It now required deliberation on Venters's part to persist in his unconcern and to keep at work. He wanted to look at her, to volley questions at her.
“As long as you can remember—you've lived in Deception Pass?” he went on.
“I've a dim memory of some other place, and women and children; but I can't make anything of it. Sometimes I think till I'm weary.”
“Then you can read—you have books?”
“Oh yes, I can read, and write, too, pretty well. Oldring is educated. He taught me, and years ago an old rustler lived with us, and he had been something different once. He was always teaching me.”
“So Oldring takes long trips,” mused Venters. “Do you know where he goes?”
“No. Every year he drives cattle north of Sterling—then does not return for months. I heard him accused once of living two lives
