He realized that this was a crisis in his career; his reputation was at stake.
Young as John was, he understood the whole matter as he studied the restless Steve, and compared him with his impassive hero, sitting immovable.
"You see Lime can't go away," he explained, breathlessly, to Frank, in a whisper, "'cause they'd tell it all over the country that he backed down for Steve.

He daresn't leave." "Steve ain't no durn fool," returned the superior wisdom of Frank, in the same cautious whisper, keeping his eyes on the bar-room.

"See Lime there, cool as a cucumber.

He's from the pineries, he is." He ended in a tone of voice intended to convey that fighting was the principal study of the pineries, and that Lime had graduated with the highest honors.
"Steve ain't a-go'n' to pitch into him yet awhile, you bet y'r bottom dollar; he ain't drunk enough for that." Each time the invitation for another drink was given, they noticed that Lime kept on the outside of the crowd, and some one helped him to his glass.

"Don't you see he ain't drinkin'.