On the other hand, the men bore themselves with confidence and assurance, characteristics that the popular mind did not associate with horse-thieves. Their clothes were of the finest quality, and they had the appearance of men of means.
But Consollas' accusation had been direct and unequivocal.
In the crowd he had many friends and these, when they saw the merchant felled, clamoured for the capture of the outlaws.
Yet no one was eager to make the attempt for Frank and Clell had placed themselves back to back against their leader, keeping the mob at bay in the other directions.
Smiling at the respect for their weapons, Jesse determined to make the most of his enemy's silence.
"Do we look like men who would steal horses?" he demanded, appealing to the crowd. "We can buy all we want and—"
"Prove it!" cried a voice.
"With pleasure," laughed the great outlaw and slipping one of his revolvers in a pocket he drew from another a fat roll of bills and peeled off several of large denomination, waving them about him. "And my friends are equally well supplied."
Acting on the hint, his two companions displayed their money.