When they learned, however, of the entombment of young Rozier they dashed in all directions to get implements to cut their way into the vault. But though the massive doors had failed to protect the funds, they resisted all attempts to demolish them and, in despair, the leaders of the rescue work decided to blow them off with nitro-glycerine, deeming it preferable for the banker's son to run his chances of being hit by flying fragments than to die of strangulation.
All of the people who had been attracted by the wild shouts could not get into the bank, however, and some of those compelled to stand on the outside talked of pursuing the thieves.
Quickly a dozen men volunteered their services.
"Go and get horses and guns!" yelled a voice. "You can't catch 'em on foot."
Oblivious of the sarcasm, the men rushed to secure them.
Had any of them been possessed of intrepid courage, they might have recovered the plunder!
As the outlaws raced northward up the main street, Jesse handed the bag of spoils to John, that he might have both hands free to use his shooting-irons should they be followed.
Frightened, as the sack was swung toward it, the animal which John rode, bucked furiously, unseating him.
As the bandit struck the street, the gunny-sack burst, spilling the gold and greenbacks.
Cursing wildly, the world-famous desperado yanked his pony to its haunches.