"I got it," answered Belle, going forward and providentially stopping Laramie before he reached the curtains.
"Sit down right there," she added, pointing to a table at the rear of the lunch room. "I hurried all I could but that rascally milkman hasn't been here yet and there's no cream for your coffee. Your dinner's most ready though."
She started back to the kitchen.
"Not enough for two, is there?" asked Laramie.
"Who's coming?" demanded Belle, stopping in her tracks.
"Belle, you're suspicious as a cattleman. Nobody's coming, but I'm hungry."
While he continued his banter she served him and attempted to serve Kate behind the curtains. By persistent, almost despairing pantomime, Kate dissuaded her from this. But at that moment the front door opened again, a brisk greeting was called out and a heavy tread crossed the uneven floor of the outer room.
"John Lefever!" Laramie got up to welcome the big deputy marshal. "Just in time. Take off your manners and sit down."
A bubbling laugh greeted the sally: "Jim, I just can't do it."
"Oh, yes, you'll eat with me. Where you from?"