From this scene of tragedy, Amos made his escape to end with the horrors of delirium at home. The Bucket of Blood had maintained its reputation.
The excitement of the affair spread over the town, and among the spectators who crowded in was a haggard man. His eyes were hollow and deep-set, showing that he had undergone a severe mental strain for weeks. He saw them lift the affrighted 247 Rayder from his place of safety at the baseboard, then his eyes rested on the dead woman at the faro table. He threw a cloth over her face, and sat staring into vacancy until the undertaker and assistants came. Then he took the undertaker aside and said: “See to it that she has a Christian burial. I will be responsible.” When she was buried the next day, there was one attendant beside the undertaker and his assistants, at the grave.
The tragedies of the night marked a new era in Saguache. The better element arose in their might and demanded that the Bucket of Blood be forever closed.
XXVIII.
FROM OUT THE SHADOWY PAST.
When Buchan arose in the cabin and said “I thought I heard a voice, her voice,” I was amazed. It did not occur to me that anyone would attempt our rescue, else why had they not done it long ere this?
He opened the door and shouted, then turning to me, exclaimed: “They are digging us out.”
Our hearts leaped for joy. We shook hands in expression of delight and Buchan danced a highland fling around the room. Two men, snow-covered, entered and hailed us joyously. Then came a woman, followed by Carson. She ran to Buchan and he caught her in his arms. I was deaf and could not hear what they said or I would write it word for word, but he kissed her and she cried, and he wiped away some tears, and I turned my back and pretended to be talking to Carson.