That's what's queer.

What made you do that?
It won't help Aleck none." "Well, what are you going to do about it ?" Lite slouched miserably in the saddle, and eyed the other without really seeing him at all.

"They can't prove anything on Aleck," he added with faint hope.
"I don't see myself how they can." Carl brightened perceptibly.

"His being alone all day is bad; he can't furnish the alibi you can furnish.
But they can't prove anything.

They'll turn him loose, the grand jury will; they'll have to.