He dashed into the inner room when the cry and the shot came and looked from the window opening, there being no one in the room.
For hours this man, known to his companions as Ren Downs, had been observing the actions of Big Bob with suspicion.

When the renegade talked with the prisoner, as he had many times on the way down, Ren sauntered close to the two in a vain attempt to hear what was being said.

He doubted the honesty of the big fellow, believing that it was his purpose to break away from the others, himself included, and so escape the necessity of dividing the reward.
Doubting the loyalty of the renegade as he did, it was natural that he should decide that the fellow was planning an escape with the boy.
Therefore, when he saw Fremont disappearing from view in the darkness, with Big Bob close after him, he drew his revolver and fired at the renegade.

The shot took effect and Big Bob dropped to the ground.
"I hope he's killed him!" Jimmie said, heartily.
"No such luck as that!" Frank exclaimed.

"See, the lobster is getting out his own gun!" Big Bob lay in an awkward pose on the ground, his face and the muzzle of his automatic revolver turned toward the window.