Lucy smiled at Sleepy and held out her hand.
“Mahsie,” she said softly.
Sleepy shook hands with her thoughtfully. Then—“Kiwa teahwit,” he said.
It was the only Chinook he could remember, in response to her “Thank you.”
He turned to Hashknife.
“Ain’t we goin’ to town, too?” he asked.
“Yeah,” laughed Hashknife. “C’mon, old bowlegs.”
After the border officers left the Tumbling H Ranch no wiser than before they came, they overtook Lon Pelly, the sheriff, and Cloudy Day, who were heading for Pinnacle. Pelly had not been able to find enough poker-players in Caliente, so he made it appear that urgent business called him to Pinnacle.
McGurk and Pelly were old friends, and, both of them being officers of the law, it was perfectly natural that McGurk should tell Pelly about their chase and disappointment. Pelly was both amused and sympathetic.