“I expect to prove whether or not Lige Benner had anything to do with the shooting of Ace Hawkins, for one thing,” was the reply.
“He didn’t—take it from me.”
“I don’t think he did, either, but Benner himself is anxious to have that point cleared up.”
“Jerry, Lige’s brother,” mused the doctor, “is Lige’s worst enemy. Lige has fired Jerry. Sent him to Houston, with a couple of thousand and his blessing. He went two days ago. Pity he ever came to the Circle-B at all. Lige Benner is a pretty good sort of a fellow, Cody, down at bottom.”
“I believe that, too, after the way he stood by us at the Star-A last night.”
“What else do you expect to prove by this trip of ours this morning?”
“Nate Dunbar’s innocence in the matter of Jake’s injury.”
“I had already gathered that. Anything more to be brought out?”
“Well, yes. For instance, we’re to get back the pay-roll money and Jake’s saddle.”
“Better and better. Go on. You delight me.”