CHAPTER 30THE FIRST of the returning farmers brought Que Layton’s body back to Dexter Springs. Pete Layton, his broken arm still in a sling, rode beside the horse which carried his father, looking young and grim and angry.
It was the first word that had reached the town about the happenings in the Sand Hills to the south, and a crowd gathered outside Montgomery’s undertaking parlor.
The youngest Montgomery boy was sent to the hotel with a message for Edna Layton, and the girl rose to dress hurriedly.
Jenny Paraine had been sitting beside Henry Powell’s bed, relieving Horndyke. She heard the commotion in the hall and opened the door just as Edna appeared from her room.
“What’s happened?”
The younger girl’s face was set. “It’s my father,” she said in a low voice. “He’s dead. Pete sent w
