"You derned thief," he shouted. Then he plainly showing his annoyance at his lack of repression.
Bud's hand dropped to his gun. "You—" he began, but Polly stopped him with a gesture, looking from one to the other of the men, dazed and frightened.
"A thief. Bud a thief? What does it mean? Tell me," she gasped. Turning to Bud, she demanded: "Bud, you heard what he said?"
Dropping his head, fearing to look at either of them, he muttered sullenly: "He lied."
Slim checked his first betrayal of his anger and kept himself well in hand.
"Oh, Slim," pleaded Polly, "say you didn't mean it."
Simply and sadly Slim answered: "I didn't. I reckon as how I'm some jealous, an'—an'—I lied."
His voice dropped, and he turned aside, stepping away from the young couple.
Polly was still in doubt. Slim's actions were so strange. It was not like this big-hearted, brave Sheriff to accuse a man of stealing without being sure of his charges. Then Slim's accusing himself of lying was entirely at variance with his character. "I'm sorry," she said. "Please forgive me. It was all my fault. I didn't know that you—"
Slim held up his hand to silence her.