Magnus insisted that the three ranchers should put up at Los Muertos.

Osterman accepted at once, Annixter, after an interminable discussion, allowed himself to be persuaded, in the end accepting as though granting a favour.

Broderson protested that his wife, who was not well, would expect him to return that night and would, no doubt, fret if he did not appear.

Furthermore, he lived close by, at the junction of the County and Lower Road.

He put a sack over his head and shoulders, persistently declining Magnus's offered umbrella and rubber coat, and hurried away, remarking that he had no foreman on his ranch and had to be up and about at five the next morning to put his men to work.
"Fool!" muttered Annixter when the old man had gone.