Stumpy, in other climes, had been the putative head of two families; in fact, it was owing to some legal informality in these proceedings that Roaring Camp--a city of refuge--was indebted to his company.

The crowd approved the choice, and Stumpy was wise enough to bow to the majority.

The door closed on the extempore surgeon and midwife, and Roaring Camp sat down outside, smoked its pipe, and awaited the issue.
The assemblage numbered about a hundred men.

One or two of these were actual fugitives from justice, some were criminal, and all were reckless.

Physically they exhibited no indication of their past lives and character.