"Why, I'm sure I can't imagine," answered Bowles, with his old-time calm. "What was it?" "Well, she had a big yeller telegraph in her hand that she was kinder wavin' around--I never did find out what it was all about--but when I come in to the hotel she flew at me like and says: "'Mr. Clark, do you know who that young man is you're travelin' with?' "Well, sir, the way she said it made me mad clean through, and I says to her: "'No, Mrs. Lee, I don't--and, what's more, I don't care! He's a good pardner, that's all I know--and that's all I want to know!' "And then I turned around and walked out. I don't know what them Lees have got to be so proud about, the way old Henry used to cave around, but I showed her, by grab, they was one puncher she couldn't run it over! She always did make me mad," observed Brig, as he stole quiet glances at his friend, "but I knowed mighty well you wasn't no _crook_ and--and I don't care _what_ you done!" "Well, thank you just as much--I haven't done anything, Brig," answered Bowles with a reassuring smile. "But," he added, "that's no reason for not getting out of town." They packed their horse hurriedly, and Bowles rode on ahead, but once on the open prairie he gave way to a hearty laugh. "Brig," he said, "what in the world do you think I've done?" "Well, I dunno," mumbled Brig, looking him over shrewdly. "Of course, I knowed all along they was nothin' to that Christabel talk--stands to reason a man wouldn't leave home for a little thing like that. About that aunt, now, that sounds a little more likely--but I've knowed fellers that come out here jest fer fun." "Yes, but this deputy sheriff--and all that!" "We-ell," drawled Brigham, with a sly twinkle in his eye, "I heeard a little more from him than what I told you at the first!" "Oh, indeed! And what else did you hear?" "Well----" Brig stopped and stuck his tongue in his cheek roguishly. "He said it was a woman that wanted you!" "My aunt!" exclaimed Bowles, striking his leg; but Brig only spat and grinned. "Sure!" he said, and grinned again. "I have it!" cried Bowles. "Mrs. Lee wrote back and told her sister I was here--and then my aunt began telegraphing! That telegram Mrs. Lee had was from her!" "Sure thing," agreed Brig; and Bowles looked up to find him smirking. "Well, what's the matter?" he demanded. "Say, you're pretty smart, aren't you, Brig?" he observed, with pitying scorn. "They don't put one over on you very often, do they?" "No, indeedy!" swaggered Brigham; and then they both laughed--to themselves. But the jest put an effectual end to the discussion, since Brigham did not know what it was he was supposed to have discovered, and Bowles took no pains to enlighten him. It was enough that Brig considered him a very gay dog indeed, and he did not deny the soft impeachment. So, each with his satisfied smile, they jogged along across the plains, dragging their pack animal behind them and heading for the Bat Wing.