The assumption of good-nature fell away from Boyd Emerson as he replied:

"I never knew anybody to refuse shelter to freezing men before. There's
something back of this--he's got some reason for his refusal. I don't want
any trouble, but--"

The inner door opened, and the watchman reappeared. Evidently his sluggish
resolution had finally set itself.

"You can't stop har!" he said. "Ay got orders."

Emerson was at the fire, busy rubbing the cramps from his arms, and did
not answer. When Fraser likewise ignored the Swede, he repeated his
command, louder this time.

"Get out of may house, quick!"

Both men kept their backs turned and continued to ignore him, at which the
fellow advanced heavily, and threatened them in a big, raucous voice,
trembling with rage:

"By Yingo, Ay trow you out!"

He stooped and gathered up the garments nearest him, then stepped toward
the outer door; but before he could make good his threat, Emerson whirled
like a cat, his deep-set eyes dark with sudden fury, and seized his host
by the nape of the neck. He jerked him back so roughly that the wet
clothes flapped to the floor in four directions, whereat the Scandinavian
let forth a bellow; but Emerson struck him heavily on the jaw with his
open hand, then hurled him backward into the room so violently that he