On the road over, Billy Little asked Dr. Kennedy to lead his horse while he talked to Patsy Clark, who was driving in the wagon.
"How did Dic happen to shoot him?" asked Billy when he was seated beside Patsy.
"D-Dic d-di-didn't shoot him. Ri-ta did," stuttered Doug's henchman.
"No, Patsy, it was Dic," said Billy Little.
"I-I re-reckon I or-orter know," stammered Patsy. "I-I was there and s-saw it. You wasn't."
"You're wrong, Patsy," insisted Billy.
"B-by Ned, I re-reckon I know," he returned.
"Now listen to me, Patsy," said Billy, impressively. "I say you are wrong, and—by the way, Patsy, I want you to do a few little odd jobs about the store for the next month or so. I'll not need you frequently, but I should like to have you available at any time. If you will come down to the store, I will pay you twenty dollars wages in advance, and later on I will give you another twenty. You are a good fellow, and I want to help you; but I am sure you are wrong in this case. I know it was Dic who fired the shot. Now, think for a moment. Wasn't it Dic?"
"We-well, c-come to think a-a-about it, I believe you're right. Damned if I don't. He t-tuk the gun and jes' b-b-blazed away."