After the introduction they all sat down on the steps of the bunk-house and rolled smokes. Hashknife did not tell the sheriff about the shot that was fired at them in the dark.
“I dunno just where to start,” admitted Kelsey. “I’ve been huntin’ Joe Rich all over these hills, and now he comes back and robs a train right under my nose.”
Kelsey, who was still wearing his arm in a sling, noticed Hashknife looking at it.
“A little souvenir of makin’ a fool move,” he said.
“Yeah, I heard about it,” nodded Hashknife. “Joe Rich must be pretty fast with a gun, eh?”
“Fast enough,” growled Kelsey. “Funny, ain’t it? Here I was his deputy all this time, and now I’m huntin’ him. Don’t seem right.”
“Are yuh dead sure it is?” asked Hashknife seriously.
Kelsey looked quickly at him.
“Dead sure?” Kelsey laughed shortly. “Well, about as sure as anythin’ could be, Hartley. I dunno what got into Joe. He was sure strong on enforcin’ the law, and now he seems just as strong on breakin’ it.”
“Them’s the kind that go wrong—when they do go,” said Ralston.