"The country's clear of them," she cried, and her relief and delight rang in every tone.
Jessie went at once to her side. But Kars turned to the squat figure which filled its chair to overflowing. His steady eyes regarded the smiling features of the trader.
"Did it come to a scrap?" he inquired easily.
Murray shook his head. His dark eyes were no less direct than the other's.
"Guess there were too many in my outfit," he said with a shrug. "It was a bunch of neches I'd have thought your outfit could have—eaten. A poor lot—sure."
He finished up with a deliberate laugh, and his intention was obvious.
Kars understood, and did not display the least resentment.
"I'm glad," he said seriously. "Real glad." Then he added: "I didn't guess you'd have a heap of trouble."
He turned to the women. And his attitude left the trader's purpose mean and small.
"Murray's got us all beaten anyhow," he said easily. "We think we're wise. We think we know it all. But we don't. Anyway I'm glad the danger's fixed. I guess it'll leave me free to quit for the outside right away."