briskness quite out of keeping with his former attitude.
“I suppose I ought to apologize for my intrusion,” he began, “but when you have heard my story, you will understand its necessity. I had a busy night last night.”
If he had expected any effect from this announcement he was disappointed. Jake’s face never for a moment relaxed its grim look of attention.
“Yes,” he went on, as the foreman remained silent. “These raiders—this Red Mask, or whatever he is called—I saw him last night. I saw him here on this ranch.”
Jake stirred. He eyed his companion as though he would read him through and through.
“You saw—Red Mask—last night?” he said slowly.
“Yes. I saw him and one of his satellites.”
“Go on.” It was all the man vouchsafed, but it spoke volumes.