He had given
up hope. Calder approached them.
"Buck," he said, "I suppose you know that you could be hung for what
you've tried to do tonight. If the law wouldn't hang you a lynching
party would. No jail would be strong enough to keep them away from
you."
Buck was silent, dogged.
"But suppose we were to let you go scot free?"
Buck started. A great flush covered his face.
"I'm taking the advice of Dan Barry in doing this," said Calder.
"Barry thinks you could go straight. Tell me man to man, if I give you
the chance will you break loose from Silent and his gang?"
A moment before, Buck had been steeled for the worst, but this sudden
change loosened all the bonds of his pride. He stammered and choked.
Calder turned abruptly away.
"Dan," he said, "here's the dawn, and it's time for us to hit the
trail."
They rolled their blankets hastily and broke away from the gratitude
which poured like water from the heart of old Sam. They were in their
saddles when Buck came beside Dan. His pride, his shame, and his
gratitude broke his voice.
"I ain't much on words," he said, "but it's you I'm thankin'!"
His hand reached up hesitatingly, and Dan caught it in a firm grip.
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