He stopped, staggered sidewise and whirled around, his gun in his hand. But before he could use it, Sleepy and Lonnie landed on him with a rush and he went down, struggling wildly.
Ben Collins had not moved. He merely flinched when Hashknife leaned across him and took away his gun. He seemed in a daze.
“Got him!” panted Sleepy.
Hashknife looked toward the doorway. Peggy was coming in, her eyes wide, staring down at Joe who had not seen her. Slim touched her on the arm, but she did not stop.
Hashknife beckoned her and she ran down the aisle. Joe turned and saw her coming toward him and the next moment he had her in his arms, while Hashknife hastily sidestepped and took Ben Collins by the arm.
“C’mon, Collins,” he said. “You need exercise.”
“Lemme have him,” said Nebrasky. “Me and Dan can handle him real good. I’ve got a rope handy.”
“All right, Nebrasky.”
Hashknife turned to face the prosecuting attorney.
“What is this all about?” he demanded. “Don’t you realise what⸺”