"I'll know 'em in the morning, too.
So will you, friends!" he added, turning to the pressing crowds.
"Start Jim Duff on his travels now!" demanded one angry voice.
"By the Tree & Rope Short Line!" proposed another voice.
Jim was caught and held, despite his straggles.

Active hands swarmed over his clothing, seeking for weapons.
"Gentlemen! Gentlemen!" appealed Tom sturdily, making his resonant voice travel far over the heads of the throng.

"Will you honor me with your attention for three or four minutes ?" "Yep!" shouted back one voice.
"You bet!" came another voice.
"Go ahead and spout, Reade.

We'll have the hanging, right after!" There was nothing jovial in these responses.

Tom Reade knew men well enough to recognize this fact.