Steele nodded. “She’s a mighty pretty girl, Cates.”
“And ’nother thing,” said Cates softly, “yuh don’t want to have nothin’ t’ do with her. Sleed’s a killer, where Luck’s concerned. Mebbe that’s one reason why Ault got a ticket for the Depot. Jist let her alone and don’t cross Silver Sleed, and you’ll git along here. What did yuh say yore names was?”
The Saint held out his hand and Cates shook hands with him, flinching from the crushing grip of the Saint’s hand.
“We both thank you, Mica Cates,” boomed the Saint. “If I preach in Calico town I shall deem it a pleasure to see you in the front row.”
Mica Cates bobbed his head and hurried away. He flexed his right hand and shook his head.
“My Gawd, I never knowed a preacher with a grip like that—nossir! I didn’t find out their names and I’m danged if I’d ever ask any man twice.”
Cates climbed back up the rocky trail to the street, where he met Loper.
“Where did they hole up?” asked Loper.
“Preacher Bill’s place.”
“Ask ’em their names, Mica?”