In the
explosion and fire which resulted he made for the door. One man blocked
the way, levelled a revolver at him, and then Bard shot in self-defence
and downed Calamity Ben. I ask you, Glendin, is that self defence?"
The other drummed his finger-tips nervously against his chin; he was
thinking hard, and every thought was of Steve Nash.
"So far, all right. I ain't askin' your reasons for doin' some pretty
queer things, Mr. Drew."
"I'll stand every penalty of the law, sir. I only ask that you see that
punishment falls where it is deserved only. The case is clear. Bard
acted in self-defence."
Glendin was desperate.
He said at length: "When a man's tried in court they bring up his past
career. This feller Bard has gone along the range raisin' a different
brand of hell everywhere he went. He had a run-in with two gunmen,
Ferguson and Conklin. He had Eldara within an ace of a riot the first
night he hit the town. Mr. Drew, that chap looks the part of a killer;
he acts the part of a killer; and by God, he is a killer."
"You seem to have come with your mind already made up, Glendin," said
the rancher coldly.
Pages:
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283