The sheriff continued, ignoring and, indeed, only half sensing the purport of Jeff's comment: "At least, the wound may not be mortal." "That's too bad," said Jeff. He was, if possible, more cheerful than ever. The sheriff glared at him. Billy, from the front seat, threw a word of explanation over his shoulder. "It's not Lake. The watchman." "Oh, old Lars Porsena? That's different. Not a bad sort, Lars. Maybe he'll get well. Hope so.... And I shot him? Dear me! When did it happen?" "You'll find out soon enough!" said the sheriff grimly. "Your preliminary's right away." "Hell, I haven't had breakfast yet!" Jeff protested. "Feed us first or we won't be tried at all." * * * * * Within the jail, while the sheriff spoke with his warder, it occurred to Billy that, since Jimmy Phillips was not to be seen, he might as well carry his own friendly message. So he said guardedly: "Buck up, old man! Keep a stiff upper lip and be careful what you say. This is only your preliminary trial, remember. Lots of things may happen before court sets. The devil looks after his own, you know." Jeff had a good ear for voices, however, and Billy's mustache still kept more than a hint of Mephistopheles. Jeff slowly surveyed Billy's natty attire, with a lingering and insulting interest for such evidences of prosperity as silken hosiery and a rather fervid scarfpin. At last his eye met Billy's, and Billy was blushing. "Does he?" drawled Jeff languidly. "Ah!... You own the car, then?" Poor Billy! Notwithstanding the ingratitude of this rebuff, Billy sought out Jimmy Phillips and recounted to him the circumstances of the arrest. "Oh, naughty, naughty!" said the deputy, caressing his nose. "Lake's been a cowman on Rainbow. He knew the brand on that horse; he knew Jeff was chummy with Monte. He knew in all reason that Jeff was in there, and most likely he knew it all the time. So he sneaks off to see Lars--after shooting him from ambush, damn him!--and sends you to take Jeff. Looks like he might be willing for you and Jeff to damage either, which or both of yourselves, as the case may be." "It looks so," said Billy. "Must be a fine girl!" murmured Jimmy absently. "Well, what are you going to do? It looks pretty plain." "It looks plain to us--but we haven't got a single tangible thing against Lake yet. We'd be laughed out of court if we brought an accusation against him. We'll have to wait and keep our eyes open." "You're sure Lake did it? There was no rubber nosepiece at Monte's house. All the rest of the football outfit--but not that. That looks bad for Jeff."