le theory that
either Fire Bear or Jim McFann was guilty--or that both were equally
deep in the crime. Nor did he assume that these men were not guilty. It
was merely that there were some aspects of the case which did not seem
to him entirely convincing. Circumstantial evidence pointed strongly to
Fire Bear and the half-breed, and this evidence might prove all that was
necessary to fasten the crime upon the prisoners. In fact Redmond was so
confident that he prophesied a confession from one or both of the men
before the time arrived for their hearing in court.

As Lowell approached Talpers's store, the trader came out and hailed
him.

"I hear Redmond's arrested Fire Bear and Jim McFann," said Talpers.

"Yes."

"Well, as far as public opinion goes, I s'pose Tom has hit the nail on
the head," observed Bill. "There's some talk right now about lynchin'
the prisoners. Folks wouldn't talk that way unless the arrest was pretty
popular."

"That's Tom Redmond's lookout. He will have to guard against a
lynching."

Talpers stroked his beard and smiled reflectively. Evidently he had
something on his mind. His attitude was that of a man concealing
something of the greatest importance.

"There's one thing sure," went on Bill. "Jim McFann ain't any more
guilty of a hand in that murder than if he wasn't within a thousand
miles of the Dollar Sign when the thing happened."

"That will have to be proved in court."

"Well, as far as McFann's concerned I know Redmond's barkin' up the
wrong tree."

"How do you know it?"

Talpers made a deprecating motion.

"Of course I don't know it absolutely. It's jest what I feel, from bein'
as well acquainted with Jim as I am."

"Yes, you and Jim are tolerably close to each other--everybody knows
that."

Talpers shot a suspicious glance at the agent, and then he reassumed his
mysterious grin.

"Where you goin' now?" he asked.

"Just up on the hill."

"I've been back there a couple of times," sneered Bill, "but I couldn't
find no notes dropped by the murderer."

"Well, there's just one thing that's plain enough now, Talpers," said
Lowell grimly, as he released his brakes. "While Jim McFann is in jail a
lot of Indians are going to be thirsty, and your receipts for whiskey
are not going to be so big."

Talpers scowled angrily and stepped toward the agent. Lowell sat calmly
in the car, watching him unconcernedly. Then Talpers suddenly turned and
walked toward the store, and the ag