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"I had a letter of introduction to him from a friend in Texas.

When he knew who I was, he decided he couldn't afford to have me

lynched without trying to save me."

"I see. And the map?"

"This was the only part of the country in which I would be safe

from capture. He knew I had a claim on some of the Cedar Mountain

people, because it was to help them I had got into trouble."

"Yes, I can see that." Arlie nodded quickly. "Of course, that is

just what the sheriff would think."

"Folks can always see what they want to, Arlie," Jed commented.

"Now, I can't see all that, by a lot."

"It isn't necessary you should, Mr. Briscoe," Fraser retorted.

"Or else I see a good deal more, lieutenant," Jed returned, with

his smooth smile. "Mebbe the sheriff helped you on your way

because you're such a good detective. He's got ambitions, Brandt

has. So has Hilliard, the prosecuting attorney. Happen to see

him, by the way?"

"Yes."