CHAPTER XIX
RIDERS OF PORTENT
Minnie Pine could get from one place to another more quickly and with less noise than any one at Sky Line.
When Rod Stone came in at dusk she came running to him in the shadows to whisper in his ear.
“The Sun Woman from the flats on Nameless,” she said, “has thrown their words back in the faces of the Master and the Boss—and they have given her to Sud to guard—in Rainbow’s Pot with Big Basford at the Flange. It’s devil’s work.”
There was little or no expression on the half-breed’s placid face, but there was plenty of it in her low voice.
“Good God!” said the boy, “are you sure, Minnie?”
“I heard—and I saw,” she answered, “and my heart is heavy for the pretty one with the eagle’s eyes. She does not fear—but she does not know.”
Rod Stone put out an arm and hugged the girl gently.
“You’re a real woman, kid, if your skin is brown,” he said admiringly, “and after all, it’s heart that counts. Now tell me about this.”
They stood close together in the shadows of the fir beside the corral and the girl talked swiftly, recounting with almost flawless accuracy what had taken place in the Inner Room.