stood in Garfield, and what kind of folks live in
Garfield; and they know that whoever killed Adam is in trouble up to
his neck. You mustn't mind our little ways. However, as the witness
is peeved, we'll try another. Jody, speak up and tell us."

"You act like we was under suspicion," sneered Hales.

"Sure, you're under suspicion! What do you expect? Everybody's under
suspicion till we find the right man. I'm going to send word up and
down to hold all strangers. That part is all right. Hello, Jerome! You
missed most of the evidence! I'll tell you about it as we go up."

"Now why the little gun?" said Jerome Martin, tranquilly.

"Been holding an election. Now, Jody--your little piece."

"There's not much to tell. We found Adam's body a little ways down the
canyon, maybe a quarter or a little more; and just this side of it we
found where a yearling had been branded, or a big calf; ashes still
warm. Looks just like this fellow had been stealing one of Adam's
calves, and Adam caught him at it."

"But you said Adam was shot in the back at close range," objected
Charlie. "Adam Forbes wouldn't turn his back to any man, under those
circumstances. That won't work."

"Yes, we thought of that," said Caney. "More likely he saw Adam coming
and killed him before he got to the calf--pretending to be friendly.
Anyhow, Adam's horse went off down the canyon, and the other man went
down the canyon, and we came after him. Oh, yes! His horse lost a shoe,
as we told you before--the murderer's. Must have lost it chasing
that calf. Tracks didn't show it in the soft ground in the park,
anyhow--though we didn't look very close till we found Adam. But
after he left Adam's body his tracks showed one shoe gone. That's
all. Adam's horse bore off to the left. He had a larger foot than
the other, and we could see where the bridle dragged."

"I'll send someone to find him. You didn't hear any shots?"

"Oh, no--we just thought maybe we'd meet up with some puncher ridin'
the range, and ask him had he seen any strangers. This gang of saddle
thieves--"

"Yes, I know about them. Thankee, gentlemen. You can ride now. If you
catch your man beyond the river you might as well take him on to
Hillsboro. Be mighty sure to remember not to forget to be particular
to take this young man alive. We want to hang the man that killed Adam
Forbes. That's all."

"Here, I want some cartridges," said Hobby. He leaped off and jingled
into the store. "Hi, Sam! Get