Judging from Doc Mason's
experience in murder cases, the efforts of these good people were not
called for. And yet the law as it stood had unpleasant possibilities for
Collins.
He was really sorry about Cummins. Of course, Cummins was a fool. A man
of such character would not miss a few thousand dollars in the long run.
What a fool he had been to risk his life! Of course, he, Collins, had
risked his life, too. But how different were the two cases! Cummins had
rich friends who would help him; Collins had no friends, barring a few
silly women. His long suit was women. He really regretted Cummins' death
more on Mamie's account than for any other reason.
Poor Mamie! But it must be the gold and not the girl this trip. When he
had invested his capital and made his pile, he would play the prince to
his Cinderella. They would both be glad to flee this country. Bah! the
very soil was red! Golden blossoms sprung from it, but the roots were
fed with blood. Collins was a young fellow, by no means a hardened
criminal, and the excitement of the day stimulated intellect and emotion
like the drug of a Chinaman.
He reached Dutch Flat in due season, and found several old cronies at
the railroad station, where people were discussing the death of Cummins.
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