"This—and I found it within six feet of where you're standing. Now do you think it could be the bullet that went through Smoky Delbert?"
Ted took from his pocket the bullet he had dug out of Pythias and held it up between thumb and forefinger. Again, but only for an almost imperceptible part of a second, Carl Thornton's composure deserted him. Then, once more, he was the master of Crestwood and as such he had no association with ordinary residents of the Mahela. He said scornfully, "Give me that bullet."
"Well now, I just don't think I will. The Sheriff, the State Police—and maybe others—will sure be interested as all get out. You'll have some explaining to do, Thornton, and can you explain?"
"I want that bullet!"
"Why do you want it, Thornton?"
"Give me that bullet!"
"Not so fast. I might sell it to you. What's it worth for you to have it?"
Carl Thornton's laugh carried an audible sneer. "You slob! You hill monkey! You're even lower than I thought! Sell the evidence that would clear your own father for money!"
"Then you did shoot Smoky!"
"I want that bullet!"