Phil himself, by bein' too quick to jump at conclusions, blocked this man's game, just when he was playin' the only hand that could have won out against Nick.

If Phil hadn't 'a' happened on to Patches and Joe when he did, or if he had been a little slower about findin' a man guilty just because appearances were against him, we'd 'a' had the evidence from Yavapai Joe that we've been wantin', an' could 'a' called the turn on that Tailholt outfit proper.

As it stands now, we're right where we was before.

Now, what are you all goin' to do about it ?" The men grinned shamefacedly, but were glad that the tragedy had been averted.

They were by no means convinced that Patches was not guilty, but they were quick to see the possibilities of a mistake in the situation.
"I reckon the Dean has adjourned the meetin', boys," said one.
"Come on," called another.