He had just mounted, but swung down from his saddle and made a rush at the speaker.

McKeith's stern voice stopped him.
'Don't be a fool, Bill.

Let the brutes alone and push on with the pack.
This is not the time for a row.

As for you, Jim Steadbolt--you know me, and you know that if this was any other sort of occasion, you'd pay on the nail for your infernal cheek....

Leave go of those reins.