“And to-night the big shipment comes in.”
“Your orders.”
“We’ve got to get the girl,” Abner said. “Have her watched every instant. Have everything in readiness. If she puts her foot in a spot where you and your men can take her, don’t lose a minute.” His voice lifted with excitement. “Get her. Do you hear?... Get her!”
“Where’s Whitefield?” Jenney said.
“How should I know?”
“I want to know.... You can’t handle him like you can this girl. He’s gone some’eres, and I want to know where and why.”
Fownes scowled, but made no rejoinder.
“I don’t like the way things is goin’,” Jenney said, sulkily. “I feel like I was gittin’ cornered.”
“You’re sheriff, aren’t you? Who’ll corner you. You’re frightened, Jenney. Men who get frightened aren’t useful to me. Now, get out of here. You know what you’ve got to do. Do it.”
“Town meetin’ to-morrer. I got to be there.”