randa Bailey's flivver halting
by the big car, Mormon walking toward her, and wondered what had brought
her over. So far he had not got the opening he wanted, unless he took up
defense of Westlake more forcibly to introduce the matter. He was
inclined to suggest a trip for himself to Casey Town to inspect the mine
in company with Keith that night, but the coming of Brandon hampered
him. He wanted to be on hand for that. Then he saw Mormon leave Miranda
and come toward the office, bowling along at top speed.

"Excuse me a minute, Keith," he said. "My partner wants to see me."

Keith's face wore a scowl as Sandy stepped outside. His conscience was
not entirely clear and he did not like the general atmosphere of the
office. He scented antagonism in this rancher who called him Keith
without the prefix. It was all right for him to omit it, but.... He took
out a cigar, bit off the end savagely and lit it.

"Mirandy wants to see you," panted Mormon. "She's found out somethin'
about Keith that sure shows his play. He's been discardin'!"

The Keith chauffeur had wandered off to the corrals where Sam was
showing Blake around. Miranda handed Sandy a long envelope.

"Hen Collins had an accident last night," she said. "Blew a tire on the
bridge by our place an' smashed through the railin'. Bu'sted a rib or
two an' was knocked out. We took him in. I'm sorry for Hen but it sure
was a lucky accident. You see, Keith told him to keep quiet but Hen was
grateful to Ed fo' takin' him in an' puttin' him to bed an' sendin' fo'
the doctor. Don't open that envellup, that Keith weasel might be
lookin'. I reckon you'll want to spring it on him sudden."

"Sure," said Sandy. "Spring what?"

"I'm flustered," admitted Miranda. "I usually talk straight. Now I'll
start to the beginnin'. When Keith arrived on this trip he held quite a
reception in his private car. Ed was there with the rest. He invited
them up fo' cigars. Talked big about Casey Town an' gen'ally patted
himself on the back. Said it was too bad all the stock of the Molly
wasn't held in locally, but of co'se the pore promoter had to have
somethin' fo' his money. He was real affable. Ben Creel asked him if he
didn't want to sell some of his Molly stock an' they all laffed.

"This time, when he come back yesterday, he brings up the subject ag'in.
He, an' that secretary of his who looks like a coyote. I don't know how
many he saw or jest what he said, but this is what he told Hen. Afte