Marauders' Moon Read Free Page B

outfit that was in town waiting to stick up the bank. McWilliams brought this man in hoping that he’d tie up the whole bunch of you in a row while the bank was robbed!”
    Webb did not seem to be the only one surprised by this news. Sheriff Wardecker raised up in his seat and said, “Buck, quit that.”
    Wally looked again at Webb, and over his rather stupid face came an expression of surprise, mingled with thoughtfulness. He studied Webb carefully a moment, then he said to Tolleston, “If that’s true, Buck, why did these men shoot McWilliams?”
    â€œWhy, you blasted fool—so they only had to split the loot six ways instead of seven. Besides, being a peace officer, he could turn right around and betray them for the reward, once this county posted it!” He looked at Webb, his eyes hot with anger.
    Webb slowly rose out of his chair, and Wally stepped up to him.
    â€œSit down, fella,” he said curtly.
    Webb brushed him aside, and stood stiffly in front of Tolleston. “Why, you little, dried-up, big-eared counter jumper, have I got to slap that mouth of yours shut or will you let the sheriff talk?”
    Webb felt his arms pinned behind him by Wally. He struggled wrathfully to get away, but Wally held him tightly. Wardecker, who had been observing this with sleepy, thoughtful immobility, drew out his pipe and knocked it out and said, “Sit down, Red. You aren’t hung yet.”
    Webb subsided and sat down in his chair, but Tolleston’s tight, fighting face had not changed a jot. He said calmly to Webb. “That was a frame-up, backed by Wintering. County. They even sent their deputy to help pull it off.”
    Wally suddenly snapped his fingers and turned an accusing face to Webb.
    â€œDidn’t I hear you talkin’ to that gunman that covered me?”
    â€œSure. He asked me if I wanted those cuffs off.”
    â€œWhy?” Tolleston rapped out.
    Webb’s annoyance was almost anger. “Dammit, men like that are against all law! He wanted to free me! Anything wrong with that?”
    Tolleston looked over at the sheriff. “Is there, Wardecker?” he asked mockingly.
    â€œNot that I can see,” Wardecker said calmly. “This man didn’t take the offer.”
    â€œHe didn’t have time.”
    Webb said in savage exasperation, “I’m the only man that saw this! McWilliams, like a damn fool, went for his gun, and one of those hardcases across the street cut down on him. He fell. This hardcase asked me if I wanted loose. I didn’t want any part of it, and I told him so. I sat still and minded my own business, when I could have got loose and run with those hombres.” He looked around the room. “What’s this all about? Have you got to saddle this thing on the first stranger that rides into town?”
    Tolleston waited until he was finished, then, ignoring everything Webb had said, he addressed the sheriff.
    â€œWardecker, I’ve lived too long in this place not to know that outfit next door. Wintering County planned this, and Wintering County pulled it off. Why, a blind man could see it. There ain’t been a Wintering County deputy in Wagon Mound for ten years. He’d of been shot if he showed his face here. All right, our bank was stuck up. This deputy not only comes in on the day the bank was held up, but he come in the very hour and minute of the stick-up! He knew he could tie up every lawman in town in a row with him while the bank was held up. I almost broke up the plan, so they had to hurry.” He jabbed a blunt finger in Webb’s direction. “This man is guilty of sharing in this bank robbery. And if you don’t aim to hold him for trial, I’ll swear out a warrant for him myself!”
    â€œOn what grounds?” Wardecker drawled.
    â€œI just told you! For aidin’ this bank robbery. I own the biggest block of stock in the bank, and I’ve got to protect the