Mr. Willett and his son slept together in the nearest room, but though they lay down side by side they did not go to sleep at once.
"Sam," said Mr. Willett in a troubled voice, "since you left this morning that fellow, Tom Edwards, has been here again."
"What did he want?" asked Sam.
"He appeared to be drunk, and he threatened to kill me if I did not give him more money."
"But you have paid him the price agreed on?"
"Yes."
"Then I should not heed him."
"Still, I am afraid he will cause me trouble, so, to-morrow, I will ride over to Hurley's Gulch and consult a lawyer, and as that is our nearest market and post-office, I will take Hank and Ulna along with two pack mules so as to carry back supplies."
"That is forty miles away, so that you will be gone several days. But if you must go, father, I will do the best I can while you are absent," said Sam, laying his hand soothingly on his father's broad breast.
"I know you will, my boy, but there is another matter I wished to speak with you about."