“No, sir,” said the dark gold-seeker sternly; “we don’t want to hang the wrong men, and there is a growing opinion here that you and your companions have not made out your charge.”
“What!” roared Redbeard, as the Cornishman gave his young companions a nod; “not made out our case? Hear that, mates? Well, I am blessed!”
“You charge them with robbery and attempted murder.”
“Yes; didn’t my mate show you his leg?” cried Redbeard indignantly.
“Oh, yes; and the prisoners, who defend themselves by charging you with attacking them, reply by displaying their wounds.”
“Well, wouldn’t you shoot if you was attacked? So where’s your justice?”
“I will show you that I want to give you fair play,” said the judge. “There is enough in this case to mean the sternest sentence, and it will be awarded to the guilty parties.”
There was a murmur of approval at this, and the judge said sternly, “Separate those three men, and separate the prisoners; keep them apart, so that they cannot communicate with one another.”
There was a quick movement, and a couple of armed men placed themselves right and left of Dallas and Abel.
“Hullo!” said the Cornishman, “am I a prisoner, too? All right; I’m in good company.”