"How do they know?"
Simon did not make immediate reply. It was the worst thing he could have done.
"Well?" prompted Rafe.
"They—uh—uh—they know it."
"How, I asked you?"
"They didn't—Shillman got suspicious over the cows."
"Why did he get suspicious over the cows?"
Simon Reelfoot wriggled in his chair. "Well—uh—I—he did, that's all."
Rafe leaned forward. His face was sharp with suspicion. "Why did he?"
"I—I——" Simon stammered, and bogged down right there.