"
"So Harper rode to Showdown and back?"
"He took word from Brent to The Spider that the boys had started," said
Brevoort.
"And Brent--" Pete hesitated for fear of committing himself even though
he trusted Brevoort. But Brevoort had no hesitation. He anticipated
Pete's thought and spoke frankly.
"Brent figured it fine. I knew why he sent you and me on this
ride--but I was tryin' to find out if you was wise--or ridin' blind.
If we come back, Brent won't show his hand. If we don't come back
he'll collect the dough and vamoose. Kin you see a hole in the fence?"
"You're whistlin', Ed! It's one crook tryin' to git the best of
another crook. But I would 'a' said Brent was straight. I say The
Spider's money goes into that there bank."
"Same here. I ain't so dam' honest that it hurts me, but I quit when
it comes to stealin' from the man that's payin' my wages."
"Then I reckon you and me is pardners in this deal," and Pete, boyishly
proffered his hand.
Big Ed Brevoort grasped Pete's hand, and held it till the horses shied
apart. "To the finish," he said.
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