A certain red-faced, gray-haired and rather rotund individual active in the office of the treasurer of the commonwealth of Texas, sitting before a low-topped desk in a room of the building which served as state capitol, looked up as the newcomer entered.
“Good evening, sir,” said McMasters pleasantly. “Do I find Mr. Rudabaugh in?”
The official made no immediate response.
“You do not,” said he finally.
“No? I infer that he is out of town?”
“Yes,” rejoined the other.
McMasters smiled innocently.
“In such case he is no longer in jail?”
At this the official displayed feeling.
“What business is it of yours?” he demanded. “And how do you know he is in jail? He didn’t stay there longer than it took to call court. There are not people enough in Texas to keep Mr. Rudabaugh in jail.”