“It gives you the credit of bringing in the prisoner, sheriff,” Steve told him unblushingly, voicing the first explanation that came to his mind.
CHAPTER XVIII — A WITNESS IN REBUTTAL
Two hours later, Lieutenant Fraser was closeted with Brandt and Hilliard. He told them his story—or as much of it as he deemed necessary. The prosecuting attorney heard him to an end before he gave a short, skeptical laugh.
“It doesn't seem to me you've quite lived up to your reputation, lieutenant,” he commented.
“I wasn't trying to,” retorted Steve.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I have told you how I got into the valley. I couldn't go in there and betray my friends.”
Hilliard wagged his fat forefinger. “How about betraying our trust? How about throwing us down? We let you escape, after you had given us your word to do this job, didn't we?”
“Yes. I had to throw you down. There wasn't any other way.”