Jerry motioned with his hand that Isaacs was to lift the window sash. The Jew obeyed, and the crooked form of the hunchback floundered into the room.
“He’s bought his ring, has he, Abe?” asked Jerry.
“Yah, so,” murmured the Jew, “he has bought der ring.”
“Well, you get those paste stones in a hurry and bring them to me. Hurry, Abe. He left his saddle and saddlebags at the corral. It’s a good chance, Abe, for me to do what I’m planning.”
“Ach, Cherry,” said Isaacs, clutching his hands, “he looks like a goot poy.”
“Never you mind about that, Abe,” snapped Jerry. “If you want to collect the rest of what’s coming from Lige, get you those bogus stones. Hustle! Sim Pierce is talking with Dunbar, and Dunbar may leave for home before he intended. Hurry up, Abe.”
With a stifled groan, the harassed Jew turned and left the room, taking his precious satchel with him. He returned in a few moments with the false stones, and the designing Jerry got through the window with them and moved in the direction of the corral.
Sim Pierce was the first man Dunbar saw when he stepped through the door of the hotel, the present for Hattie in his pocket.
“Hello, Nate!” called Sim. “I was out ter the Star-A an’ had dinner. Buffler Bill told me you was in town. Have ye seen the sky pilot yit?”
“Is Jordan in town, Sim?” queried Nate, surprised.