Carmody was less belligerent as he said: "What about arresting these young people? How did that happen?"
"Well, on the way back from the station I got to thinking about those raiders, and it struck me that it would be easy for them to ride down to the Kauffman cabin and do some damage, and that I'd better go over and see that everything was safe. It was late when I got home, but I saddled up and drove across. Good thing I did, for I found the house all lit up, and Henry Kitsong, young Busby, and old Pete Cuneo's girl were in full possession of the place and having a gay time. I arrested the boys for breaking into the house on the theory that they were both in that raid. Furthermore, I'm sure they know something about Watson's death. That's what Abe and Eli were fighting me about to-night—they're afraid Henry was mixed up in it. He and Watson didn't get on well."
The vigor and candor of the ranger's defense profoundly affected Carmody. "You may be right," he said, thoughtfully. "Anyhow, I'll bring them all before the jury to-morrow. Of course, I can't enter into that raid or the housebreaking—that's out of my jurisdiction—but if you think this Cuneo girl knows something—"
"I am certain she does. She made those tracks in the flour."
The coroner turned sharply. "What makes you think so?"
Hanscom then told him of the comparison he had made of her shoes with the drawings in his note-book, and the coroner listened intently.
"That's mighty important," he said, at last. "You did right in bringing her down. I'll defend your action."
Hanscom persisted: "You must make it clear to that jury that Helen McLaren never entered Watson's gate in her life."
Carmody was at heart convinced. "Don't worry," said he. "I'll give you a chance to get all that evidence before the jury, and for fear Abe may try to arrest you and keep you away from the session, I reckon I'd better send you home in charge of Throop." He smiled, and the sheriff smiled, but it was not so funny to the ranger.
"Never mind about me," he said. "I can take care of myself. Kitsong is only bluffing."