“I think not,” said the scout quietly. “Stay away from the H-P ranch, amigo,” urged Nate. “But it’s necessary for you, necessary for peace on the Brazos, that I call on him. So I’m going.” When the scout spoke in the tone of voice he used then, further argument was useless. Everybody was burning with curiosity to know what he had at the back of his head, but he continued smilingly indefinite. “Cayuse,” said he, when he had finished and risen from the table, “go out and get Bear Paw ready for the trail. In two hours,” he added to Perry, “I want all the rest of you to ride to the forks of the trail just where it divides for Hackamore and the Circle-B ranch. If I’m not there with Phelps when you get there, wait for us. Benner will ride with you, Perry. The Circle-B men will take care of the ranch until we get back.” “I don’t like ther pizen lay-out, not noways,” declared Nomad, “but orders is orders. Ef we wait more’n two hours fer ye at the forks o’ ther trail, and ye don’t come, I’ll ride ter Phelps’ hangout, an’ purceed ter tear things.” “Don’t do anything rash, Nick,” counseled the scout, leaving by the kitchen door and climbing into his saddle. At the edge of the timber he drew rein to talk with Benner. “I’ve got something important to say to you, Benner,” said he, “and my time is limited. Mount and ride a ways with me.” “I’ll do it.” Benner’s horse was put under saddle in record time, and he and the scout started side by side along the trail that led to the H-P ranch. “I’m going over to call on Phelps,” announced the scout. Benner started in his saddle. “Alone?” he inquired. “Yes. Business calls me.” “It’s dangerous, considering the temper Phelps is in about Jake. If Jake happens to have crossed the divide, I would be willing to gamble you have trouble getting clear of his place with your scalp.” “Do you really think so?” asked the scout, with a keen glance at his companion. “Didn’t I call on Phelps once before, when you and he were in the ranch house? And didn’t I get away with ground to spare?” A flush stole over Benner’s bronzed face. The scout had referred to an incident during the time when Phelps and Benner were at war with Perry and Dunbar. On that occasion, Buffalo Bill had rescued Perry from Phelps’ ranch house, and had left Benner and Phelps handcuffed back to back. “I renig,” said Benner, with a short laugh. “You’re able to take care of yourself in any and all circumstances, Buffalo Bill. I reckon you can call on Phelps and get away again. But what’s the use?” “We’re close to the end of this trouble trail,” proceeded the scout earnestly. “A little quick work this morning will settle everything. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar, Sim Pierce, old Nomad and Little Cayuse are going to start on horseback inside of two hours for the place where the trail forks to go to Hackamore and to your place. They will wait for Phelps and me at the forks. You, Benner, are to ride with the party from the Star-A.”