Fortunately his aim was so wild that no harm was done by the shot that followed.

It was all the signal that the Sheriff's followers needed, and they immediately carried out their part of the programme to the letter.
When the tumult subsided, the situation was as already described.
Billy Brackett sat on the floor, grasping Bim's collar, and awaiting further developments as calmly as though he were merely a disinterested spectator of this unique performance.

The dog, with teeth displayed to an alarming extent, stood ready to fly at the invaders whenever he should be released.

In front of this group, and a few paces from it, stood half a dozen men, all of whom held guns that were pointed at the young engineer.

The form of the Sheriff, with pistol still levelled at his prisoner, appeared at the open window.
"Do you surrender ?" he demanded.
"Certainly," replied Billy Brackett, cheerfully; "if you desire it.
I'm always ready to accommodate, especially when it's no trouble to do so." "Throw up your hands, then," commanded the Sheriff.
"To do that," argued the prisoner, without moving, "I shall be obliged to let go my hold of this bull-dog.