Steve went over the story again. When he mentioned the Squaw Creek raid, he observed that his two friends looked quickly at each other and then away. He saw, however, that Dick took his pledge in regard to the raiders at face value, without the least question of doubt. He made only one comment on the situation. “If Jed has served notice that he's going after you, Steve, he'll ce'tainly back the play. What's more, he won't be any too particular how he gets you, just so he gets you. He may come a-shooting in the open. Then, again, he may not. All according to how the notion strikes him.” “That's about it,” agreed Howard. “While it's fresh on my mind, I'll unload some more comfort. You've got an enemy in this valley you don't know about.” “The one that shot me?” “I ain't been told that. I was to say, 'One enemy more than he knows of.'” “Who told you to say it?” “I was to forget to tell you that, Steve.” “Then I must have a friend more than I know of, too.” “I ain't so sure about that. You might call her a hostile friend.” “It's a lady, then. I can guess who.” “Honest, I didn't mean to tell you, Steve. It slipped out.” “I won't hold it against you.” “She sent for me last night, and this morning I dropped round. Now, what do you reckon she wanted with me?” “Give it up.” “I'm to take a day off and ride around among the boys, so as to see them before Jed does. I'm to load 'em up with misrepresentations about how you and the sheriff happen to be working in cahoots. I gathered that the lady is through with you, but she don't want your scalp collected by the boys.” “I'm learning to be thankful for small favors,” Fraser said dryly. “She figures me up a skunk, but hates to have me massacreed in her back yard. Ain't that about it, Dick?” “Somewheres betwixt and between,” France nodded. “Say, you lads going to the dance at Millikan's?” “Didn't know there was one.” “Sure. Big doings. Monday night. Always have a dance after the spring round-up. Jed and his friends will be there--that ought to fetch you!” Dick grinned. “I haven't noticed any pressing invitation to my address yet,” said Steve. “I'm extending it right now. Millikan told me to pass the word among the boys. Everybody and his neighbor invited.” Dick lit a cigar, and gathered up his reins. “So-long, boys. I got to be going.” Over his shoulder he fired another joyous shot as he cantered away. “I reckon that hostile friend will be there, too, Steve, if that's any inducement.” Whether it was an inducement is not a matter of record, but certain it is that the Texan found it easy to decide to go. Everybody in the valley would be there, and absence on his part would be construed as weakness, even as a confession of guilt. He had often observed that a man's friends are strong for him only when he is strong for himself.