"If you can't stand it," said Bradley, "sit down, if you want to."
 
Thus far, Richard Dewey had remained silent, but he wished to participate in the defence of their property if there should be need, and of course must be released first.
 
"Jake," said he, "these fellows have tied me hand and foot. They couldn't have done it if I had not been partially disabled. Send in Ki Sing to cut the cords."
 
"They dared to tie you?" said Bradley, sternly.--"Mosely, what was that for?"
 
"To remove one obstacle in the way of plunder," Dewey answered for them.
 
"They're not only hoss-thieves, but thieves through Diamond Water and through. Since they tied you, they must untie you.--Mosely, go and cut the cords."
 
"I am not a slave to be ordered round," returned Mosely, haughtily.
 
"What are you, then?"
 
"A gentleman."
 
"Then you'll be a dead gentleman in less than a minute if you don't do as I tell you."
 
As he spoke he drew out his revolver and levelled it at Mosely.
 
 "Don't handle that we'pon nuskin so careless, stranger," he said. "It might go off."
 
"So it might--as like as not," answered Bradley, calmly.
 
"Put it up," said Mosely, nervously.--"Tom, just cut     them cords."
 
"Tom, you needn't do it.--Mosely, you're the man for that duty. Do you hear?"