They had heard about the train robbery. It seemed to be the general opinion that Joe Rich had done it.
“I knowed him a long time,” said Uncle Hozie. “He never struck me as bein’ a bad boy in any way. I don’t sabe him. Why, he jist went all to bits in a week!”
“Does Peggy know about it?” asked Aunt Emma.
“Yeah,” Honey nodded solemnly. “Yeah, she knows. But I’ve told her the last bad news I’ll ever tell.”
“Took it hard, did she, Honey?”
“I dunno. She never said anythin’. Laura gave me hell. Sometimes I think that girl don’t care for the truth. Oh, if she wants lies, I reckon I can supply her.”
Uncle Hozie and Aunt Emma were going to ride out to the HJ to see the girls. Curt Bellew and Ed Merrick were at the Pinnacle. They shook hands with Honey, who introduced Hashknife and Sleepy.
“What do yuh think of Joe Rich now?” asked Curt, after he had invited them to share his hospitality.
“Jist the same as I always did,” declared Honey. “Somethin’ has gone wrong with the boy. How’s the Circle M, Merrick?”
“All right, Honey. I’ll bet yore old ranch-house leaked last night.”