“Sure is,” said Jim proudly.
“What do you mean tying him to a fire plug?” demanded Constable Whittaker.
“I couldn’t find any other place to tie him,” explained Jim reasonably.
Robert Morgan, the younger of Springdale’s two lawyers, came strolling by at this moment. He stopped to listen to the conversation and to examine Jim’s horse.
“Well, you can’t tie him to a fire plug,” said the constable. “It’s against the law.”
“Where will I tie him?” asked Jim. “I’m in town on business and I’ve gotta leave my horse somewhere.”
“I don’t know where you’ll tie him, but fire plugs are out. Why I could throw you in jail for this.” Whittaker fingered his star, looking at Jim threateningly.
Jim began to be decidedly frightened. Desperately he tried to think of something to say.
“Don’t believe you could, Whit,” said Robert Morgan with a grin as he entered the argument. “I was reading the town ordinances last night. It’s against the law to park a car within fifteen feet of a fire plug but I don’t remember a word being mentioned about horses. You wouldn’t have a leg to stand on in court.”
“Do you mean this kid can tie his nag to a fire plug and get away with it?” demanded the big constable irritably.