‘And get hung for it, eh?’
‘Mebby not. The law won’t hang yuh without a trial.’
‘Meanin’ that the 6X6 outfit will, eh?’
‘Might be more than them in on the deal. There’s always a pack of wolves, yuh know.’
‘That’s right, Hartley. It shore makes it tough for Nan.’
‘And she’s been mighty game,’ said Hashknife quickly.
‘I—I’m not so game,’ choked Nan. ‘I don’t know what to do except to grin and bear it.’
They moved to the living-room, leaving Rex to finish the rest of the dishes, and sat down together. Hashknife wanted a chance to talk with Paul Lane, and this seemed like the opportune time, but before he could frame the opening question, the front door was flung violently open, and three rifles were covering them through the doorway.
There were Dave Morgan, Red Eller, Spike Cahill, and Ed Jones. There was only one thing to do; so the three men in the room threw up their hands. It took Spike Cahill about ten seconds to collect their guns, and then the captors relaxed.
‘I reckon that about ends the deal,’ growled Dave. ‘We been watchin’ for yuh, Lane. Knowed you’d have to come home, sooner or later.’