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Theres no room for scabby sheep in our pen. But if you keep company with a disloyal man, we might think that you were disloyal, too. See? Theres no chance of my keeping company with him; for I dislike the man, McMurdo answered. As to being disloyal, if it was any man but you he would not use the word to me twice. Well, thats enough, said McGinty, draining off his glass. I came down to give you a word in season, and youve had it. Id like to know, said McMurdo, how you ever came to learn that I had spoken with Morris at all? McGinty laughed. Its my business to know what goes on in this township, said he. I guess youd best reckon on my hearing all that passes. Well, times up, and Ill just say But his leavetaking was cut short in a very unexpected fashion. With a sudden crash the door flew open, and three frowning, intent faces glared in at them from under the peaks of police caps. McMurdo sprang to his feet and half drew his revolver; but his arm stopped midway as he became conscious that two Winchester rifles were levelled at his head. A man in uniform advanced into the room, a six-shooter in his hand. It was Captain Marvin, once of Chicago, and now of the Mine Constabulary. He shook his head with a half-smile at McMurdo. I thought youd be getting into trouble, Mr. Crooked McMurdo of Chicago, said he. Cant keep out of it, can you? Take your hat and come along with us. I guess youll pay for this, Captain Marvin, said McGinty. Who are you, Id like to know, to break into a house in this fashion and molest honest, law-abiding men? Youre standing out in this deal, Councillor McGinty, said the police captain. We are not out after you, but after this man McMurdo. It is for you to help, not to hinder us in our duty. He is a friend of mine, and Ill answer for his conduct, said the Boss. By all accounts, Mr. McGinty, you may have to answer for your own conduct some of these days, the captain answered. This man McMurdo was a crook before ever he came here, and hes a crook still. Cover him, Patrolman, while I disarm him. Theres my pistol, said McMurdo coolly. Maybe, Captain Marvin, if you and I were alone and face to face you would not take me so easily. Wheres your warrant? asked McGinty. By Garl a man might as well live in Russia as in Vermissa while folk like you are running the police. Its a capitalist outrage, and youll hear more of it, I reckon. You do what you think is your duty the best way you can, Councillor. Well look after ours. What am I accused of? asked McMurdo. Of being concerned in the beating of old Editor Stanger at the Herald office. It wasnt your fault that it isnt a murder charge. Well, if thats all you have against him, cried McGinty with a laugh, you can save yourself a deal of trouble by dropping it right now. This man was with me in my saloon playing poker up to midnight, and I can bring a dozen to prove it. Thats your affair, and I guess you can settle it in court to-morrow. Meanwhile, come on, McMurdo, and come quietly if you dont want a gun across your head. You stand wide, Mr. McGinty; for I warn you I will stand no resistance when I am on duty! |
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