Mayor McGinley's Plans

So why'd Mayor McGinley want Taya Two Horses old place, I asked Clint the next day.
"Dunno, Anna, 'less he's planning on bringing in horses... or... shorthorns..." his voice trailed off: he wasn't convincing himself.
We sat on the hitching rail outside the Sheriff's office. Seemed to be where the action was - or would be, if there were any.
Suddenly Clint gasped noisily, then looked at me. He looked confused, like I'd just punched him for nothing.
"He's bought Mrs Prendergast's place."
So?
"So he's bought a dead woman's place and now he's trying to buy another dead woman's place!"