Why Only Short Sentences For The Outlaws?
You would think that they'd hang for killing a sheriff
shareThey weren't in prison for the sheriff's murder. That was part of a conspiracy the whole town was involved in so everyone kept silent about it.
To get rid of their hired murderers the town leaders framed them for theft (of some gold as I recall). That's why they were sent to prison.
The three men stayed silent in order to avoid being hung, and so they could seek revenge after they were released.