The mountaineer saw the weapons at the same time.
"Drop it!" bellowed Hippy. "Drop it or I'll bore you full of holes!"
The mountain man permitted his grasp on his rifle to relax and the weapon fell to the ground.
"Back up!" commanded Hippy. "Don't play any tricks, and keep your hands away from your holster. Keep him covered, Grace, while I dismount. You, fellow! Take notice! We know how to shoot, probably better than you do. If you try any tricks you'll get what's coming to you. Turn around and stand still with your hands as high above your head as they will go. Good!"
Hippy dismounted and, with revolver at ready, stepped over to the man who was now standing with his back to the Overland Riders.
"Don't make a move! I'm going to take your revolver," warned Lieutenant Wingate, pressing his own revolver against the mountaineer's back. He then jerked the fellow's weapon from its holster and tossed it behind him. Nora picked it up.
The mountaineer faced him, his face contorted with deadly rage.
"I'll kill ye fer this 'ere!" threatened the man.
"Not this evening you won't. Listen to me, Mister Man. We are not here to interfere with you or with your business, and we wish to be let alone. So long as we are let alone, we shall move along peaceably. When we are not, some one is going to get hurt right smart. Get me?" Hippy thrust out his chin pugnaciously.