"It seems to be much better," he replied to her question.
"That's good. Let's hope it will be all right before Slade gets back. You heard me bluff off Cochise with the partnership talk?"
Farley was backing across the room, gray-faced and trembling like a very old man.
"Slade will be angered," he quavered. "I'll lose all—all!"
"Leave him to me. I'll handle him," promised Carmena. "Remember what you agreed. Jack is to be a full partner."
Lennon felt a sudden rekindling of suspicion.
"May I ask you to explain all this about a partnership?" he queried.
"Why, of course," replied the girl. She drew close to him and lowered her voice.
"Dad refuses to give up everything and leave the Hole. So I've allowed him to think you'll come in with the bunch. My idea is to bring about a split between Slade and Cochise. We'll then have a fighting chance. All we can do now is take things easy and get your hand in shape."
"My rifle was taken by your father. I would rather like to——"