"If I didn't know he wasn't around this part of the country I wouldn't a rode as I did." The man on the stump laughed and rolled a fresh cigarette.

Lighting it, he inquired where Mr.Trendley was, intimating by his words that the rustler had not been found.
"About thirty miles to th' southeast," responded the other.

"He's figurin' up how much dust he'll have when he gets our cows on th' market.

Deacon Rankin is with him, too." "Th' deuce!" exclaimed Red, in profound astonishment.
"Yore right," replied his companion.

Then he explained all the arrangements and told of the camp.
Red was for riding to the rendezvous at once, but his friend thought otherwise and proposed a swim, which met with approval.