The effect was instantaneous.
It seemed preposterous that men so amply supplied with funds would run the risk incurred in stealing horses and several in the crowd were not slow to say so.
Quick to take advantage of the reaction of feeling, Jesse continued:
"Do we look like fools enough to steal a horse belonging to an inhabitant of Monegaw Springs and then pitch our tent right here where any who pass can see our animals?"
"No, you don't," chorused several.
"I hope not," grinned the famous desperado. "Another point, you'll notice this man, whoever he is—"
"Consollas," prompted one of the crowd.
"This Consollas only laid claim to one of our horses," continued the bandit-chieftain. "If I appropriated one of his ponies, why didn't my companions help themselves?"
The argument caught the people and, to make his vindication convincing, Jesse cried: