The rider had immeasurably
uplifted Slone's hope that Lucy, at least, cared for him. Not for a moment all
day could Slone drive away the hope. At twilight he was too eager to eat--too
obsessed to see the magnificent sunset. But Holley did not come, and Slone
went to bed late, half sick with disappointment.
The next day was worse. Slone found work irksome, yet he held to it. On the
third day he rested and dreamed, and grew doubtful again, and then moody. On
the fourth day Slone found he needed supplies that he must obtain from the
store. He did not forget Holley's warning, but he disregarded it, thinking
there would scarcely be a chance of meeting Bostil at midday.
There were horses standing, bridles down, before Brackton's place, and riders
lounging at the rail and step. Some of these men had been pleasant to Slone on
earlier occasions. This day they seemed not to see him. Slone was tingling all
over when he went into the store. Some deviltry was afoot! He had an angry
thought that these riders could not have minds of their own.
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