"When I first came out to this country I should have
resented that," he said. "Now, it seems to me that I'm putting too
much in your hands if I make the whole thing clear before you commit
yourself in any way."
Winston nodded. "In fact, you have got to trust me. You can do so
safely."
"The assurance of the guileless is astonishing and occasionally hard to
bear," said Courthorne. "Why not reverse the position?"
Winston's gaze was steady, and free from embarrassment. "I am," he
said, "waiting for your offer."
"Then," said Courthorne dryly, "here it is. We are running a big load
through to the northern settlements and the reserves to-morrow, and
while there's a good deal of profit attached to the venture, I have a
notion that Sergeant Stimson has had word of it. Now, the Sergeant
knows just how I stand with the rustlers though he can fasten no charge
on me, and he will have several of his troopers looking out for me.
Well, I want one of them to see and follow me south along the Montana
trail. There's no horse in the Government service can keep pace with
that black of mine, but it would not be difficult to pull him and just
keep the trooper out of carbine-shot behind. When he finds he can't
overtake the black, he'll go off for his comrades, and the boys will
run our goods across the river while they're picking up the trail."
"You mentioned the horse, but not yourself," said Winston quietly.
Courthorne laughed. "Yes," he said.
Pages:
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33