There was never another gent that would go
through hell for you jest because you'd eaten meat with him. The first time
I met him I tried to double-cross him, because I had my orders from Silent.
And Dan played clean with me--by God, he shook hands with me when he left."
He straightened a little.
"So help me God, Lee, I've never done a crooked thing more since I shook
hands with Dan that day." He sat silent, but breathing hard. "Well, this is
the end of Whistlin' Dan. The law will never let up on him now; but I tell
you, Haines, I'm sick inside and I'd give my right hand plumb to the wrist
to set him straight and bring him back to Kate. Go in and tell her, Lee.
I--I'll wait for you here."
"You'll be damned," cried Haines. "I've done my share by bringing the word
this far. You can relay it."
Buck Daniels produced a silver dollar.
"Heads or tails?"
"Heads!" said Haines.
The dollar spun upwards, winking, and clanked on the rocks, tails up.
Haines stared at it with a grisly face.
"Good God," he muttered, "what'll I do, Buck, if she faints?"
"Faints?" echoed Daniels, "there's no fear of that! The first thing you'll
have to do is to saddle her horse.
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