Jane let scornful eyes rest upon the foreman. “That was a mean trick,” she said.
“There’s been worse done to me by him, an’ all of them. An’ all’s fair in love an’ war.... Will you ride with me?”
“No. I think I’ll ride off alone up Cedar Wash and help Nevada find that mired steer.”
“Miss Stacey, you’re shore not goin’ to ride off alone. Savvy that?”
“Who’ll keep me from it?” demanded Jane, with spirit.
“I will. Or any of the boys, for thet matter. Springer’s orders.” Jane started with surprise and then blushed rosy red. Tex, also, appeared confused at his disclosure. “Miss Stacey, I oughtn’t have said that. It slipped out. The boss said we needn’t tell you, but you were to be watched an’ taken care of. It’s a wild range. You could get lost or thrown from a horse.”
“Mr. Springer is very kind and thoughtful,” murmured Jane.
“The fact is, this heah ranch is a different place since you came,” went on Tex as if emboldened. “An’ this beatin’ around the bush doesn’t suit me. All the boys have lost their haids over you.”
“Indeed? How flattering,” replied Jane, with just a hint of mockery. She was fond of all her admirers, but there were four of them she had not yet forgiven.
The tall foreman was not without spirit.