The company you have to keep

     From the engineer Shanaghy borrowed a hammer and knocked loose a couple of boards. He lifted the boards and tore loose the sacking inside the boxes.

    "All of you . . . have a look."

    McBride swung around, angrily. "You don't have to show me!" His voice broke off and he stared, his face slowly turning pale. The boxes were filled with nuts, bolts, and screws.

    At his expression the blonde girl turned her head. When she saw the boxes Shanaghy thought for a moment she was going to cry. Then her face took on a hard, ugly look.

    "The trouble with being a crook," Shanaghy said mildly, "is that you have to associate with so many dishonest people."

(from The Iron Marshall, by Louis L'Amour)