"Where's L. W.?" he asked, coming suddenly from his trance; and she was sitting there, dry-eyed as before.
"He's gone to the hospital. Bray shot him through the arm in a quarrel over the claim."
"What? Shot L.W.? Well, the little shrimp! Just wait till I get to him with this!"
He tapped his pistol and a wry, cynical smile came over her tear-stained face.
"Yes! Wait!" she mocked. "You'll be a long time waiting. He's under the protection of the court. No, you can put up that pistol and never miss it—this case will be tried by law."
"Well, we'll see about that," he answered significantly. "I've got a look-in on this, myself."
"No, I don't think you have," she responded firmly. "The claim was the property of the Company."
"Well, what of that?"
"Why, only this, that the case is out of your hands. Ike Bray has disappeared, the claim is recorded, and only the Company can sue."
"What, do you mean to say that when my claim is jumped I can't begin suit to get it back?"