Wade was astonished.

He had expected that an accusation would be made against Moore by Jack, and an exploitation of such proofs as had been craftily prepared, but he had never imagined Jack would be bold enough to carry matters so far.

Sheriff Burley was a man of wide experience, keen, practical, shrewd.

He was also one of the countless men Wade had rubbed elbows with in the eventful past.

It had been Wade's idea that Jack would be satisfied to face his father with the accusation of Moore, and thus cover his tracks.