Buck's men moved closer to him, preparing to draw their guns, if need be, and open fire on Jack's defenders.
"Look out, boss!" warned Sage-brush, at the hostile movement of Buck and his punchers.
"Hold on!" drawled the Sheriff, who, as the danger grew more real, became more deliberate in his movements. "They ain't goin' to be nothin' done here unless it's done in the law—you all know me, boys—I'm the sheriff—this man's my prisoner." Pointing to Jack, he added: "There ain't nobody goin' to take him from me—an' live."
Buck saw Jack slipping from his clutches. "You're not goin' to be bluffed by one man, are you, boys?"
"No," his punchers answered in unison, crowding toward Jack, who held up his hand and cried: "Stop! I want a fair deal, and I'll get it."
"I'll settle this thing all right. All I ask is a few words alone with my wife."
Jack clasped Echo to his breast as he begged this boon from the men who sought his life.
"No!" blustered Buck.
"Yes," ordered Slim quietly but emphatically. "Payson—you'll give me your word you won't try to escape?"
"Yes," agreed Jack.