I never felt meaner in my
life than I did that day, holding those horses and looking down into the
barrel of that robber's gun. He had me, until he started for Cummins.
And it was all over so quick, I hardly knew what happened. But I can't
quite forgive myself for not jumping down after that robber as soon as
ever he uncovered me. It would probably have been too late; and the
horses would have run away, most likely; but still I wish I had jumped.
But because I didn't jump I'm not going to hold myself responsible for
Cummins' death. The robbers must hang for it, and not you and me. As for
what you said, I don't believe it made any difference at all. They were
bound to get all the gold on the stage that day; and they knew Cummins
had some."--
"That's just it, Mr. Bailey, and that's what makes it so hard for me."
Mat saw he had been swept off his feet by his own eloquence, and so he
tried again.
"Well, they would have got it anyhow. They might have wasted a minute or
two more hunting for it, but they would have found it, and Cummins would
have fought for it just the same."
"Yes, that is what I've thought," said Mamie.
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