In the second place, by putting himself so close to Bull, he made himself appear a trifle ludicrous.

Also, if he expected to throw Bull out of the poise with this blustering, he failed.

It was not that Bull did not feel fear, but he had seen a curious thing--the sinewy, long neck of the sheriff--and he was wondering what would happen if one of his hands should grip that throat for a single instant.

He grew so fascinated by this study that he forgot his fear of the sheriff's guns.
Anderson hastened to retreat from his false position.

"Gents," he said, "excuse me for getting edgy.