"He vas a decent man," Stella said, speaking very slowly. "Maybe a little crazy, like they say, but decent."
"Stella, I want you to come with me."
"Mrs. Parker says I am not to leave the house. I am scared by the vay she said it."
"You're leaving right now," he said. "We'll send somebody for your things later."
She took his hand dazedly, and he led her outside. He mounted his horse, swung her up behind the saddle, and took her straight to Vickers' camp.
Keef O'Hara was with Ben Vickers in his cabin. They had just heard of Willie's murder and were full of angry questions. They nodded politely to Stella, not guessing the purpose of her presence and plainly considering it an intrusion. Tesno held a chair for her and explained.
"Ben, I want you to put her up here at the camp. She isn't safe in town."
"Here?" Ben said doubtfully. "There isn't a woman in camp. We have no suitable place."
"Then make one, Ben. She heard Jay and Madrid planning to kill Willie."
Ben whirled to confront her. "You heard them?"