CHAPTER VI
THE MILL-WHEEL OF STEERS
MEANTIME, at the ranch, when Judkins's news had sent Venters on the trail of the rustlers, Jane Withersteen led the injured man to her house and with skilled fingers dressed the gunshot wound in his arm.
"Judkins, what do you think happened to my riders?"
"I—I'd rather not say," he replied.
"Tell me. Whatever you'll tell me I'll keep to myself. I'm beginning to worry about more than the loss of a herd of cattle. Venters hinted of—but tell me, Judkins."
"Well, Miss Withersteen, I think as Venters thinks—your riders have been called in."
"Judkins! . . . By whom?"
"You know who handles the reins of your Mormon riders."
"Do you dare insinuate that my churchmen have ordered in my riders?"
"I ain't insinuatin' nothin'. Miss Withersteen," answered Judkins, with spirit. "I know what I'm talking about. I didn't want to tell you."
"Oh, I can't believe that! I'll not believe it! Would Tull leave my herds at the mercy of rustlers and wolves just because—because—? No, no! It's unbelievable."
"Yes, thet particular thing's onheard of around Cottonwoods. But, beggin' pardon, Miss Withersteen, there never was any other rich Mormon woman here on the border, let alone one thet's taken the bit between her teeth."
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