Tom nodded.
"Now, Black, you can be the first," called Dave in a brisk, business-like tone.

"Step up here and drop your weapons on the ground." Wincing under a bitter sense of defeat, 'Gene Black stepped forward.
He was not really a coward, but he valued his life, little as it was actually worth.

So he dropped a revolver to the ground.
"What I have to say to you, Black, applies to the others," Dave continued from outside the thicket.

"If any man among you doesn't drop all his weapons, we'll make it lively for him when we get him out here." A look of malignant hate crossed his face, then 'Gene Black dropped also a knife to the ground.
"Come on out, Black," directed Dave Fulsbee.

"Mr.Reade, will you oblige me by running your hands over the fellow's clothing to see if he, has any more weapons." Tom promptly complied.