w little
such men could be influenced. It was absurd to look for moderation under
the circumstances. There was only one way to save the prisoner--the use
of the same means employed by the lynchers, namely, force. Whence could
such interference come? How could a man single-handed cope with a
well-armed body of men of their type? Only a miracle could save the
prisoner and the intervention of a miracle is always a slender prop upon
which to lean.

"Now, boys," continued the leader, turning to his men, "get ready--" but
his voice was drowned by a chorus of cries and screams from the women.

"Silence!" he roared. "Stop that damn noise!"

"I would like to know, sir, who gave you authority to shut our mouths?"
and Blanch Lennox planted herself squarely before him. So astonished was
he by her sudden appearance and outburst, that he fell back a pace. He
seemed to have lost his voice, and only after much hemming and hawing,
managed to stammer an awkward apology while vainly endeavoring to
conceal his embarrassment.

"Ladies," he finally began, removing his hat in an attempt at
politeness, "I'm powerful sorry to be obliged to perform this painful
duty contrary to your wishes, but the law must be obeyed. We've been a
chasin' this feller, who's the most notorious scoundrel in the country,
through the mountains for the last three weeks, and now we've got him, I
reckon we ain't a goin' ter let him get away. Is we, boys?" and he
turned confidently to his men.

"You bet we ain't!" they responded.

"No, ladies," echoed their leader in turn, "not if we know it. Besides,
we've got permission from the Mexican authorities to do with him as we
like. I guess," he added, "they'll be about as glad to be rid of him as
we are. And now, ladies," he continued, "if you don't want to witness as
pretty a hanging as ever took place in these parts, you'll take my
advice and retire into the house as soon as possible."

But no one stirred. The tall handsome woman still stood before him
unmoved, and he was beginning to realize that her gaze was becoming more
difficult to meet. Somewhat disconcerted, he began again in his most
persuasive tone.

"Ladies, please don't interrupt the course of the law by staying around
here any longer than's necessary--for hang he will!" he added.

Still no one showed the slightest sign of complying with his wishes. The
situation was becoming intolerable.

"Ladies," he began again, and this time rather peremptorily,