The new programme being understood, the Sheriff returned to his
station, pointed his pistol at Billy Brackett's head, and was about to
order him to throw up his hands and surrender, when he made a slight
movement that aroused Bim. This faithful sentinel sprang up with a
loud bark. In the dim light Sheriff Riley had not noticed the dog, and
he was so much upset by this unexpected challenge that his finger
closed on the hair-trigger of his revolver. Fortunately his aim was so
wild that no harm was done by the shot that followed. It was all the
signal that the Sheriff's followers needed, and they immediately
carried out their part of the programme to the letter.
When the tumult subsided, the situation was as already described.
Billy Brackett sat on the floor, grasping Bim's collar, and awaiting
further developments as calmly as though he were merely a disinterested
spectator of this unique performance. The dog, with teeth displayed to
an alarming extent, stood ready to fly at the invaders whenever he
should be released. In front of this group, and a few paces from it,
stood half a dozen men, all of whom held guns that were pointed at the
young engineer. The form of the Sheriff, with pistol still levelled at
his prisoner, appeared at the open window.
"Do you surrender?" he demanded.
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