Bidwell turned. "I'm going after old Nebuchadnezzar," he said, firmly. "I can't waste time on a chicken-headed woman—"
"Out wid ye before I break the measly head of ye!" she retorted.
An hour later, with his mule packed with food and blankets and tools, he moved off up the trail. The other men stood to watch him go, consumed with curiosity, yet withholding all question.
The widow did not so much as look from the door as her grub-staker disappeared.
II
Three days later Bidwell crept stealthily down the trail, leading his mule as silently as possible. He timed his arrival so that Mrs. Delaney would be in the kitchen alone with the Chinaman, getting the dishes ready for breakfast.
"Who is ut?" called the widow as he softly knocked.
"Me—Sherm," he replied.
"Saints in hevin! What's the matter? Are ye sick?" she gasped as she flung the door open.
"'Sh! Don't speak so loud," he commanded. "Sit down; I want to speak solemn-like to you."