Demolitionist v. Detective

For the third day in a row, the reaping of the previous duel proves less than customary. Not even a wedding band is found. Instead of offsetting the balance, Pepple sends the Grave Digger off empty handed.

When the Demolitionist arrives looking for food, Pepple - looking slightly gaunt himself - breaks a small piece of black bread and hands it over, along with water. The two men eat in silence.

The Demolitionist asks why Pepple doesn't take his rifle and hunt in the forest.

There's game up here, he says, there must be. I'll help you hunt - if you need help.

Pepple takes up his notepad. Three lines are written. He'd drawn them that morning.

...reverently, they place some of the plants...
...the truth is that it longed to yield...
...I didn't know it had got as far as that...

It rains a hard summer rain that night. It breaks the heat.

The Detective arrives in a cheap suit, mopping his face with a yellowed handkerchief.