In the dim light of the lantern vague outlines took shape. He noticed
that the small safe in the corner was open. He became alarmed and
again called. He heard a slight movement behind him and turned to see
the door close. From behind stepped a figure, a slender figure that
seemed unreal, yet familiar. With a cry of surprise he jumped back and
stood facing his old friend and companion of the road, Will Corliss.

"Billy!" he ejaculated, backing away and staring.

"Yes, it's Billy." And Corliss extended his hand.

"But--what, where--?" Sundown hesitated and glanced at the safe. His
eyes widened and he lowered the lantern. "Billy!" he said, ignoring
the other's proffered hand, "what you doin' here?"

Corliss assumed a nonchalant air. "Shake, pal! It's a long time since
we been in a wreck, eh?"

Sundown was silent, studying the other's hardened features. "Billy!"
he reiterated, "what you doin' here?"

Corliss laughed nervously. "What are you doing here?" he
retorted,--"in the office of the Concho, at midnight?"

"I was comin' to get flour and beans for the camp--" he began.

Corliss interrupted him. "Sounds good, that! But they don't keep the
grub here. Guess you made a mistake."