"Now, Judge," said Captain Bill, when they had arrived at the court-house, "who is your sheriff, and where is he."
"His name is Burford, J.C. Burford, and he's over there with the Townsend crowd. He belongs to that faction."
Captain Bill stepped to the window and called in the strong official manner of a witness summons: "J.C. Burford," repeated three times.
There was a movement in the Townsend crowd and a man crossed over and ascended the court-house stair. McDonald introduced himself, as the sheriff entered, and added:
"Now, Mr. Burford, why don't you stop this row? Looks as if we're going to have a killing match here, right away."
"Captain, I can't. I'm powerless to do anything with these men. If I undertake to disarm them, it will start a fight that nobody can stop."
"Well, Burford, if you'll do as I tell you, I'll stop it in thirty minutes or I'll resign my job as Ranger."
"All right, Captain, I'll do whatever you say," assented Burford.
"Then call your crowd over here. I want to talk to them."
Sheriff Burford stepped to the window and signed to the Townsend faction. They trooped over and ascended the court-house stair, carrying their guns.