Jim Reid said earnestly, "That's all right, Will.

We knew how you would feel, an' we were just aimin' to save you any more trouble.

Them Tailholt Mountain thieves have gone too far this time.

We can't let you turn that man loose." "I ain't goin' to try to turn him loose," retorted the Dean.
The men looked at each other.
"What are you goin' to do, then ?" asked the spokesman.
"I'm goin' to make you turn him loose," came the startling answer.

"You fellows took him; you've got to let him go." In spite of the grave situation several of the men grinned at the Dean's answer--it was so like him.
"I'll bet a steer he does it, too," whispered one.
The Dean turned to the man by his side.