For an hour after Donald MacDonald had pledged himself to accompany Joanne and Aldous on their pilgrimage to the grave in the Saw Tooth Range the two men continued to discuss the unusual complications in which they had suddenly become involved, and at the same time prepared themselves a supper of bacon and coffee over the fire.

They agreed upon a plan of action with one exception.

Aldous was determined to return to the town, arguing there was a good strategic reason for showing himself openly and without fear.
MacDonald opposed this apprehensively.
"Better lay quiet until morning," he expostulated.

"You'd better listen to me, an' do that, Johnny.

I've got something in my shoulder that tells me you'd better!" In the face of the old hunter's misgiving, Aldous prepared to leave.