human
And--did you hear, Ward? Seabeck and some of the others have been losing stock, they say. You know Marthy lost four calves last fall, by some means. Charlie Fox was terribly worried about it, though it was his own fault, and--well, I thought at the time someone had taken them, and I think so still. And just the other day one of Seabeck's men stopped at the ranch, and he told me they're shy some cows and calves. They can't imagine what went with them, and they're lying low and not saying anything much about it. You haven't heard or seen anything, have you, Ward?
gpt
I've stuck so close to the hills I haven't heard or seen anything, Ward affirmed.
human
It's amazing, the way the days slip by when a fellow's busy all the time. Except for two trips out the other way, to Hardup, I haven't been three miles from my claim all spring.
gpt
Hardup! That's where the bank was robbed, a few weeks ago, isn't it? The stage-driver told me about it.
human
I don't know; I hadn't heard anything about it. I haven't been there for a month and more, said Ward easily.
gpt
Nearer two months, come to think of it. I was there after a mower and rake and some wire.
human
Oh!
gpt
Honest, William, I'm not wading into debt. Every cent I've put into that place this summer I made hunting wolves. That's a fact, Wilhemina.
human
I wish you'd tell me how, so I can do it, too, Billy Louise sighed, convinced by his tone and flat statement, yet feeling certain there was some
gpt
Well, I will--when you're through playing pals, he assured her cruelly. Ward did not know women very well, but he believed curiosity to be one of the strongest traits in the sex.
human
That's a bargain, William Louisa, and I'll shake hands on it if you like. When you've had enough of this just-friend business, I'll show you how I dig dollars outa wolf-dens.