“Why?”

Teeters’ eyes narrowed.

“Because I know where the gun come from!”

Bowers looked his astonishment.

“I’d swear to that gun stock on a stack of Bibles,” Teeters continued. “It was swelled from layin’ in water, and a blacksmith riveted it. The blacksmith died last summer or by now we’d a had his affidavit.”

“Ain’t that sick'nin’!” Bowers referred to the exasperating demise of the blacksmith.

“Anyway, Lingle’s workin’ like a horse on the case, and I think he’ll clear it up directly. How’s she standin’ it?”

“Like a soldier.”

“She’s got sand.”

“She’s made of it,” laconically, “and I aims to stay by her.”