She ignored his sardonic mockery. “I don’t let live creatures suffer when I can help it. Are you going to give me my handkerchief?”
“Haven’t made up my mind yet. Perhaps I’ll have it washed and bring it home to you.”
She decided that he was trying to flirt with her, and turned the head of her horse to start.
“Now your father has pulled his freight, I expect it will be safe to call,” he added.
The bridle rein tightened. “What nonsense are you saying about my father?”
“No news, Miss Cullison; just what everybody is saying, that he has gone to cover on account of the hold-up.”
A chill fear drenched her heart. “Do you mean the hold-up of the Limited at Tin Cup?”
“No, I don’t.” He looked at her sharply. “Mean to say you haven’t heard of the hold-up of the W.& S. Express Company at Saguache?”
“Tuesday night. The man got away with twenty thousand dollars.”