Bill Isbel, also, was strangely indifferent to this new element in the condition of cattle dealing.

Suddenly Jean caught a vague flash of thought, as if he had intercepted the thought of another's mind, and he wondered--could his brother Bill know anything about this crooked work alluded to by Blue?
Dismissing the conjecture, Jean listened earnestly.
"An' if it's true it shore makes this difference--we cain't blame all the rustlin' on to Jorth," concluded Blue.
"Wal, it's not true," declared Gaston Isbel, roughly.

"Jorth an' his Hash Knife Gang are at the bottom of all the rustlin' in the valley for years back.

An' they've got to be wiped out!" "Isbel, I reckon we'd all feel better if we talk straight," replied Blue, coolly.

"I'm heah to stand by the Isbels.