Gallito also started forward now, but before he had taken more than a
step or two Hugh emerged first from the underbrush, followed by Hanson
and then by Flick.

Seeing who it was, Pearl had shrunk back into the shadow of the room,
but then, as if forcing herself to an unpleasant task, she came forward
again and leaned against the door post, nonchalant and disdainful in
spite of her pallor and the faint trembling of her lower lip.

Hanson swept off his hat and bowed low with exaggerated courtesy and
much of his old swagger. The heavy dissipation of the last few months
was evident in a marked and shocking way. His figure was gross and
bloated, and his bold, ruddy good looks had vanished; his swollen face
was purple and the features seemed curiously thickened. The hand which
held his hat trembled constantly.

"Again we meet," he cried. "Well, under the circumstances, I've no
objection. You pleasant little band of thieves have got ahead of the
honest man once or twice, but not for keeps. This is my day, thank you.
I'm not giving away information ahead of time again, but, just between
friends, I'll mention that the sheriff is overdue at Nitschkan's cabin,
where José happens to be. They'll be up after the rest of you
presently."

"Carraja!" Gallito ground his teeth, "and I left him at the mine." Then
quickly to Pearl, "Suppose he should get away from them. Are both
horses in the stable?"

"Both," she said. "Hurry, you get on one and I will have the other ready