"Is that straight?"
"It is," said Daniels easily.
The outlaws started and their expectant grins died out.
"By God, Buck!" roared Silent, "if you're double crossin' me--but I
ain't goin' to be hasty now. What happened? Tell it yourself! What did
you say to her?"
"While she was fightin' with me," said Buck, "she hollered: 'Let me
go!' I says: 'I'll see you in hell first!' Then she fainted."
The roar of laughter drowned Haines's further protest.
"You win, Buck," said Silent. "Take the job."
As Buck started for the door Haines called to him:
"Hold on, Buck, if you're aboveboard you won't mind giving your word
to see that no one comes up the valley and that you'll be here in the
morning?"
The words set a swirling blackness before Buck's eyes. He turned
slowly.
"That's reasonable," said Silent. "Speak up, Daniels."
"All right," said Buck, his voice very low. "I'll be here in the
morning, and I'll see that no one comes up the valley."
There was the slightest possible emphasis on the word "up."
On a rock directly in front of the shanty Buck took up his watch. The
little house behind him was black. Presently he heard the soft call of
Kate: "Is it time?"
His eyes wandered to the ranch house.
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