Part 29 (2/2)
Finally they reached the flat and swung along at a free trot through the brash sage.
”There's water here now,” he explained, as they followed the steep creek bank, ”but that don't last. It's mighty low right this mornin'.
The creek sinks when it don't rain an' its been comin' up in just one spot for years. That's what makes a nester dangerous for you.”
They approached the cabin. A mare and a newly born colt eyed them suspiciously. An ancient wagon, its top tattered, its tires red with rust, stood close beside a frail corral. Fire wood was scattered about; here was an axe with a broken helve, there a rust-eaten shovel, and the whole place spoke of poverty.
And yet piled against the cabin was spool upon spool of new barbed wire!
”Fence!” muttered Beck.
”But Mr. Hepburn said--”
”Yeah, I recall what he _said!_”
Just then the canvas which served as a door was thrown back and the girl stepped out. She stood just across the threshold looking at them, sullen and defiant.
”Good-morning,” said Jane.
”Howdy,” replied the girl indifferently.
An awkward pause. Surely, she would volunteer no more and Beck asked:
”Your dad around?”
”What do you want with him?”--a demand rather than a question.
”I am Miss Hunter. I own the--”
”Oh, I know who you are!” the girl cut in defiantly.
”I came down to talk to your father. We are neighbors. If we are to be good neighbors there are things we must discuss.”
Jane was unpoised by the att.i.tude of the other but she dismounted and walked toward the cabin.
”What did you want with him?” the girl asked again.
”I want to ask some things about your plans.”
”And what is our business to you?” The girl's eyes snapped and her vivid color intensified.
”It may be a great deal to me. That is why I am frank in coming here.
For years this place has been range for HC cattle. Recently water has been short. You have wire and evidently are going to fence.
”I don't come as an enemy. Now that you are here I want to make the best of it.”
”But you don't want us here!”
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