If there 's trouble between you and Farnham, have it out, and git done with it in proper fashion, but just now he 's a sworn officer of the law, and when you threaten him you threaten all Gulpin County.

Do you manage to digest that fact, Hicks ?" The sturdy old prospector, his face white with rage under the tan, uncocked his rifle and dropped the butt heavily upon the earth, his eyes wandering from the face of the sheriff to that of Winston.
"What the hell is it yer want, then ?" he asked sullenly.

Hayes smiled, shifting easily so as to rest his weight on one leg.
"Got anybody in your bunch named Winston ?" he questioned, "Ned Winston, mining engineer ?" The younger man started in surprise.
"That is my name," he replied, before Hicks could speak.

The sheriff looked toward him curiously, noting the square jaw, the steady gray eyes; then he glanced aside at Farnham.

The latter nodded carelessly.
"So far, so good.