Rex shook his head. ‘I never knew him. In fact, I never heard his name mentioned.’
And while Hashknife and Sleepy lounged in the shade and listened closely, Rex Morgan told them of his life. He did not condemn his mother for the way she had raised him.
‘Mebby she wanted yuh to be a preacher,’ suggested Sleepy. ‘Was she very religious?’
‘No; not very. In fact, she seldom went to church.’
‘And you say that check was on the Mesa City Bank?’ asked Hashknife.
‘Yes. That was why I came here; trying to find out who sent her that money. Perhaps they might tell me more.’
‘Did yore mother ever mention Mesa City?’
‘No.’
‘Well, that’s shore a queer deal, Morgan. Even if you never find out anythin’, I think you came to the right country. It’ll make a man out of yuh. Get a job. Even if yuh don’t know anythin’, take the job and learn. Make good out here. Folks are rough out here, but if yuh make good with them, they’ll stand at yore back until yore belly caves in.’
‘I suppose you are right, Mr. Hartley.’