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When he finished conferring with his foreman, he dismissed theThere was a preoccupied look to his expression, his thoughts still focusing on the discussion with the quiet, angular cowboy Elaine didn’t pretend she hadn’t been listening

“I didn’t realize you were having trouble with the Indians When did this start?” she asked

“We’ve always had trouble with them, but this year seems to be worse,” he admitted with an absent frown “A couple weeks back they shot up one of ht up with them”

“You didn’t mention it to ht he had been keeping her informed of all that went on Obviously he still didn’t completely trust her

“It didn’t concern you”

“But it concerned you, so therefore it was of interest to me,” Elaine insisted “So does thislosses—”

“Every rancher expects to lose a certain nu business,” Benteen replied

But he didn’t e, and the season was young Ely had been checking with some of the other outfits, but they had hardly been bothered at all It wasn’t logical for the Indians to pick on one ranch There was always a chance, though, that it was just bad luck Somehow it didn’t see Triple C cattle, the next question was: Why?

“How many cattle have they stolen?” Elaine questioned

“I’ll know that when the roundup is finished” He was sure the nuh “That’s where I’ll be for the next few days, so you won’t be able to contact , too”

“You’re taking your wife and children? I suspected that you didn’t trust her, but I didn’t realize you felt you had to watch her every ned surprise “If that’s the case, you’re better off without her”

“That isn’t the case,” Benteen replied evenly “By the way, she knoe’re related”

“You told her?” There was a pleased note in her voice because it ress

“Yes, I told her”

“I’lad” Elaine smiled and reached out to clasp his hand “I think she was resenting the ti to interfere with that I have a great many plans for the two of us”