What's the matter with you ?" "They ain't nothin' the matter with me," said Curly slowly, "'ceptin' I done said I wouldn't give this man up to no man but the Co'te.

A lot o' us fellers, here in the settlement, we 'lowed that the law goes here now." Silence fell for an instant, then from the rear of the party there came pushing and crowding and cries of "Burn the house--drive him out!" There was a rush, but it was met by a silent thickening of the line at the point assailed.

Men scuffled with men, swearing and grunting, panting hard.

Here and there weapons flashed dully, though as yet no shot was fired.

Time and again Franklin raised his voice.