Slade enjoyed a leisurely dinner in the crowded Trail End and conferred with Sheriff Carter. His prediction to Thankful Yates proved correct and while they were talking, old Keith Norman rolled in with Jerry in tow. “Heard about the doin’s here tonight and she pestered me into bringing her in,” he said to Slade. “I told her you’d be too busy to be cluttered up with females, but she wouldn’t listen.” “I expect I’ll be able to spare her a minute or two,” El Halcon smiled as he pulled out a chair. “Peaceful enough here, so far, save for a lot of noise.” “Lot of noise is right,” grunted Norman as he sat down. “Those railroad fellers have voices like locomotive whistles and they sure believe in using ’em. Waiter!” After finishing their drinks, Norman and the sheriff moved to the bar for a word with acquaintances, leaving Slade and Jerry alone at the table. “Now tell me what all has happened since I saw you last,” the girl said. “Don’t hold back anything, dear, for you know sometimes I can help you.”
