He had missed the trail from the Salton place to the
Bald-eagle half a dozen times that day, and that had not improved his
bitter mood.
"You been gone long enough," growled Silent. "Sit down an' chow an'
tell us what you know."
"I don't eat with no damned traitors," said Purvis savagely. "Stan' up
an' tell us that you're a double crossin' houn', Buck Daniels!"
"You better turn in an' sleep," said Buck calmly. "I've knowed men
before that loses their reason for want of sleep!"
"Jim," said Purvis, turning sharply on the chief, "Barry is at Buck's
house!"
"You lie!" said Buck.
"Do I lie?" said Purvis, grinding his teeth. "I seen Black Bart
hangin' around your house."
Jim Silent reached out a heavy paw and dropped it on the shoulder of
Buck. Their eyes met through a long moment, and then the glance of
Buck wavered and fell.
"Buck," said Silent, "I like you. I don't want to believe what Purvis
says. Give me your word of honour that Whistlin' Dan--"
"He's right, Jim," said Buck.
"An' he dies like a yaller cur!" broke in Purvis, snarling.
"No," said Silent, "when one of the boys goes back on the gang, they
pay _me_, not the rest of you! Daniels, take your gun and git down to
the other end of the room an' stand with your face to the wall.
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