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"It shows nothing. You might have written it yourself last night.

Anyhow, a letter of introduction isn't quite an excuse for

murder."

"It wasn't murder."

"That's what you say. I'll be glad to have you prove it."

"They followed Dillon--if that is his name--out of town."

"They put it that they were on their way home, when they were

attacked."

"By an old man and his daughter," the Texan added significantly.

"There again we have only your statement for it. Half a dozen men

had been in town during the day from the Cedar Mountain district.

These men were witnesses in the suit that rose over a sheep raid.

They may all have been on the spot, to ambush Faulkner's crowd."

Brandt broke in: "Are you personally convinced that this

gentleman is Lieutenant Fraser of the Rangers?"

"Personally, I am of opinion that he is, but--"

"Hold your horses, Dave. Believing that, do you think that we

ought to leave him here to be lynched to-night by Peake's

outfit?"