Part 17 (1/2)
”I wonder why we didn't find this place the other night,” he said aloud. ”I guess we were in too big a hurry. That's the trouble with us boys. We blunder along without using our heads. But, I guess I had better not boast until after I have gotten back safely from Forsythe,” he laughed. ”I may need some good advice myself before that is accomplished.”
The pony with ears laid back had settled to a long, loping gallop, covering mile after mile without seeming to feel the strain in the least.
Some distance beyond the Fork, Ned descried a horseman who had halted on beyond him, evidently awaiting his approach.
Ned was not greatly concerned about this. On the contrary, it was a relief to see a human being.
The man hailed him as he drew up. Ned noted the red beard and the general sinister appearance of the man.
”How,” greeted the stranger, tossing his hand to the lad.
”How,” answered Ned in kind.
”Where you headed!”
”Forsythe.”
”Stranger in these parts, I reckon?”
”Yes, sir.”
”On a herd?”
”Expect to be soon. Just finished a drive down in Texas.”
”Cattle, of course?”
”Oh, yes.”
”That's right. This sheep business has got to stop. I hear there's going to be something doing round these parts pretty lively,”
grinned the stranger.
”What do you mean?” asked the lad, peering sharply into the man's face.
”Oh, nothing much,” answered the other. ”Thought being as you were a cowman it might interest you some.”
”It does,” replied the boy almost sharply.
”Well, guess the rest, then,” laughed the stranger. ”Where'd you get that pony?”
”Is that not rather a personal question?” asked Ned, smiling coldly.
”Not in this country. Kinder reminded me of a nag that belonged to me. He strayed away from my ranch a few weeks ago,” said the fellow significantly.
”It wasn't this pony,” retorted Ned, flus.h.i.+ng. ”I bought this animal.
Good day, sir, I must be getting along.”
”In a hurry, ain't ye?”