"Who did you say those boys were that tied you up?" went on the constable, to change the subject.
"Duncan Woodward was the principal one."
"Phew! Reckon he didn't think tying you up would prove such a serious matter."
"If it hadn't been for that, the robbery might have been prevented. I would have been home guarding the widow's property, as she expected me to do."
"Reckon so you would."
"In a certain sense I hold Duncan Woodward and his followers responsible for what has occurred."
"Phew! What will Mr. Woodward say to that, I wonder?"
"I can't help what he says. I'm not going to bear all the blame when it isn't my fault."
"No, neither would I."
At length we reached the outskirts of the town. Judge Penfold lived at the top of what was termed the Hill, the aristocratic district of the place, and thither we made our way.