“I’m mighty glad,” scowled Bloom, in no wise relishing the manner of the cattle baron, “that Hank Phelps is still got the nerve to hold his grudge against Perry and Dunbar.” “Don’t be too sure of that,” said Benner. “Phelps is a friend of mine, and I’m going to see him to-morrow. I think he’ll promise to coöperate with me in establishing peace on the Brazos. He’s about as tired of these foolish squabbles as I am.” He got up and moved toward the door. “We’re on good terms now, Buffalo Bill?” he asked, halting at the threshold. “Yes,” answered the scout. “Well, I’ve gone on record. All these men”--he waved his hand toward the faces in the windows--“are witnesses. From now on, Perry and Dunbar will receive from me the same treatment other ranchers on the river give each other. That shot goes as it lays.” He left the hotel, and could be seen making his way through the crowd in front. “Gi’me that gun!” snapped Bloom, stretching out his hand to the scout. The weapon was handed over without comment. Then Bloom himself started for the door. “Has he got the right ter leave, Buffler?” asked Nomad. The scout nodded. The trapper stepped aside, and Bloom flung out of the office. Nomad came over and dropped down in a chair beside the scout. “Waugh!” he muttered. “Blamed ef we didn’t git out o’ thet without er fight. I never thort we would, one spell. But I ain’t takin’ none too much stock in this hyar flop o’ Benner’s. Et’s too suddent.” “Benner’s all right, Nick,” averred Buffalo Bill, with confidence. “Shore he ain’t figgerin’ on somethin’?” “I’m sure he is figuring on something. The shooting of Ace Hawkins might have far-reaching results for him; so he wants Red Steve captured, so he can be forced to tell the truth.” “Sufferin’ twisters! Why, Benner hired Red Steve in the fust place bekase he was a desperado, an’ willin’ ter do any leetle job a honest cowpuncher might shy around. Now thet Red Steve’s done jest what Benner mout hev knowed he’d do, Benner gits what looks like an attack o’ narves. I kain’t b’leeve in et, not complete.” “I never thought Benner was so desperate as some folks tried to make out,” Buffalo Bill answered. “He has his good points, Nick.” “Up ter now,” said Nomad dryly, “he’s been purty successful keepin’ his good p’ints buried out o’ sight. But I’m s’prised at one thing.” “What’s that?” “Why, Bloom an’ Benner ain’t the team I thort they was. They ain’t pullin’ tergether like they was well matched.” “It looks as though we’d been a little wide of our trail, old pard,” said the scout. “We’ve been thinking, all along, that Bloom, by his ugly actions, was trying to keep on the right side of Lige Benner. I think, come to sift the reasons close to bed rock, that Bloom is in the game against Perry and Dunbar just because he hates the Star-A ranchers. He’s taken a dislike to them--to Nate in particular--and that’s why he acts as he does.”