He
learned that a room had been prepared on the second floor for a woman.
Slim had made the arrangements. Joe had heard Durand's name mentioned,
but knew nothing of the plans.
"I'll look the house over. Move along in front of me and don't make
any mistakes. This six-gun is liable to permeate yore anatomy with
lead."
The cattleman examined the first floor with an especial view to the
exits. He might have to leave in a hurry. If so, he wanted to know
where he was going. The plan of the second story was another point he
featured as he passed swiftly from room to room. From the laundry in
the basement he had brought up a coil of clothes-line. With this he
tied Joe hand and foot. After gagging him, he left the man locked in a
small rear room and took the key with him.
Clay knew that he was in a precarious situation. If Durand returned
with Kitty and captured him here he was lost. The man would make no
more mistakes. Certainly he would leave no evidence against him except
that of his own tools. The intruder would probably not be killed
openly. He would either simply disappear or he would be murdered with
witnesses framed to show self-defense. The cattleman was as much
outside the law as the criminals were. He had no legal business in
this house. But one thing was fixed in his mind. He would be no
inactive victim. If they got him at all it would be only after a
fighting finish.
To Clay, standing at the head of the stairs, came a sound that
stiffened him to a tense wariness.
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