“You tell a pretty fishy story, lieutenant. It doesn't stand to reason that one man did all the mischief on that Squaw Creek raid.”

“It is true. Not a shadow of a doubt of it. I'll bring you three witnesses, if you'll agree to hold them guiltless.”

“And I suppose I'm to agree to hold you guiltless of Faulkner's death, too?” the lawyer demanded.

“I didn't say that. I'm here, Mr. Hilliard, to deliver my person, because I can't stand by the terms of our agreement. I think I've been fair with you.”

Hilliard looked at Brandt, with twinkling eyes. It struck Fraser that they had between them some joke in which he was not a sharer.

“You're willing to assume full responsibility for the death of Faulkner, are you? Ready to plead guilty, eh?”

Fraser laughed. “Just a moment. I didn't say that. What I said was that I'm here to stand my trial. It's up to you to prove me guilty.”

“But, in point of fact, you practically admit it.”

“In point of fact, I would prefer not to say so. Prove it, if you can.”

“I have witnesses here, ready to swear to the truth, lieutenant.”