It was still early—not more than an hour after Viola’s terrible act of vengeance—when Nathan went looking for Captain Jennings. “Yes,” Jennings said, “I know where Jesse’s buried. There’s a little graveyard not far from where they lived. In the morning we’ll rent a buckboard and take her home.” On Monday, August thirty-first, Nathan and Jennings claimed Viola’s body from a local undertaker. They split the cost of having her laid out, and of a decent coffin. With Nathan driving the buckboard and Jennings riding alongside, they were about to leave when Ben Thompson rode up. “I didn’t know the lady,” he said, “but I’ve heard she had cause, and I admire her for playing out her hand. I’m riding along to pay my respects.” Captain Jennings said nothing. Nathan, knowing the Ranger’s opinion of Thompson, spoke. “Come along, then,” said Nathan. Thompson rode on one side of the buckboard and Jennings on the other. It was still early and Austin had not yet come alive.
