“Who, doubtless, are few and far between in this region.”
“Yes. To put a stop to the thing by legal means, we must have the co-operation of the sheriff.”
“And there is no sheriff,” said Carmel.
“Er—removed by the liquor interests for cause,” said Evan, dryly. “If I am a judge of appearances, the sheriff’s office as it is now constituted is not likely to give the rum smugglers a maximum of uneasiness.”
“Mr. Pell, when there is a vacancy in the office of sheriff, how can that vacancy be filled?”
“I was reading the Compiled Statutes of the state last night with that point in mind.... The Governor may appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term of office.”
Carmel turned back to her work, but once more faced Evan abruptly. “Have you noticed an unusual number of men going up to Lancelot Bangs’s photograph gallery to-day?” she asked.
“No. Why do you ask?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I wondered.”
He eyed her a moment, then shrugged his shoulders. “I shall give Mr. Bangs my attention,” he said, and arose to leave the office.