CHAPTER 36SETTLING DOWN
The riders came with a rush, and would have gathered in pools around the dead man and the figures of big Blue Barry and Tom Willow. But the sheriff was there, and it was he who carried the best riders off on the trail of Duval’s men.
There was one rider who remained, however, and that was little Jimmy Raeburn, who came with a leap from his own small mustang. Then he winced away from the sight of his hero, half naked and covered with his own blood.
Blue Barry, needing support, put his hand on the shoulder of that small form.
“Everything’s finished, Jimmy,” he said. “Sit down with me, and talk, and don’t stop.” He staggered a step or two, sat down, then lay down, and remained there, with his arms cast wide.
Jimmy Raeburn did not cry for help. He did not need to.
