. Some of those dagoes he's sold bum farms to
are more likely to show up with a desire to abate him, than that
anything would happen to him in these hills. Now let's get this
straight; the cases go on?"

"Yes."

"And you testify?"

"Yes."

"And call Welton in for corroboration?"

"I hardly think that's necessary."

"It will be, as you very well know. I just wanted to be sure how we
stood toward each other. So long."

He turned uncompromisingly away, and stumped off down the trail on his
fat and sturdy legs.

Bob looked after him amazed, at this sudden termination of the
interview. He had anticipated argument, sophistry, appeal to old
friendship, perhaps a more dark and doubtful approach. Though conscious
throughout of Baker's contempt for what the promoter would call his
childish impracticability, his disloyalty and his crankiness, Bob
realized that all of this had been carefully subdued. Baker's manner at
parting expressed more of regret than of anger or annoyance.

XVIII

To this short and inconclusive interview, however, Baker did not fail to
add somewhat through Oldham. The agent used none of the circumspection
Baker had considered necessary, but rode openly into camp and asked for
Bob. The latter, remembering Oldham's reputed antagonism to Baker, could
not but admire the convenience of the arrangement. The lank and sinister
figure of Saleratus Bill was observed to accompany that of the land
agent, but the gun man, at a sign from his principal; did not dismount.
He greeted no one, but sat easily across his saddle, holding the reins
of both horses in his left hand, his jaws working slowly, his evil,
little eyes wandering with sardonic interest over the people and
belongings at headquarters. Ware nodded to him. The man's eyes half
closed and for an instant the motion of his jaw quickened. Otherwise he
made no sign.

Oldham drew Bob one side.

"I want to talk to you where we won't be interrupted," he requested.

"Talk on," said Bob, seating himself on a log. "The open is as good a
place as another; you can see your eavesdroppers there."

Oldham considered this a moment, then nodded his head, and took his
place by the young man's side.

"It's about those Modoc lands," said he.

"I suppose so," said Bob.

"Mr. Baker tells me you fully intend to prosecute a suit for their
recovery."

"I believe the Government intends to do so. I am, of course, only the
agent of the Government in this or a