To me this sounded serious, but the veteran was as cool about it as if giving instructions to a squad of soldiers on skirmish drill. Jack always seemed happy when there was a good prospect of a fight before him. I must admit that I began to feel a little squeamish as the jayhawkers drew near us, but I was somewhat reassured by the firm and fearless demeanor of my comrades.
As the jayhawkers approached it was seen that all except the leader, "Cap" Tucker, carried rifles, carbines, or shotguns in addition to their pistols. All seemed to be well mounted, but Tucker was particularly conspicuous by his fine black horse. They followed the main road till opposite the house where we were and then turned and rode toward us at a walk.
As soon as they had approached within easy hail Tom took a few steps toward them and, bringing his Sharp's rifle to a ready, sung out:
"Halt!"
Jack and I moved up in his rear and came to the same position.
The jayhawkers did not seem to be expecting such a manœuvre on our part and did not promptly obey Tom's first command; but by the time he had repeated "Halt!" in a louder tone they took the hint, and Tucker quickly ordered his men to stop. Turning to us, he called out in a tone of indignant surprise:
"What do you mean?"
"Just what I say," replied Tom. "Ef you men have any business with us, one of you—and only one—can advance an' make it known. The rest'll stand where they are."
Turning and speaking a few words to his men, Tucker then rode up to us.
As the big captain halted a few feet from us he demanded angrily: