“Man got hit by a train out by the bridge,” said Hashknife.
“Was he killed?” asked Laura.
“I reckon he was.”
Hashknife went out and talked with Kelsey, who seemed a trifle sore about their finding the body.
“I suppose yuh fooled around and wiped out all the clues,” he said complainingly.
“Well, I dunno,” smiled Hashknife. “We didn’t go near the body, Sheriff.”
“Didn’t, eh? Seems to me you was in a bit of a sweat to get out there ahead of the law.”
“Did look thataway.” Hashknife did not cease smiling with his mouth, although his eyes were serious.
“Just how do yuh figure this yore affair, Hartley?”
“You do the figurin’,” suggested Hashknife.