He was curious about Bland and his gang, and glad to have something to think about.

For every once in a while he had a sensation that was almost like a pang.

He wanted to forget.

In the next hour he did forget, and enjoyed helping in the preparation and eating of the meal.

Euchre, after washing and hanging up the several utensils, put on his hat and turned to go out.
"Come along or stay here, as you want," he said to Duane.
"I'll stay," rejoined Duane, slowly.
The old outlaw left the room and trudged away, whistling cheerfully.
Duane looked around him for a book or paper, anything to read; but all the printed matter he could find consisted of a few words on cartridge-boxes and an advertisement on the back of a tobacco-pouch.
There seemed to be nothing for him to do.