“‘Red’ came to Dempsey’s and said he was going to see the boys, and asked me if I had any word to send them, offering to carry it for me. I wrote them that the Vigilantes were after them, and advised them to leave.” No other explanation was given; and on their own confessions, and some additional proof showing that “Red” had made inconsistent statements to different persons belonging to the Vigilantes, while passing them on his return from Cottonwood, with a view to deceive them as to the whereabouts of Carter,—the company withdrew to the Stinking Water bridge, to decide upon the guilt or innocence of the prisoners. “Boys,” said the captain, addressing the assemblage, “you have heard what these men have had to say for themselves. I want you to vote according to your consciences. If you think they ought to suffer punishment, say so; if you think they ought to go free, vote for it. Be very careful to do the right thing for yourselves, as well as for the prisoners. All those in favor of hanging them, step to the right side of the bridge; and those who are for letting them go, to the left side.” So thoroughly convinced were the men of the guilt and complicity of the prisoners with the road-agent gang, that every man passed immediately to the right. The culprits started immediately, under the escort of seven men and a leader, in the direction of Virginia City. Two hours afterwards they arrived at Lorrain’s ranche, where they were joined at sundown by the other members of the company, who, after a brief consultation, rode on to Virginia City. After they had gone, the leader lay down in his blanket on the parlor floor, to snatch a few hours of repose. Precisely at ten o’clock, he was awakened by a slight shake, and the words, “The hour has arrived. We mean business, and are waiting for you.” He arose and went to the bar-room, where Brown and “Red” lay in the corner asleep. “Red” was the first to awaken. Rising to his feet, he addressed the leader in a sad and despondent tone. “You have treated me like a gentleman,” said he. “I know that my time has come. I am going to be hanged.” “That’s pretty rough, ‘Red’” interjected the leader. “Yes. It’s pretty rough, but I merited it years ago. What I want to say is, that I know all about this gang. There are men in it who deserve death more than I do; but I should die happy, if I could see them hanged, or know it would be done. I don’t say this to get off. I don’t want to get off.” “It will be better for you, ‘Red,’” said the Vigilantes, “at this time to give us all the information in your possession, if only for the sake of your kind. Times have been very hard. Men have been shot down in broad daylight, not alone for money, or even hatred, but for mere luck and sport, and this must have a stop put to it.” “I agree to it all,” replied “Red.” “No poor country was ever cursed with a more bloodthirsty or meaner pack of villains than this,—and I know them all.”