“One other thing,” Robin continued. “Have you figured out any move of your own about Shinin’ Mark? Because I’m apt to try something and we don’t want to work at cross-purposes.” “No,” Sutherland shook his head. “I’ve kept close tab on him an’ Thatcher all spring. They haven’t made a move except the old game of throwin’ back unbranded calves, which ain’t criminal until they start usin’ the iron. Ten years back I’d ’a’ picked my own men an’ treated Mark to a rawhide necktie or shot him like any other wolf. But takin’ the law into your own hands ain’t either necessary nor good policy no more. I’ll have to think over this a while. He’ll keep. When I figure out a move, I’ll let you know. Meantime, go ahead your own way.” “The boys are kinda wishful to celebrate the Fourth,” Robin said. “I might let ’em ride into Big Sandy. Where’s the Block S round-up?” “Finishin’ up on the flats east of town,” Sutherland told him. “They’ll be in for the Fourth. There’s to be some sports. I’d as soon you weren’t there, kid. You’re hot-headed. You might run foul of Mark. He _is_ bad. Don’t think he ain’t because you made him weaken in the store that day. I wouldn’t want you to go to hell in a fog of powder smoke from a cow thief’s gun.” “I won’t make no such finish. You can gamble on that,” Robin answered. “Anyway the J7 riders may be in Big Sandy for the Fourth but I won’t be among those present. I’ve got a good _segundo_, Tom Hayes by name. I’m goin’ to let him run the outfit for a few days. Now, I’m goin’ to ride. I could use a fresh horse.” “Tell the stableman to give you old Groaner,” Sutherland said. “Good luck to you.” Robin turned in his saddle when he was mounted on a strapping bay, to look back at the house. A light glowed in the windows of a room he knew was May’s. He hated to go without seeing her again. But until the issue between himself and Shining Mark was settled for good he could neither give himself up to love nor be easy in his mind. One thing at a time. Yet it pleased him to know that Adam Sutherland treated him without question. Sutherland was right. Men had to be trusted. Life was impossible without that faith. If here and there it was betrayed--no matter. He hadn’t failed Mayne, for instance; old Dan had failed him, and so had Ivy. He wouldn’t fail Sutherland. Riding alone in that dark and silent night Robin wondered if old Adam or May would draw back, lack confidence, grow cold, if some deadly pinch came. There was an uncomfortable chill in the possibility. But it wasn’t even a possibility, Robin assured himself. Such a thing was unthinkable.