CHAPTER 33DEACON SANDSON came into Dexter Springs a good twenty-four hours after Pete Layton had arrived with Que Layton’s body. He found the town quiet and, after quartering the eleven riders he still had with him, he sought out Andrew Hyde. Together they walked to the mayor’s office.
“It’s this way,” said Sandson when they were seated. “The farmers are dispersed. Without leadership they aren’t apt to give us further trouble.”
“And Powell?” What about this murder?”
“What about it?” said Sandson, and his eyes glowed a little.
The mayor told him hastily, “I’m not questioning you. I merely asked. Will it stick?”
“The farmers believe it,” said Sandson, “and Powell has few friends. How is the brother?”
“Horndyke thinks he’ll live, but it will be a long time before he is out of bed. We ne
