From all that he had seen the man was dangerous--the image of the tame puma returned to him again and again.

He could not see him plainly through the dark of the night, but he caught the sway of the body and recognized a perfect horsemanship, not a Western style of riding, but a good one no matter where it was learned.

He rode as if he were sewed to the back of the horse, and, as old William Drew had suggested, he probably did other things up to the same standard.

It would have been hard to fulfil his promise to Drew under any circumstances with such a man as this; but with Bard apparently forewarned and suspicious the thing became almost impossible.
Almost, but not entirely so.

He set himself calmly to the problem; on the horn of his saddle the lariat hung loose; if the Easterner should turn his back for a single instant during all the time they were together old Drew should not be disappointed, and one thousand cash would be deposited for the mutual interest of Sally Fortune and himself.
That is to say, if Sally would consent to become interested.