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significance than just its color. Damn your eyes for wearing masks.
    He looked at the taller man, who remained standing and scuffed his feet through the dust. Something about him piqued Adam’s curiosity. Adam bit his bottom lip. Whatever the reason, he couldn’t put his finger on it right at that moment.
    The smaller man stood, and they talked for a minute or two before mounting and riding away. Adam removed his goggles and rubbed at his aching eyes.
    “What’s so important about this ring?” He spoke aloud, but the only reply was a snort from Cinnamon. He sighed as he looked at her. Lots of pieces to this puzzle, and none fit. Yet.

Chapter Eleven
    The sun hung low in the west as Adam rode back into town. He left Cinnamon in the livery stable, earning a wave and greeting from the blacksmith. Then he went to the telegraph office and, after that, the bank. He fully expected his message to their uncle and the transmission of funds to be reported to Carter.
    He walked into the saloon and nodded at Madison who stood leaning against the bar, chatting with Sam. If he knew his partner, there wouldn’t be an iota of town scandal he didn’t know.
    “Hey there, cousin. Glad to see you. Have a beer.” Madison waved at him.
    “Don’t mind if I do,” Adam said. He picked up the glass and downed half the beer in one large gulp. He nodded at Sam. “That hit the spot.”
    “Glad to see you boys back,” Sam said. “Hope you hear somethin’ ‘bout work.”
    “Yeah, well, we may find something with the new owner of the Silver S,” Madison said. “We’re having dinner with him tonight, by the way. I met up with him in town. He’s likely to need some help around the place.”
    “That a fact?” Adam swallowed another mouthful of beer and nodded. “Hope dinner’s on him. Uncle’s sending us some more money, but funds are dropping mighty low.”
    “Yep. Dinner’s on him,” Madison said. “Guess he’s feeling a little lonesome. Big change from a city to this little town.”
    “Ah, but if Mr. Carter get his way, we won’t be small for much longer,” Sam said. “He has big ideas. Plans to put Buzzard Hill on the map.”
    “Uh-huh,” Adam drawled.
    “Come on, cousin,” Madison said. “Let’s go wash up, and we can get to that fancy hotel of Abe’s.”
    “Well, if they don’t let you boys in, there’s always steak and potatoes here. Peach pie tonight.” Sam chuckled as he picked up another glass.
    “Sam, you have a deal,” Madison said.
    Adam followed Madison upstairs and sat on the bed while Madison locked the door. “Anything?” Adam asked.
    “Seems that while Carter is throwing money around like it’s confetti, his funds aren’t as vast as he’d have people believe. His isn’t the biggest ranch, the Lazy E is. He’s tried buying land off the twin’s father and marrying Ellen. Got nowhere with either. Then he tried for the Silver S. He also part owns the bordello I visited.”
    “Now that had to be a real hard job.” Adam smirked, and Madison laughed.
    “Yeah, but I was up to the task. What about you?”
    “Couple of cowboys poked around the Silver S.” Adam opened his secret compartment and looked at the ring. “I think they were looking for this.”
    “Could be a token of some kind, to identify whose side you’re on, I guess,” Madison said. He shrugged, went to the vanity, and poured water from the jug into the basin. He splashed water on his face and patted it dry.
    “No bath?” Adam asked. His friend always liked bathing after a sexual encounter.
    “Had one at the bordello. Hot water right from the tap courtesy...” Madison started.
    “...of Cater,” Adam finished. “Well guess I just wait for my next bath.”
    A few minutes later, they left the saloon and headed to the hotel. Adam pretended not to see the cowboy, who’d been so interested in them previously, still watching their every move.
    Abe was waiting in the foyer and greeted them both with equal fervor, talking as