“Mendoza said yuh was back,” he told her. “I don’t know what you intended to do out here to-night.”
“That’s none of your business,” she said.
“No, I don’t reckon it is,” wearily, “but you wasn’t out here for no good.”
“How did you happen to be here, Nolan?”
“I followed you.”
“Oh, you did?” She laughed heartily. “Well, it didn’t help you much, I guess. Rather a surprise for the young lady to find you hugging me on that porch. But then your goose was cooked with her a long time ago, Nolan; so it don’t matter. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll ride back to Medicine Tree. Or would you like to ride back with me?”
“No, I don’t think I’ll ride with yuh.”
“Oh, it suits me just as well.”
She mounted and turned her horse away from the mesquite.
“She’s quite pretty, Nolan. That was the first time I ever got a good look at her. And if I’m not mistaken, after that meeting is over, Painted Valley will be unhealthy for you.”