oom and the house. He went through the grove
and directly up the path to Slone's cabin. It was empty, just as Bostil
expected to find it.

The bars of the corral were down. Both Slone's horses were gone.
Presently Bostil saw the black horse Nagger down in Brackton's pasture.

There were riders in front of Brackton's. All spoke at once to Bostil,
and he only yelled for Brackton. The old man came hurriedly out,
alarmed.

"Where's this Slone?" demanded Bostil.

"Slone!" ejaculated Brackton. "I'm blessed if I know. Ain't he home?"

"No. An' he's left his black hoss in your field."

"Wal, by golly, thet's news to me.... Bostil, there's been strange
doin's lately." Brackton seemed at a loss for words. "Mebbe Slone got
out because of somethin' thet come off last night.... Now, Joel Creech
an'--an'--"

Bostil waited to hear no more. What did he care about the idiot Creech?
He strode down the lane to the corrals. Farlane, Van, and other riders
were there, leisurely as usual. Then Holley appeared, coming out of the
barn. He, too, was easy, cool, natural, lazy. None of these riders knew
what was amiss. But instantly a change passed over them. It came
because Bostil pulled a gun. "Holley, I've a mind to bore you!"

The old hawk-eyed rider did not flinch or turn a shade off color. "What
fer?" he queried. But his customary drawl was wanting.

"I left you to watch Lucy.... An' she's gone!"

Holley showed genuine surprise and distress. The other riders echoed
Bostil's last word. Bostil lowered the gun.

"I reckon what saves you is you're the only tracker thet'd have a show
to find this cussed Slone."

Holley now showed no sign of surprise, but the other riders were
astounded.

"Lucy's run off with Slone," added Bostil.

"Wal, if she's gone, an' if he's gone, it's a cinch," replied Holley,
throwing up his hands. "Boss, she double-crossed me same as you! ...
She promised faithful to stay in the house."

"Promises nothin'!" roared Bostil. "She's in love with this wild-hoss
wrangler! She met him last night!"

"I couldn't help thet," retorted Holley. "An' I trusted the girl."

Bostil tossed his hands. He struggled with his rage. He had no fear
that Lucy would not soon be found. But the opposition to his will made
him furious.

Van left the group of riders and came close to Bostil. "It ain't an
hour back thet I seen Slone ride off alone on his red hoss."

"What of thet?" demanded Bostil. "Sure she was waitin' somewher