court. You hear me!" As Clarence opened the gate he added, "I don't want
ter spoil sport between gents, but it's got to come in after I've done
my duty."

"I'll meet you, sir, anywhere, and with what weapons you choose," said
Pinckney, turning angrily upon Clarence, "as soon as this farce--for
which you and your friends are responsible--is over." He was furious at
the intimation that Mrs. Brant had escaped him.

A different thought was in the husband's mind. "But what assurance
have I that you are going on with the deputy?" he said with purposely
insulting deliberation.

"My word, sir," said Captain Pinckney sharply.

"And if that ain't enuff, there's mine!" said the deputy. "For if this
gentleman swerves to the right or left betwixt this and Santa Inez, I'll
blow a hole through him myself. And that," he added deprecatingly, "is
saying a good deal for a man who doesn't want to spoil sport, and for
the matter of that is willing to stand by and see fair play done at
Santa Inez any time to-morrow before breakfast."

"Then I can count on you," said Clarence, with a sudden impulse
extending his hand.

The man hesitated a moment and then grasped it.

"Well, I wasn't expecting that," he said slowly; "but you look as if you
meant business, and if you ain't got anybody else to see you through,
I'm thar! I suppose this gentleman will have his friends."