The Death of Du Sang

"Oh, no! Just put them on horses under guard."

"That's what we're going to do," exclaimed the foreman. "Only we're going to run 'em over to those cottonwoods and drive the horses out from under 'em. Stand still, you tow-headed cow-thief!" he cried, slipping the noose up tight on George Seagrue's neck.

"See here," returned Whispering Smith, showing some annoyance, "you may be joking, but I am not. Either do as I tell you or release those men."

"Well, I guess we are not joking very much. You heard me, didn't you?" demanded Stormy angrily. "We are going to string these damned critters up right here in the draw on the first tree."

Whispering Smith drew a pocket-knife and walked to Flat Nose, slit the rope around his neck, pushed him out of the circle, and stood in front of him. "You can't play horse with my prisoners," he said curtly. "Get over here, Karg. Come, now, who is going to walk in first? You act like a school-boy, Gorman."

Hard words and a wrangle followed, but Smith did not change expression, and there was a backdown. "Have you fellows let Du Sang get away while you were playing fool here?" he asked.

"Du Sang's over the hill there on his horse, and full of fight yet," exclaimed one.

"Then we will look him up," suggested Smith. "Come, Seagrue."

"Don't go over there. He'll get you if you do," cried Gorman.