"It's my business to know what goes on in this township," said he.

"I guess you'd best reckon on my hearing all that passes.

Well, time's up, and I'll just say--" But his leavetaking was cut short in a very unexpected fashion.

With a sudden crash the door flew open, and three frowning, intent faces glared in at them from under the peaks of police caps.

McMurdo sprang to his feet and half drew his revolver; but his arm stopped midway as he became conscious that two Winchester rifles were levelled at his head.