It was over, but what had Merle discovered?
Time would tell.
Old Broadbrim slept but little the rest of the night.
He longed for day, and when the first streaks flushed the eastern skies he came forth and looked abroad.
The ordeal had been passed without a break, but the worst had to come.
All at once the front door of the ranch opened, and Merle came out.
Old Broadbrim touched his hat to him.
"You're up early, Riggs," said the hunted man. "Don't you sleep good?"
"Good enough, I guess; but I'm an early bird."
Merle came up and lowered his voice.