Chapter 14
CASH GETS A SHOCKIt happened that Cash was just returning to the cabin from the
Blind Ledge claim. He met Bud almost at the doorstep, just as Bud
was fumbling with the latch, trying to open the door without moving
Lovin Child in his arms. Cash may or may not have been astonished.
Certainly he did not betray by more than one quick glance that he
was interested in Bud's return or in the mysterious burden he bore.
He stepped ahead of Bud and opened the door without a word, as if
he always did it just in that way, and went inside.
Bud followed him in silence, stepped across the black line to
his own side of the room and laid Lovin Child carefully down so as
not to waken him. He unbuttoned the coat he had wrapped around him,
pulled off the concealing red cap and stared do
