himself honest to come to my place and hold a mass meeting, to elect a
Committee like we had in the first place. I want every man--"

"Bill, you're crazy!" It was Jack, white to the lips in sheer terror
for Wilson, Jack who refused to blench at his own dire strait, who
sprang up and clapped a hand over the mouth that was sealing the doom
of the owner. "Take him out, Jim, for God's sake! Take him--Bill,
listen to me, you fool! What was it you were telling me, there in your
own doorway, to-day? About not thinking out loud? You can't save me by
talking like that! These men--those that don't hate me--are so scared
of their own necks that they wouldn't lift a finger to save a twin
brother. Take him out, boys! Bill doesn't mean any harm." He tried to
smile and failed utterly. "He likes me, and he's--he's--"

Shorty it was who jerked him away from Bill. The Captain, on his feet,
was dominating the uneasy crowd with his cold stare more than with the
gun he held in his hand.

"This Committee," he stated in his calm, judicial tone, which chilled
the growing fire of excitement and held the men silent that they might
listen, "this Committee regrets that in the course of its unpleasant
duties it must now and then rouse the antagonism of a bad man's
friends. But this Committee must perform the duties for which it was
elected. This Committee is sorry to see Mr. Wilson take the stand he
takes, but it realizes that friendship for the condemned man leads
him to make statements and threats for which he should not be held
responsible. Gentlemen, this court of inquiry is dismissed, and it
may not be amiss to point out the necessity for order being maintained
among you. The Committee would deeply regret any trouble arising at
this time."