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"That's right. If we ride all night, might beat him to it." Each

of the five contributed a word of agreement.

Five minutes later the Texan and the ranger watched a dust-cloud

drifting to the south. In it was hidden the posse disappearing

over the hilltop.

Steve grinned. "I hate to disappoint the boys. They're so plumb

anxious. But I reckon I'll strike the telephone line and send

word to Moreno for one of the rangers to cut out after Kinney.

Going my way, seh?"

"If you're going mine."

"I reckon I am. And just to pass the time you might tell me the

real story of that hold-up while we ride."

"The real story?"

"Well, I don't aim to doubt your word, but I reckon you forgot to

tell some of it." He turned on the other his gay smile. "For

instance, seh, you ain't asking me to believe that you handed

over your rig to Kinney so peaceful and that he went away and

clean forgot to unload from you that gun you pack."