He did not finish, but they all knew what he meant. He would be obliged, in strict law, though perhaps not justice, to let the sheep men come in on land that Mr. Merkel claimed under rights of former laws, when he had taken them up after a government opening.
As has been said, legal matters in this sparsely settled part of the United States were not as strictly enforced as in large cities. There the loss of deeds could be made up by other evidence. But in the west the papers were needed and without them, even though in possession, there would be trouble to prove a claim.
"But if the sheep come, even though the court says they may, there'll be another fight!" declared the ranchman, in spite of his lawyer's efforts to keep him quiet.
It was two days after that when Nort started out of the ranch house one early evening. There had been a consultation before he left, and when he was ready to go he almost collided with Yellin' Kid, who entered.
"What's the matter with you, Greaser?" cried the Kid angrily. "What you doin' in here, anyhow?"
"Well, Kid, if you don't recognize me I guess I'm safe!" chuckled Nort.
"Nort!" shouted the Yellin' Kid. "What the——"
"Not so loud!" cautioned Nort, laughing. "How do you like my disguise?" he asked. And then, changing his voice to a whine, he begged in slangy Spanish for a cigaret (which, of course, he did not smoke) though he muttered his "thanks, Señor," in a manner that caused Yellin' Kid to exclaim:
"They'll never find you out! Good luck to you!"
"Adios," laughed Nort.