"They'll do no shootin' unless you goes that way."
"Is this all on the square?"
"You bet! Bring out that old redskin with ye, an' let him keep his hands up, too."
"I think you've made a mistake, gentlemen; there is no redskin with me. I am quite alone."
"We knows better! Ye can't play any tricks on us!"
"I am willing to convince you. Just keep your fingers[Pg 23] off your triggers. Watch me as close as you like. I'm coming!"
Having said this, he left his rifle lying on the ground and rose to his feet with his hands held open above his head.
It must be confessed that he did not do this without some doubt concerning the result, for he knew those ruffians were very treacherous; but somehow he was satisfied that they had been instructed to obtain the papers, if possible, without killing him, and that belief led him to run the risk that he now faced.
He was ready to drop instantly if they fired as he arose into view. A moment he stood quite still, and then, as no shot rang out, he stepped through amid the boulders and walked boldly up the ravine.
In this manner, Frank walked straight into the midst of a party of nine thoroughbred frontier desperadoes, who were waiting for him, with their weapons in their hands.