The trooper traced a meaningless doodle with his pen. "That depends a lot on circumstances. Few judges or justices are inclined to be harsh with a person who merely walks on another's property, even if it is posted."
"Suppose they steal?"
"That's entirely different. What have they stolen?"
"Nothing yet."
"Well," the trooper's voice was edged with sarcasm, "what do you think they might steal?"
"Muskrats."
"Muskrats?" Puzzled wrinkles furrowed the trooper's brow. "Do you have some?"
"Yes."
"Are they penned?"
"No, they're running loose in my swamp."