Instantly a hush fell on the assemblage and they craned their necks the better to hear and see all that transpired.
Jesse, Frank, the messenger and young Rozier were beside the smoking kettle.
The bearer of the note held it firmly in his hand, resisting the effort of the writer's brother to secure it.
"It was given to me to deliver to Mr. Howard and I shall do so unless he orders otherwise," declared the former.
"Tell him to give it to me," cried young Rozier. "Can't you understand it will com—"
"You'll do more harm by talking than by letting me receive it," interrupted the bandit-chieftain. "You've got everybody listening and watching now."
"I don't care. I will have that letter!" stormed the banker's son.
Angered at the tone of the remonstrant, Jesse quickly put an end to the wrangle by seizing him by the shoulder and sending him spinning into the bushes while with his other hand he took the note from the messenger.
Murmurs of excitement rose from the crowd but they died away as the famous desperado tore open the flap of the envelope.
Taking out the enclosure, Jesse read it carefully, refolded it, put it back in the envelope and placed both in the inside pocket of his waistcoat.