“I looked at you,” said Hashknife simply. “And I figured that a man you’d love—well, I figured right, Peggy.”
They went down the stairs. A crowd had gathered in front of the sheriff’s office, and Joe was talking to them, backed against the door. He was flanked on one side by Slim Coleman, and on the other by Honey Bee. And then the crowd began to disperse. Aunt Emma and Peggy met them at the bottom of the stairs, and Laura kissed Hashknife before he was aware of her intentions.
Angus McLaren came up to Hashknife and held out his hand.
“Har-rtley, I’ve nothin’ to say. Ye take my breath away. If I’ve anythin’ to say about it—Joe’s still sheriff. He talked ’em out of usin’ ropes, and he’s suffered enough to entitle him to somethin’. And there’s a reward for ye, man—the money that was offered for Joe Rich. We’ve got him back, and he’s worth every cent we’re payin’ for him.”
Hashknife smiled and shook his head.
“We don’t want money, McLaren—only enough for two fares East. The rest will help Peggy start housekeepin’ with the man she kept on lovin’, in spite of ⸺ and high water.”
“Two fares East?” queried McLaren.
“Yeah. Yuh see, we missed our train the night we came.”
“Oh, I see.”
“And Sleepy will like it, yuh know. I have to kinda humor him once in a while.”