"I'll bear witness for one," offered Dr. Rankin, looking up from his work, "and on a good many things." "Look out, damn you!" muttered Carhart. "I've been called to a good many cases of gunshot wounds," continued the doctor steadily, "and I've kept quiet because I was given to understand that my life was worth nothing if I spoke." "You'd better keep your mouth shut!" warned the bandit. "Now," pursued the doctor, "I personally believe the time has come to assert ourselves. I'm in favour of serving notice on the whole lot, and cleaning up the mess once and for all. I believe there are more decent men than criminals in this camp, if you get them together." "That's my idea," agreed Johnny heartily. "Get the camp together; I'll see every man in it and let Woodruff tell his tale, and then let Old or me tell ours." "And I'll tell mine," said Dr. Rankin. Danny Randall shook his head. "They'll rise to it like men!" cried Johnny indignantly. "Nobody but a murderer and cattle thief listening to that story could remain unmoved." "Well," said Danny, "if you won't just quietly hang these fellows right now, try the other. I should string 'em up and shut their mouths. You're too early; it won't do." CHAPTER XXXV THE TRIAL The meeting took place in the Bella Union, and the place was crowded to the doors. All the roughs in town were on hand, fully armed, swearing, swaggering, and brandishing their weapons. They had much to say by way of threat, for they did not hesitate to show their sympathies. As I looked upon their unexpected numbers and listened to their wild talk, I must confess that my heart failed me. Though they had not the advantage in numbers, they knew each other; were prepared to work together; were, in general, desperately courageous and reckless, and imbued with the greatest confidence. The decent miners, on the other hand, were practically unknown to each other; and, while brave enough and hardy enough, possessed neither the recklessness nor desperation of the others. I think our main weakness sprang from the selfish detachment that had prevented us from knowing whom to trust. After preliminary organization a wrangle at once began as to the form of the trial. We held very strongly that we should continue our usual custom of open meeting; but Morton insisted with equal vehemence that the prisoners should have jury trial. The discussion grew very hot and confused. Pistols and knives were flourished. The chair put the matter to a vote, but was unable to decide from the yells and howls that answered the question which side had the preponderance. A rising vote was demanded. "Won't they attempt a rescue?" I asked of Danny Randall, under cover of the pandemonium. "They could easily fight their way free." He shook his head. "That would mean outlawing themselves. They would rather get clear under some show of law. Then they figure to run the camp." The vote was understood to favour a jury trial.