Mose was aware of an outcry, then a silence, then a rush.
From beneath his coat, quick as a flash of light from a mirror, he drew a second revolver. His eyes flashed around the room. For a moment all was silent, then a voice called, "What's all this, Haney?"
"Keep them quiet," said Mose, still menacing the officer.
"Boys, keep back," pleaded the marshal.
"The man that starts this ball rolling will be sorry," said Mose, searching the crowd with sinister eyes. "If you're the marshal, order these men back to the other end of the room."
"Boys, get back," commanded the marshal. With shuffling feet the crowd retreated. "Shut the door, somebody, and keep the crowd out."
The doors were shut, and the room became as silent as a tomb.
"Now," said Mose, "is it war or peace?"
"Peace," said the marshal.