"Well, Lancaster proposes to speak first, pleading his case. Then the men with the petition plan to present it and answer him. I understand Adair may speak, too."
"Hell, yes," said Greasy fiercely. "I thought he was dyin'. Yesterday, when the news come 'round that he was better—why, it was a real surprise packet, that was!"
"It certainly was. Even I knew nothing about his recovery till it was announced."
"Damn the swine! It 'ud have served us perfectly if he'd died. Our biggest enemy out o' the way——!"
"That's true." Welland's voice was suddenly very sinister. "But I've a plan for settling him. Best we could have—puts him out at the start."
"What is it?"
"This: The time for us to throw down our cards is just after Lancaster and himself have spoken. Adair's had a flag hoisted above the platform. On a given signal, picked men'll rush forward, led by yourself and your lieutenants, capture everyone on the platform, you'll say your say for the Republic, tear down the flag—run up your own—and tell Lancaster to order the Police to surrender. He'll do it, you bet, when he sees the odds—every man in Black Elk will be there. And—the Territory's ours!"
"That's O.K. But what about Adair?"
"We'll want a signal, won't we? And Adair out of the way? We all recognize him as the backbone of resistance, don't we? Well, you get a man you can trust—a dead shot; station him somewhere overlooking the platform; as soon as Adair finishes speaking, let him be shot down—kill him! That blows up your resistance—bang! And there's your signal!"
"By George, you're a slick 'un!"