"
"Not at all! Go ahead!" Forbes wanted to hear more of first-hand
experiences south of the line. Forbes, who knew something of Pete's
history, shrewdly suspected that the stranger called "Bill" had a good
reason to ride wide of Tucson--although the Easterner did not quite
understand why Pete should ride into town alone. But that was merely
incidental.
It was not until Pete had returned and the stranger had departed,
taking his way east across the desert, that Pete offered an
explanation--a rather guarded explanation, Forbes realized--of the
recent happenings. "Bill's keepin' out on the desert for his health,"
said Pete. "And, if anybody should ask us, I reckon we ain't seen him."
"I think I understand," said Forbes.
And Forbes, recalling the event many months later, after Pete had left
Tucson, thought none the less of Pete for having helped an old friend
out of difficulties. Forbes was himself more than grateful to
Pete--for with the riding three times a week and Pete's robust
companionship, he had regained his health to an extent far beyond his
hopes.
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