The crowd poured in after them and disposed themselves in various attitudes about the big room, all staring with more or less boldness at the three girls.

Dan'l the fiddler was pushed in with the others and given a seat, while two or three of the imitation cowboys kept guard over him to prevent any possible escape.

So far the old man had not addressed a word to anyone.
With the absence of the leader the feeling of restraint seemed to relax.

The cowboys began whispering among themselves and chuckling with glee, as if they were enjoying some huge joke.

Stubby had placed himself near the three young ladies, whom he eyed with adoring glances, and somehow none of the prisoners regarded this childish young fellow in exactly the same light as they did his comrades.