It was scarcely half an hour since Shrimplin had fallen speechless into Colonel Harbison's arms, yet fully two hundred men had gathered in that long room or were struggling about the door to gain admittance to it.
At a suggestion from Harbison, the gambler, followed by Joe, elbowed his way to the front door, which in spite of the protest of those outside, he closed and locked.

A moment later, however, he opened it to admit Doctor Taylor, the coroner, and Conklin, the sheriff.

The latter instantly set about clearing the room.
Gilmore and the colonel remained with the officials and during the succeeding ten minutes the gambler, who had kept his post at the door, opened, it to Moxlow, young Watt Harbison and two policemen.
As the coroner finished his examination of the body, the sound of wheels was heard in the Square and an undertaker's wagon drew up to the door.
The murdered man was placed on a stretcher and covered with a black cloth, then four men raised the stretcher and for the last time the old merchant passed out under his creaking sign into the night.
"I've agreed to watch at the house, Andy," said Colonel Harbison.

"I want you and Watt to come with me." The gambler lighted a fresh cigar and the three men left the store.
On the Square groups of men discussed the murder.

Though none was permitted to enter the store, the windows afforded occasional glimpses of the little group of officials within, until a policeman closed and fastened the heavy wooden shutters.