'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, thievingt' '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?
He glanced around the stark celltgray walls, gray bars, and gray
floor.
