If Treff had wondered about the man dancing with his sister, his interest now immediately increased. Just who was this man, Drag Johnson? Where did he come from, and what was his connection with Slim Ritta? It seemed highly unlikely that those two even knew each other. And who was the fat man? Were they all involved with the BOR Ranch?

"Paul Billy, I want to know more about Drag Johnson. I want you to follow him when he leaves. Don't let him see you, but don't let him out of your sight. If he goes to Jacksonville, see what he does. If he goes straight to the BOR, you might as well come on back here till the end of the week, but I still want you to go to Jacksonville next weekend to see if he meets with the same people. And while you're there, see if you can get the name of the fat man."

Paul Billy knew that the BOR people were suspected of throwing a wide loop, even though they had never been caught in the act. He understood why Treff wanted to know Drag Johnson's connection, especially now that Marvelous might be innocently involved.

After their talk, Paul Billy disappeared into the quiet darkness of night, and Treff slipped back into the barn to join the dancers.

READ THE NEXT TWO VOLUMES OF THIS EXCITING TRILOGY:

• WEEDS IN THE WIREGRASS

• WIREGRASS POLITICS