"Couple of fellows from Ackerton. They were fishing back in the mountains and they brought Johnny here. Mike Severance, he does first aid work for the lumber company, patched him up and they took him to Delview. He died in the hospital there. Bullet went right through him."
"Where is he buried?"
"In Delview." Bill Ellis narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
"A peddler," Jeff answered honestly. "I thought I could do some business here."
"You will, too. Now tell me straight why that kid came back."
"I told you. He's with me."
"We'll leave it that way," the constable promised, "at least until you bring word from Ackerton. But if you have any ideas except peddling, you'd better get some shells that are loaded with something besides paper wads."
"I'll think about it."
Bill Ellis guessed, "The kid toted the gun. Does he want the shells?"
"That's about it."