“This is her,” nodded Butch.
“Fine. Take a look at that bay and see if yuh can remember who owned it last.”
Butch walked down the steps and looked the animal over. Slim also moved down and examined the animal.
“Wears my brand,” said Butch thoughtfully. “I don’t just remember that particular animal. What about him, stranger?”
“That particular animal,” said Hashknife slowly, “was left in place of my horse, night before last, in Welcome.”
“Yea-a-ah? Well, I’ll be darned!”
“And I thought yuh might know who owned the animal.”
“No-o-o-o, I can’t say I do. Funny he’d leave this horse and take yore animal.”
“This one had a sore foot. That’s why we’re a day late in lookin’ up that light-fingered jigger’s family tree.”
Butch Reimer laughed softly and looked at Hashknife. Slim did not grin. He studied the horse closely and turned to Hashknife.