He’sstopped。He’sbrokedown。Watch，now，andseeifhejumpsoff。
BrokeNOTHING。HE’SCOMINGBACK。Ready，now，he’sgottopassus。
Theengineerappliedthebrakes，buttheheavyfreightlocomotive，farlessmobilethanDyke’sflyer，wasslowtoobey。
Thesmudgeontherailsaheadgrewswiftlylarger。
He’scoming。He’scoming——lookout，there’sashot。He’sshootingalready。
Abright，whitesliverofwoodleapedintotheairfromthesootywindowsillofthecab。
Fireonhim！Fireonhim！
Whiletheengineswereyettwohundredyardsapart，theduelbegan，shotansweringshot，thesharpstaccatoreportspunctuatingthethunderofwheelsandtheclamourofsteam。
Thenthegroundtrembledandrocked。aroarasofheavyordnancedevelopedwiththeabruptnessofanexplosion。Thetwoenginespassedeachother，themenfiringthewhile，emptyingtheirrevolvers，shatteringwood，shiveringglass，thebulletsclangingagainstthemetalworkastheystruckandstruckandstruck。Themenleanedfromthecabstowardseachother，franticwithexcitement，shoutingcurses，theenginesrocking，thesteamroaring。confusionwhirlinginthescenelikethewhirlofawitch’sdance，thewhitecloudsofsteam，theblackeddiesfromthesmokestack，thebluewreathsfromthehotmouthsofrevolvers，swirlingtogetherinablindingmazeofvapour，spinningaroundthem，dazingthem，dizzyingthem，whiletheheadrangwithhideousclamourandthebodytwitchedandtrembledwiththeleapandjarofthetumultofmachinery。
Roaring，clamouring，reekingwiththesmellofpowderandhotoil，spittingdeath，resistless，huge，furious，anabruptvisionofchaos，faces，rage-distorted，peeringthroughsmoke，handsgrippingoutwardfromsuddendarkness，prehensile，malevolent。
terribleasthunder，swiftaslightning，thetwoenginesmetandpassed。
He’shit，criedDelaney。IknowIhithim。Hecan’tgofarnow。Afterhimagain。Hewon’tdaregothroughBonneville。
Itwastrue。Dykehadstoodbetweencabandtenderthroughoutalltheduel，exposed，reckless，thinkingonlyofattackandnotofdefence，andabulletfromoneofthepistolshadgrazedhiship。Howseriouswasthewoundhedidnotknow，buthehadnothoughtofgivingup。HetorebackthroughthedepotatGuadalajarainastormofbullets，and，clingingtothebrokenwindowledgeofhiscab，wascarriedtowardsBonneville，onovertheLongTrestleandBrodersonCreekandthroughtheopencountrybetweenthetworanchesofLosMuertosandQuienSabe。
ButtogoontoBonnevillemeantcertaindeath。Before，aswellasbehindhim，theroadswerenowblocked。Oncemorehethoughtofthemountains。HeresolvedtoabandontheengineandmakeanotherfinalattempttogetintotheshelterofthehillsinthenorthernmostcornerofQuienSabe。Hesethisteeth。Hewouldnotgivein。Therewasonemorefightleftinhimyet。Nowtotrythefinalhope。
Heslowedtheenginedown，and，reloadinghisrevolver，jumpedfromtheplatformtotheroad。Helookedabouthim，listening。
Allaroundhimwidenedanoceanofwheat。Therewasnooneinsight。
Thereleasedengine，alone，unattended，drewslowlyawayfromhim，joltingponderouslyovertherailjoints。Ashewatcheditgo，acertainindefinitesenseofabandonment，eveninthatmoment，cameoverDyke。Hislastfriend，thatalsohadbeenhisfirst，wasleavinghim。Herememberedthatday，longago，whenhehadopenedthethrottleofhisfirstmachine。To-day，itwasleavinghimalone，hislastfriendturningagainsthim。SlowlyitwasgoingbacktowardsBonneville，totheshopsoftheRailroad，thecampoftheenemy，thatenemythathadruinedhimandwreckedhim。Forthelasttimeinhislife，hehadbeentheengineer。Now，oncemore，hebecamethehighwayman，theoutlawagainstwhomallhandswereraised，thefugitiveskulkinginthemountains，listeningforthecryofdogs。
Buthewouldnotgivein。Theyhadnotbrokenhimyet。Never，whilehecouldfight，wouldheallowS。Behrmanthetriumphofhiscapture。
Hefoundhiswoundwasnotbad。HeplungedintothewheatonQuienSabe，makingnorthwardforadivisionhousethatrosewithitssurroundingtreesoutofthewheatlikeanisland。Hereachedit，thebloodsquelchinginhisshoes。Butthesightoftwomen，Portuguesefarm-hands，staringathimfromanangleofthebarn，abruptlyrousedhimtoaction。Hesprangforwardwithperemptorycommands，demandingahorse。
