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“I’m no man hunter,” said Moran. “But I think I know what you’re looking for and there’s at least a chance that I can help you find it. You’re a marshal, a ranger or a sheriff. Do you mind telling me which one?”

All eyes turned to Vermont for guidance, seeking a clew as to how to answer it, and from this Moran knew that Vermont was the man in charge.

Vermont turned back his leather vest and exposed a marshal’s badge.

“U.S.,” he said. “I’ve deputized these other boys.”