"You must of thrown some sensation into the family,
Buck."
The eyes of Haines had not moved from the face of Buck.
"I think I'll go over and see what's keeping them so late in bed," he
said, and left the house.
"He takes it pretty hard," said Jordan, his scarred face twisted with
Satanic mirth, "but don't go rubbin' it into him, Buck, or you'll be
havin' a man-sized fight on your hands. I'd jest about as soon mix
with the chief as cross Haines. When he starts the undertaker does the
finishin'!"
"Thanks for remindin' me," said Buck drily. Through the window he saw
Haines throw open the door of the shanty.
The outcry which Buck expected did not follow. For a long moment the
long rider stood there without moving. Then he turned and walked
slowly back to the house, his head bent, his forehead gathered in a
puzzled frown.
"What's the matter, Lee?" called Silent as his lieutenant entered the
room again. "You look sort of sick. Didn't she have a bright mornin'
smile for you?"
Haines raised his head slowly. The frown was not yet gone.
"They aren't there," he announced.
His eyes shifted to Buck. Everyone followed his example, Silent
cursing softly.
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