"Who was with you?"
"I was plumb lonesome yesterday. This any business of yours, by the way,
Em?"
"Think again, Shorty. Who was with you?"
The heavy-set cowpuncher helped himself to a chew of tobacco. "I told you onct I was alone. Ain't seen anybody but you for a week."
"Then how did you hear yesterday was my busy day?" Crawford thrust at him.
For a moment Shorty was taken aback. Before he could answer Dave spoke.
"Man coming up from the creek."
Crawford took crisp command. "Back in that corner, Shorty. Dave, you stand back, too. Cover him soon as he shows up."
Dave nodded.