The place was dark. Rathburn dismounted and led his horse into the dark shadow at the side of the little building. Then he went around to the front, and, drawing his gun from his waistband, he rapped smartly on the door with its butt and dropped it into his holster.
There was no movement within, and Rathburn rapped again and tried the door. It was locked.
A match flared into flame somewhere beyond the front room. A glow of light followed. Rathburn, looking through the front window, saw a door open wide and made out the form of Sautee as the mines manager came forward to the front door.
“Who is it?” Sautee called cautiously.
“Rathburn.”
After a moment a key turned in the lock and the door opened part way. Rathburn pushed his way in.
“Why––didn’t you go?” asked Sautee in excited tones.
“Lock the door an’ come in the other room,” 139 whispered Rathburn. “I’ve got something to tell you that’ll knock you for a goal.”
Sautee hurriedly locked the door, and, as he turned to lead the way into the other room, Rathburn deftly extracted the key.
In the light from the lamp in the bedroom Sautee swung on his visitor and looked at him keenly. The mines manager was fully dressed, and the bed was made. It was evident that he had merely dozed on top of the covers with his clothes on. These things Rathburn noted even as Sautee surveyed him with a frown.