His firm clasp steadied her more than any words could have done.

Without further delay or attempt to palliate its grim significance, he read the note: Aleck: If Johnny Croft comes to you with anything about me, kick him off the ranch.

He claims he knows a whole lot about me branding too many calves.

Don't believe anything he tells you.

He's just trying to make trouble because he claims I underpaid him.