So intent were the Mexicans upon the occurrence in their midst that those close by remained with backs towards the pair, failing to notice their presence. All craned eagerly to miss nothing of the controversy.
“How do you know this engineer didn’t start it?” came Burkhardt’s voice again.
“Don’t be a fool; there were witnesses.”
“I’d like to talk to those witnesses. I doubt if they really saw anything. It looks to me as if there’s another side to this shooting.”
“Well, of course you know––you, sitting there in Sorenson’s office, as you say,” was the ironical retort.
At this juncture another voice interposed.
“Madden, we want no mistake here. This Weir doesn’t bear a very good reputation for peacefulness, from what I’ve learned. If this Mexican has simply been shot down–––”
“Who is that?” Steele demanded of the girl. “I can’t see him.”
“That”––Janet Hosmer’s speech faltered––“that is Mr. Sorenson. Oh, they misunderstand! Let me push in there and tell them how it happened.”