“Slim” De Larimore, the saturnine-faced owner of the Turkey track brand, a horse outfit. Three of his punchers were scattered around the room. Seated near Marsh Hartwell was “Sudden” Smithy, the sheriff, who owned the Lazy S outfit. Near him sat “Sunshine” Gallagher, his deputy, the prize pessimist of Lo Lo Valley.
Near the dining-room door, Spiers sat hunched against the wall, and near him was Brownlee, Jack’s brother-in-law. Jack closed the door behind him and looked quickly around the room. Marsh Hartwell squinted closely at Jack. It was the first time that Jack had been in the Arrow ranch house since his father had told him he would not be welcome any longer.
De Larimore had evidently been talking, as he started in again to explain something, but Marsh Hartwell silenced him with a motion of his hand, looking intently at Jack.
“Was there somethin’ yuh wanted?”
Marsh Hartwell’s voice was cold and impersonal. He might have been speaking to a total stranger instead of to his own son.
“Somethin’ I wanted?” said Jack puzzled. “I came to the meetin’, thass all.”
“I asked him to,” said Spiers. “I didn’t think he’d come.”
“Yuh can’t never tell about some folks.” Thus Sunshine Gallagher, grinning.
“Thank yuh, Sunshine,” said Jack easily.
“Oh ——, yore welcome, I’m sure.”