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 at the boarding-train having started him recounting his bill of charges against the charity and hospitality of that town. He was there for peace, but if they wanted a fuss they could have it.

"What became of the job Moore was goin' to give you? After that girl usin' her head to get you out of the pocket you put yourself in with Kellogg last night I thought they'd adopt you. What happened? Did you walk back?"

"You see me," Dunham replied, not wanting to be short or uncivil with MacKinnon, but resentful of his presence in a place where he wasn't expected to be met. "I'm goin' over to get something to eat," Bill explained. "I'll see you later."

"You made a mistake comin' back to this town," MacKinnon told him with deep earnestness. "Kellogg was blazin' sore last night when that girl tricked him and got you away. He was all set for a killin', he was ready to take a shot at me for stringin' him along to believe you were in your room. I wouldn't permit him to go up seekin' you, and he was proper sore, I'm tellin' you, lad."

"Thank you, Mr. MacKinnon. I know you're a friend of mine."

Dunham made the admission reluctantly, for he came of an undemonstrative line. He was sensible of MacKinnon's unselfish desire to see him keep a watertight skin; he could account now for the delay Kellogg made in the hotel which allowed Zora Moore to work her friendly deception on him and toll him down the road like a calf. She had meant well; he gave her due