Von Rittenheim looked questioningly at Sydney, who nodded.
"He's dead, Bob."
A ray from the setting sun found its way to the bed and lighted up the dying man's face.
"Kind of sudden for him, too," he mused. "Did he live any time at all?"
"No. Your bullet went through his heart. He must have died instantly."
"It's a mighty serious thing to do, to kill a man. I never realized before how serious it was. But I'm not sorry."
"You saved my life, Bob. I can't talk about it. Only, I'd give it gladly, gladly, to keep you, old man."
He bent his head with a sob.
"Never mind that, Baron. I suspect Yarebrough'll be all the better for not having Pink to lead him into mischief."
"It has saved him from a heavy punishment. They found in Pr-ressley's pocket a letter offering to turn State's evidence."