“That’s a pretty good horse you ride, stranger,” he said, “I’ve noticed it at Cordova a time or two.”
“Yes,” returned Smith, “he has blood and bottom—also intelligence.”
They rode for a while in silence. Then the stranger slouched sidewise in his saddle and looked at Selwood.
“I’m going to tell you several things, Sheriff,” he said, “and show you some more. And I want to make a pact with you. It’s about Cattle Kate Cathrew and the Allison family.”
“Shoot,” said the sheriff succinctly.
“I’m a stranger hereabouts, but I’m not a happen-so. I’ve hunted Kate Cathrew for two years.”
At that Price Selwood became alert in every nerve.
“What?” he ejaculated.
“On horseback, by train—from New York to this side the Rockies. Are you willing to let me line up with you in this matter?”
“I’m willing to do anything under Heaven that’s square to get that bunch of rustlers—for so I’m convinced they are,” said Selwood, “and to do it quick, for I’m afraid if we don’t, something will happen to the folks on Nameless that can’t be mended.”