and then away. He saw, however, that Dick took his pledge in regard to
the raiders at face value, without the least question of doubt. He
made only one comment on the situation.

"If Jed has served notice that he's going after you, Steve, he'll
ce'tainly back the play. What's more, he won't be any too particular
how he gets you, just so he gets you. He may come a-shooting in the
open. Then, again, he may not. All according to how the notion strikes
him."

"That's about it," agreed Howard.

"While it's fresh on my mind, I'll unload some more comfort. You've
got an enemy in this valley you don't know about."

"The one that shot me?"

"I ain't been told that. I was to say, 'One enemy more than he knows
of.' "

"Who told you to say it?"

"I was to forget to tell you that, Steve."

"Then I must have a friend more than I know of, too."

"I ain't so sure about that. You might call her a hostile friend."

"It's a lady, then. I can guess who."