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Jed nodded. "I figured you had. Yes, it would be Hilliard worked

the scheme out, I expect."

"You're a good deal of a detective yourself, Mr. Briscoe," the

Texan laughed hardily. "Perhaps I could get you a job in the

rangers."

"There may be a vacancy there soon," Jed agreed.

"What's the use of talking that way, Jed? Are you threatening Mr.

Fraser? If anything happens to him, I'll remember this," Arlie

told him.

"Have I mentioned any threats, Arlie? It is well known that

Lieutenant Fraser has enemies here. It don't take a prophet to

tell that, after what happened the other night."

"Any more than it takes a prophet to tell that you are one of

them."

"I play my own hand. I don't lie down before him, or any other

man. He'd better not get in my way, unless he's sure he's a

better man than I am."

"But he isn't in your way," Arlie insisted. "He has told a plain

story. I believe every word of it."