Furthermore, no one knew the three strangers, whence they came or what was their business, save the meagre information vouchsafed by the bandit-chieftain, and horse-thieves were not confined to any one class. The fact that the outlaws were armed with knives as well as shooting-irons and were so perfectly at ease in their use had not failed to impress the patrons of the resort and free were their comments. On the other hand, the men bore themselves with confidence and assurance, characteristics that the popular mind did not associate with horse-thieves. Their clothes were of the finest quality, and they had the appearance of men of means. But Consollas' accusation had been direct and unequivocal. In the crowd he had many friends and these, when they saw the merchant felled, clamoured for the capture of the outlaws. Yet no one was eager to make the attempt for Frank and Clell had placed themselves back to back against their leader, keeping the mob at bay in the other directions. Smiling at the respect for their weapons, Jesse determined to make the most of his enemy's silence. "Do we look like men who would steal horses?" he demanded, appealing to the crowd. "We can buy all we want and--" "Prove it!" cried a voice. "With pleasure," laughed the great outlaw and slipping one of his revolvers in a pocket he drew from another a fat roll of bills and peeled off several of large denomination, waving them about him. "And my friends are equally well supplied." Acting on the hint, his two companions displayed their money. The effect was instantaneous. It seemed preposterous that men so amply supplied with funds would run the risk incurred in stealing horses and several in the crowd were not slow to say so. Quick to take advantage of the reaction of feeling, Jesse continued: "Do we look like fools enough to steal a horse belonging to an inhabitant of Monegaw Springs and then pitch our tent right here where any who pass can see our animals?" "No, you don't," chorused several. "I hope not," grinned the famous desperado. "Another point, you'll notice this man, whoever he is--" "Consollas," prompted one of the crowd. "This Consollas only laid claim to _one_ of our horses," continued the bandit-chieftain. "If _I_ appropriated one of his ponies, why didn't my companions help themselves?" The argument caught the people and, to make his vindication convincing, Jesse cried: "If this man _has_ lost a horse by thieves, I'm willing to lead a posse to hunt them." "Good man! I'll go with you! That's the stuff! You're all right!" came from many throats, and leaving the still unconscious storekeeper where he lay, the crowd trooped off, the bandits at their head, to secure their mounts.