In this Hicks was in no way blamable--he had merely performed his sworn duty, and would still die, if need be, in defence of his prisoner.

He was no tool, but only an instrument they had found means of using.
Keith was essentially a man of action, a fighter by instinct, and so long accustomed to danger that the excitement of it merely put new fire into his veins.

Now that he understood exactly what threatened, all numbing feeling of hesitancy and doubt vanished, and he became instantly alive.

He would not lie there in that hole waiting for the formation of a mob; nor would he trust in the ability of the marshal to defend him.
He had some friends without--not many, for he was but an occasional visitor at Carson--who would rally to Hicks's assistance, but there would not be enough on the side of law and order to overcome the "Red Light" outfit, if once they scented blood.

If he was to be saved from their clutches, he must save himself; if his innocence was ever established it would be by his own exertions--and he could accomplish this only out yonder, free under the arch of sky.
He lifted his head, every nerve tingling with desperate determination.
The low growl of voices was audible through the partition, but there was no other sound.