Jim opened it to admit one of Emmett's sons and a very tall man whom none of us knew.

He was a sand-man.

All that was not sand seemed a space or two of corduroy, a big bone-handled knife, a prominent square jaw and bronze cheek and flashing eyes.
"Get down--get down, an' come in, stranger, said Frank cordially.
"How do you do, sir," said Jones.
"Colonel Jones, I've been on your trail for twelve days," announced the stranger, with a grim smile.

The sand streamed off his coat in little white streak.

Jones appeared to be casting about in his mind.
"I'm Grant Wallace," continued the newcomer.