Ward shook hands with the outlaw, but wonderingly asked of Alice, “But where was Gage?”
The outlaw answered, “Gage got lost and only turned up a couple of hours ago.”
Ward turned to Alice in horror. “Good Lord! And you were here alone—crippled—in this storm?”
“No—that’s what I’m telling you. Mr. Smith came and took care of us. He brought our wood, he cooked for us, he kept our fire going. He gave up his bed, even his blankets, for us. You should be very generous to him.”
Ward again reached a hearty hand. “I’m tremendously obliged to you.”
The outlaw quailed under all this praise. “There was mighty little to do,” he answered. “I only shared my fire with them.”
Ward studied him closer. “Haven’t we met before?”
“No, I reckon not.”
“I’m quite sure I’ve see you somewhere. What are you doing up in here?”
Alice interposed. “What are we going to do?”