And, now----" "An' now it don't make a damn bit of difference what you say!" interrupted a voice from the doorway.

Both Miss Wharton and Lawler wheeled quickly, to see Sheriff Moreton standing in the room.
He was grinning hugely, though his eyes were gleaming subtly.
While Lawler and Miss Wharton watched him, he slowly tore to pieces the statement the woman had signed, and scattered them upon the floor.
"That's all of that damned nonsense!" he declared.

"Lawler, I knowed they was somethin' behind all this.

That's why I let this hussy in to talk to you.

I thought I'd hear somethin', an' I did!" "Lawler, you're free as the air! If there's any more of this talk about chargin' you with killin' them two guys, an' you don't salivate them that's doin' the talkin', I will!" After his first quick glance at Moreton, Lawler looked at Della.