"But how about Sundown?"
"He stays. How long do you think I'll hold Sundown before Nell Loring drives into Antelope to tell me she can like as not prove he didn't kill Fade?"
"But if you know that, why do you hold him?"
"To cinch up my ideas, tight. Holding him will make talk. Folks always like to show off what they know about such things. It's natural in 'em."
"New Mex. is a comf'table-sized State," commented Shoop from the bed.
"And he was raised there," said the sheriff. "He's got friends over the line and so have I. Sent 'em over last week."
"Thought Sun was raised back East?" said Shoop, again sitting up.
Corliss smiled. "Better give it up, Bud."
"Oh, very well!" said Shoop, mimicking a grande dame who had once stopped at Antelope in search for local color. "Anyhow, you got to set a Mexican to catch a Mexican when he's hidin' out with Mexicans." With this bit of advice, Shoop again relapsed to silence.
"Going back to the Concho to-morrow?" queried Banks.