Jane had been at the Triangle X that night. He had mistaken her for the lady from the War Dance Saloon. He had held her in his arms all the way from the Triangle X, and had called her a paid liar. He tried to laugh, but it was only a grimace, as he reviewed the things he had told her on the ride.
But what was she doing out there, he wondered? Was she looking for another chance to take a shot at Kendall Marsh? Was it Jane who had hit Terry Ione over the head? He wanted to ask her all these questions, but was afraid to go back to the store; so he sat down on the sidewalk and watched her join her father and ride out of town on the buckboard.
After they had left town he sauntered up past the bank, where he found John Freeman standing in the doorway. The old man looked at him curiously.
“Hello, Uncle John,” said Blaze.
“Hello, Blaze.”
There was an awkward pause; awkward for both of them, because they had been friends. Then, “I heard you were back, Blaze.”
“Yeah, I’ve been back quite a while, Uncle John. How is everythin’?”
“Just going along.”
“Yeah? But not so well. I saw Jim Kelton come from here to-day.”
“Oh, yes; he come in to see me once in a while.”