Joe's anger flared. "Blast it, man! I lost a mule and had to have another! What did you think we'd do? Sit there?"
"Control your temper, Mr. Tower. If you knew these two men were thieves, why did you not take them into custody?"
"It was none of my business. I'm no law officer."
"Do you have proof that what you've said is true?"
"I have my word, Ellis's here, my wife's, my daughter's, and my oldest son's."
"Do you realize, Mr. Tower, that we shall have to take the mule and detain you until we have investigated?"
"You can have the mule!" Joe roared. "But nobody's detaining us! We're going on as soon as we can get another!"
"I've already advised you to control your temper. Do you have this animal with you?"
"Yes."
"We'll look at it."