"Jim Asberry was thar. He 'lowed they'd found out thet you'd done shot Purvy thet time, an' he said"—the brakeman paused to add emphasis to his conclusion—"thet the next time ye come home, he 'lowed ter git ye plumb shore."
Tamarack scowled.
"Much obleeged," he replied.
At Hixon, Tamarack Spicer strolled along the street toward the court- house. He wished to be seen. So long as it was broad daylight, and he displayed no hostility, he knew he was safe—and he had plans.
Standing before the Hollman store were Jim Asberry and several companions. They greeted Tamarack affably, and he paused to talk.
"Ridin' over ter Misery?" inquired Asberry.
"'Lowed I mout as well."
"Mind ef I rides with ye es fur es Jesse's place?"
"Plumb glad ter have company," drawled Tamarack,
They chatted of many things, and traveled slowly, but, when they came to those narrows where they could not ride stirrup to stirrup, each jockeyed for the rear position, and the man who found himself forced into the lead turned in his saddle and talked back over his shoulder, with wary, though seemingly careless, eyes. Each knew the other was bent on his murder.