"Well, he ought to know it. The fact is, Mr. Leroy, that it
hadn't penetrated my think-tank that this was your hacienda when
I came mavericking in."
"Just out riding for your health?"
"Not exactly. I was looking for Miss Mackenzie. I cut her trail
about six miles from the Rocking Chair and followed it where she
wandered around. The trail led directly away from the ranch
toward the mountains. That didn't make me any easy in my mind. So
I just jogged along and elected myself an investigating
committee. I arrived some late, but here I am, right side up--and
so hearty welcome that my friend Cork won't hear of my leaving at
all. He don't do a thing but entertain me--never lets his
attention wander. Oh, I'm the welcome guest, all right. No doubt
about that."
Wolf Leroy turned to Alice. "I think you had better go to your
room," he said gently.
"Oh, no, no; let me stay," she implored. "You would never--you
would never--" The words died on her white lips, but the horror
in her eyes finished the question.
He met her gaze fully, and answered her doggedly. "You're not in
this, Miss Mackenzie. It's between him and me.
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