'You think I have been drinking. Well, I own up I did have a drop too much—first with Machinson, then after he left. It soon got hold of me. I am not as strong as I was.'
'I thought there was something of that kind,' said Jim. 'Let me tell you why I came here with the horse at this hour.'
'All right. Sit down.'
They seated themselves in a couple of chairs, and Jim commenced his story.
Rodney Shaw did not appear to take much interest in it, he seemed to be thinking of other things.
'It was Dalton's gang stole your horse,' said Jim; 'and if I were you I would insist upon Machinson "going" for them. They are a bad lot, and ought to be cleared out of Barker's Creek. They are a danger to the whole district.'
'You and Machinson don't seem to hit it,' said Shaw.
'No; but it is not my fault. He does not act on the square, and he has accused me of things I have never been mixed up in,' said Jim. 'You ought to be able to convince him that it is his duty to clear Dalton's gang out.'
'Because you are the biggest owner about here, and have more influence than any of us. You have only to mention the matter to the P.M. and he'll soon see that Sergeant Machinson carries out his duties or he'll know the reason why.'