"It's a straight question.

I want to know." "Well," said the other, "it couldn't do much harm if I told you.

You were running whisky a little while ago, and, though the folks didn't seem to suspect it, you had a farmer or a rancher for a partner--it appears he has mixed up things for you." "Winston ?" and the farmer turned to roll the cigar which did not need it between his fingers.
"That's the man," said his companion.

"Well, though I guess it's no news to you, the police came down upon your friends at a river-crossing, and farmer Winston put a bullet into a young trooper, Shannon, I fancy." Winston sat upright, and the blood that surged to his forehead sank from it suddenly, and left his face gray with anger.
"Good Lord!" he said hoarsely.

"He killed him ?" "Yes, sir," said the officer.