Hardy broke the silence. He came over and looked down at Pell. "We can't touch him till the coroner gits here," he said grimly. There were, as always, ghastly details to be attended to.
"But I better make sure," said "Red," kneeling beside the body. "Right in the head. Not a chance." He was peering down at the gaunt face. "No, not a chance when you get it there."
Angela, hearing something outside, had rushed to the door and looked into the growing darkness. "I thought—What was that?" she exclaimed.
They all listened. Far off a shot could be heard—then another. But it must have been miles away.
"Red" sprang up. "Rangers!" he cried. "They're shooting!"
"Where are they?" Hardy asked.
"In the arroyo," "Red" replied. He was at the window, looking out. "You'll see 'em in a minute."
The sound of shots came nearer. It was as though a miniature army were storming the section near the adobe.
Uncle Henry, sitting in the alcove, was terrified. "What's that?" came his piercing voice.
"They see him!" cried "Red."