“No matter; he’s dead now. They say ye found him.”
“Yeah, I did, Mac. I was on my way back from the HJ.”
“He wasn’t dead then?”
“No, not then. Hozie and Lonnie came along in a few minutes. He was alive then, but I think he died on the way in.”
While they were talking Len Kelsey came from the Pinnacle Saloon, rubbing his head, and went down to his office.
“Ye knew we appointed Len in your place, Joe?” asked McLaren.
“I hear yuh did, Mac. And Len appointed Ralston, eh?”
“That’s it. What do ye aim to do now?”
“I think I’ll leave here, Mac. There’s nothin’ in Tumblin’ River for me any more.”
“Ye might get on with the Circle M. Merrick will be short one man, now that Ralston is an officer.”