Страница 289 из 439

"Who is this all-round crackerjack you're touting, Dick?" he

asked significantly.

France was puzzled. "Who is he? Why, he's Steve Fraser."

"I ain't asking you what his name is. I'm asking who he is. What

does he do for a living? Who recommended him so strong to the

boys that they take up with him so sudden?"

"I don't care what he does for a living. Likely, he rides the

range in Texas. When it comes to recommendations, he's got one

mighty good one written on his face."

"You think so, do you?"

"That's what I think, Jed. He's the goods--best of company, a

straight-up rider, and a first-rate puncher. Ask any of the

boys."

"I'm using my eyes, Dick. They tell me all I need to know."

"Well, use them to-morrow. He's going to take a whirl at riding

Dead Easy. Next day he's going to take on Rocking Horse. If he

makes good on them, you'll admit he can ride."

"I ain't saying he can't ride. So can you. If it's plumb gentle,

I can make out to stick on a pony myself."