Dickie's mood hadn't improved when he discovered that Claude had vanished. Feeling the financial pressures of hard times, Barrett had taken with him four burly men. They were either to extract payment or deliver a severe punishing to Claude and the others who also owed him. Dickie soon discovered that Claude and two others had been seen heading into the hills only minutes ago.
"Burn it," said Dickie outside Claude's home.
With a grim expression he began the laborious task of trudging up the hill, leaving his men to incinerate Claude's home and the meagre possessions within. He didn't want to be seen in the vicinity as already small flames began licking through the gaps in the walls. He crested the first low hill and turned to look back behind him. Just a short ways back his men raced
