He went out of the court-house, and crossed the street to where the Reece crowd was gathered. He carried his Winchester and the faction watched him curiously as he approached.
"I guess you boys are going to war, ain't you?" he said cheerfully as he came nearer.
Nobody replied, and Captain Bill came up close.
"Boys," he said, "your guns are all right, up till now, but the Governor has sent me down here to stop this trouble, and I want you-all to help me."
"How can we help you?" asked one of the Reece faction.
"Like them boys did over yonder, just now—by giving up your guns. Then by going quietly home."
There was a little murmur of dissent and one big husky fellow said:
"Well, you'll play hell getting my gun!"
In less than an instant, a Winchester was under his nose and Captain Bill was crisply saying: