Winston glanced, marvelling,
back at the animal, hastily brushing a tear from out his own eye; yet
his lips remained set and rigid. He felt no doubt about who it was
Brown was seeking through the black night. When they met, it would be
a battle to the death.
Before the still open door of the cabin they silently lowered their
burden in the shadow of the building. An instant they stood there
listening intently for any sound to reach them from out the surrounding
night. Then Winston, assuming the duty, stepped reluctantly forward
endeavoring to peer within. His heart throbbed from the pain of that
sudden message of death he brought.
"Beth," he called, perceiving no movement within, and compelling his
voice to calmness. "Miss Norvell."
There was a slight movement near the farther wall, but it was the voice
of the wounded sheriff which answered.
"Who are yer? What was all that firin' about just now? Damn if I ain
't too weak ter git up, but I got a gun yere, an' reckon I kin pull the
trigger.
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