“Ah—about the money for the harness,” he said apologetically, “I—that is—I’ve got to collect it. Times ain’t——”
Price Selwood swung around and shot a look at him.
“Eh?” he said. “Got to collect——? Ah, yes, I see—at Cattle Kate’s request! You are a fool, McKane. Here, Miss Allison—I’m the sheriff of this county. Wouldn’t you rather owe me that money than owe it to McKane? I can wait till you raise another crop—I’m not so pushed as our friend here. What do you say?”
Nance raised her eyes to his and they were suddenly soft and blue again. The tight line let go about her upper lip and a stiff smile came instead.
“You knew my Pappy—and I have not forgot how kind you were after—after——. Yes, Mr. Selwood, I’d rather owe you, a whole lot rather, and I’ll work doubly hard to pay you back.”
Selwood drew some bills from his pocket.
“How much, McKane?” he asked.
The trader sullenly named the amount and received it on the spot.
“Now if you’d just as soon,” said the sheriff, “I’ll ride out to Nameless with you. I’d like to take a look at that trampled field.”
As they left the town and rode out into the trail that led to Nameless, Nance took off her hat and drew a long, deep breath.