It was known that old Colton's extreme conservatism had been regarded as an obstruction, and that while they might not actually have figured in the murder, yet they were known to be pleased at the result, that the large reward was all a "bluff," and that it was to their interest to aid the escape of Kittymunks.
Before breakfast the next morning Brooks was at Witherspoon's house.

A "friend" had called his attention to the article.

Had it appeared in one of the reputable journals instead of in this fly-by-night smircher of the characters of men, a suit for criminal libel would have been brought, but to give countenance to this slander was to circulate it; and therefore the two men were resolved not to permit the infamy to place them under the contribution of a moment's worry.
"The character of a successful man is a target to be shot at by the envious," said Witherspoon.

He was pacing the room, and anger had hardened his step.

"A target to be shot at," he repeated, "and the shots are free." "I didn't know what to do," Brooks replied.