“It’ll be about as painless, mum, as sich things usually aire,” said Hotchkiss.
“I am the cause of this,” she went on, “and I could not bear to think that a human life has been sacrificed on my account.”
“He sure looks human,” said Lonesome Pete, trying the slip-knot with his hands, “although he didn’t act it, not noways.”
“Anyhow,” spoke up De Bray, “you might put this off until we get to Sun Dance—out of consideration for the lady’s feelings, if not for mine.”
“The lady won’t see a thing,” said Billings. “The tree I referred to is out o’ sight around them rocks.”
“I can tell you something,” pursued De Bray, “that will open your eyes, but I don’t think it’s safe to let the secret out before we reach Sun Dance.”
“Thet’s a play ter gain time,” averred Hotchkiss, “an’ it won’t go down with us.”
“Your temper is hot just now,” said De Bray, “and all of you will feel different when you give it a chance to cool.”
“I hopes,” growled Pete, “that when I see a real lady imposed on I’ll allers have the sand ter take her part, whether I’m in temper or out o’ it.”
Hotchkiss jumped from the wagon.