"Illusion," Cecil said wisely. "A kind of optical illusion. We see a girl limping with a big brace on her leg. We really don't look any further than that. We take it for granted the leg's bad. That's human nature, Nick." Sanford didn't seem entirely convinced but he didn't argue the point. "Well, now that you know, what are you going to do about it?" "Do about it? I'm going down there and expose that rat. After pulling a slimy trick like that he should be held up for everybody to take a look at." "I don't know. I'd go a little easy if I were you." Cecil's native caution perked up at the warning but he found a virtue with which to defend his position. "I'd just be doing my duty--the duty of any citizen. And I'm not going down there to accuse him. I'm just going to ask him about it. I'll keep a completely open mind and listen to what he has to say, the damned rat." * * * * * Two men entered the lunchroom after coffee and when they'd heard Cecil's story they didn't think much of the "man in the hills" yarn either. In fact, they didn't think at all. As one whispered to the other, "I don't know what the hell this is all about but Ceec is on his horse and there might be some excitement so let's stick around." The other one yawned. "This stinking town could certainly use some." Another hour went by before the town really started gathering. Then, with what amounted to a holiday spirit, heightened by the aura of mystery involved, the crowd followed Cecil Bates up the street to Dan Parker's bungalow. And the closer they came, the greater was Cecil Bates' sense of self-importance. Without analyzing, he knew he was happier than he'd been in many years. This was the way a sheriff should act--how the job should be. Walking up the street to investigate rascality with the town coming respectfully along behind. They were depending on him and he wouldn't let them down.... * * * * * Dan Parker was finishing his breakfast. He scowled into his coffee and said, "What did she have to pull a trick like this for? If she doesn't get back I'll have to go look for her. I'll be late to work." "Why should you have to do that?" Jane asked. "She knows the country. There's nothing to hurt her. She has Buck with her." "Jane, sometimes I don't understand you. Your own kid wandering around in the desert and it doesn't bother you." "I don't think it bothers you either. You're more worried about being inconvenienced--being late to work." "Now listen here--!" "Oh, Dan! Let's not fight. It makes me a little sick to fight now. Don't you realize that last night something wonderful happened? Something we don't understand but wonderful all the same. Biddy was healed--and here we are the next morning growling at each other like a cat and a dog." Jane ignored the fact that Dan was doing all the growling and added, "Besides, I'm sure she's all right. I--I feel it somehow."