Pagina 345 di 439

"Then I should have to ask you how you come by it, seeing as the

map is drawn on Sheriff Brandt's official stationery," Jed rasped

swiftly.

"I got it from Sheriff Brandt, Mr. Briscoe, since you want to

know. You're not entitled to the information, but I'll make you a

gift of it. He gave it to me to guide me here."

Even Briscoe was taken aback. He had expected evasion, denial,

anything but a bold acceptance of his challenge. His foe watched

the wariness settle upon him by the narrowing of his eyes.

"So the sheriff knew you were coming?"

"Yes."

"I thought you broke jail. That was the story I had dished up to

me."

"I did, with the help of the sheriff."

"Oh, with the help of the sheriff? Come to think of it, that

sounds right funny--a sheriff helping his prisoner to escape."

"Yet it is true, as it happens."

"I don't doubt it, lieutenant. Fact is, I had some such notion

all the time. Now, I wonder why-for he took so friendly an

interest in you."