The rest of you scatter and keep your eyes peeled.
There's trickery afoot. Judge Lindman didn't go to Dry Bottom--the agent
says he's sure of that because he saw every man that's got aboard a train
here within the last twenty-four hours--and Judge Lindman wasn't among
them! Levins was, though; he left on the one-thirty this morning and got
back on the six-o'clock, tonight." He vanished into the darkness beyond
the door, but called back: "I'll be within call. Don't be afraid to shoot
if you see anything suspicious!"

Trevison saw a man enter the building, and the light was blotted out by
the closing of the door. When his eyes were again accustomed to the
darkness he observed that the men were standing close together--they
seemed to be holding a conference. Then the group split up, three going
toward the front of the building; two remaining near the side door, and
two others walking around to the rear.

For an instant Trevison regretted that he had not taken Levins' advice
about forming a posse of his own men to take the courthouse by storm, and
he debated the thought of postponing action. But there was no telling what
might happen during an interval of delay. In his rage over the discovery
of the trick that had been played on him Corrigan might tear the interior
of the building to pieces. He would be sure to if he suspected the
presence of the original record. Trevison did not go for the help that
would have been very welcome. Instead, he spent some time twirling the
cylinder of his pistol.

He grew tired of crouching after a time and lay flat on his stomach in the
shadow of the tool shed, watching the men as they tramped back and forth,
around the building. He knew that sooner or later there would be a minute
or two of relaxation, and of this he had determined to take advantage. But
it was not until sound in the town had perceptibly decreased in volume
that there was any sign of the men relaxing their vigil. And then he noted
them congregating at the front of the building.

"Hell," he heard one of them say; "what's the use of hittin' that trail
_all_ night! Bill's inside, an' we can see the door from here. I'm due for
a smoke an' a palaver!" Matches flared up; the sounds of their voices
reached Trevison.

Trevison disappointedly relaxed. Then, filled with a sudden decision, he
slipped around the back of the tool shed and stole toward the rear of the
courthouse. It projected beyond the rear of the bank building, adjo