Tex was no fool, else his income would have been restricted to what he could earn by the sweat of his skin.

Bill had been unconscious of scrutiny when Tex had caught that look, and Bill had furthermore betrayed suspicion when Tex spoke to him about the horse.

Bill was mad, which Tex took as proof that Bill had lain in his bed all night.

Besides, Bill would hardly have left Jake in the corral where he could have free access to the water trough after such a ride as that must have been.

Some one had brought Jake home in such a hurry that he had merely pulled his saddle and bridle off and--hustled back to bed, perhaps.
Tex was worried, and for a very good reason.