He managed to get to his feet and take stock of himself. His body felt numb, but his mind was clearing swiftly now. Just beyond him the flames were eating swiftly into the flimsy old frame buildings, while men and women darted in and out of the glow, fighting it with buckets of water and axes. There were more people arriving at each moment, until every man, woman and child in Marlin City fought to save the town.
Silent went slowly to them. He was unable to walk fast, but he knew that none of his bones had been broken in the explosion. Swiftly the flames were eating toward Wesson’s store, and a gang of men began removing the stock.
“Watch the other side of the street, boys!” yelled Cale Wesson. “The himself couldn’t stop it from takin’ this side.”
Silent took hold of Cale Wesson’s arm and pointed to the spot where the sheriff’s office had been.
“Where’s Brick and Harp?” he croaked. “Did they get out?”
Wesson stared at him.
“Were they in the office? My , look at your face, Silent! What happened to you?”
“Where are they?” insisted Silent.
“By gosh, I’m ’fraid for scare,” said Le Blanc, the blacksmith. “De sheriff h’office she’s gone for good. Don’ somebody know w’ere Breek and Harp be?”
“They went to bed about nine o’clock,” volunteered the bartender. “I know that much. But what in happened, Wesson? Was it some dynamite exploded?”