"Strip," commanded the stranger. "Strip--take off that jersey."

"Why not kill me without ado? Man, isn't this cruel?"

"Strip, I say."

Zeb stared at him for half a minute, like a man in a trance; and began
to pull the jersey off.

"Now your shirt. Strip--till you are naked as a babe."

Zeb obeyed. The other laid his pistol down on the turf, and also
proceeded to undress, until the two men stood face to face, stark naked.

"We were thus, or nearly thus, a month ago, when you gave me my life.
Does it strike you that, barring our faces, we might be twin brothers?
Now, get into my clothes, and toss me over your own!"

"What's the meanin' o't?" stammered Zeb, hoarsely.

"I am about to cry quits with you. Hurry; for the bride must be at the
church by this."

"What's the meanin' o't?" Zeb repeated.

"Why, that you shall marry the girl. Steady--don't tremble. The banns
are up in your name, and you shall walk into church, and the woman shall
be married to Zebedee Minards. Stop, don't say a word, or I'll repent
and blow your brains out. You want to know who I am, and what's to