Angered by the lack of confidence in their shrewdness and ability the banker's words and actions disclosed, Dillaby rose from his chair, bowed stiffly and said:
"You'll think differently, sir, within twenty-four hours. Come, boys."
But Mr. Rozier's response was a snort of disgust that further enraged the man-hunters.
"The old mutton-head! I wish Jesse would rob his bank! It would serve him right!" snapped one of them.
No comment, however, did his comrades vouchsafe. Each was occupied with his own thoughts and chief among these thoughts was a grim determination to prove to the banker that his opinion of them was erroneous.
Arrived at the rendezvous in the square, Dillaby and his men were forced to wait some minutes before they beheld their fellows hurrying to join them.
Without wasting any time, the eight men, with Higgins and the superintendent of the Kansas City office in lead, set out for the campground.
Nearing the place, Jones said:
"When we get to the tent, the rest of you surround it. Higgins and I will go inside and interview the miners."