“A horse the boys missed in the roundup?” the major asked with a show of interest.
Tex nodded. “Some hide and hair left,” he said and his slow smile showed for a moment. “I reckon this hoss was Lady Ebony.”
The major did not dismount. But he turned his horse and stared down at the bones. He knew what Tex was thinking and it irritated him. He shook his head grimly.
“Couldn’t be,” he said shortly.
“I figure it that way,” Tex answered. “It explains a lot of things fer me.”
“You never did think old Sam stole that mare,” Major Howard said.
“No,” Tex replied quietly.
“I did and I still do. You cow-country boys are too soft-livered. The old fellow left his cabin for three weeks or so. He refused to tell where he had been. He had three hundred dollars in cash to pay an attorney. He refused to tell where he got the money.” The major’s lips pulled into a tight line. “You’ll have to dig up more proof than that pile of bones.” He was staring at the desolate cabin, trying hard to urge away the doubt Tex had raised in his mind. Major Howard was at heart fair and honest. He smiled suddenly. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see that mare at one of the races this summer.”
Tex shook his head. “You won’t see her at any track, boss.” He paused and his gaze was somber; he was watching the chipmunks romping in the grass over by the castle rocks. Sam had brought those little fellers in. He’d be right surprised to know there was at least a half dozen more of them now. Tex made a mental note of the increase. He’d tell Sam when he stopped by to see him.
“The old fool is better off where he is. He has decent grub and a warm place to sleep,” the major said gruffly.