“Ever since he fenced Hot Creek?”
“Yes.”
“How long has the 7AL wanted it?”
Dawn frowned thoughtfully.
“Oh, I think it was about three or four months ago that Mr. Cutter made his first offer. After that Jeff Ryker came out and talked with Dad about selling out.”
“What did Ryker want with it?”
“He was trying to buy it for Cutter.”
“Oh, I see; he was Cutter’s agent.”
Roaring and the doctor came from the living-room.
“You better lie down awhile and get some sleep, Miss Conley,” said the old doctor kindly. “There isn’t anything you can do. The sheriff is going to send some of my things out for me; so I’ll stay on the job.”