He understood the situation now.

It was some idiotic blunder of Uncle Ben's that had precipitated this attack.
The belligerents had already cocked their weapons, although the barn was still a rampart between the parties.

But an adroit flanker of McKinstry's, creeping through the tall mustard, managed to take up an enfilading position as the Harrisons advanced to break in the door.

A threatening shout from the ambuscaded partisans caused them to hurriedly fall back towards the rear of the barn.

There was a pause, and then began the usual Homeric chaff,--with this Western difference that it was cunningly intended to draw the other's fire.
"Why don't you blaze away at the door, you -- -- -- --! It won't hurt ye!" "He's afraid the bolt will shoot back!" Laughter from the McKinstrys.
"Come outer the tall grass and show yourself, you black, mud-eating gopher." "He can't.