He turned his back on them.
The quiet which had fallen on the room was now broken by the usual
clatter of voices, cursing, and laughter. In the midst of it Haines
stepped close to Buck and spoke in a guarded voice.
"Buck," he said, "I don't know how you did it, but I have an idea--"
"Did what?"
The eyes of Haines were sad.
"I was a clean man, once," he said quietly, "and you've done a clean
man's work!"
He put out his hand and that of Buck's advanced slowly to meet it.
"Was it for Dan or Kate that you did it?"
The glance of Buck roamed far away.
"I dunno," he said softly. "I think it was to save my own rotten
soul!"
On the other side of the room Silent beckoned to Purvis.
"What is it?" asked Hal, coming close.
"Speak low," said Silent. "I'm talking to you, not to the crowd.
I think Buck is crooked as hell. I want you to ride down to the
neighbourhood of his house. Scout around it day and night. You may see
something worth while."
Meanwhile, in that utter blackness which precedes the dawn, Kate and
her father reached the mouth of the canyon.
"Kate," said old Joe in a tremulous voice, "if I was a prayin' man I'd
git down on my knees an' thank God for deliverin' you tonight.
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