AtGuadalajara，Delaneyandthesheriffdescendedfromthefreightengine。
Horsesnow，declaredthesheriff。Hewon’tgointoBonneville，that’scertain。He’llleavetheenginebetweenhereandthere，andstrikeoffintothecountry。We’llfollowafterhimnowinthesaddle。Soonasheleaveshisengine，HE’Sonfoot。We’veasgoodasgothimnow。
Theirhorses，includingeventhebuckskinmarethatDykehadridden，werestillatthestation。Thepartyswungthemselvesup，Delaneyexclaiming，Here’sMYmount，ashebestrodethebuckskin。
AtGuadalajara，thetwobloodhoundswerepickedupagain。Urgingthejadedhorsestoagallop，thepartysetoffalongtheUpperRoad，keepingasharplookouttorightandleftfortracesofDyke’sabandonmentoftheengine。
ThreemilesbeyondtheLongTrestle，theyfoundS。Behrmanholdinghissaddlehorsebythebridle，andlookingattentivelyatatrailthathadbeenbrokenthroughthestandingwheatonQuienSabe。Thepartydrewrein。
Theenginepassedmeonthetracksfurtherup，andempty，saidS。Behrman。Boys，Ithinkheleftherhere。
Butbeforeanyonecouldanswer，thebloodhoundsgavetongueagain，astheypickedupthescent。
That’shim，criedS。Behrman。Geton，boys。
Theydashedforward，followingthehounds。S。Behrmanlaboriouslyclimbedtohissaddle，panting，perspiring，moppingtherolloffatoverhiscoatcollar，andturnedinafterthem，trottingalongfarintherear，hisgreatstomachandtremulousjowlshakingwiththehorse’sgait。
Whataday，hemurmured。Whataday。
Dyke’strailwasfresh，andwasfollowedaseasilyasifmadeonnew-fallensnow。Inashorttime，thepossesweptintotheopenspacearoundthedivisionhouse。ThetwoPortuguesewerestillthere，wide-eyed，terriblyexcited。
Yes，yes，Dykehadbeentherenothalfanhoursince，hadheldthemup，takenahorseandgallopedtothenortheast，towardsthefoothillsattheheadwatersofBrodersonCreek。
Onagain，atfullgallop，throughtheyoungwheat，tramplingitundertheflyinghoofs。thehoundshotonthescent，bayingcontinually。themen，onfreshmounts，securedatthedivisionhouse，bendingforwardintheirsaddles，spurringrelentlessly。
S。Behrmanjoltedalongfarintherear。
Andeventhen，harriedthroughanopencountry，wheretherewasnoplacetohide，itwasamatterofamazementhowlongachasethehighwaymanledthem。Fenceswerepassed。fenceswhosebarbedwirehadbeenslashedapartbythefugitive’sknife。Thegroundroseunderfoot。thehillswereathand。stillthepursuitheldon。Thesun，longpastthemeridian，begantoturnearthward。
Wouldnightcomeonbeforetheywereupwithhim？
Look！Look！Thereheis！Quick，therehegoes！
Highonthebareslopeofthenearesthill，alltheposse，lookinginthedirectionofDelaney’sgesture，sawthefigureofahorsemanemergefromanarroyo，filledwithchaparral，andstruggleatalabouringgallopstraightuptheslope。Suddenly，everymemberofthepartyshoutedaloud。Thehorsehadfallen，pitchingtheriderfromthesaddle。Themanrosetohisfeet，caughtatthebridle，misseditandthehorsedashedonalone。
Theman，pausingforasecondlookedaround，sawthechasedrawingnearer，then，turningback，disappearedinthechaparral。
Delaneyraisedagreatwhoop。
We’vegotyounow。
Intotheslopesandvalleysofthehillsdashedthebandofhorsemen，thetrailnowsofreshthatitcouldbeeasilydiscernedbyall。Onandonitledthem，afurious，wildscramblestraightuptheslopes。Theminuteswentby。Thedrybedofarivuletwaspassed。thenanotherfence。thenatangleofmanzanita。ameadowofwildoats，fullofagitatedcattle。thenanarroyo，thickwithchaparralandscruboaks，andthen，withoutwarning，thepistolshotsrippedoutandranfromridertoriderwiththerapidityofagatlingdischarge，andoneofthedeputiesbentforwardinthesaddle，bothhandstohisface，thebloodjettingfrombetweenhisfingers。
Dykewasthere，atbayatlast，hisbackagainstabankofrock，therootsofafallentreeservinghimasarampart，hisrevolversmokinginhishand。
