As to the missing locket, the man explained that it had been
broken off by accident and lost. When he discovered that only
half the secret was contained on the map section he had returned
the paper to the locket and let the child continue to carry it.
Some years after the death of the child, Frances, his wife had
lost the locket with the map.
"And this chain and locket--when did you lose them?" demanded
Bucky sharply.
"It must have been about two months ago, down at Nogales, that I
sold it to a fellow. I was playing faro and losing. He gave me
five dollars for it."
And to that he stuck stoutly, nor could he be shaken from it.
Both O'Connor and the sheriff believed he was lying, for they
were convinced that he was the bandit with the red wig who had
covered the engineer while his companions robbed the train. But
of this they had no proof. Nor did Bucky even mention his
suspicion to Hardman, for it was his intention to turn him loose
and have him watched. Thus, perhaps, he would be caught
corresponding or fraternizing with some of the other outlaws.
Collins left the room before the showman, and when the latter
came from the hotel he followed him into the night.
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