The leader turned back to Shorty Rhinehart.
"Now tell me what he had to say about the coin."
"Hardy says the shipment's delayed. He don't know how long."
"How'd it come to be delayed?"
"He figures that Wells Fargo got a hunch that Silent was layin' for
the train that was to carry it."
"Will he let us know when it _does_ come through?"
"I asked him, an' he jest hedged. He's quitting on us cold."
"I was a fool to send you, Shorty. I'm goin' myself, an' if Hardy
don't come through to me--"
He broke off and announced to the rest of his gang that he intended to
make the journey to Elkhead. He told Haines, who in such cases usually
acted as lieutenant, to take charge of the camp. Then he saddled his
roan.
In the very act of pulling up the cinch of his saddle, Silent stopped
short, turned, and raised a hand for quiet. The rest were instantly
still. Hal Purvis leaned his weazened face towards the ground. In this
manner it was sometimes possible to detect far-off sounds which to one
erect would be inaudible. In a moment, however, he straightened up,
shaking his head.
"What is it?" whispered Haines.
"Shut up," muttered Silent, and the words were formed by the motion of
his lips rather than through any sound.
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