Creagan flung himself into the breach.
"Aw, Matt, let's have the girl in here.

We can't get nothing from these stiff-necked idiots." "Might as well," agreed Lisner in a tone that tried to be contemptuous but trembled.

"We're wasting time here." "Lisner," said the Major in his gentlest tone, "be well advised and leave my daughter be." "And if I don't ?" sneered Lisner.

He had no real desire to question Stella, but welcomed the change of venue as a diversion from his late indiscretion.

"If, in the performance of my duty, I put a few civil questions to Miss Vorhis--in the presence of her father, mind you--then what ?" "But you won't!" said the Major softly.
"Do you know, Sheriff, I think the Major has the right idea ?" said Pringle.