Pagina 307 di 439

"Slim, I'm going to have Dillon send you for the mail to-day.

When he tells you, that's the first you know about it.

Understand? You'll have to take the hill cut to Jack Rabbit Run

on your way in. At the cabin back of the aspens, inquire for a

man that calls himself Johnson. If he's there, give him this

message: 'This afternoon from Bald Knob.' Remember! Just those

words, and nothing more. If he isn't there, forget the message.

You'll know the man you want because he is shy his trigger finger

and has a ragged scar across his right cheek. Make no mistake

about this, Slim."

"Sure I won't."

Briscoe, having finished cinching, swung to his saddle and rode

up to say good-by to Arlie.

"Hope you'll have no trouble with this bunch. If you push right

along you'd ought to get home by night," he told her.

Arlie agreed carelessly. "I don't expect any trouble with them.

So-long, Jed."