"You came mighty near doin' so when Sam was arrested, an' warrants sworn out for Fred an' me."
"That was a matter in which it was to your interest that the law should take its course. A large majority of the people believed you knew something about the robbery, and the only way to settle it absolutely was to have the case decided in court."
"Then we ought to thank you, I s'pose," and Bill leaned forward, despite the pain caused by the movement. "If we conclude to take the offer we'll let you know to-morrow."
"I am sorry to say that we can agree to no delay. If the terms are accepted at once, well and good; but they will not be held open for a lawyer to interfere."
"Then I'll speak for myself, an' say no," Bill cried, angrily. "The others can act as they please; but if all this is to be done jest on account of your friendship, then where's the harm of waitin' till next week, if we want to?"
"I have only repeated the stipulations made by the company."
"Well, we don't want anything to do with 'em," Joe added. "What Bill says goes with me, an' I reckon Fred'll stick by us."
"I believe as they do, Mr. Wright."
"Then you refuse the generous proposition?"
"We do, but have our own idea as to how generous it is," Bill replied, grimly.