The ex-Ranger had heard that story. Snippets had told him how Allen had ridden his favorite horse to death in order to save her father. He understood what a sacrifice that had been--for to men who ride the long trail, horses become more than horses. They are friends, companions, and the only living things to be trusted. Sam Hogg cleared his throat. "Heard about that," he murmured. "It was sure a fittin' end for a grand ol' hoss. When my time comes I hopes I go out like that. I hears the whole town turned out unanimous and planted Queen in style." "Yeah," Allen murmured dully. The others watched the little rancher and the even smaller outlaw in wonder. Bill Anderson glanced at Ace Cutts, who was close to the door now. Then his eyes once more sought Allen, and he sneered. A man who could sentimentalize over the death of a horse could hardly be as redoubtable an antagonist as rumor painted him. Allen stepped away from the girl, who had laid her hand on his arm. He looked at Anderson and grinned once more. "Let's get down to business," Tom Powers spoke. "Sure, we're wasting time," Anderson snapped. "Allen, we think, because you are an outlaw, you may know the whereabouts of the Lava Gang. If you will lead us to them we will pay you well." There was something intolerably offensive in the way Bill Anderson spoke. Jim Hogg opened his lips to protest--but the expression on Allen's face did not change. There was nothing there to indicate he had noticed the veiled insult in Anderson's words; if anything, his grin grew broader. "Yuh mean, I, bein' on the dodge, maybe knows some of the Lava Gang and will give up my friends if yuh pays me enough?" he asked gently. "No, we don't mean that," the judge cried. "Not at all," Tim Lynch added. Allen ignored the judge, glanced meaningly at Tom Powers, then faced Bill Anderson, who was lounging against the fireplace. This maneuver placed Ace Cutts behind the little outlaw. Anderson had expected Allen to grow angry, to bluster, and this calmness disconcerted him. However, he had gained his objective, which was to concentrate Allen's attention on himself; and Allen's back was now toward the door. "We are not asking you to betray your friends, but if you will lead us to them, we will pay you well." The explanation was even more offensive than the original statement. "Yuh aimin' to get me mad?" Allen asked. He grinned at Bill Anderson and shook his head. "Mister, I never get mad, 'cause things might happen if I did, and me not notice 'em. I let yuh talk 'cause I wasn't sure--now I'm certain."