Joe surged away from the doorway and went to the edge of the sidewalk, where he balanced drunkenly for several moments, and then headed his erratic way toward the livery-stable.
Lem snorted with disgust and turned from the doorway, but Hashknife watched him disappear through the wide doors of the stable.
‘Gone after his horse?’ asked Hashknife.
‘He’ll probably head for Mesa City, the drunken bum,’ said Lem.
Hashknife stepped outside, but turned to Lem and Sleepy.
‘Wait here for me,’ he said quickly, and hurried out to his horse.
Lem and Sleepy came to the door and watched Hashknife ride out of town, going north.
‘What in hell struck him so sudden?’ wondered Lem.
‘I dunno,’ grinned Sleepy. ‘He’s thataway, Lem.’
About five minutes later Joe Cave came from the stable, riding a chunky roan gelding. He swayed drunkenly in his saddle as he rode up the main street of the town, also heading north.