Before they could check him the veteran cowman was beside Patches.

With a quick motion he snatched the riata from the cowboy's neck.

An instant more, and he had cut the rope that bound Patches' hands.
"Thank you, sir," said Patches calmly.
"Don't do that, Will," called Jim Reid peremptorily.

"This is our business." In the same breath he shouted to his companions, "Take him again, boys," and started forward.
"Stand where you are," roared the Dean, and as they looked upon the stern countenance of the man who was so respected and loved throughout all that country, not a man moved.

Reid himself involuntarily halted at the command.
"I'll do this and more, Jim Reid," said the Dean firmly, and there was that in his voice which, in the wild days of the past, had compelled many a man to fear and obey him.