“Howdy, Mr. See,” said the unit as Charlie overtook it. “Which way now?”
“Oh, just going round to the hardware store to get a collar button.”
“You don’t know me,” said the sauntering unit. “My name is Maginnis.”
“I withdraw the collar button,” said Charlie. He slowed his step and shot a glance at the grizzled face beside him. Who’s Who in Cowland has a well-thumbed page for Spinal Maginnis. “What’s your will?”
“You arrested young Dines?”
“In a way, yes. I was with the bunch.”
“It is told of you by camp fires,” said Maginnis, “that you’ll do to take along. Will you come?”
“With you, yes. Spill it.”
“For me. To do what I can’t do for myself. You arrested Johnny Dines, or helped; so you can go where I’m not wanted. Notice anything back yonder?” He jerked his head toward the main street.
“Well, I’m not walking in my sleep this bright beautiful evening. Whispering fools, you mean?”