You’reunderarrest，Dyke，criedthesheriff。It’snottheleastusetofight。Thewholecountryisup。
Dykefiredagain，theshotsplinteringtheforelegofthehorsethesheriffrode。
Theposse，fourmenalltold——thewoundeddeputyhavingcrawledoutofthefightafterDyke’sfirstshot——fellbackafterthepreliminaryfusillade，dismounted，andtookshelterbehindrocksandtrees。Onthatruggedground，fightingfromthesaddlewasimpracticable。Dyke，inthemeanwhile，heldhisfire，forheknewthat，oncehispistolwasempty，hewouldneverbeallowedtimetoreload。
Dyke，calledthesheriffagain，forthelasttime，Isummonyoutosurrender。
Dykedidnotreply。Thesheriff，Delaney，andthemannamedChristianconferredtogetherinalowvoice。ThenDelaneyandChristianlefttheothers，makingawidedetourupthesidesofthearroyo，togainapositiontotheleftandsomewhattotherearofDyke。
ButitwasatthismomentthatS。Behrmanarrived。ItcouldnotbesaidwhetheritwascourageorcarelessnessthatbroughttheRailroad’sagentwithinreachofDyke’srevolver。Possiblyhewasreallyabraveman。possiblyoccupiedwithkeepinganuncertainseatuponthebackofhislabouring，scramblinghorse，hehadnotnoticedthathewassocloseuponthatsceneofbattle。Hecertainlydidnotobservetheposselyinguponthegroundbehindshelteringrocksandtrees，andbeforeanyonecouldcallawarning，hehadriddenoutintotheopen，withinthirtypacesofDyke’sintrenchment。
Dykesaw。Therewasthearch-enemy。themanofallmenwhomhemosthated。themanwhohadruinedhim，whohadexasperatedhimanddrivenhimtocrime，andwhohadinstigatedtirelesspursuitthroughallthosepastterribleweeks。Suddenly，invitingdeath，heleapedupandforward。hehadforgottenallelse，allotherconsiderations，atthesightofthisman。Hewoulddie，gladly，soonlythatS。Behrmandiedbeforehim。
I’vegotYOU，anyway，heshouted，asheranforward。
ThemuzzleoftheweaponwasnottenfeetfromS。Behrman’shugestomachasDykedrewthetrigger。Hadthecartridgeexploded，death，certainandswift，wouldhavefollowed，butatthis，ofallmoments，therevolvermissedfire。
S。Behrman，withanunexpectedagility，leapedfromthesaddle，and，keepinghishorsebetweenhimandDyke，ran，dodgingandducking，fromtreetotree。Hisfirstshotafailure，Dykefiredagainandagainathisenemy，emptyinghisrevolver，recklessofconsequences。Hiseveryshotwentwild，andbeforehecoulddrawhisknife，thewholepossewasuponhim。
Withoutconcertedplans，obeyingnosignalbutthepromptingsoftheimpulsethatsnatched，unerring，atopportunity——themen，DelaneyandChristianfromoneside，thesheriffandthedeputyfromtheother，rushedin。Theydidnotfire。ItwasDykealivetheywanted。Oneofthemhadariatasnatchedfromasaddle-
pommel，andwiththistheytriedtobindhim。
Thefightwasfourtoone——fourmenwithlawontheirside，toonewoundedfreebooter，half-starved，exhaustedbydaysandnightsofpursuit，worndownwithlossofsleep，thirst，privation，andthegrinding，nerve-rackingconsciousnessofanever-presentperil。
Theyswarmeduponhimfromallsides，grippingathislegs，athisarms，histhroat，hishead，striking，clutching，kicking，fallingtotheground，rollingoverandover，nowunder，nowabove，nowstaggeringforward，nowtopplingback。
StillDykefought。Throughthatscrambling，strugglinggroup，throughthatmazeoftwistingbodies，twiningarms，straininglegs，S。Behrmansawhimfrommomenttomoment，hisfaceflaming，hiseyesbloodshot，hishairmattedwithsweat。Nowhewasdown，pinnedunder，twomenacrosshislegs，andnowhalf-wayupagain，strugglingtooneknee。Thenuprightagain，withhalfhisenemieshangingonhisback。Hiscolossalstrengthseemeddoubled。whenhisarmswereheld，hefoughtbull-likewithhishead。Ascoreoftimes，itseemedasiftheywereabouttosecurehimfinallyandirrevocably，andthenhewouldfreeanarm，aleg，ashoulder，andthegroupthat，forthefractionofaninstant，hadsettled，lockedandrigid，onitsprey，wouldbreakupagainasheflungamanfromhim，reelingandbloody，andhehimselftwisting，squirming，dodging，hisgreatfistsworkinglikepistons，backedaway，draggingandcarryingtheotherswithhim。
