"Thar's nothin' to be did," said the man who had spoken before, "but to sarch the body and then bury it. This is as good a place as back at the Gulch. When we've did that we'll tote Badger 'long with us and let him tell his story."
As this advice seemed good, it was acted on at once.
After taking from the pockets such valuables and papers as might cast light on his own life, or be sent to his friends, the men scraped out a grave with their knives, and in it they laid the body of the man who had ruined himself in trying "to make the life-path hard for other folks."
When preparations were being made for the return to Hurley's Gulch, Badger—who evidently thought he was to be left there—lost all the coarse spirit that once characterized him, and he whined:
"Oh, don't leave me out here to the wolves, boys. Take me to the Gulch with you and I'll confess all."
"We'll tote you back, never fear," said Collins. "We ain't the kind of men that like to see sufferin', even if it's deserved."
The horses of Shirley and Badger were found near by. One of these was given to Sam, who said he would carry Wah Shin behind him if some one else would carry Ike.
Ulna, who rode a mule and was the lightest one of the party, gladly consented to ride double with Ike. This being arranged, the next question was the conveyance of the wounded Badger.
He was given stimulants from his own canteen, and then lifted into his own saddle. With a strong man on either side to keep him from falling, the party started back to Hurley's Gulch.
Within two hours they were at their destination, but long before they reached there they were seen and recognized by those who had been kindly disposed to Mr. Willett, and an extemporized committee came out to meet them.