"This committee is a deliberative body, sir; regularly
organized with officers and men, an executive council. The best men in
the city are its members...."
"And you are its Czar," remarked Garrison, tauntingly.
"I am chairman by their choice--not mine," said Coleman, tartly. "To
show you that I make no personal decisions, I will call other members of
the council." He bowed and withdrew, returning in a few moments with the
brothers Arrington, Thomas Smiley, Seymour and Truitt. The two sides
went over the ground a second time. Smiley insisted that Casey be
delivered to the Vigilantes. Johnson suggested that the committee
continue its labors, but permit the court to try Casey, even in the
event of King's death. An impasse loomed. Finally came Coleman's
ultimatum: "If Sheriff Scannell will permit ten of our members to join
the guard over Casey, this committee will agree to make no overt
move--until our guards are withdrawn and you are notified."
"Done," agreed the Governor, hastily.
CHAPTER XLIV
THE TRUCE IS BROKEN
On the Garvez ranch, at sunset, the 17th of May, David Broderick found a
gracious interval of peace. It seemed almost incredible to be dining in
the patio with Benito and Alice against a background of fragrant
honeysuckle and early roses.
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