Morethanonce，heloosenedalmosteverygrip，andforaninstantstoodnearlyfree，panting，rollinghiseyes，hisclothestornfromhisbody，bleeding，drippingwithsweat，aterriblefigure，nearlyfree。Thesheriff，underhisbreath，utteredanexclamation：
ByGod，he’llgetawayyet。
S。Behrmanwatchedthefightcomplacently。
Thatallmayshowobstinacy，hecommented，butitdon’tshowcommonsense。
Yet，howeverDykemightthrowofftheclutchesandfetteringembracesthatencircledhim，howeverhemightdisintegrateandscatterthebandoffoesthatheapedthemselvesuponhim，howeverhemightgainoneinstantofcomparativeliberty，someoneofhisassailantsalwayshung，doggedly，blindlytoanarm，aleg，orafoot，andtheothers，drawingasecond’sbreath，closedinagain，implacable，unconquerable，ferocious，likehoundsuponawolf。
Atlength，twoofthemenmanagedtobringDyke’swristscloseenoughtogethertoallowthesherifftosnapthehandcuffson。
Eventhen，Dyke，claspinghishands，andusingthehandcuffsthemselvesasaweapon，knockeddownDelaneybythecrushingimpactofthesteelbraceletsuponthecow-puncher’sforehead。
Buthecouldnolongerprotecthimselffromattacksfrombehind，andtheriatawasfinallypassedaroundhisbody，pinioninghisarmstohissides。Afterthisitwasuselesstoresist。
Thewoundeddeputysatwithhisbacktoarock，holdinghisbrokenjawinbothhands。Thesheriff’shorse，withitssplinteredforeleg，wouldhavetobeshot。Delaney’sheadwascutfromtempletocheekbone。Therightwristofthesheriffwasallbutdislocated。Theotherdeputywassoexhaustedhehadtobehelpedtohishorse。ButDykewastaken。
Hehimselfhadsuddenlylapsedintosemi-unconsciousness，unabletowalk。Theysathimonthebuckskin，S。Behrmansupportinghim，thesheriff，onfoot，leadingthehorsebythebridle。Thelittleprocessionformed，anddescendedfromthehills，turninginthedirectionofBonneville。Aspecialtrain，onecarandanengine，wouldbemadeupthere，andthehighwaymanwouldsleepintheVisaliajailthatnight。
DelaneyandS。Behrmanfoundthemselvesintherearofthecavalcadeasitmovedoff。Thecow-puncherturnedtohischief：
Well，captain，hesaid，stillpanting，ashebounduphisforehead。well——weGOThim。
ChapterVI
Ostermancuthiswheatthatsummerbeforeanyoftheotherranchers，andassoonashisharvestwasoverorganizedajack-
rabbitdrive。LikeAnnixter’sbarn-dance，itwastobeaneventinwhichallthecountry-sideshouldtakepart。ThedrivewastobeginonthemostwesterndivisionoftheOstermanranch，whenceitwouldproceedtowardsthesoutheast，crossingintothenorthernpartofQuienSabe——onwhichAnnixterhadsownnowheat——
andendinginthehillsattheheadwatersofBrodersonCreek，whereabarbecuewastobeheld。
Earlyonthemorningofthedayofthedrive，asHarranandPresleyweresaddlingtheirhorsesbeforethestablesonLosMuertos，theforeman，Phelps，remarked：
Iwasintotownlastnight，andIhearthatChristianhasbeenafterRugglesearlyandlatetohavehimputhiminpossessionhereonLosMuertos，andDelaneyisdoingthesameforQuienSabe。
ItwasthismanChristian，therealestatebroker，andcousinofS。Behrman，oneofthemainactorsinthedramaofDyke’scapture，whohadcomeforwardasapurchaserofLosMuertoswhentheRailroadhadregradeditsholdingsontheranchesaroundBonneville。
Heclaims，ofcourse，Phelpswenton，thatwhenheboughtLosMuertosoftheRailroadhewasguaranteedpossession，andhewantstheplaceintimefortheharvest。
That’salmostasthin，mutteredHarranashethrustthebitintohishorse’smouth。asDelaneybuyingAnnixter’sHomeranch。ThatsliceofQuienSabe，accordingtotheRailroad’sgrading，isworthabouttenthousanddollars。yes，evenfifteen，andIdon’tbelieveDelaneyisworththepriceofagoodhorse。
Why，thosepeopledon’teventrytopreserveappearances。WherewouldChristianfindthemoneytobuyLosMuertos？There’snoonemaninallBonnevillerichenoughtodoit。Damnedrascals！
asifwedidn’tseethatChristianandDelaneyareS。Behrman’srightandlefthands。Well，he’llget’emcutoff，hecriedwithsuddenfierceness，ifhecomestoonearthemachine。
