The leader, Hopalong, disappeared within
and was followed by Mr. Trendley, bound and hobbled and tied to Red,
the rear being brought up by Frenchy, whose rifle lolled easily in the
crotch of his elbow. The singing went on uninterrupted and the hum of
voices between the selections remained unchanged. Buck left the crowd
around the fire and went into the cabin, where his voice was heard
assenting to something. Hopalong emerged and took a seat at the fire,
sending two punchers to take his place. He was joined by Frenchy and
Red, the former very quiet.
In the center of a distant group were seven men who were not armed.
Their belts, half full of cartridges, supported empty holsters. They
sat and talked to the men around them, swapping notes and experiences,
and in several instances found former friends and acquaintances. These
men were not bound and were apparently members of Buck's force. Then
one of them broke down, but quickly regained his nerve and proposed a
game of cards. A fire was started and several games were immediately
in progress. These seven men were to die at daybreak.
As the night grew older man after man rolled himself in his blanket
and lay down where he sat, sinking off to sleep with a swiftness that
bespoke tired muscles and weariness. All through the night, however,
there were twelve men on guard, of whom three were in the cabin.
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