Sundown blinked and set his jaw.

Corliss observed and wisely forbore to threaten or command.  “Did you recognize either of the men?” he asked, presently.

“No!” lied Sundown.  “Wasn’t I hit in the back of me head?”

Corliss smiled grimly.  “What were you doing when you got hit?”

“Tryin’ to stop the other guy—­”

“What did he look like?”

“I dunno.  Me lantern was on the floor.  He was a hefty guy, bigger ’n you.  Mebby six feet and pow’ful built.  Had whiskers so’s I couldn’t pipe his face.  Big puncher hat down over his eyes and a handkerchief tied like a mask.  I was scared of him, you bet!”

Corliss slowly drew a sack of tobacco and papers from his pocket.  He rolled a cigarette and puffed reflectively.  Then he laughed.  “I’m out about eighteen hundred.  That’s the first thing.  Next, you’re used up pretty bad and we’re short-handed.  Then, we’re losing time trying to track the thieves.  But I’m not riled up a little bit.  Don’t think I’m mad at you.  I’m mighty glad you didn’t get put out in this deal.  That’s where I stand.  I want to find out who took the money.  I don’t say that I’ll lift a rein to follow them.  Depends on who did it.”

Sundown winced, and gazed up helplessly.  He felt oppressed by the broad-chested figure near him.  He felt that he could not get away from—­what?  Not Corliss, for Corliss was undoubtedly friendly.  In a flash he saw that he could not get away from the truth.  Yet he determined to shield his old pal of the road.  “You’re sure givin’ me the third degree,” he said with an attempt at humor.  “I reckon I got to come through.  Boss, are you believin’ I didn’t take the cash?”

“Sure I am!  But that isn’t enough.  Are you working for the Concho, Sun, or for some other outfit?”

“The Concho,” muttered Sundown stubbornly.

“And I’m the Concho.  You’re working for me.  Listen.  I’ve got a yarn to spin.  The man that took the money—­or one of them—­was short, and slim, and clean-shaved, and he didn’t wear a puncher hat.  You weren’t scared of him because he was a coward.  You tried to get him to play square and he talked to you while the other man got you from behind.  That’s just a guess, but you furnished the meat for it.”

“Me hands are up,” said Sundown.

“All right.  I’m not going to get after Billy for this.  You lied to me, but you lied to save your pal.  Shake!”

CHAPTER X

THE STORM