, let him
show himself," he said, threateningly and swinging the muzzle of his
weapon along the line of faces.

A quick retreat on the part of those nearest marked the respect with
which it was considered. Frantically they strove to push further back
into the mob, clawing and elbowing.

"If you try any more shots," he continued, speaking in Spanish as
before, "those rifles will open fire." He paused to allow this
information to have full effect. "Finally, if you attempt wrecking
this jail, the three hundred workmen from the dam will march down to
San Mateo and teach you proper observance of the law. If you're really
looking for trouble, those three hundred men will give this town
trouble that will be remembered for twenty years."

Standing there in the moonlight between the two parties, between the
thin line of sentinels about the jail and the dense mob in front,
Steele Weir's action seemed the height of rashness. A rush of the
Mexicans and he would be overwhelmed, a cowardly shot from somewhere
in the rear and he might be killed. It was like inviting disaster.

If, however, he recognized his danger, he gave no sign of it. By the
power of his gun and sheer boldness he faced them, calm, fearless,
masterful. His unexpected advance had surprised the Mexicans, left
them confused and uncertain. Wild and sinister tales concerning his
prowess magnified him in their eyes notwithstanding their animosity.
Now they seemed to feel his iron will beating against their faces.

During the pause that ensued Weir heard the jail door open. Madden was
preparing to take his prisoners out.

"I'm not seeking trouble, but I'm not avoiding it," the engineer
proceeded, for this was the critical minute, and he sought to have all
eyes focused upon him instead of upon the activity at his back. "The
sheriff represents the law here in San Mateo, and I give you plain
warning that every man who attempts violence to-night will be called
upon to pay the account. By to-morrow the Governor may have soldiers
stationed in your houses and in your streets, for the prisoners are
now the prisoners of the state, arrested for stealing cattle----"

That was a happy inspiration. Had Weir stated the whole category of
Sorenson's and Burkhardt's crimes, including murder and dynamiting,
he could not have struck so shrewdly as in naming the sin of
cattle-stealing. For this was a cattle country and even the most
ignorant Mexican grasped the significance of this ch