"Oughtn't he?" said Prince dryly. "If you'll inquire you'll find we had a good reason for leavin'."
"Well, you're going to have another good reason for going back," she told him crisply. "I'll send a buckboard for him."
"Aren't you takin' a heap of trouble on our account?" he inquired ironically.
"That's my business."
"And mine. Are you the sheriff of Washington County, ma'am?"
A pulse of anger beat in her throat. Her long-lashed eyes flashed imperiously at him. "It doesn't matter who I am. You'll march to town in front of my horse."
"Maybe so."
The voice of the sick man began to babble querulously. Both of those outside listened.
"He's awake," the girl said. "Bring him out here and let me see him."
Billie had an instinct that sometimes served him well. He rose promptly.