‘We been wonderin’ why Nan didn’t come to see us,’ said the old man wistfully.
‘She’s been awful busy,’ said Hashknife quickly. ‘Keeps her busy cookin’ for three of us.’
‘I imagine that’s right, Hartley.’
‘Well, I’ll soon be out,’ said Long Lane thankfully. ‘You ain’t been bothered with any of the 6X6 outfit, have yuh?’
‘They’ve quit the 6X6. Dave Morgan has taken charge of the ranch.’
‘The hell he has!’
‘And of the Oasis saloon, too.’
‘I’ve been worryin’ about Nan,’ confessed the old man. ‘But Lem says she’s safe as long as you boys are with her. I’m shore much obliged to both of yuh. How about the tenderfoot?’
‘Oh, he’s still alive,’ smiled Hashknife, wondering down in his heart if this was the truth.
‘He’s lucky,’ smiled Lane. ‘He done me a good turn—two of ’em. It’s funny what a green kid will do thataway.’