"
"So? How's that?"
"Why, you know she came down on the stage that day, and saw it all. Some
say she knew the robbers and helped them find Cummins' bullion. I guess
Mat was in the deal, too. Anyhow, she and Mat have been good friends
ever since, as I tell you."
"Now look here, O'Leary, you're dead wrong. That girl is as innocent as
you are."
"Sure! The judge just sent me up for snatching a purse, you know."
"I tell you that girl knew nothing about the hold-up."
"It must have happened after you left California, or you wouldn't be so
sure. I'll tell you about it. Stage comes down from Moore's Flat. Mamie
Slocum talks and laughs with Will Cummins. Sees where he stows his old
leather grip. Sings out to the robbers, 'That's Mr. Cummins' valise
under the seat there.'"
"That's a lie, and you are a fool to believe it!"
"I'm telling you the facts."
"The facts! Why, man, wasn't I there? And don't I know just what
happened?"
Astonished at this outburst, O'Leary looked hard at Collins. There was
no mistaking his earnestness; and he only leered at the other's
astonishment. O'Leary was discreet enough to say no more; and Collins
seemed to think his secret safe enough in the keeping of an old pal two
thousand miles from the scene of the murder.
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