The Orphan gives Blake Shields’ note. (See page 213.)
The newcomer was a stranger to Blake and appeared to be a young man, which was of no consequence. But the thing which attracted more than a casual glance from the foreman was a certain jaunty, reckless air about the man which spoke well for the condition of his nerves and liver.
The stranger approached to within a rod of Blake before he spoke, and then he slowed down and nodded, but with wide-eyed alertness.
“Howdy,” he said. “Are you the foreman of the Star C?”
“Howdy. I am,” replied the foreman.
“Then I reckon this is yours,” said the stranger, holding out a bit of straw-colored paper.
The foreman took it and slowly read it. When he had finished reading he turned it over to see if there was anything on the back, and then stuck it in his pocket and looked up casually.
“Are you The Orphan?” he asked, with no more interest than he would have displayed if he had asked about the weather.
“Yes,” replied The Orphan, nonchalantly rolling another cigarette.
“How is the sheriff?” Blake asked.