Why don't you come up like a man?
Come out here into the light and let's you and me settle this thing right now.

You all--" CRACK! A jet of flame leaped out of the shadow, and the speaker dropped like a log.
With a cry the shepherd ran to the side of his friend; but in a moment the crowd had again reached the cabin, and the old man was dragged from his fallen companion.

With all his strength, Mr.
Howitt struggled with his captors, begging them to let him go to the boy.

But his hands were bound tightly behind his back, and when he still plead with those who held him, Wash Gibbs struck him full in the mouth, a blow that brought the blood.
They were leading the stunned and helpless old man away, when someone, who was bending over Young Matt, exclaimed, "You missed him, Wash! Jest raked him.

He'll be up in a minute.