For what seemed a long time, no one said a word. The only sound was Elaine’s labored breathing as she tried to catch her breath.
“Who’s got her, honey?” Bill Tolliver said gently.
“I don’t know,” Elaine panted. “I didn’t see them. Sue and I were getting pine branches. They came from behind. One held me while the other made off with Sue. I—I could hear her crying.”
“Couldn’t tell who it was, eh?”
Elaine shook her head. “The one holding me shoved me into the tree when he ran. When I turned around, he’d ducked into the pines and I just saw his back.” Her voice trembled. “They said—they said if you left them alone she’d be all right.”
“They did, did they?” Bill Tolliver said slowly. “They picked the wrong man. I’m ridin’, right now. Don’t you fret, Elaine. Sue is comin’ back safe.”
“I’m
