Had they had any inkling that the men they planned to trap were the terrible outlaws who had played so fast and loose with them in Kansas City, when they escaped from their clutches with the daughter of Banker Ormsby, their assurance would doubtless have been less great.
But in blissful ignorance of the fact, they descended upon the tent.
In the time consumed by these preparations the outlaws, themselves, had not been idle.
As soon as their caller had taken his departure, they put their heads together to decide upon their best move.
All doubt as to who had seen the incident of the beard-snatching removed by young Rozier's own words, and his purpose in calling evident in his questions regarding the mines, even Jesse was compelled to admit that nothing was to be gained, while everything might be lost, by a longer sojourn at the Springs.
When the method of their going was broached, the great outlaw declared that it must be on horseback, for to depart by train and leave the roan would be tacit admission that they had been driven to flight.
And accordingly they went out to purchase two horses and the necessary saddles and bridles.
As they emerged from their tent, they were agreeably surprised to find that the crowd had dispersed.
Picking their way among the outlying avenues of canvas, the bandits were able to reach the square almost unnoticed but immediately upon their arrival in the business part of the town they became the center of all eyes.
Smiling at the freely expressed comments upon their appearance, Jesse led the way into a harness shop and made his wants known.