ad got out on bail the morning after his arrest.

"We'll find him easily enough. And I rather think he'll have a good
explanation, even if this fellow's story is true."

"Oh, he'll be loaded with explanations. I don't doubt that for a minute.
But it will take a hell of a lot of talk to get away from the facts. I've
got him where I want him now, and by God! I'll make him squeal before the
finish."

"Oh, well, you're prejudiced," Bucky told him with an amiable smile.

"Course I am; prejudiced as old Wall-eyed Rogers was against the
vigilantes for hanging him on account of horse stealing. But I'll back my
prejudices all the same. We'll see I'm right, Bucky."

CHAPTER XV

BOB TAKES A HAND

Fendrick, riding on Mesa Verde, met Bob Cullison, and before he knew what
had happened found a gun thrown on him.

"Don't you move," the boy warned.

"What does this tommyrot mean?" the sheepman demanded angrily.

"It means that you are coming back with me to the ranch. That's what it
means."

"What for?"

"Never you mind what for."

"Oh, go to Mexico," Cass flung back impatiently. "Think we're in some fool
moving-picture play, you blamed young idiot. Put up that gun."

Shrilly Bob retorted. He was excited enough to be dangerous. "Don't you
get the wrong idea. I'm going to make this stick. You'll turn and go back
with me to the Circle C."

"And you'll travel to Yuma first thing you know, you young Jesse James.
What _you_ need is a pair of leather chaps applied to your hide."

"You'll go home with me, just the same."

"You've got one more guess coming, kid. I'll not go without knowing why."

"You're wanted for the W. & S. Express robbery. Blackwell has confessed."

"Confessed that I did it?" Fendrick inquired scornfully.

"Says you were in it with him. I ain't a-going to discuss it with you.
Swing that horse round; and don't make any breaks, or there'll be mourning
at the C. F. ranch."

Cass sat immovable as the sphinx. He was thinking that he might as well
face the charge now as any time. Moreover, he had reasons for wanting to
visit the Circle C. They had to do with a tall, slim girl who never looked
at him without scorn in her dark, flashing eyes.

"All right. I'll go back with you, but not under a gun."

"You'll go the way I say."

"Don't think it. I've said I'll go. That settles it. But I won't stand for
any gun-play capture."

"You'll have to stand for it."

Fendrick's face set. "Will I? It's