It was only a short time previous to this…

chunk 959 · paragraph 1262

on the clerks until the manager returned from Clifton to un- lock the safe. As it happened, there was only $20 in the safe, at which the rustlers cursed roundly, and informed the manager if he ever allowed his cash to run so short again, his life would pay the penalty. It was only a short time previous to this that fifteen Chinamen were held up while leav- ing Clifton. Three of the Chinamen were killed and several others wounded. One of them re- turned the fire, shooting Big Dave’s index finger off close to the hand. The rustlers returned to Clifton and stood trial, and although they were recognized by quite a number, including the driver, Fowler, none would dare testify against them, and they were acquitted. It was the custom of the gang to attend court in a body when any of their pals were being tried, and in the face of such odds the bravest of men were compelled to forget what they saw the day before. It is said that on several different occasions that they forced the court to adjourn suddenly, taking his departure through the window.