“One of yuh go to the stable and get a rope!” yelled Hashknife.
Sleepy veered off and headed for the stable.
“Did the soap and water work?” asked Slim, panting from his run.
“It always works,” grinned Hashknife. “C’mon in.”
CHAPTER IX: THE INQUEST
“Have you seen anythin’ of Slim Coleman, Len?” Curt Bellew leaned in through the doorway of the sheriff’s office and spoke to Kelsey, who was oiling a gun.
“Ain’t seen him,” said Kelsey shortly.
“That’s funny. He started for town yesterday. I’ve been all over this darned place and I can’t find him and nobody has seen him.”
Kelsey did not show much interest, so Curt snorted and walked away. He was a little worried about Slim. Honey Bee and the two girls drove into town and left their rig at the livery-stable. Uncle Hozie and Aunt Emma were in town, and the old lady immediately took charge of the girls, much to Honey’s relief, because he didn’t know what to do with them.
The Heavenly Triplets were in town but were keeping strictly sober. One reason was that they were not only broke but badly in debt. The morning train had brought the conductor, brakeman and fireman of the cattle-train to identify the dead brakeman, and to testify at the inquest.