Howisit，Harran，askedPresleyasthetwoyoungmenrodeoutofthestableyard，howisittheRailroadgangcandoanythingbeforetheSupremeCourthandsdownadecision？
Well，youknowhowtheytalk，growledHarran。TheyhaveclaimedthatthecasestakenuptotheSupremeCourtwerenottestcasesasWEclaimtheyARE，andthatbecauseneitherAnnixternortheGovernorappealed，they’velosttheircasesbydefault。It’stherottenestkindofsharppractice，butitwon’tdoanygood。TheLeagueistoostrong。Theywon’tdaremoveonusyetawhile。Why，Pres，themomentthey’dtrytojumpanyoftheseranchesaroundhere，theywouldhavesixhundredriflescrackingatthemasquickashow-do-you-do。Why，itwouldtakearegimentofU。S。soldierstoputanyoneofusoffourland。
No，sir。theyknowtheLeaguemeansbusinessthistime。
AsPresleyandHarrantrottedonalongthecountyroadtheycontinuallypassedorovertookotherhorsemen，orbuggies，carry-
alls，buck-boardsorevenfarmwagons，goinginthesamedirection。ThesewerefullofthefarmingpeoplefromallthecountryroundaboutBonneville，ontheirwaytotherabbitdrive——
thesamepeopleseenatthebarn-dance——intheirSundayfinest，thegirlsinmuslinfrocksandgardenhats，themenwithlinendustersovertheirblackclothes。theolderwomeninprintsanddottedcalicoes。Manyoftheselatterhadalreadytakenofftheirbonnets——thedaywasveryhot——andpinningtheminnewspapers，stowedthemundertheseats。Theytuckedtheirhandkerchiefsintothecollarsoftheirdresses，orknottedthemabouttheirfatnecks，tokeepoutthedust。Fromtheaxletreesofthevehiclesswungcarefullycoveredbucketsofgalvanisediron，inwhichthelunchwaspacked。Theyoungerchildren，theboyswithgreatfrilledcollars，thegirlswithill-fittingshoescrampingtheirfeet，leanedfromthesidesofbuggyandcarry-
all，eatingbananasandmacaroons，staringaboutwithox-likestolidity。Tiedtotheaxles，thedogsfollowedthehorses’
hoofswithlollingtonguescoatedwithdust。
TheCaliforniasummerlayblanket-wiseandsmotheringoveralltheland。Thehills，bone-dry，werebrownedandparched。Thegrassesandwild-oats，searandyellow，snappedlikeglassfilamentsunderfoot。Theroads，theborderingfences，eventhelowerleavesandbranchesofthetrees，werethickandgreywithdust。Allcolourhadbeenburnedfromthelandscape，exceptintheirrigatedpatches，thatinthewasteofbrownanddullyellowglowedlikeoases。
Thewheat，nowclosetoitsmaturity，hadturnedfrompaleyellowtogoldenyellow，andfromthattobrown。Likeagiganticcarpet，itspreaditselfoveralltheland。Therewasnothingelsetobeseenbutthelimitlessseaofwheatasfarastheeyecouldreach，dry，rustling，crispandharshintherarebreathsofhotwindoutofthesoutheast。
AsHarranandPresleywentalongthecountyroad，thenumberofvehiclesandridersincreased。TheyovertookandpassedHoovenandhisfamilyintheformer’sfarmwagon，asaddledhorsetiedtothebackboard。ThelittleDutchman，wearingtheoldfrockcoatofMagnusDerrick，andanewbroad-brimmedstrawhat，satonthefrontseatwithMrs。Hooven。ThelittlegirlHilda，andtheolderdaughterMinna，werebehindthemonaboardlaidacrossthesidesofthewagon。PresleyandHarranstoppedtoshakehands。
Say，criedHooven，exhibitinganold，butextremelywellkept，rifle，say，beiGott，me，Iteksomeschatzatdoserebbit，youbedt。Venhehefshtoptorunundsitoopsoh，beiderhindlaigson，Ioopmitderguhnund——bing！Icetchum。
Themarshalswon’tallowyoutoshoot，Bismarck，observedPresley，lookingatMinna。
Hoovendoubledupwithmerriment。
Ho！dot’shellofsomefinejoak。Me，I’MONEOAFDOSE
MAIRSCHELLMINE-SELLUF，heroaredwithdelight，beatinghisknee。Tohisnotion，thejokewasirresistible。Alldaylong，hecouldbeheardrepeatingit。UndMist’rPraicelie，hesay，’Dosemairschellwoandledyouschoot，Bismarck，’undME，achGott，ME，aindtImine-sellufoneoafdosemairschell？
