His decisive manner left no room for doubt, and the Padre, moving over to him, held out his hand. They gripped till the elder man winced.
"I'm glad I found you on the trail that time," he said, looking squarely into the steady brown eyes. "I've always been glad, but--I'm gladder still now."
"Me, too," said Buck, with a light laugh. "Guess I'd have hated to ha' fed the coyotes."
Buck swung round to the trail, leading his packhorse, and the Padre went back to his horse. Just as he was about to mount the younger man's voice reached him again. He paused.
"Say, what's the woman's name?" Buck inquired.
"Eh?" The Padre looked startled. "The woman that bought the farm?"
"Yes--sure."
The elder man's face flushed painfully. It was a curious sight. He looked as stupidly guilty as any schoolboy.
"I--I can't say. I never asked." He felt absurdly foolish and tried to explain. "You see, I only dealt with the lawyer."
Buck shook his head, and smiled in his slow fashion.
"Sold the farm, an' don't know who to! Gee!"
It was good to hear his laugh as he rode away. The Padre watched him till he was out of sight.