“Is it possible to ford the river near the HJ?” asked Hashknife, as they turned to ride back.
“The old ford is about two hundred yards below the bridge,” said Honey. “There’s an old sand-bar. Some of the old road may be washed out by this time, but I reckon yuh could get across all right.”
“Don’tcha like to cross on bridges?” grinned Sleepy.
“Oh, sure. But sometimes I get finicky.”
They swung down off the hills and struck the road, which they followed back to the HJ. Peggy came down to the corral and delivered Cates’ message to Hashknife. The tall cowboy did not change expression, but leaned one elbow against the corral fence, as she told him about the coming of Kelsey, Ralston and Cates to see him.
“He didn’t know you were here,” she explained. “But he mentioned your name, and Mr. Kelsey told him where he could find you.”
“I don’t reckon I know Mr. Cates, Peggy.”
“He said you didn’t, but he wants to see you.”
“Oh, yeah. Thank yuh very much, Peggy. How are yuh feelin’?”
“Better.”