Come on now,--dismount." Hughes came to the ground with evident reluctance, swearing savagely.
"What do yer think I 'm yere for," he demanded roughly, "if it wa'n't to shoot that cuss ?" Hamlin strode swiftly over, and dropped a hand on the shaggy shoulder.
"You are here because I ordered you to come with me; because if you hadn't I would have killed you back there in the shack, you red-handed murderer.

Now listen, Hughes.

I know what you are--a cattle thief.
You and Le Fevre belong to the same outfit, only he was the smarter of the two.

I have spared your life for a purpose, and if you fail me now I 'll shoot you down as I would a dog.

Don't try to threaten me, you cur, for I am not that kind.