Bueno Bailey had looked up. "What saddle you in now?"

"It would be a good reason," said Quartel. "He had to have some reason."

"Listen," said Bueno. "That's Glenn Crawford. Sure he had some reason.

A lot of reasons. But not that. He's--"

"I know who he is," said Quartel.

"Then why--"

"Innes took Tarant back to San Antonio last night," said Quartel.

"Innes heard a lot of talk. There's rumor of a government marshal in

the _brasada_."

"If that's so, it's because of Crawford," said Bueno. "Kenmare couldn't

get him. I wouldn't doubt they'd send a marshal after him."

"Maybe you got it inside your boot," said Quartel.

"What makes you so touchy about a badge-packer?" said Crawford.

Bailey had stood up. "Listen, Quartel, can't you get it through your

thick skull, whatever Crawford is, he ain't a lawman."

"Isn't he?" Quartel studied Crawford a moment. Then he threw back

his head to emit that short, harsh laugh, so loud it seemed to rock

the room. It died as swiftly as it had come. His glance dropped to

Crawford's legs. "So you got reasons to come back. Africano, maybe?"

"_You_ haven't broken him," said Crawford.

Treasure of the Brasada · 第 35 / 62 题