Chapter 61

“Ed Hardin,” cried the young man, “what is that mare doin’ at the front fence? Where be you goin’?” “I’m goin’ ter hunt that beast, Alex.” “Yer ain’t goin’ ter do that thing, Ed! Yer don’t know what hit is. How--” “I’m goin’, Alex.” “But, Ed, hit’s _night_. Wait till daylight. The last two times folks went out on the swamp road at night they was er man killed.” Broad-shouldered, sparely-made, the big deputy drew himself up to his full height and turned to gaze for a moment at his young friend. “I’m goin’ now,” he s…