The deputy appeared sober enough before I had finished, and fully grasped the seriousness of the situation.
"Now that is the way it stacks up," I ended, "The girl is to be taken to this fellow's shack and compelled to marry Kirby, whether she wants to or not.

They will have her where she cannot help herself--away from anyone to whom she could appeal.

Rale wouldn't explain what means were to be used to make her consent, and I didn't dare press him for fear he might suspect me.

They either intend threatening her, or else to actually resort to force--likely both.

No doubt they can rely on this renegade preacher in either case." "Jack didn't name no name ?" "No--why ?" "Only thar uster be a bum hangin' round the river front in Saint Louee who hed preacher's papers, en wore a long-tailed coat.