That he was merely riding as far as Barstow with a desert acquaintance and would catch the first train back, she apparently failed to find convincing.
"Casey Ryan, tell me the truth.

If you're in a scrape again, you know perfectly well that Jack and I will have to come and get you out of it.
San Bernardino sounds bad to me, Casey, and you're pretty close to the place.

Do you really want me to believe that you're coming back on the next train ?" "Sure as I'm standin' here! What makes yuh think I'm in a scrape?
Didn't I tell yuh I'm goin' to walk around trouble from now on?
When Casey tells you a thing like that, yuh got a right to put it down for the truth.

I'm going to Barstow for a breath uh fresh air.

This is a feller that knows Bill Masters.