"And something else is damn funny, Lone." He lifted the wooden stirrup and touched with his finger the rowel marks.

"That is on the front part," he said.

"I could swear in court that Fred's left foot was twisted--that's damn funny, Lone.

I don't see men ride backwards, much." Lone turned on him and struck the stirrup from his hand.

"I think you better forget it," he said fiercely.