So excited did the factions become that they failed to see the messenger approach the outlaw and the banker's son and it was not till they heard the angry voice of the latter exclaim: "As a member of the family I demand that note before you open it!" that they knew the document had arrived. Instantly a hush fell on the assemblage and they craned their necks the better to hear and see all that transpired. Jesse, Frank, the messenger and young Rozier were beside the smoking kettle. The bearer of the note held it firmly in his hand, resisting the effort of the writer's brother to secure it. "It was given to me to deliver to Mr. Howard and I shall do so unless he orders otherwise," declared the former. "Tell him to give it to me," cried young Rozier. "Can't you understand it will com--" "You'll do more harm by talking than by letting me receive it," interrupted the bandit-chieftain. "You've got everybody listening and watching now." "I don't care. I _will_ have that letter!" stormed the banker's son. Angered at the tone of the remonstrant, Jesse quickly put an end to the wrangle by seizing him by the shoulder and sending him spinning into the bushes while with his other hand he took the note from the messenger. Murmurs of excitement rose from the crowd but they died away as the famous desperado tore open the flap of the envelope. Taking out the enclosure, Jesse read it carefully, refolded it, put it back in the envelope and placed both in the inside pocket of his waistcoat. Breathlessly the throng watched Frank approach. "What is it?" he asked. "Nothing," returned his brother, with a slight quiver of his left eyelid that only Frank could see. Young Rozier had been within earshot and as the stranger had made his reply, he shook with anger. He had thought only of the ridicule to which his family would be subjected because of his sister's intercession, but that her appeal should be treated so lightly wounded his pride. But this pride was destined to a more severe shock when Jesse called: "Bring up Consollas. The tar's ready!" "You mean that _you_ refuse a Rozier's request?" snarled the fellow, his rage overcoming his discretion. "Keep your tongue in your head or I'll give you a coat of feathers, too," snapped the great outlaw. And the expression on his face told the banker's son that he meant what he said and the youth subsided. In such a state of terror that he could not walk, the victim was dragged to the cauldron by Clell. The sharp breathing of the spectators proved intense excitement. Looking over the crowd, Jesse frowned. "There are so many women 'round that we can't strip him," he exclaimed as he took Consollas by the collar of his coat and swung him to the side of the kettle. "We'll give him a thin coat next his skin and lay it on thick over his clothes. Loosen 'em, Sam; Hal, get some feathers." Quickly were his commands obeyed.