course.
You were just getting over your sick spell, and even though you won't
admit it, I'd wager a week's pay you weren't well enough to take either
one of them on. The influenza hit you hard, son, and you're only just
now getting your color back. Yes sirree, I did you a favor."
"It's all coming back to me."
"Put it behind you, " he suggested." Cause it's water under the sink
now. The appointment came through, and we had us a nice ceremony right
here in the jail. It seemed kind of odd to file into your cell for a
big do, but the judge didn't mind and it worked out all right. Yes, it
did.
Too bad you had to sleep through the celebration, since you were the
honoree and all. My wife, Josey, made her special yellow cake with
sugar icing. She cut you a nice big piece and left it on the table
over there, " he added with a nod toward the opposite side of the
cell.
"You'd best eat it before the mice get to it.
Cole was becoming more frustrated by the second. Most of what the
sheriff was telling him didn't make any sense. "Answer my questions, "
he demanded. "You said that someone important wanted to keep me
here.
Who was it? " "Marshal Daniel Ryan, that's who. He should be along
any minute now to let you out."
"Ryan's here? That no-good, low-down, thievingţ" "Hold on now. There
ain't no need to carry on.
The marshal told me you've been bearing a grudge against him. He said
it had something to do with a compass and gold case he's been keeping
safe for you." Cole's head was rapidly clearing. "My mother was
bringing me the compass, and Ryan stole it from her. He doesn't have
any intention of giving it back. I'm going to have to take it from
him."
"I think you might be wrong about that, " Norton said with a chuckle.
It was futile to argue with him. Cole decided to save his wrath for
the man who was responsible for locking him up . . . Daniel Ryan. He
couldn't wait to get his hands on him.
"Are you going to let me out of here and give me my guns back? " "I'd
surely like to."
"But? " "But I can't, " the sheriff said. "Ryan's got the keys. I've
got to take some papers across town to the judge, so why don't you sit
tight and eat some cake? I shouldn't be gone long." The sheriff
turned to leave. "One more thing, " he drawled out.
"Congratulations, son. I'm sure you'll do your family proud."
"Wait!
" Cole called out. "Why are you congratulating me? " Norton didn't
answer him. He sauntered into the outer office, and a minute later
Cole heard the front door open and close. He shook his head in
confusion. He didn't know what the old man had been rambling on
about.
Why would he congratulate him?