It was a parley with ready weapons in the open, and the ashen face of Merle looked pitiful while it lasted.
In the early flush of dawn his fate trembled in the balance, and when the detective rode on, he (Merle) cast a longing look at the horsemen moving back.
Old Broadbrim conducted his prisoner to the headquarters of the Perth police and there presented the papers he had brought from America.
Merle looked coolly on.
His wound had been dressed and he was silent while he listened to the detective.
But suddenly his eye caught the old-time fire and he thought of Belle Demona.
She did not intend to shoot him.
No, it was a mistake, and he felt that while she lived and was on the alert in the little town the detective and his new-found friend stood a good chance of failing.
It was found that on the next day a vessel would leave the port for Melbourne, and Old Broadbrim determined to take his prisoner on board and await the sailing.
Meantime the authorities of Perth scoured the town for the ranch queen.