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Raine, William MacLeod, 1871-1954

"Wyoming, Story of Outdoor West"

With the arrival of reinforcements, in the persons of
McWilliams and his friend, it had been the turn of the raiders to
turn over their weapons.
"All right, Denver," nodded the foreman.
The outlaw chief whistled for his men, and with their guests they
rode into the silent, desert night.

CHAPTER 22. EXIT THE "KING"
They bedded that night under the great vault-roof where twinkle a
million stars.
There were three of the outlaw's men with him, and both
Mcwilliams and his friend noticed that they slept a little apart
from their chief. There were other indications among the rustlers
of a camp divided against itself. Bannister's orders to them he
contrived to make an insult, and their obedience was as surly as
possible compatible with safety. For all of the men knew that he
would not hesitate to shoot them down in one of his violent rages
should they anger him sufficiently.
Throughout the night there was no time that at least two men were
not awake in the camp. The foreman and the sheepman took turns
keeping vigil; and on the other side of the fire sat one of the
rustlers in silent watchfulness. To the man opposite him each of
the sentinels were outposts of the enemy, but they fraternized
after the manner of army sentries, exchanging tobacco and
occasional casual conversation.


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