Picking up the sheriff’s rifle and revolver, he went down to where the dead man’s horse was tied to a juniper, and climbed into the saddle. He knew he was playing a risky game, but he was banking entirely on his physical appearance. He had bluffed and stalled his way through life and knew his own ability. For six months, at one time, he had acted as a deputy sheriff in a New Mexico county, which gave him an insight into a sheriff’s duties. He remembered that Ben had always been a man of few words, and he intended to keep his mouth shut until he had found out a few things.
It was not difficult for him to find Oro City. It was larger than he had thought. He didn’t know where his office was located, and his eyes searched the main street for the court house or a sign which might direct him. He glanced keenly at the bank, as he rode past, and it seemed to be doing business.
“I reckon it didn’t get nicked very hard,” he told himself. “Just wait’ll I get a whack at it!”
A cowboy stopped on the edge of the sidewalk and looked closely at him. The sheriff half waved at the cowboy, who shoved his hands deeply in his pockets and watched him go on down the street.
“Evidently not a friend of mine,” the other observed dryly. “I’ve got to be careful until I get the lay of this thing, ’cause I might make a bad break.”
Ah, there it is! Just a little further down the street was the sign:
SHERIFF’S OFFICE.
The newcomer smiled grimly. A man was standing in the doorway, but now he turned and stepped back into the office. Boldly, the sheriff dismounted at the little hitch rack, slapped the dust off his sombrero, and walked into the office. His eyes were not very keen, after coming in out of the bright sunlight, and he didn’t realize what was happening, except that one man had landed on his back, while two more had grappled him from in front, whirling him sidewise into the wall.
He had no chance to fight back. His arms were twisted behind him, and the handcuffs clicked tightly around his wrists.
“That’ll hold him!” panted one of the men.