that end and Ophelia at this end--I'll set here," taking the seat at the
widow's right and directly across from Parker.

This placed Old Heck, Bert Lilly, Pedro and Skinny Rawlins on the right
of the table in the order named, Skinny sitting at the end on Carolyn's
left. On the opposite side sat Parker, Chuck Slithers and Charley. Next
to Charley, at the right of Carolyn June, and opposite Skinny, was a
vacant chair.

"Who is this for?" Carolyn June inquired, indicating the unoccupied
seat.

"That's th' Ramblin' Kid's place," Old Heck replied; "he may come in and
again he mayn't--"

"It was him you saw to-day," Skinny added, "riding down toward the
Narrows when we was coming from Eagle Butte."

"Do you know; where he went, Parker?" Old Heck asked.

"No. When we started over to the Springs he was here. Said he reckoned
we could get along without him and he wouldn't go--"

"He's just got one of them lonesome spells," Bert said, "and wanted to
get off by himself somewhere."

"He knowed we was going to have company, too," Chuck observed.

"More than likely that's why he went," Skinny suggested.