"Why did you fire on those men without provocation?" Tom asked,
aside, of Jim Ferrers, who stood stroking his rifle barrel with one
hand.

"I had provocation," Ferrers answered.

"Oh," said Reade, who was none the wiser.

"I'll 'get' Dolph Gage yet, if I ever have a fair chance without
running my neck into the noose of the law," added Ferrers, with
silent fury in his tone.

"Is there a story behind it all, eh" queried Tom mildly.

"Yes, Mr. Reade. Too long a story to tell in a minute."

"I didn't mean to pry into your affairs, Ferrers," Tom made haste
to say.

"Well, for one thing, Dolph Gage shot the only brother I ever
had---and got cleared of the charge in the court!" muttered Ferrers.

"Was your brother killed?" Tom inquired.

"Didn't I state that Dolph Gage shot him?" demanded Jim in a
semi-injured tone. "Men don't often waste ammunition out in this
county, even if I did send in three wild shots just now. But that
was because I was excited, and couldn't see straight. I'll try to
do better next time."