“I suppose,” seriously. “But I don’t reckon it makes much difference, does it?”
“Oh, no. I have not mentioned it to any one; but I was curious to know what you had found out, because I am anxious for any new development which will serve my clients.”
“Well, I can’t tell yuh much. In fact, I can’t tell yuh anythin’.”
“Anything you told me would be in strictest confidence.”
“Yeah, I realize that.”
But although the Blue Wells lawyer waited patiently, the tall cowboy remained silent. Then—
“Just an inkling of what you are doing would serve to cheer up my clients.”
Hashknife shifted his position and looked Barnhardt squarely in the eye. The level stare of the cold-eyed cowboy caused Barnhardt’s gaze to shift. He had the uncomfortable feeling that Hashknife could read his mind.
“Barnhardt,” said Hashknife earnestly, “do you think I’m a —— fool?”
“Oh, no; not at all. Well,” Barnhardt turned away, “I suppose I may as well go back. No hard feelings, I hope. Being in charge of the Taylor defense, I would naturally be interested in any new developments in the case.”