The old man stroked his scant gray beard with his huge, steady hand,
apparently not greatly concerned by the disclosure.

"Montana, what do you say?" he queried, as if he held strong store by
that quiet cowboy's opinion.

"Wal, boss," replied Jim, reluctantly, "Buster Jack's temper was bad
onct, but now it's plumb wuss."

Whereupon Belllounds turned to Moore with a gesture and a look of a man
who, in justice to something in himself, had to speak.

"Wils, it's onlucky you clashed with Jack right off," he said. "But thet
was to be expected. I reckon Jack was in the wrong. Thet hoss was yours
by all a cowboy holds right an' square. Mebbe by law Spottie belonged to
White Slides Ranch--to me. But he's yours now, fer I give him to you."

"Much obliged, Belllounds. I sure do appreciate that," replied Moore,
warmly. "It's what anybody'd gamble Bill Belllounds would do."

"Ahuh! An' I'd take it as a favor if you'd stay on to-day an' get thet
brandin' done:"

"All right, I'll do that for you," replied Moore. "Lem, I guess you
won't get your sleep till to-night. Come on."

"Awl" sighed Lem, as he picked up his bridle.

* * * * *