The school-teacher was
fortunate to be brought up with a sharp turn so early in life, and to
find so true a friend as Mat Bailey.
But this was only the beginning of the council at Moore's Flat. It was
suggested that John Keeler, Cummins' old partner, be employed to scour
the country in search of the assassins. There was no more trustworthy
man in Eureka Township than Keeler. His affection for Cummins was well
known. But his peculiarities might unfit him for the proposed mission.
His Southern sense of chivalry unfitted him for detective work that
might involve deceit and downright lying. He cared more for his honor
than he did for money, and had been known to refuse very tempting
offers. Finally, he was opposed to violence. He had refused to act as a
watchman for a ditch company on the ground that he might be expected to
shoot some one. It was a question whether Keeler could be induced to
bring a man to the gallows.
Presently, Dr. Mason spoke up:
"You couldn't employ a better man than Keeler. He is the soul of honor,
as you all admit. For several years he was Cummins' partner. As sheriff
of Nevada County he would free it of thugs and murderers as he frees
every claim that he works of rattlesnakes.
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