J. Allan Dunn

“ Every time she does ennything for him he’ll hate himself worse. He’s goin’ to be one of our best bets, Pete. They don’t dare take him away, but we won’t give ’em a chance. That’s one reason why you’re here, Pete. ”

“ The children squealed with delight and the candy released Pete from bondage.
“Keep 'em outside till she comes for ’em, Pete,” said Gorman. “I’ve told her. I got hold of her husband’s gun. Dave Lorton had it. I’ve left it in the bedroom. She’ll likely ask for it after a bit, but, if you git a chance, you pick it up when Jake’s awake an’ wonder where it come from. Sabe? I’ve had a chat with him.
“You keep that star of yores in yore pocket. He may come through. If he starts to, you kin warn him, to make it legal. If he makes up his mind to talk that won’t stop him. It never does. ”

“ It was a strange and harsh situation, the wounded rider who could not be moved without losing his life, tended by a woman bitter and merciless in the face of her tragedy yet sorry for the lad who had been ranged—at least—with her husband’s killers.
“I don’t blame the kid for not comin’ through so fur,” he reflected as he left the cabin. “He wudn’t tell her. He cudn’t. She’d cut his throat if he did, way she’s feelin’ now. But there ain’t much fear of that an’ he may come clean to Pete. He’s sure feelin’ like a sick coyote right now. ”