"Think it funny to see those bindings here, Hec'?" the observant Welland asked. "I tell you, Joe's not as rough a diamond as he looks. I couldn't leave Bill Shakespeare behind me when I first came West; and I find a lot of people in these parts remind me of Don Quixote!"
Hector wondered if that was a dig at the Police. But he let it pass.
After supper, Welland for the first time broached the subject of their expedition.
"You'll find that 'Red-hot' Dan a real tough nut to crack," he said.
Hector wondered how Welland had guessed. Trained by this time to conceal his thoughts, however, he gave no sign. The laconic Martin did not move a muscle. The road was clear for Sergeant-Major Whittaker.
"I've heard he is," he answered smoothly. No blind betrayal of their purpose there!
"You have? Then you'll be careful what you do."
"When we arrest him—yes."
"I'd shoot at sight if I were you."
"We never shoot at sight in the Police, Joe."