Buck Daniels shrugged his broad shoulders.
"I am sure," went on Byrne, "that Miss Cumberland will miss you."
"She will not," answered the big cowpuncher. "She's got her hands full with—him."
"Exactly. But if it is more than she can do, if she makes no headway with that singular fellow—she may need help——"
He was interrupted by a slow, long-drawn, deep-throated curse from Buck
Daniels.
"Why in hell should I help her with—him?"
"There is really no reason," answered the doctor, alarmed, "except, I suppose, old friendship——"
"Damn old friendship!" burst out Buck Daniels. "There's an end to all things and my friendship is worn out—on both sides. It's done!"
He turned and scowled at the house.
"Help her to win him over? I'd rather stick the muzzle of my gun down my throat and pull the trigger. I'd rather see her marry a man about to hang. Well—to hell with this place. I'm through with it. S'long, doc."