"Oh no; you must be joking," Jim said to Bud, too worn out to give vent to the anger that began to surge through him.
Bill was relieved at the light manner in which Jim seemed to take the news. "Well, that's what I thought, but he takes himself kind of serious."
Furiously came Bud's next words. "Anyway, I've got evidence to arrest her."
Showing the revolver to Jim, Bill contemptuously added, "And which said Sheriff steals out of the house of said trustin' and confidin' friend."
Jim stared in amazement at the revolver. Yes, it was Nat-u-ritch's. He had never looked at it since that day at Maverick when her hand had saved him from the cowardly attack of Cash Hawkins. He did not speak.
Bud moved closer to him. He pointed to Bill. "And which he said belonged to Nat-u-ritch." Triumphantly he pointed also to Clarke to indicate that he had him as a witness.
Jim motioned Bill to the house. "Put that revolver back where it belongs," he said, and Bill obeyed.
Bud darted forward as though to stop Bill. "I demand the custody of that myself, Mr. Carston."
"Let's understand each other, Sheriff." As he spoke, Jim deliberately blocked Bud's way. "Nat-u-ritch is as innocent of wrong as a bird that flies. It wouldn't do to confine her in that dirty little jail in Jansen. It would be murder."
"You're a law-abiding citizen, Mr. Carston. You ain't agoin' to resist the law?"