"The law wouldn't vindicate itself back there--ten years ago--but I guess it's doing it now." He dropped into DeBar's trail and began to trot.
"At least it looks as if you're on the side of the Mighty," he continued.

"But we'll see--very soon--Billy--" Ahead of him the trail ran up a ridge, broken and scattered with rocks and stunted scrub, and the sight of it gave him a little hope.

Hope died when he reached the top and stared out over a mile of lifeless barren.
"You're my only chance.

Billy," he shivered.

"Mebby, if you knew what had happened, you'd turn back and give me the loan of a match." He tried to laugh at his own little joke, but it was a ghastly attempt and his purpling lips closed tightly as he stumbled down the ridge.