"In a matter of this kind, a point must be reached where one party has to trust the other, and Motoza wouldn't dare play you false." "He wouldn't, eh? Just give him the chance." "Then we won't let him. I'll guarantee that he shall keep his part of the agreement in spirit and letter." It was on Hazletine's tongue to ask who should guarantee the honesty of Bill Tozer, but for reasons of his own he kept back the question. "Wal, now, to git down to bus'ness, as you say; s'pose Doctor Greenwood sends word that he won't or can't raise the money you ask--what then?" Tozer shrugged his shoulders suggestively. "Don't forget that I am guessing all the way through. I should say, however, that Doctor Greenwood would never see his boy again." "I'm afraid he never will, as the matter now stands." "That depends on the parent. If he is not rich, the father of that young man over yonder is, and he would let him have the money." "No doubt he'd do that very thing; but s'pose the thing is all fixed and carried out as you've been saying--does Motoza fancy there won't be some accounts to be squared with him afterwards?" "You know what a cunning fellow he is. He wouldn't go through with the job until he was guaranteed against any punishment for his part in it." "The father of the younker would give the pledge, and he'd keep it, too, if he's anything like his son. But what 'bout Hank Hazletine?" "He would have to make the same promise--that is, I presume he would. It might be, however, that Motoza would feel able to take care of himself, so far as you are concerned. But we are talking blindly." "Is there any other way to talk?" "You say you were just about starting out to hunt up Motoza. You won't be able to find him, for he'll keep out of your sight. Leave that part of the business to me." "What'll you do?" "I'll explain the situation to him, and then come back and have another talk with you." "All right; you can't do it any too soon." CHAPTER XVI. WATCHING AND WATCHED. Bill Tozer rose to his feet. The interview was over, and little remained to be said between the two. "Then, Hank, you'll leave matters with me till I see you again?" "When will that be?" The man stood a moment in thought. "In order that there shall be no mistake, let us agree that I shall call here to-morrow morning--twenty-four hours from now. How does that strike you?" "That will do." "I can make it less time than that, if you wish it." "That suits; it's a go; good-by." "Good-by," and the visitor turned on his heel and strode across the plateau, disappearing on the further margin, where he had first shown himself. Hank Hazletine stood looking after him as long as he was in sight. When at last he vanished, an expression of scornful contempt darkened the bearded face of the cowman, and he muttered: "Bill Tozer, you think you're smart, but _I understand you_!"