I will allow my men to vote on the question," added the leader.
The indignant protests, however, compelled the officer to recall his harsh remark.
"Of course I knew that would be your reply," Fred hastened to say; "and it is what Inman and Cadmus expect.

I have been sent to bring my mother and sister out of the house, for the rustlers intend to attack you before morning.

That means, too, that they intend to burn it." The three defenders who were in the secret saw the danger in which this placed Sterry's intended flight.
If the attack were made before 10 o'clock, there could be no possible opportunity for his getting away.

Some means, therefore, must be found for deferring the assault until after that hour, if it could be accomplished without arousing the suspicions of the rustlers..