She shook her head slowly.
“No, Honey; I can’t get mad at you—but I do think you are awfully funny.”
She turned and walked into the house. Honey stared at the doorway for several moments before going back to his horse.
“She thinks I’m awfully funny,” he told his horse. “I must be—she didn’t even crack a smile.”
CHAPTER III: THE NEW SHERIFF
The following morning Joe moved his few effects from the sheriff’s office. Kelsey had just appointed Jack Ralston to act as his deputy, and was showing him where everything was in the office. Kelsey was inclined to be a little superior, and did not shake hands with Joe.
“What do yuh figure on doin’, Joe?” asked Ralston.
“Haven’t figured anythin’ yet, Jack. Probably leave in a few days.”
Kelsey did not ask any questions, nor did he look up from the desk when Joe went away. Joe took his belongings down to his little cottage, where he selected the few things he would take with him. He would turn the furniture and carpets back to the Pinnacle Merchandise Company and let somebody handle the sale of the house.
Later on he went up the street, intending to see about having the furniture taken back, when he saw Jim Wheeler and Ed Merrick standing in front of the Pinnacle Saloon. It suddenly struck Joe that this would be a good chance to go out to the HJ and see Peggy. He was ashamed even to face her, but he would feel like a dog if he went away from Tumbling River without seeing her again.