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.” “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.” 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.” “I notice he didn't tell any of his plain story until we proved it on him. He comes through with his story after he's caught with the goods. Don't you know that every criminal that is caught has a smooth explanation?” “I haven't any doubt Mr. Briscoe will have one when his turn comes,” the ranger remarked. Jed wheeled on him. His eyes glittered menace. “You've said one word too much. I'll give you forty-eight hours to get out of this valley.”