“He didn’t like me,” the detective admitted, “but until today I am sure he did not suspect who I was. You understand now why I was trying to break into his chest?”
“You were after evidence.”
“Yes, and I did succeed in getting a paper which definitely links your foreman with a crime committed in Texas. I could have arrested him yesterday but by waiting I hoped to learn more.”
“Did you think that he was the person who robbed me at Eagle Pass?” Connie questioned.
“Yes, I felt certain of it. I thought that by keeping watch of him I might learn where he had cached the money.”
Connie took a silver knife from her pocket, offering it to the detective.
“Here is something which belongs to you, I believe.”
“Where did you find it?” he asked quickly.
“I picked it up last night on the trail to the cliff dwellings.”
“I must have dropped it when I followed your foreman there,” the detective responded. “I’ve been watching him ever since I started working here at the ranch. Finally I figured out that his secret trips to the cliffs must have some significance. Last night I searched the kivas without success. Today I lay in wait for Blakeman, as you know, with better luck.”