“He might,” Robin answered. “You ain’t quit the Block S?” “The Block S quit me,” Matthews grinned. “Mark let me out a week ago.” “What’d the old man say?” Robin pricked up his ears. Tex had ridden for Sutherland long before Shining Mark joined the outfit. “He’s away. Don’t reckon he’d say anything. He never interferes with a range boss.” Robin stared at him. “I wonder----” he began, and stopped short. He wanted to ask “Why?” Matthews understood. He shrugged his shoulders. “Mark has ways of his own--and reasons,” he remarked indifferently. “It just don’t suit him to have me around, I guess.” “Maybe you saw too much.” Tex laughed outright. “You’re gettin’ to be a regular Sherlock Holmes, kid. I dunno. Maybe he thinks I did. Anyhow, I’m kinda sorta lookin’ for a job.” “What you want to work for a one-ring circus like the Bar M Bar for?” Robin asked. “You could ride for any of the big outfits.” “Just a notion. Maybe I want to steal your girl?” he grinned cheerfully at Robin. “I tell you, kid,” he went on whimsically, “I’d like to ride around with you on this range a spell looking over cut-banks and cow tracks just to see what goes on--just for fun. Besides--oh, well, I got to work, and I’ve a notion to work for Mayne.” “Come on down and ask him,” Robin counseled. “I’d sure like to have you with me. He’s got to put on a rider in the spring anyhow. I couldn’t ride with the Block S if I wanted to.” Old Mayne looked at Tex and told him he could consider himself on the payroll forthwith. Later, he asked Robin in an aside: “Reckon we better put Tex wise to Shinin’ Mark or leave him find out for himself?” “I’ll wise him up,” Robin volunteered. “I have a hunch he don’t need much tellin’.” Nor did he. When Robin discreetly broached the subject and related what lay behind Mark Steele’s venom, Tex merely grinned. “I figured it somethin’ like that,” he observed. “It’s a tough proposition. Mark’s smooth and aggressive. He’s got a big swing. Sutherland has confidence in him, trusts him to the limit. That’s the way old Adam is. If he’s with you he’s with you all the way. Still--Mark has made a fatal mistake.” “What?” Robin inquired.