"
"If you don't turn that horrid pistol away, I'll faint," cried
femininity in collapse. Crosby's arm went about her waist and she hid
her terror-stricken eyes on his shoulder.
"Keep that hand up!" cried Brown threateningly.
"Don't be mean about it, old man. Can't you see that my arm is not at
all dangerous?"
"I've got to search you."
"Search me? Well, I guess not. Where is your authority?"
"I'm a deputy marshal from Dexter."
"Have you been sworn in, sir?"
"Aw, that's all right now. No more rag chewin' out of you. That'll do
YOU! Keep your hands up!"
"What am I charged with?"
"Attempted horse stealin', an' you know it."
"Have you a warrant? What is my name?"
"That'll do you now; that'll do you."
"See here, my fine friend, you've made a sad mistake. I'm not the man
you want. I'm ready to go to jail, if you insist, but it cost you every
dollar you have in the world. I'll make you pay dearly for calling an
honest man a thief, sir." Crosby's indignation was beautifully assumed
and it took effect.
"Mr. Austin is the man who ordered your arrest," he explained.
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