As he came from the bank he met Ed Merrick, who had just tied his horse farther up the street.
“Hello, Joe,” greeted Merrick. “What’s all this talk about Jim Wheeler gettin’ killed?”
“I reckon you heard right, Ed,” said Joe.
“Horse drug him to death?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I’ll be jiggered!”
Merrick went on down the street, and Joe noticed that he walked fast, as if he was in a big hurry. Joe heard some one call his name, and he turned to see the Heavenly Triplets coming across the street toward him from the Pinnacle Saloon. They were all very unsteady, but also very earnest.
Lonnie sagged back on his heels and considered the roll behind the cantle of Joe’s saddle. He sagged ahead and drew the slicker aside enough to disclose the war-bag.
“Where you goin’, Joe?” he demanded. “All packed up, eh?”
“I’m pullin’ out, Lonnie,” said Joe gravely. “I’m shore glad I had a chance to say good-bye to you boys.”