"So it seems," Mr. Britton replied; "but that is no more than I have
suspected all along."
"Now I understand your fear of my being recognized; it seemed
inexplicable to me," said Darrell.
"If he had seen you," his father replied, "he would have suspected your
errand here at once."
Incredulity was apparent on many faces as Walcott's examination was
begun. He was morose and silent, and nothing could be elicited from him.
When Darrell was called upon, however, and gave his evidence,
incredulity gave place to conviction. As he completed his testimony with
a description of the scar, which, upon examination, was found correct,
the crowd became angry and threats of lynching and personal violence
were heard on various sides. The judge therefore ordered that the
prisoners be removed from the court-room to the jail before any in the
audience had left their places.
In charge of the regular sheriff and four or five deputies the prisoners
were led from the court-room. They had but just reached the street,
however, when those inside heard shots fired in quick succession,
followed by angry cries and shouts for help. The crowd surged to the
doors, to see the officers surrounded by a band of the outlaws who had
been lying in wait for their appearance, having been summoned by the
signal given on the arrest of the leader. With the help of the citizens
the fight was soon terminated, but when the mêlée was over it was
discovered that the sheriff had been killed, a number of citizens and
outlaws wounded, and Martinez, alias Walcott, had escaped.