“Is he?” His guest’s hard gaze came round to meet his. “And the lady? Do you know how she stood it?”
“My sister says she was pretty badly played out, but all she needs is rest. Nell put her in her own bed, and she, too, has been doing nothing but sleep.”
Ridgway smoked out his cigar in silence then tossed it into the fireplace as he rose briskly.
“I want to talk to Mesa over the phone, Sam.”
“Can’t do it. The wires are down. This storm played the deuce with them.”
“The devil! I’ll have to get through myself then.”
“Forget business for a day or two, Waring, and take it easy up here,” counseled his host.
“Can’t do it. I have to make arrangements to welcome Simon Harley to Mesa. The truth is, Sam, that there are several things that won’t wait. I’ve got to frame them up my way. Can you get me through to the railroad in time to catch the Limited?”
“I think so. The road has been traveled for two or three days. If you really must go. I hate to have you streak off like this.”
“I’d like to stay, Sam, but I can’t. For one thing, there’s that senatorial fight coming on. Now that Harley’s on the ground in person, I’ll have to look after my fences pretty close. He’s a good fighter, and he’ll be out to win.”