They were obliged to tell him that there was nothing new.

‘You know this country pretty well, don’t yuh, Morgan?’ asked Hashknife.

Dave Morgan smiled faintly, fingering his watch-chain.

‘I ought to,’ he said. ‘I’ve been here a long time.’

‘Ever been down in the middle of Coyote Cañon?’

Morgan blinked quickly, thoughtfully.

‘No, I never have, Hartley.’

‘Do yuh know if there’s a trail down there?’

‘I’ve never heard of any.’

‘I never have either,’ said Spike. ‘Why, that damn thing is straight up and down. Talkin’ about it makes me thirsty; so we better have a drink. The 6X6 owes me some money, anyway.’