"Who air you?" asked Anderson in return. He was panting heavily, and his
legs trembled.
"None of your business! Get off these grounds at once; they're private!"
"None o' your sass, now, young man; I'm an officer of the law, an' a
detective to boot! We sha'n't stand any nonsense. The place is
surrounded and he can't escape! Where is he?"
"That's for you to find out if you're such a good detective! This is
David Bracken's place, and you can find him at his home on the hilltop
yonder!"
"Ask him what we've done, George," whispered Barnes.
"We ain't after Mr. Bracken, young feller, but you know what we _do_
want! He's in there--you're shielding him--we won't parley much longer!
Send him out!" said Anderson Crow.
"If you come a foot nearer you'll get shot into the middle of kingdom
come!" shouted Crosby defiantly.
The inmates gasped, for there was not a firearm on the place.
"Be careful!" warned the Reverend "Jimmy" nervously.
"Goin' to resist, eh? Well, we'll get him; don't you worry; an' that
ornery female o' hisn', too!"
"Did you hear that?" exclaimed Jack Barnes. "Let me get at the old rat."
He was making for the door when the two women obstructed the way. Both
were frantic with fear.
"But he called you a female!" roared he.
"Well, I _am_!" she wailed miserably.
"Who is it you want?" asked Crosby from the window.
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