"Bill told us where he picked him up. Jack and I went up there to see what we could find and," the warden shrugged, "the back trail wasn't hard to follow. Smoky was hit hard." "And you found my tobacco pouch?" "That's right, Al. It was within a few feet of where Smoky fell." "How do you know he fell there?" Loring Blade shrugged again. "He laid a while before he started to drag himself out. There was plenty of evidence." "Now here's a point, Lorin'. I've already said I was in Coon Valley today. Suppose I had my pouch, couldn't I have lost it when I passed the sycamores?" "You could have." "What time did you go up Coon Valley?" Jack Callahan broke in. "'Twas before eight. I started early." "Then you crossed back to the Fordham Road?" "Don't try to snarl my words up," Al warned. "I've already said that I went up Coon Valley to its head and crossed back of Burned Mountain to the Fordham Road." "But you heard no shooting?" Al seemed a little contemptuous. "You ever make that crossin'?" "I asked you a question." "And I asked you one. Did you ever cross that way?" "No." Put on the defensive, Callahan sulked. "Try it," Al advised shortly. "It's a right smart hop. There's places back in there where you couldn't hear a cannon fired in Coon Valley." "Look, Al," Loring Blade pleaded, "I'll ask you again to tell your straight story. I'm sure there has to be more to it than this. I know you too well to think you'd shoot Delbert or anyone else down in cold blood. Won't you help me to help you?" Al said doggedly, "I've told my story. Seems like there's an easy way to settle this whole works." "What is it?" "Delbert ain't dead. When he talks, he'll tell who shot him." "There's no guarantee that Delbert will ever talk." Jack Callahan said, "I'm afraid I'll have to take you in, Al." "On what grounds?" "Suspicion. If Delbert lives, the charge will be assault with a deadly weapon. If he dies--" Callahan shrugged. Al looked aside, and the fierce storms that could rage in his usually gentle eyes were raging now. Ted shivered, and then Al calmed. "All right, Jack. If that's the way it must be." "You won't resist?" "I promise I won't raise a hand against you or Lorin'." Loring Blade said relievedly, "That's a help, Al. Thanks." "Is there any reason," Al asked, "why a body can't eat first? Ted and me've been out sinst early mornin' with only a snack in between." Loring Blade said agreeably, "No reason at all, Al." Callahan glared at the warden. Al smiled faintly. "Have a bite with us, Lorin'?" "I'll be glad to." "How about you, Jack?" "Look here, Al, if you try anything--" "I've give my word that I'll raise no hand to either of you." "See that you keep your word." "Leave that to me. Will you eat with us?" Callahan answered reluctantly, "I'll stay." "Then Ted and me'll be rustlin' a bite."