A WOMAN'S MERCY Gary Warden did not stand at the office window many minutes after he saw Lawler on the street.

He drew on his coat, took his hat from a hook, on the wall and descended the stairs.

At the street door he glanced swiftly around, saw Red King standing at the hitching rail in front of the building, and several other horses farther up the street.

There were several men on the sidewalks, but he did not see Lawler.
Grinning crookedly, Warden crossed the street and made his way to the station building, where a few minutes later he was talking with Simmons.
Simmons was visibly excited.

There was curiosity in Warden's gaze.
"He's wise," said Simmons.