"Easy now," returned Marlin. "I'm not obstructing any law. I just want to know what it's all about? Who are you?"
"Sheriff Bates of Grinnell County. You're harboring an outlaw—the Picaroon Kid."
"Never heard of him. What'd he do?"
"Held up a bank, for one thing," snapped the sheriff. "Wanted for other jobs and for killing two deputies. You gonna open that door?"
"Sure, I'll open it," Marlin spoke slowly, trying to give Sally time. "The poor devil's carcass is full of lead—no danger of his getting away."
Withdrawing, Marlin methodically fastened the window, then had an ostentatiously difficult time manipulating the door lock.
"Cut out that stalling!" called the sheriff furiously. "Are you gonna open up, or do we smash our way in?"
Marlin opened the door. With an impatient grunt, the sheriff brushed past him, glaring around uncertainly.
"Where'd you hide him?"