Perhaps he would have got the words out even then, but before Jane could help him, another fear blocked the way--Dan Parker's fear. In his mind he saw Davey whole and unbroken, riding the saddle Dan Parker now rode. And while he hated his selfishness--recognized it for the evil and the criminal weakness it was--he still instinctively blocked the way--spoke the words that stopped Sam Taber's plea: "I think you'd better lie down a while, young lady. Get some rest. You were out too early this morning." It was an inconsequential barrier, but enough to straighten Sam Taber--bring his natural coldness to the surface--end his plea. He turned toward the door. "You might as well take the rest of the day off, Dan. Won't be much work done today anyhow. See you tomorrow morning." Then he was gone; into the black's saddle and leading his quiet riders out of town. They watched him from the door and Jane said, "That was cruel Dan. And you did it on purpose. I know you did. A boy's life restored against that miserable job of yours." Dan Parker knew inwardly the shame of his weakness but he hid it behind surliness. "Well, somebody's got to look out for Biddy. You'd be perfectly willing to let things go to hell and then moan because there was no food in the house. Somebody's got to be practical." Dan snatched his hat and without another word headed for the tavern.... * * * * * Art Haney had never had it so good. He chuckled and took another swig from the bottle Cecil Bates offered and thought by God it was about time this town gave a poor blind man a break. Cecil Bates leaned forward and took the bottle back. He didn't want this old souse to get plastered and thus become useless. He said, "So you met this guy out in the desert, eh, Haney?" "Sure did. At least it was a stranger because I know every voice in these parts. You see when a man's blind like I am, his sense of hearing gets almighty sharp and you take notice--" "Yeah, I know. Now he walked along with you and took you to the cave he's got out there?" "Nope--he didn't take me--well, not very far. I'm no slouch in getting around even if I am blind and nobody ever helps me. I go out in them ridges sometimes just to sort of hear the quiet sounds. You see a blind man--" "I know--I know. So you were out there and--" "And he said hello. We got to talking--" "What about?" "Oh, just this and that. It was getting almighty hot and I asked him if he could give a poor blind man a little something to drink." "That was when he took you to the cave." "Uh-huh. It was only about fifty feet from where I was. He took me inside and gave me a swig of the damndest stuff you ever drank. Had a kick to it, but not like any whiskey you ever drank." Cecil pushed the bottle into his hand. "Try another belt of this." Art was highly agreeable. He wiped the neck with a filthy hand and said, "Thank you, Ceec. You're mighty good to a poor helpless blind man."