At the instigation of Collins and his partner, Si Brill, a number of men started off from Hurley's Gulch to see if they could find Sam Willett and his companions, or learn anything of their fate.
Neither the searchers nor those who sent them had any great faith in their mission, but the very fact that they tried shows that they were moved by a feeling of commendable humanity.
Three days passed and the men came back saying they could not find Sam Willett, nor the others, and giving it as their opinion, that they had all been drowned.
In the meantime Frank Shirley, who had much of that cunning and ingenuity for which men of his character are so often noted, sought to create the impression that Sam was alive, but that he had run away, in order not to be forced to appear against his father.
The night the searchers came back there was a great crowd in the bar of the principal saloon, and as Shirley was treating, as usual, he was the center of attraction and virtually the chairman of the gathering.
A few of the men had just expressed sorrow for Sam's death, when Shirley said:
"I'd be sorrier than any one if I knew the young fellow was dead, but I'm happy to say I don't believe he is."
"Of course, you've got reasons for your belief," said one.
"Yes; I always have good reasons for everything I do and say," said Shirley, feeling the authority his free use of money had given him.
"Mebbe you'd tell us why you think so," said the man.