Asthetwofriendsrodeon，PresleyhadinhismindtheimageofMinnaHooven，veryprettyinacleangownofpinkgingham，acheapstrawsailorhatfromaBonnevillestoreonherblueblackhair。Herememberedherverypaleface，veryredlipsandeyesofgreenishblue，——aprettygirlcertainly，alwaystrailingagroupofmenbehindher。HerloveaffairswerethetalkofallLosMuertos。
IhopethatHoovengirlwon’tgotothebad，PresleysaidtoHarran。
Oh，she’sallright，theotheranswered。There’snothingviciousaboutMinna，andIguessshe’llmarrythatforemanontheditchgang，rightenough。
Well，asamatterofcourse，she’sagoodgirl，Presleyhastenedtoreply，onlyshe’stooprettyforapoorgirl，andtoosureofherprettinessbesides。That’sthekind，hecontinued，whowouldfinditprettyeasytogowrongiftheylivedinacity。
AroundCaraher’swasaveritablethrong。Saddlehorsesandbuggiesbythescorewereclusteredunderneaththeshedorhitchedtotherailingsinfrontofthewateringtrough。ThreeofBroderson’sPortuguesetenantsandacoupleofworkmenfromtherailroadshopsinBonnevillewereontheporch，alreadyverydrunk。
Continually，youngmen，singlyoringroups，camefromthedoor-
way，wipingtheirlipswithsidelonggesturesofthehand。Thewholeplaceexhaledthefebrilebustleofthesaloononaholidaymorning。
TheprocessionofteamsstreamedonthroughBonneville，reenforcedateverystreetcorner。AlongtheUpperRoadfromQuienSabeandGuadalajaracamefreshauxiliaries，Spanish-
Mexicansfromthetownitself，——swarthyyoungmenoncaperinghorses，dark-eyedgirlsandmatrons，inredandblackandyellow，morePortugueseinbrand-newoveralls，smokinglongthincigars。
EvenFatherSarriaappeared。
Look，saidPresley，theregoesAnnixterandHilma。He’sgothisbuckskinback。ThemasterofQuienSabe，intoplacedbootsandcampaignhat，acigarinhisteeth，followedalongbesidethecarry-all。HilmaandMrs。Derrickwereonthebackseat，youngVaccadriving。HarranandPresleybowed，takingofftheirhats。
Hello，hello，Pres，criedAnnixter，overtheheadsoftheinterveningcrowd，standingupinhisstirrupsandwavingahand，Greatday！Whatamob，hey？Saywhenthisthingisoverandeverybodystartstowalkintothebarbecue，comeandhavelunchwithus。I’lllookforyou，youandHarran。Hello，Harran，where’stheGovernor？
Hedidn’tcometo-day，Harranshoutedback，asthecrowdcarriedhimfurtherawayfromAnnixter。LefthimandoldBrodersonatLosMuertos。
Thethrongemergedintotheopencountryagain，spreadingoutupontheOstermanranch。Fromalldirectionscouldbeseenhorsesandbuggiesdrivingacrossthestubble，convergingupontherendezvous。Osterman’sRanchhousewaslefttotheeastward。
thearmyoftheguestshurryingforward——foritbegantobelate——
towherearoundaflagpole，flyingaredflag，avastcrowdofbuggiesandhorseswasalreadyforming。Themarshalsbegantoappear。Hooven，descendingfromthefarmwagon，pinnedhiswhitebadgetohishatbrimandmountedhishorse。Osterman，inmarvellousridingclothesofEnglishpattern，gallopedupanddownuponhisbestthoroughbred，crackingjokeswitheverybody，chaffing，joshing，hisgreatmouthdistendedinaperpetualgrinofamiability。
Stophere，stophere，hevociferated，dashingalonginfrontofPresleyandHarran，wavinghiscrop。Theprocessioncametoahalt，thehorses’headspointingeastward。Thelinebegantobeformed。Themarshalsperspiring，shouting，fretting，gallopingabout，urgingthisoneforward，orderingthisoneback，rangedthethousandsofconveyancesandcavaliersinalongline，shapedlikeawideopencrescent。Itswings，underthecommandoflieutenants，wereslightlyadvanced。FaroutbeforeitscentreOstermantookhisplace，delightedbeyondexpressionathisconspicuousness，posingforthegallery，makinghishorsedance。
Wail，aindtdeygowuntogommencedenbrettysoohn，exclaimedMrs。Hooven，whohadtakenherhusband’splaceontheforwardseatofthewagon。
Ineverwassowarm，murmuredMinna，fanningherselfwithherhat。Allseemedinreadiness。Formilesovertheflatexpanseofstubble，curvedtheinterminablelinesofhorsesandvehicles。
Ataguess，nearlyfivethousandpeoplewerepresent。Thedrivewasoneofthelargesteverheld。Butnostartwasmade。
