FourteenLooking up from behind his desk, the telegraph operator shook his head, a genuinely apologetic expression crossing his face. “I can't break the law, mister, no matter what you say. Unless you're a lawman, I can't disclose the contents of the telegram.”
“Were you at the meeting?”
The operator frowned. “Meeting? I don't think I quite understand. What mee—”
“When I stood out in the street and informed everyone that this now my town.”
“I'm sure if I was there, I would have remembered such a thing. But, my old mother has been bad these past weeks and all of my spare time has been—”
“I ain't interested in your excuses,” said Shelby, irritated by the man's obstinacy. He leaned across the desk, the Model 1 having materialised in his hand. “You show me the message or I'll decorate this
