The boys opened out to avoid the momentum of the onslaught, but the
deputies sat firm; and as Sponsilier and his lads threw their horses
back on their haunches in halting, Dave stood in his stirrups, and
waving his hat shouted, "Hurrah for Don Lovell, and to hell with the
sheriff and deputies of Ford County!" Sponsilier and I were great
friends, as were likewise our outfits, and we nearly unhorsed each other
in our rough but hearty greetings. When quiet was once more restored,
Dave continued: "I was in Dodge last night, and Bob Wright put me next
that the sheriff was going to take possession of two of old man Don's
herds this morning. You can bet your moccasins that the grass didn't
grow very much while I was getting back to camp. Flood and The Rebel
took fifteen men and went to Quince's support, and I have been scouting
since dawn trying to locate you. Yes, the sheriff himself and five
deputies passed up the trail before daybreak to arrest Forrest and take
possession of his herd--I don't think. I suppose these strangers are
deputy sheriffs? If it was me, do you know what I'd do with them?"

The query was half a command. It required no order, for in an instant
the deputies were surrounded, and had it not been for the cool judgment
of Bob Quirk, violence would have resulted. The primitive mind is slow
to resent an affront, and while the chief deputy had couched his last
remarks in well-chosen language, his intimation that I was a fugitive
from justice, and an outlaw in resisting arrest, was tinder to stubble.
Knowing the metal of my outfit, I curbed the tempest within me, and
relying on a brother whom I would gladly follow to death if need be, I
waved hands off to my boys. "Now, men," said Bob to the deputies, "the
easiest way out of this matter is the best. No one here has committed
any crime subjecting him to arrest, neither can you take possession of
any cattle belonging to Don Lovell. I'll renew the invitation for you to
go down to the wagon and breakfast, or I'll give you the best directions
at my command to reach Dodge. Instead of trying to attempt to accomplish
your object you had better go back to the chaparral--you're spelled
down. Take your choice, men."

Bob's words had a soothing effect. He was thirty-three years old and a
natural born leader among rough men. His advice carried the steely ring
of sincerity, and for the first time since the meeting, the deputies
wilted. The chief one called his men aside, and