Wichita Billings’ eyes went wide. Involuntarily her hand went to her breast, and she caught her breath in a little gasp before she spoke. “You shot him?” The words were a barely audible whisper. “You shot him for the reward?” “I shore did not,” snapped Luke. “Look here, Miss, you kin have my job any time you want it, but you nor no one else kin make me double cross a hombre what saved my life—I don’t give a damn who he killed—I beg yore pardon, Miss—and anyway I hain’t never believed he did kill your paw.” In his righteous indignation Luke Jensen had failed to note what appeared to be the relaxation of vast relief that claimed Wichita Billings the instant that he announced that he had not shot Shoz-Dijiji. Could it be that Wichita, too, had her doubts? “Did you ask him about the killing?” demanded the girl. “Yep.” “What did he say? Did he deny it?” “Well, I wouldn’t say he did and I wouldn’t say he didn’t.” “Just what did he say?” “He said that ef you was offerin’ a thousand dollars fer him dead you must be plumb shore he done it.” “How did he know about the reward?” “I told him.” “You told him?” “Shore I did. I don’t think he done it. Ef I hadn’t told him he was a comin’ here an’ some of the fellers would have plugged him shore. You ain’t mad, are you?” “You are very sure he didn’t kill Dad, aren’t you, Luke?” “Yep, plumb certain.” “But he didn’t deny it, did he?” “No, an’ he didn’t admit it, neither.” “There may be some doubt, Luke. I’m going to draw down that offer, because I can’t take the chance of being mistaken; but as long as I live I shall believe in my heart that Shoz-Dijiji killed my father. If you ever see him again, tell him that the reward has been called off; and tell him, too, that if ever I see him I’ll kill him, just like I think he killed my Dad; but I can’t ask anyone else to. Send ‘Smooth’ here when you go back to the bunk house.” As Luke was walking away the girl called to him. “Wait a minute, Luke, there is something else,” she said. “I have just been thinking,” she continued, when the youth was near her again, “that the Indian you saw today might have had something to do with the cattle stealing. Had you thought of that?” Luke scratched his head. “No, ma’am, I hedn’t thought of that; but now that you mention it I reckon as how it ain’t at all unlikely. I never seen one yet that wouldn’t steal.” “I guess we’re on the right trail now, Luke,” said the girl. “Don’t say anything to anyone about seeing him. Just keep your eyes open, and let me know the minute you see anything out of the way.” “All right, Miss, I’ll keep a right smart look out,” and Jensen turned and walked toward the bunk house.