There was no help forthcoming from either, but he had already reached a definite decision for himself.
"Very well," he said calmly, "I 'll go with you quietly, sheriff, only I don't need any hand-cuffing." "Never use 'em," and Hayes affectionately patted his gun.

"I reckon this yere instrument will do the business all right if any misunderstandin' should arise atween us goin' down.

However, I 'll trouble yer to discard them weapons for the sake o' peace." Without a word the engineer unbuckled his belt, tossed it over to Hicks, and then slowly turned his body about to prove himself entirely disarmed.

Then he smiled, and extended his hand.

The sheriff grasped it cordially.
"There need be no hard feeling between us, Hayes," he said pleasantly.
"You 're only doing your sworn duty; I understand that.