I intend breaking the back of this lynching business right here and now." He strode directly across the street to the steps of the Occidental, his clothing scarcely more than smouldering rags.

The crowd stared at him sullenly; then suddenly a reaction came, and the American spirit of fair play, the frontier appreciation of bulldog courage, burst forth into a confused murmur, that became half a cheer.

Brant did not mince his words.
"Now, look here, men! If you want any more trouble we 're here to accommodate you.

Fighting is our trade, and we don't mind working at it.

But I wish to tell you right now, and straight off the handle, that you are simply making a parcel of fools of yourselves.