, who was found out in the woods? Would he tell all that and
more? If he meant to tell there was no sign. His lips kept closed and
his bright black eyes were studying the situation; the little squad of
youngsters, back to back, with their repeating shot-guns, the line of
Falins along the wall toward whom protruded six shining barrels, the
huddled crowd of Tollivers toward whom protruded six more--old Judd
towering in front with young Dave on one side, tense as a leopard about
to spring, and on the other Bub, with tears streaming down his face. In
a flash he understood, and in that flash his face looked as though he
had been suddenly struck a heavy blow by some one from behind, and then
his elbows dropped on the sill of the window, his chin dropped into
his hands and a murmur arose. Maybe he was too weak to stand and
talk--perhaps he was going to talk from his chair. Yes, he was leaning
forward and his lips were opening, but no sound came. Slowly his eyes
wandered around at the waiting people--in the trees, on the roofs and
the fence--and then they dropped to old Judd's and blazed their appeal
for a sign. With one heave of his mighty chest old Judd took off his
slouch hat, pressed one big hand to the back of his head and, despite
that blazing appeal, kept it there. At that movement Rufe threw his
head up as though his breath had suddenly failed him, his face turned
sickening white, and slowly again his chin dropped into his trembling
hands, and still unbelieving he stared his appeal, but old Judd dropped
his big hand and turned his head away. The condemned man's mouth
twitched once, settled into defiant calm, and then he did one kindly
thing. He turned in his seat and motioned Bob Berkley, who was just
behind him, away from the window, and the boy, to humour him,
stepped aside. Then he rose to his feet and stretched his arms wide.
Simultaneously came the far-away crack of a rifle, and as a jet of smoke
spurted above a clump of bushes on a little hill, three hundred yards
away, Bad Rufe wheeled half-way round and fell back out of sight into
the sheriff's arms. Every Falin made a nervous reach for his pistol, the
line of gun-muzzles covering them wavered slightly, but the Tollivers
stood still and unsurprised, and when Hale dashed from the door again,
there was a grim smile of triumph on old Judd's face. He had kept his
promise that Rufe should never hang.

"Steady there," said Hale quietly. His pistol was on his hip now an