"What proof have you ?" The disclosure had not affected the soldier as Stark expected, and his anger began to lift itself.
"That's neither here nor there; the man's a murderer; he's wanted in California, where I came from; he's been indicted, and there's a price on his head.

He's hidden for fifteen years, but he'll hang as sure as I stand here." Disclosures of a complex nature had so crowded on Burrell in the last few hours that he saw himself the centre of a most unfortunate and amazing tangle.

Things were difficult enough as it was, but to have this man appear and cry for justice--this man above all others!--it was a complication quite unlocked for--a hideous mockery.

He must gain time for thought.

One false step might ruin all.