“Epidemic?” queried Sudden sleepily. “Whatcha mean?”
“C’mon out and look at the dead ones. They’re bringin’ ’em in by the pack load.”
The sheriff came out, sans socks and pants. He squinted queerly at Hashknife and Sleepy, as if wondering just what their attitude would be after what he had done to them at the inquest. Then he turned his attention to the dead men, while Sunshine aided him with matches.
“Bring ’em inside, I reckon,” he said gruffly.
They carried the two bodies in and placed them on the floor, where the sheriff made a closer examination.
“Both of ’em dead,” he decided.
“I’ll betcha that’s why they elected yuh sheriff,” said Sleepy.
“Why is that?” asked the sheriff.
“’Cause yuh catch on to things so easy. Some folks just kinda jump at conclusions, don’tcha know it?”
“Huh!”