I'm Cronin's son. McGovern ain't in no
condition to drive. You can see yourself how he's been misusing the
horse. He puts it up at Bachman's livery stable, and I was just going
around there now."
Gallegher's knowledge of the local celebrities of the district
confused the zealous officer of the peace. He surveyed the boy with a
steady stare that would have distressed a less skilful liar, but
Gallegher only shrugged his shoulders slightly, as if from the cold,
and waited with apparent indifference to what the officer would say
next.
In reality his heart was beating heavily against his side, and he felt
that if he was kept on a strain much longer he would give way and
break down. A second snow-covered form emerged suddenly from the
shadow of the houses.
"What is it, Reeder?" it asked.
"Oh, nothing much," replied the first officer.
"This kid hadn't any lamps lit, so I called to him to stop and he
didn't do it, so I whistled to you. It's all right, though. He's just
taking it round to Bachman's. Go ahead," he added, sulkily.
"Get up!" chirped Gallegher. "Good night," he added, over his
shoulder.
Gallegher gave an hysterical little gasp of relief as he trotted away
from the two policemen, and poured bitter maledictions on their heads
for two meddling fools as he went.
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