he town's full of riders an' they're all
after blood."

"An' my blood if they don't get Haines!" broke in the deputy sheriff.

Hardy grunted.

"They sure are," he said. "I've heard 'em talk, an' they mean
business. All of 'em. But how'd you answer to Jim Silent, Rogers? If
you let 'em get Haines--well, Haines is Silent's partner an' Jim'll
bust everything wide to get even with you."

"I c'n explain," said Rogers huskily. "I c'n show Silent how I'm
helpless."

Footsteps went up and down the room.

"If they start anything," said Rogers, "I'll mark down the names of
the ringleaders and I'll give 'em hell afterwards. That'll soothe Jim
some."

"You won't know 'em. They'll wear masks."

Dan opened the door and stepped into the room. Rogers started up with
a curse and gripped his revolver.

"I never knew you was so fond of gun play," said Dan. "Maybe that gun
of yours would be catchin' cold if you was to leave it out of the
leather long?"

The sheriff restored his revolver slowly to the holster, glowering.

"An' Rogers won't be needin' you for a minute or two," went on Dan to
Hardy.

They seemed to fear even his voice. The Wells Fargo agent vanished
through the door and clattered down the steps.

"How long you been standin' at that door?" said Rogers, gnawing his
lips.

"Jest for a breathin' space," said Dan.

Rogers squinted his eyes to make up for the dimness of the lamplight.

"By God!" he cried suddenly. "You're Whistlin' Dan Barry!"

He dropped into his chair and passed a trembling hand across his
forehead.

He stammered: "Maybe you've changed your mind an' come back for that
five thousand?"

"No, I've come for a man, not for money."

"A man?"

"I want Lee Haines before the crowd gets him."

"Would you really try to take Haines out?" asked Rogers with a touch
of awe.

"Are there any guards in the jail?"

"Two. Lewis an' Patterson."

"Give me a written order for Haines."

The deputy wavered.

"If I do that I'm done for in this town!"

"Maybe. I want the key for Haines's handcuffs."

"Go over an' put your hoss up in the shed behind the jail," said
Rogers, fighting for time, "an' when you come back I'll have the order
written out an' give it to you with the key."

"Why not come over with me now?"

"I got some other business."

"In five minutes I'll be back," said Dan, and left the house.

Outside he whistled to Satan, and the stallion trotted up to him. He
swung into the saddl