the big, white faced sorrel, "I don't dare do it. I don't dare.
Dad Howitt wouldn't. He sure wouldn't."

Very soon two figures left the house, and hurried toward a bunch
of saddle horses near by. They had untied their animals, and were
about to mount, when suddenly a huge form stepped from the shadows
to their horses' heads. "Put up your guns, boys," said Young Matt
calmly. "I reckon you know that if I'd wanted trouble, it would o'
been all over before this."

The weapons were not drawn, and the big man continued, "Dad Howitt
says a feller always whips himself every time he fights when there
ain't no--no principle evolved. I don't guess Dad would see ary
principle in this, 'cause there might be some truth in what you
boys said. I reckon I am somethin' at playin' a fool, but it would
o' been a heap safer for you to let folks find it out for
themselves."

"We all were jest a foolin', Matt," muttered one.

"That's alright," returned the big fellow; "But you'd better tie
up again and go back into the house and dance a while longer.
Folks might think you was scared if you was to leave so soon."





CHAPTER XVI.