“Looks like,” agreed another ruefully.
“Make straight for the Arivaca cut-off and you ought to stand a show,” suggested Fraser.
“That's right. If we ride all night, might beat him to it.” Each of the five contributed a word of agreement.
Five minutes later the Texan and the ranger watched a dust-cloud drifting to the south. In it was hidden the posse disappearing over the hilltop.
Steve grinned. “I hate to disappoint the boys. They're so plumb anxious. But I reckon I'll strike the telephone line and send word to Moreno for one of the rangers to cut out after Kinney. Going my way, seh?”
“If you're going mine.”
“I reckon I am. And just to pass the time you might tell me the real story of that hold-up while we ride.”
“The real story?”
“Well, I don't aim to doubt your word, but I reckon you forgot to tell some of it.” He turned on the other his gay smile. “For instance, seh, you ain't asking me to believe that you handed over your rig to Kinney so peaceful and that he went away and clean forgot to unload from you that gun you pack.”
The eyes of the two met and looked into each other's as clear and straight as Texas sunshine. Slowly Neill's relaxed into a smile.