"Very well; proceed. You have an excellent chance now."
"I've got your fate settled. And yours, too, Timberlake."
"If our positions were reversed," bitterly said the sheriff, "I would not lose a moment about blowing your brains out!"
"I have no doubt of that," Jesse answered, with a dark scowl. "And I'll follow your good advice. Prepare to die."
He drew his pistol from his belt and aimed it at Timberlake.
A tremor passed over the plucky fellow and he turned pale, for he knew he was face to face with death; but his courage did not forsake him and he quietly remarked:
"I'm ready to go. Fire!"
Before Jesse could do so. Frank sprang between him and his victim.
"Fool!" he hissed, warningly. "Do you want to throw your neck in the halter by doing this with all hands looking at you?
"Get out of my way!" savagely replied Jesse.