THE HUNTER LEGACY

Tony saw people clustered in the street ahead though there were no streetlights in this part of town. Lamps or candles were lit in some of the shanties here and there and other people stood in their doorways looking toward the street. Some of the nearest onlookers carried lanterns or candles. They had gathered around something that held their attention.

Tony leaned to one side to try and see around Lon’s broad back. He recognized both of the automobiles in the street. One was the sheriff’s station wagon with a crude gold star painted on the front door. The other automobile belonged to Wyler, the undertaker, with his business name scripted on the side. A horse drawn hearse, manned by Wyler’s young assistant, waited on the other side of the undertaker’s car.

Two men came away from the group carrying a body on a blanket or a stretcher. A slender white arm dangled from beneath the blanket. Tony touched Lon’s arm, and Lon nodded. The men carried their burden to the rear of the hearse, another man following with a lantern. The man with the lantern let the back down so it formed a bed, and the others laid the body on it.