"I'd have you to understand that I'm a minister of the gospel--I am the Reverend James Bracken, of--" A roar of laughter greeted his attempt to explain; and there were a few remarks so uncomplimentary that the man of cloth sank back in sheer hopelessness.
"Well, I'll give them reason to think that I'm something of a desperado," grated the Reverend "Jimmy," squaring his shoulders.

"If they attempt to put foot inside my uncle's house I'll--I'll smash a few heads." "Bravo!" cried Mrs.Crosby.She was his cousin, and up to that time had had small regard for her mild-mannered relative.
"He can preach the funeral!" shouted Ike Smalley.

By this time there were a dozen men on the bank below.
"I give you fair warning," cried Anderson Crow impressively.

"We're goin' to surround the house, an' we'll take that rascal if we have to shoot the boards into sawdust!" "But what has he done, except to get married ?" called Crosby as the posse began to spread out.
"Do you s'pose I'm fool enough to tell you if you don't know ?" said Anderson Crow.

"Just as like as not you'd be claimin' the thousand dollars reward if you knowed it had been offered! Spread out, boys, an' we'll show 'em dern quick!" There was dead silence inside the house for a full minute.