Molly was standing across the room, leaning against the wall, and Hashknife nudged Jack.
“Take care of yore wife, Hartwell. This ain’t no place for a lady.”
Jack turned and crossed the room to Molly, while Hashknife faced King across the two bodies.
“I’m not tryin’ to pry into yore affairs, King,” said Hashknife coldly, “but a while ago you said you didn’t know this man. Lyin’ ain’t goin’ to help things, yuh know.”
The sheepman’s jaw tightened perceptibly, but his eyes turned away from Hashknife’s steady gaze, as he said:
“What right have you got to call me a liar?”
“I don’t need any right, King. I’ve always been able to back up what I say. Come clean, King; it’s always the best thing to do.”
King’s gaze came back to the body of the man who had killed his companion, and rested there for several moments before he looked up at Hashknife.
“I did know him,” he said slowly. “His name is ‘Boomer’ Bates. He used to be a railroad man—a brakeman, I think. But for the last few years he’s been livin’ in Sunland Basin.”
“With what kind of a gang, King?”