CHAPTER XVIII
Wade's wounds were not in any way serious, and with Belllounds's assistance he got to the cabin of Lewis, where weakness from loss of blood made it necessary that he remain. Belllounds went home.
The next day Wade sent Lewis with pack-horse down to the rustler's cabin, to bury the dead men and fetch back their effects. Lewis returned that night, accompanied by Sheriff Burley and two deputies, who had been busy on their own account. They had followed horse tracks from the water-hole under Gore Peak to the scene of the fight, and had arrived to find Lewis there. Burley had appropriated the considerable amount of gold, which he said could be identified by cattlemen who had bought the stolen cattle.
When opportunity afforded Burley took advantage of it to speak to Wade when the others were out of earshot.
"Thar was another man in thet cabin when the fight come off," announced the sheriff. "An' he come up hyar with you."
"Jim, you're locoed," replied Wade.
The sheriff laughed, and his shrewd eyes had a kindly, curious gleam.
"Next you'll be givin' me a hunch thet you're in a fever an' out of your head."
"Jim, I'm not as clear-headed as I might be."