The shooting of the captain would cause retaliation on the part of the stockmen, and it would instantly become a question as to which could do the most execution.
The occurrence was startling enough of itself, but Capt.

Asbury quickly recovered, only to find himself troubled by another matter, which was more serious.
It was the doubt whether the intended crime of Vesey was solely of his own responsibility.

Was it not likely that he had received permission from Inman to end the suspense by shooting the captain of the stockmen?
The captain knew that he was as much detested by the leading rustlers as by Vesey.

Probably the men were growing too impatient to be restrained much longer.
The suspicion appeared more reasonable from the fact that, the leader once "removed," there would remain but the single exception to those guaranteed honorable treatment.

Surrender, therefore, would be more probable.
No single shot could do so much to aid the rustlers as that which came near being made.
"This strained situation can't last much longer; I believe it will be settled before the rise of to-morrow's sun." Monteith Sterry secured more than one chance of a few words with Jennie.