"See here, Buck," he said, with what seemed unnecessary emphasis. "I've thought a heap on the way back--home. It seems to me I'm not acting square by you. And I've made up my mind." He paused. Buck did not change his position, and his eyes were carefully avoiding those of his companion. Then the Padre went on with a decision that somehow lacked confidence. "You must take half the money, and--and get busy your own way. We've done farming, so there's no reason for you to hang around here. You're a man now, and you've your way to make in the world. You see, when we had the farm I thought it was good for you. It would be yours when I died, and then who knows, in time, how valuable it might become? Now it's all different. You see the hills are best for me." He smiled strainedly. "They've always been good friends to me. But----"
"Yes, you don't fancy leavin' the hills." Buck's eyes wore a curious expression. They were half-smiling, half-angry. But the other could not see them. The Padre jumped eagerly at his words.
"Just so. I've known them so long now that there doesn't seem to be any other world for me. Even Leeson Butte makes me feel--er--strange."
Buck nodded. Then he changed the subject.
"Say, we don't sleep at the farm to-night," he said. "The blankets are up at the old fort. That's why I got around here. When's she comin' along?"
"In two or three days." The Padre had no choice but to follow the younger man's lead. "She's sending along a farm woman first. She's going to run the place herself."
"Ther's no man comin'?" Buck half turned to his friend.
"I don't think so."
"They can't do it--hereabouts," Buck retorted quickly. "That farm needs a man."
"Yes."
Buck rose abruptly and went over to the horses.
"Going?" inquired the Padre.
"I'll get along with the vittles, and hand 'em over to the boys. Guess I'll git back to the fort in a few hours."
The Padre sat hesitating. He watched the movements of his companion without observing them.
"Buck!"
The other paused as he was about to put his foot into the stirrup. He glanced over his shoulder.
"Yes?"
"About that money. There's five thousand of it yours."
"Not on your life, Padre!"
The elder man sighed as he stood up, and his look changed so that it almost seemed as if a weight had been lifted from his mind. Their eyes met as Buck swung himself into the saddle.
"Then we're going to the hills--together?" he said smilingly.
"Sure," responded Buck promptly. Then he added, "But we're goin' to hunt--not farm."