The gray lifted his head quickly, ears pricked, scanning the country. Again came the shrill call and the gray saw Cultus. With a low nicker, the animal came across the yard at a swinging walk and went straight up to Cultus, nosing at him. Blaze came quickly from the corral, and Mendoza left the kitchen to join them.
“I reckon that’s plenty proof,” said Blaze. He turned quickly to Mendoza and explained about the animal. The little man blinked foolishly, walked around and examined the brand. For quite a while he studied the animal.
“That’s ver’ damn funny,” he said. “I’m don’ remember theese horse, but he’s got my brand. Ver’ new brand, eh, Blaze? Looks like running-iron.”
“Yuh don’t reckon Tony or Mexico know anythin’, do yuh, Jules?”
“I’m not pay Tony and Mejico to steal horse for me, Blaze.”
“No, that’s right.”
Cultus shook his head, as he rubbed the nose of the horse.
“No, I’ve got to look further than this, boys. Don’t say a word about it to anybody. Keep the horse here at the ranch, until I want him, because I want the man who stole him.”
“Bueno! I keep,” said Jules. “Frijoles ready jus’ when the biscuit ees cook.”
They were eating when Tony and Mexico came, but nothing was said to them about the stolen horse. They retired to the bunkhouse as soon as they finished their meal.