"I am," he said, "waiting for your offer." "Then," said Courthorne dryly, "here it is.

We are running a big load through to the northern settlements and the reserves to-morrow, and while there's a good deal of profit attached to the venture, I have a notion that Sergeant Stimson has had word of it.

Now, the Sergeant knows just how I stand with the rustlers though he can fasten no charge on me, and he will have several of his troopers looking out for me.
Well, I want one of them to see and follow me south along the Montana trail.

There's no horse in the Government service can keep pace with that black of mine, but it would not be difficult to pull him and just keep the trooper out of carbine-shot behind.

When he finds he can't overtake the black, he'll go off for his comrades, and the boys will run our goods across the river while they're picking up the trail." "You mentioned the horse, but not yourself," said Winston quietly.
Courthorne laughed.