“Well, I’m speaking for your good, young man. Dugan is connected with a gang. It’ll not be a case of coping with one man; there will be five or six against you.”
“The more the merrier,” said Frank, grimly, without the least swagger or air of bravado. “I will have that rifle!”
“All right. I’ve warned you, that’s all I can do.”
“I’d like to hire you to go along with me.”
Instantly the man shook his head.
“Can’t,” he shortly declared.
“Why not? Your authority will permit you if Forest City is in this county.”
“Oh, Forest City is in Washington all right; but it’s close to the line, and no trouble for a man to get over into Aroostook or to jump into New Brunswick. If you get back that rifle, you’ll have to do it on your own hook.”
It was plain that the officer did not care to take any part in the pursuit of Dugan. He showed that he, like others, feared the man with the bad reputation.