This is not a boast, but a warning."
"I have nothing against you now," said Ted quietly; "but if I ever have,
you'll know it, and have your chance. But I don't see any use in
standing here in the sun palavering. Let's hike to the house yonder.
I've been riding since daybreak without a drink, and I'd like to sample
the major's famous Bubbly Well."
Farnsworth looked sharply at Ted for a moment, then replaced his
revolver, and signaled to lead the way.
They rode in silence along the trail toward the ranch house for several
minutes.
"How shall I introduce you to the major--as Farnsworth?" asked Ted, at
last.
Farnsworth paused to think before replying.
"I think not," he said at last. "If I am to stay there for the night,
there may as well be no unpleasant feeling. Call me anything you like
but that, and I will fall in with it. They may know something about me,
and, while I would be safe while Major Caruthers considered me a guest,
still, it might cause some restraint."
"Probably you are right. How will Mr. Dickson do?"
"As good as any. Say, Strong, you're a brick! I won't forget this."
"This is a sort of truce. Anyway, it's Christmas, and a fellow should
put away malice at such a time."
"Have you malice toward me?"
"No, I can't say that I have. But I have heard things about you that
haven't prepossessed me in your favor.
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