Texas told him the story then, just as Mark had told it a few minutes ago. And the look of surprise on the captain's face deepened.
"This is a serious business, Mr. Powers," he said.
"It's one lie from beginning to end!" growled the other. "Now look a-yere. You been a pretty good friend o' Mark's, Mr. Fischer. You're the only man I know of in this place that's tried to see fair play. When Mark had to fight them yearlings it was you saw he had his rights. When they tried to get him dismissed on demerits, you were the one to stop 'em. Now, I don't know why you did it, 'cept perhaps you're an honest, fair an' square man yourself, an' saw he was, too. Anyhow, you've been his friend."
"I have tried to see fair play," responded the other, slowly. "I have not approved of many of his acts, what he did last night at the hop, for instance. But still——"
"If you knew this yere plot was a lie, would you say so?" interrupted Texas.
"I most certainly should."
"An' if you saw a chance to prove it, knowin' that Mark'd be dismissed if you didn't, would you?"
"It would be my duty, I think, as captain of his company. I should do it anyway, for I respect Mr. Mallory."
And Texas seized the surprised Fischer by the hand and gave him a mighty squeeze.
"Wow!" he cried. "I knew you would! Whoop! We'll fool them ole liars yet!"