“Dare say he did.”
Fyles relit his pipe for about the twentieth time, which caused Tresler to hand him his pouch.
“Try tobacco,” he said, with a smile.
The sheriff accepted the invitation with unruffled composure. The gentle sarcasm passed quite unheeded. Probably the man was too intent on the business of the moment, for he went on as though no interruption had occurred.
“After seeing you on that mare I found the ranch interesting. But the man’s blindness fooled me right along. I had no trouble in ascertaining that Jake had nothing to do with things. Also I was assured that none of the ‘hands’ were playing the game. Anton was the man for me. But soon I discovered that he was not the actual leader. So far, good. There was only Marbolt left; but he was blind. Last night, when you came for me, and told me what had happened at the ranch, and about the lighted lamp, I tumbled. But even so I still failed to understand all. The man was blind in daylight, and could see in darkness or half-light. Now, what the deuce sort of blind disease is that? And he seems to have kept the secret, acting the blind man at all times. It was clever—devilish clever.”
Tresler nodded. “Yes; he fooled us all, even his daughter.”
The other shot a quick glance from out of the corners of his eyes.
“I suppose so,” he observed, and waited.
They smoked in silence.
“What are you going to do next?” asked Tresler, as the other showed no disposition to speak.