Andy faced him suddenly, with hatred for "funny business"
flashing in his eyes.

"What did you say to my sister Mary about Lizzie Porter?"

Dave started; then he whistled long and low. "Spit it all out, Andy!"
he advised.

"You said she was travellin' with a feller!"

"Well, what's the harm in that? Everybody knows that --"

"If any crawler says a word about Lizzie Porter -- look here,
me and you's got to fight, Dave Bentley!" Then, with still greater vehemence,
as though he had a share in the garment: "Take off that coat!"

"Not if I know it!" said Dave, with the sudden quietness that comes
to brave but headstrong and impulsive men at a critical moment:
"Me and you ain't goin' to fight, Andy; and" (with sudden energy)
"if you try it on I'll knock you into jim-rags!"

Then, stepping close to Andy and taking him by the arm:
"Andy, this thing will have to be fixed up. Come here;
I want to talk to you." And he led him some paces aside,
inside the boundary line, which seemed a ludicrously unnecessary precaution,
seeing that there was no one within sight or hearing save Dave's horse.

"Now, look here, Andy; let's have it over. What's the matter
with you and Lizzie Porter?"