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 "The evidence against Black is pretty strong. What's your notion?"

"Can't say yet. I think we'd best join Evans; he'll be trailing the thief."

We made straight through the woods towards the spot where the dog's body lay. As we walked I tried again to find out Joe's opinion.

"But the motive? Have n't Mrs. Rone and Black always been on good terms?" I persisted.

Joe allowed that was so, and added: "Val wanted to marry her years ago, afore Joe Rone came to these parts at all, but Rone was a mighty taking kind of chap, laughing and that, and she married him."

"But surely Black would n't rob her, especially now that he has his chance again."

"Think not?" said Joe. "I wonder!" After a pause he went on. "But it ain't hard to see what'll be Evans's views on that. He'll say Val's scared of her growing too independent, for she's made good so far with her traps, and so he just naturally took a hand to frighten her into marriage. His case ag'in' Val won't break down for want of motive."