There were two horses in the barn, a sway-backed dun and Jess Crouch's buckskin. Curt snuffed out the match.

It was certain now that Jess was in the house, but also, presumably, was Stacey Black. Curt wanted to get Jess alone, without interference from anyone, even as spineless a person as the store owner.

He studied the problem for a few seconds and thought of a means by which it might be solved. Reaching across the side of the stall, he slapped the buckskin on the rump. The startled animal let out a terrified squeal and thrashed around in the stall.

As Curt had hoped, the house door banged open. He slapped the buckskin again and it kicked wildly, its hoofs rattling the side of the stall.

Curt moved over beside the door and waited. Presently he heard footsteps crossing the yard, and Jess's smothered curses. The door swung open, and Jess said sourly, ``What the hell's the matter with you?'' The horse continued to snort. Curt doubted that any animal belonging to Jess would find much reassurance in its owner's voice.

Jess cursed again, and entered the barn. A match flared, and he reached above his head to light a lantern which hung from a wire loop. As he crossed to the side of the stall, Curt drew his gun and clicked back the hammer.

``Before you try anything,'' he said. ``Remember what happened to Gruller.''

Jess caught his breath in surprise. He started to reach for his gun, but apparently hammer it.