noon
He testified that after the fight was over Dic snatched up the gun and said , `` I 'm going to kill you ; '' that he then fired the shot , and that afterward Doug remembered nothing . The story , being simple , was easily maintained , and Mr. Switzer 's cross-examination failed to weaken the evidence . Should Patsy Clark cling to the same story as successfully , the future looked dark for Dic . When Doug left the stand at noon recess , Billy rode up to see Rita , and in the course of their conversation the girl discovered his fears . Billy 's dark forebodings did not affect her as he supposed they would . He had expected tears and grief , but instead he found a strange , unconcerned calmness that surprised and puzzled him . Soon after Billy 's departure Rita saddled her horse and rode after him .