Came the sound of a step at the doorway, and Tex Alden came in. Barnhardt jerked up his head quickly and stared at the man who had knocked him cold.
“Hello, Scotty,” said Tex evenly.
He did not speak to Barnhardt, as he came up to the lawyer’s desk, drawing a bulky package from his pocket.
“I owe yuh that much, Barnhardt,” Tex said coldly. “Mebbe yuh better count it.”
Barnhardt swallowed heavily, but made no move to pick up the money. Tex eyed him for a moment, turned and walked out, without saying anything more. Barnhardt shifted uneasily, but finally picked up the package, walked to his small safe, opened it with a key, and put away the package.
He came back and sat down, making no explanation.
“Tex wasn’t very cheerful,” observed Scotty.
Barnhardt shook his head and sighed deeply.
“I think I’ll take a little trip, Scotty; kinda get away until time for that trial. I’ve been pretty steady on the job for two years, and a little change would do me good.”
“A change does anybody good,” admitted the sheriff. “I’d like to go with yuh. What’ll yuh do, close yore office?”