The girl suddenly flushed. She had said more than she intended. But there was no use drawing back.
“Oh, yes,” she cried hotly. “I didn’t mean to let you know. I’ve heard the story. Of course I have. Who, living in such a place as Barnriff, wouldn’t hear it?” she hurried on bitterly. “Directly they told me I laughed at them. But––but they do suspect you. Oh, Jim, I think I hate these folks. You––you suspected of cattle-duffing. McLagan ought to be ashamed of himself. It’s cruel in such a country as this. And the evidence is so ridiculous. Oh, Jim, if it weren’t so horrible it would be almost––almost laughable.”
“Thanks, Eve. And that––is really what you feel?”
She looked him in the face with wide, wondering eyes.
“Why, of course it is.”
The man smiled ever so slightly. He felt better. A few more loyal friends like this and his position would be considerably easier.
“But they are all branded with my ‘
’s,” he went on doubtfully.
“And what of it? It’s a blind. It’s to put folks off the real track. I–––” She broke off, and her eyelids were suddenly lowered to hide the fear with which her own words again inspired her. As she did not continue Jim seized his opportunity to pour out something of what he felt at her unquestioning loyalty.