He cautiously edged round the corral and halted behind the corner of the bunkhouse. Marvin and Rudd were holding the cow and calf near the ranch house door. The two men lounged in their saddles. Marvin rolled a cigarette. Then in the doorway appeared Mr. Saltoun.
"Howdy, Mr. Saltoun," said Marvin. "Sam got in yet?"
"He's in there," replied Mr. Saltoun, jerking a thumb over his shoulder. "He's shot."
"Who done it?"
"Tom Loudon,"
"Where is he?"
"Throw up yore hands!" rapped out the gentleman in question.
Loudon had approached unobserved and was standing some twenty feet in the rear of Marvin and Rudd. At Loudon's sharp command Rudd's hands shot skyward instantly.
"I'm waitin'," cautioned Loudon.
Marvin's fingers slowly uncoiled from the butt of his six-shooter and draggingly he followed his comrade's example.