"You must be crazy, young fellow. I don't know anything about the Widow Canby or her money."
"I can prove it. My sister can prove it, too."
"Then your sister must be as crazy as yourself."
"Stop there! You're the thief and you know it."
"I know nothing of the kind."
"Your story is nonsensical, Strong," broke in Mr. Woodward. "Gentlemen like Mr. Stumpy here do not break into people's houses and commit robberies."
"Gentlemen! He's nothing but a tramp, and you know it."
"Tramp? How dare you?" cried Stumpy, in suddenly assumed dignity, put on for the farmer's benefit. "I am a ranchero from Texas and an honest man. I am visiting Mr. Woodward, and know nothing more of the robbery excepting having heard that it occurred—ahem!" And John Stumpy drew himself up.
Under other circumstances I would have laughed at his effrontery. But the situation was too serious to indulge in any humor.
"Being placed under arrest has turned your head, Strong," said the merchant. "You seem to be quite out of your mind."