is so, Mr. Borlan. Obliged to you fur reminding me. Let's have
one, gentlemen. I'll be prosecuting attorney, if no one objects; now,
who'll defend the prisoner at the bar?"

"I'll make a feeble attempt that way," was the reply that came from the
doorway. All eyes turned, and recognized Tom Ruger.

"This is betwixt us Ten Milers," said Watson. "Borlan is guilty, and
we're bound to hang him before sundown; but we want to do the fair
thing, and give him the benefit of a trial. Who of you Ten Milers will
defend him?"

"I told you _I_ would defend Mr. Borlan," said Tom Ruger, as he removed
his silk hat and wiped his broad forehead with the finest of silk
handkerchiefs.

"I tell you we won't have any outsiders in this game," said Watson.

"I really dislike to contradict you, Mr. Watson," remarked Tom Ruger, as
he very carefully readjusted his hat. "Very sorry, Mr. Watson, and I do
hope you'll pardon me when I repeat that I will defend Mr.
Borlan--_with--my--life_!"

This remark surprised no one more than Jack Borlan. He had never spoken
to Mr. Ruger a dozen times in his life, and he could not account for
such disinterestedness. However, there was not much time for conjecture,
for Mr. Watson had taken offense.

"With your death, Tom Ruger, if you interfere!" cried Watson, jumping
down from his elevation.

It did look that way; but Mr. Ruger had not strolled up and down that
auriferous coast without acquiring some knowledge of the usual means of
defense in that sunny clime, as well as some practice. It was quite warm
for a moment; then Mr. Borlan, believing it to be his duty, as client,
to aid his counsel in the defense, went in gladly.

Still it was quite warm; also somewhat smoky from the powder that had
been burned; likewise noisy. Not so noisy, however, that Mr. Borlan
could not hear his counsel say:

"Clear yourself, Borlan! My horses are down at the ford!"

Mr. Borlan followed the advice of his counsel, and Mr. Ruger followed
Mr. Borlan. The Ten Milers--some of them--followed both counsel and
client.

It was neck and heels until the horses were reached. After that the
pursuers were left at a great disadvantage.

"I'll have his heart!" ejaculated Watson. Which heart he meant we have
no means of knowing. "Give me a horse! quick!"

They brought a mule.

"Wait here, every man of you!" Watson shouted back over the shaved tail
of his substitute for a horse. "I'll bring him back, dead or alive, or
my name ai