Because I know how he loves the King--how he wants to see the King run away from the field thet day! Thet's why!" There was a moment of silence, during which all turned to Creech.

He was a stalwart man, no longer young, with a lined face, deep-set, troubled eyes, and white, thin beard.
"Bostil, if Cordts loves the King thet well, he's in fer heartbreak," said Creech, with a ring in his voice.
Down crashed Bostil's heavy boots and fire flamed in his gaze.

The other men laughed, and Brackton interposed: "Hold on, you boy riders!" he yelled.

"We ain't a-goin' to have any arguments like thet....

Now, Bostil, it's settled, then?
You'll let Cordts come ?" "Glad to have him," replied Bostil.
"Good.