Jimmy sprang forward, drawing his gun. He thought he saw a man just beyond the rose bush and instinctively he fired his gun at whatever it was. Then he stumbled across the porch and found himself looking down at Moses Conley, who was stretched full length on the porch.
The door was open behind him, the lamplight falling full on Jimmy, and he saw Dawn, white-faced, staring at him. The horse jerked to a stop behind him, but Jimmy did not turn until Roaring Rigby stepped in behind him, putting his hand on Jimmy’s shoulder. Dawn came closer, and her eyes were wide with horror. Roaring shook Jimmy slightly.
“How did it happen, Jimmy?” he asked huskily.
Jimmy shook his head.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I—I—”
He saw Dawn’s staring eyes. Roaring was taking the gun away from him. Jimmy stepped back.
“You think I shot him?” he asked hoarsely.
“He told you to keep away, you know,” said Roaring sadly. “Don’t try to run away, Jimmy. Help me take him inside.”
“Run away?” Jimmy’s voice was strained. “Oh, my God!”
Together they carried Moses Conley into the living-room and laid him out on the floor. Dawn dropped to her knees beside him.