“Well, I'll be damned!” ejaculated one. “What are we comin' to? That's the first time I ever see one lonesome sheriff gather in ten river-hogs without the aid of a gatlin' or an ambulance! What's the matter with that chicken-livered bunch, anyway?”
Orde watched them, his eyes expressionless, until they had disappeared in the fringe of the forest Then he turned to the astonished group.
“Jim,” said he, “and you, Ellis, and you, and you, and you, and you, get to work on that dam. And remember this, if you are arrested, go peaceably. Any resistance will spoil the whole game.”
The men broke into mingled cheers and laughter as the full significance of Orde's plan reached them. They streamed back to the dam, where they perched proffering advice and encouragement to those about to descend.
Immediately, however, Reed was out, his eyes blazing either side his hawk nose.
“Here!” he cried, “quit that! I'll have ye arrested!”
“Arrest ahead,” replied Orde coldly.
Reed stormed back and forth for a moment, then departed at full speed up the road.
“Now, boys, get as much done as possible,” urged Orde. “We better get back in the brush, or he may try to take in the whole b'iling of us on some sort of a blanket warrant.”
“How about the other boys?” inquired North.