immobilized，thevastcrescentstuckmotionlessundertheblazingsun。Hereandtherecouldbeheardvoicesupliftedinjocularremonstrance。
Oh，Isay，getamoveon，somebody。
ALLaboard。
Say，I’lltakeroothereprettysoon。
Sometookmaliciouspleasureinstartingfalsealarms。
Ah，HEREwego。
Off，atlast。
We’reoff。
Invariablythesejokesfooledsomeoneintheline。Anoldman，orsomeoldwoman，nervous，hardofhearing，alwaysgatheredupthereinsandstartedoff，onlytobehustledandorderedbackintothelinebythenearestmarshal。Thismanoeuvreneverfailedtoproduceitseffectofhilarityuponthosenearathand。
Everybodylaughedattheblunderer，thejokerjeeringaudibly。
Hey，comebackhere。
Oh，he’seasy。
Don’tbeinahurry，Grandpa。
Say，youwanttodrivealltherabbitsyourself。
Lateron，acertaingroupofthesefellowsstartedahugejosh。
Say，that’swhatwe’rewaitingfor，the’do-funny。’
Thedo-funny？
Sure，youcan’tdriverabbitswithoutthe’do-funny。’
What’sthedo-funny？
Oh，say，shedon’tknowwhatthedo-funnyis。Wecan’tstartwithoutit，sure。Petewentbacktogetit。
Oh，you’rejokingme，there’snosuchthing。
Well，aren’tweWAITINGforit？
Oh，look，look，criedsomewomeninacoveredrig。See，theyarestartingalready’wayoverthere。
Infact，itdidappearasifthefarextremityofthelinewasinmotion。Dustroseintheairaboveit。
TheyAREstarting。Whydon’twestart？
No，they’vestopped。Falsealarm。
They’venot，either。Whydon’twemove？
Butasoneortwobegantomoveoff，thenearestmarshalshoutedwrathfully：
Getbackthere，getbackthere。
Well，they’vestartedoverthere。
Getback，Itellyou。
Where’sthe’do-funny？’
Say，we’regoingtomissitall。They’veallstartedoverthere。
Alieutenantcamegallopingalonginfrontoftheline，shouting：
Here，what’sthematterhere？Whydon’tyoustart？
Therewasagreatshout。EverybodysimultaneouslyutteredaprolongedOh-h。
We’reoff。
Herewegoforsurethistime。
Remembertokeepthealignment，roaredthelieutenant。Don’tgotoofast。
Andthemarshals，rushinghereandthereontheirsweatinghorsestopointswherethelinebulgedforward，shouted，wavingtheirarms：Nottoofast，nottoofast……Keepbackhere……Here，keepclosertogetherhere。Doyouwanttoletalltherabbitsrunbackbetweenyou？
Agreatconfusedsoundroseintotheair，——thecreakingofaxles，thejoltofirontiresoverthedryclods，theclickofbrittlestubbleunderthehorses’hoofs，thebarkingofdogs，theshoutsofconversationandlaughter。
Theentireline，horses，buggies，wagons，gigs，dogs，menandboysonfoot，andarmedwithclubs，movedslowlyacrossthefields，sendingupacloudofwhitedust，thathungabovethescenelikesmoke。Abriskgaietywasintheair。Everyonewasinthebestofhumor，callingfromteamtoteam，laughing，skylarking，joshing。Garnett，oftheRubyRancho，andGethings，oftheSanPablo，bothonhorseback，foundthemselvessidebyside。Ignoringthedriveandthespiritoftheoccasion，theykeptupaprolongedandseriousconversationonanexpectedriseinthepriceofwheat。Dabney，alsoonhorseback，followedthem，listeningattentivelytoeveryword，buthazardingnoremark。
Mrs。DerrickandHilmasatinthebackseatofthecarry-all，behindyoungVacca。Mrs。Derrick，alittledisturbedbysuchagreatconcourseofpeople，frightenedattheideaofthekillingofsomanyrabbits，drewbackinherplace，heryoung-girleyestroubledandfilledwithavaguedistress。Hilma，verymuchexcited，leanedfromthecarry-all，anxioustoseeeverything，watchingforrabbits，askinginnumerablequestionsofAnnixter，whorodeatherside。
ThechangethathadbeenprogressinginHilma，eversincethenightofthefamousbarn-dance，nowseemedtobeapproachingitsclimax。firstthegirl，thenthewoman，lastofalltheMother。
Consciousdignity，anewelementinhercharacter，developed。
