Perhaps few of them suspected the _argumentum ad hominem_--or rather _ad feminam_--in Woodhull's speech.
Banion alone knew this favor-currying when he saw it, and knew well enough the real reason.

It was Molly! Rivals indeed they were, these two, and in more ways than one.

But Banion held his peace until one quiet father of a family spoke up.
"I reckon our own train captain, that we elected in case we didn't throw in with the big train, had ought to say what he thinks about it all." Will Banion now rose composedly and bowed to the leader.
"I'm glad to second Mr.Woodhull's motion to throw our vote and our train for Captain Wingate and the big train," said he.

"We'll ratify his captaincy, won't we ?" The nods of his associates now showed assent, and Wingate needed no more confirmation.
"In general, too, I would ratify Captain Wingate's scheme.

But might I make a few suggestions ?" "Surely--go on." Wingate half rose.
"Well then, I'd like to point out that we've got twice as far to go as the Santa Fe traders, and over a very different country--more dangerous, less known, harder to travel.