CHAPTER XVI
SHERIFF ALLEN TAKES A HAND
The sheriff’s posse—three men whom he had deputized in Lazette and himself—had ridden hard over the twenty miles of rough trail from Lazette, for Duncan had assured Allen that he would have to get into action before Dakota could discover that there had been a witness to his deed, and therefore when they arrived at the edge of the clearing near Dakota’s cabin at midnight, they were glad of an opportunity to dismount and stretch themselves.
There was no light in Dakota’s cabin, no sign that the man the sheriff was after was anywhere about, and the latter consulted gravely with his men.
“This ain’t going to be any picnic, boys,” he said. “We’ve got to take our time and keep our eyes open. Dakota ain’t no spring chicken, and if he don’t want to come with us peaceable, he’ll make things plumb lively.”
A careful examination of the horses in the corral resulted in the discovery of one which had evidently been ridden hard and unsaddled but a few minutes before, for its flanks were in a lather and steam rose from its sides.
However, the discovery of the pony told the sheriff nothing beyond the fact that Dakota had ridden to the cabin from somewhere, some time before. Whether he was asleep, or watching the posse from some vantage point within or outside of the cabin was not quite clear. Therefore Allen, the sheriff, a man of much experience, advised caution. After another careful reconnoiter, which settled beyond all reasonable doubt the fact that Dakota was not secreted in the timber in the vicinity of the cabin, Allen told his deputies to remain concealed on the edge of the clearing, while he proceeded boldly to the door of the cabin and knocked loudly. He and Dakota had always been very friendly.
At the sound of the knock, Dakota’s voice came from within the cabin, burdened with mockery.
“Sorry, Allen,” it said, “but I’m locked up for the night. Can’t take any chances on leaving my door unbarred—can’t tell who’s prowling around. If you’d sent word, now, so I would have had time to dress decently, I might have let you in, seeing it’s you. I’m sure some sorry.”
“Sorry, too.” Allen grinned at the door. “I told the boys you’d be watching. Well, it can’t be helped, I reckon. Only, I’d like mighty well to see you. Coming out in the morning?”