“Very nice work,” said Father William admiringly. “You’re as good as they say you are.” He walked over to One-Time Charlie’s body and studied his face closely. “He doesn’t look familiar,” he said after a moment. “But you can never tell.”

“If you want him, he’s yours,” offered Cain.

“You mean it?”

“View it as my belated contribution to church,” said Cain wryly.

“Praise the Lord, I’ve got another convert!” laughed Father William, pulling out his skinning knife.

“Come outside,” said Cain to Moonripple. “You don’t want to watch this.”

“What is he going to do?” she asked, staring at the preacher with horrified fascination.

“Nothing that concerns us,” replied Cain, walking her to the doorway.

She went out into the street with him, still trembling, as the townspeople poured out of their stores and houses to converge on the tavern. Cain ignored them and kept walking until he and Moonripple were well clear of the crowd.

“Will you be all right, or would you like me to take you to a doctor?” he asked.

“I’m fine, sir,” she said.

“You’re sure?” he asked as the sound of Father William’s voice came out of the tavern, reassuring the onlookers that no crime had been committed and that another sinner had been sent to Satan a few years ahead of schedule.

“Yes, sir,” said Moonripple. “I’m all right, really I am.”

“Good. That was a pretty close call.”

She looked up at him. “You saved my life. Why?”

“I like you,” replied Cain. “And I’ve never been very fond of people like One-Time Charlie.”

“What can I do to repay you?” she asked.

“You can tell me the truth about Santiago.”

She considered his request silently for a moment, then nodded.

“If that’s what you want,” she said.

“Father William is waiting for him. When is he due to show up?”

“He’s already here,” said Moonripple.

“Santiago’s on Safe Harbor right now?” asked Cain, startled.

“Yes.”

“How long has he been here?”

“For years, I guess,” answered Moonripple. “He lives here.”

“Well, I’ll be damned!” muttered Cain. “Can you take me to him?”

“No. But I can introduce you to someone who can.”

“When?”

She shrugged. “Right now, if you’d like.”

Cain was suddenly aware of Father William’s presence and turned to find the preacher standing some twenty feet away, his grisly trophy in his hand.

“You’re very persistent, Sebastian Cain,” he said. “I admire that in a man.”

“If he’s been here all along, why haven’t you gone after him yet?” asked Cain.

“I don’t want him.”

“Why not?”

“I have my reasons,” said Father William.

“Well, I have mine for wanting to find him.”

“So I’ve been given to understand.”

“I’ve got nothing against you,” said Cain seriously. “But if you try to stop me, I’ll kill you.”