Out of Context

The U. P. Trail
Zane Grey

In his chief’s inflexible voice, in teh worn, shadowed face, Neale saw the great burden, and somehow he was reminded of Lincoln, and a passion of remorse seized him. Why had he not been faithful to this steadfast man who had needed him!

“It seemed–so much to me,” faltered Neale.

“Why did you not look at that as you have looked at so many physical difficulties–the running of a survey, for instance?”

“I–I guess I have a yellow streak.”

“Why didn’t you come to me?” went on the chief. Evidently he had been disappointed in Neale.

“I might have come–only Larry, my friend–he got into it, and I was afraid he’d kill somebody,” replied Neale.

“That cowboy–he was a great fellow, but gone wrong. He shot one of the bosses–Smith.”

“Yes, I know. Did–did Smith die?”

“No, but he’ll never be any more good for the U. P. R., that’s certain….Where is your friend now?”

“I left him in Benton.”