of that miserable outlaws' roost are backing Kitchell. Now here's
a chance to prove it!"

"Not through me, you don't," Drew cut in. "I'm just what I said I was from
the beginnin', Captain. And you can't prove anything different."

"I don't have to prove it; you've convicted yourself, Kirby. You can't
account for the gold you're carrying. And, if you rode with Forrest,
where's your parole? You know you were told to carry it. I can deal with
you just as any horse thief is dealt with. Why, I'll wager you can't even
prove ownership of those horses you brought with you. Where're your sale
papers? On the other hand, Kirby, if you do give us the evidence we need
against Kitchell and those who are helping him, then the court might be
moved to leniency. How old are you? Nineteen--twenty--? Rather young to
hang."

"Captain, I can prove everything I've told you. In Kentucky I have kin.
They can----"

"Kentucky!" Bayliss snorted. "Kentucky is far away, Kirby. Do you expect
us to sit around waiting for some mythical kin of yours to appear from
Kentucky with another set of lies to open this door?" He pounded with one
fist against the cell portal. "I'm a reasonable man, Kirby, and I'm not
asking too much--you know that. What're Kitchell, Rennie, Topham to you
that you're willing to face a noose for them?"

"Kitchell I know nothin' about--except what I've heard and that's not
good." Drew sat down on the bunk, partly because the chill which had crept
down his back had poured into his legs and they felt oddly weak under him.
"Reese Topham and Mr. Rennie--as far as I'm concerned they're honest men. I
don't think, Captain, that you can prove I'm not, either."

"There is such a thing as over-confidence, Kirby, and it always comes to
the fore in your kind!" Bayliss returned. "But after you do some serious
thinking I believe you'll begin to see that this is one time you're not
going to be able to lie or ride yourself out!"

He left without a backward glance. Drew picked up the plate, pushed the
spoon back and forth through the congealing mess left on it. He could not
choke down another mouthful. Just how much power did Bayliss have? Could
he try a civilian by court-martial and get away with it? And to whom could
Drew possibly appeal? Topham? Rennie? Apparently Bayliss wanted them
enough to suggest Drew testify against them. Did he actually believe Drew
guilty, or had that been a subtle invitation to perjury? The Kentuckian
set the plat