Tex flushed hotly.
“I’m not tryin’ to run the ranch, Marion.”
“Then don’t. I think Spike is around by the corral; so if you will excuse me, I’ll get him.”
Tex made no effort to get the horse for her, because he wanted a word in private with Jimmy Legg. After she had gone out through the patio gate, Tex turned to Jimmy.
“Let me give you a word of advice, young feller. Yo’re new to this country; so jist take my word for it that we don’t want strangers around. You tramped in here; now tramp out. The climate of the Blue Wells country is sure damp for yore kind.”
“I don’t think I understand what you mean,” said Jimmy. “I’m not a tramp, Mr. Alden.”
“You walked into Blue Wells. Anyway, you told the sheriff yuh did. Ain’t that trampin’?”
Jimmy smiled and shook his head.
“There’s a difference, I think, between a man who merely walks in, and a man who tramps in.”
“Not a —— bit of difference around here, Legg. I’ll probably ride back with Miss Taylor; and I don’t want to find you here. If yo’re wise, you’ll heed what I’m tellin’ yuh. I’ve give yuh a fair warnin’.”