Theshrinking，thetimidityofthegirljustawakeningtotheconsciousnessofsex，passedawayfromher。Theconfusion，thetroublouscomplexityofthewoman，amysteryeventoherself，disappeared。Motherhooddawned，theoldsimplicityofhermaidendayscamebacktoher。Itwasnolongerasimplicityofignorance，butofsupremeknowledge，thesimplicityoftheperfect，thesimplicityofgreatness。Shelookedtheworldfearlesslyintheeyes。Atlast，theconfusionofherideas，likefrightenedbirds，re-settling，adjusteditself，andsheemergedfromthetroublecalm，serene，enteringintoherdivineright，likeaqueenintotheruleofarealmofperpetualpeace。
Andwiththis，withtheknowledgethatthecrownhungpoisedaboveherhead，therecameuponHilmaagentlenessinfinitelybeautiful，infinitelypathetic。asweetnessthattouchedallwhocamenearherwiththesoftnessofacaress。ShemovedsurroundedbyaninvisibleatmosphereofLove。Lovewasinherwide-openedbrowneyes，Love——thedimreflectionofthatdescendingcrownpoisedoverherhead——radiatedinafaintlustrefromherdark，thickhair。Aroundherbeautifulneck，slopingtohershoulderswithfull，gracefulcurves，Lovelayencircledlikeanecklace——Lovethatwasbeyondwords，sweet，breathedfromherpartedlips。Fromherwhite，largearmsdownwardtoherpinkfinger-tips——Love，aninvisibleelectricfluid，disengageditself，subtle，alluring。Inthevelvetyhuskinessofhervoice，Lovevibratedlikeanoteofunknownmusic。
Annixter，heruncouth，ruggedhusband，livinginthisinfluenceofawife，whowasalsoamother，atallhourstouchedtothequickbythissenseofnobility，ofgentlenessandoflove，theinstinctsofafatheralreadyclutchingandtuggingathisheart，wastremblingonthevergeofamightytransformation。Thehardnessandinhumanityofthemanwasfastbreakingup。Onenight，returninglatetotheRanchhouse，afteracompulsoryvisittothecity，hehadcomeuponHilmaasleep。Hehadneverforgottenthatnight。Arealizationofhisboundlesshappinessinthislovehegaveandreceived，thethoughtthatHilmaTRUSTED
him，aknowledgeofhisownunworthiness，avastandhumblethankfulnessthathisGodhadchosenhimofallmenforthisgreatjoy，hadbroughthimtohiskneesforthefirsttimeinallhistroubled，restlesslifeofcombatandaggression。Heprayed，heknewnotwhat，——vaguewords，wordlessthoughts，resolvingfiercelytodoright，tomakesomereturnforGod’sgiftthusplacedwithinhishands。
WhereonceAnnixterhadthoughtonlyofhimself，henowthoughtonlyofHilma。ThetimewhenthisthoughtofanothershouldbroadenandwidenintothoughtofOTHERS，wasyettocome。butalreadyithadexpandedtoincludetheunbornchild——already，asinthecaseofMrs。Dyke，ithadbroadenedtoenfoldanotherchildandanothermotherboundtohimbynotiesotherthanthoseofhumanityandpity。Intime，startingfromthispointitwouldreachoutmoreandmoretillitshouldtakeinallmenandallwomen，andtheintolerantselfishman，whileretainingallofhisnativestrength，shouldbecometolerantandgenerous，kindandforgiving。
Forthemoment，however，thetwonaturesstruggledwithinhim。A
fightwastobefought，onemore，thelast，thefiercest，theattackoftheenemywhomenacedhisveryhomeandhearth，wastoberesisted。Then，peaceattained，arresteddevelopmentwouldoncemoreproceed。
Hilmalookedfromthecarry-all，scanningtheopenplaininfrontoftheadvancinglineofthedrive。
Wherearetherabbits？sheaskedofAnnixter。Idon’tseeanyatall。
Theyarewayaheadofusyet，hesaid。Here，taketheglasses。
Hepassedherhisfieldglasses，andsheadjustedthem。
Oh，yes，shecried，Isee。Icanseefiveorsix，butoh，sofaroff。
Thebeggarsrun’wayahead，atfirst。
Ishouldsayso。Seethemrun，——littlespecks。Everynowandthentheysitup，theirearsstraightup，intheair。
Here，look，Hilma，theregoesonecloseby。
Fromoutofthegroundapparently，sometwentyyardsdistant，agreatjacksprangintoview，boundingawaywithtremendousleaps，hisblack-tippedearserect。Hedisappeared，hisgreybodylosingitselfagainstthegreyoftheground。
Oh，abigfellow。
Hi，yonder’sanother。
Yes，yes，oh，lookathimrun。
Fromoffthesurfaceoftheground，atfirstapparentlyemptyofalllife，andseeminglyunabletoaffordhidingplaceforsomuchasafield-mouse，jack-rabbitsstartedupateverymomentasthelinewentforward。Atfirst，theyappearedsinglyandatlongintervals。thenintwosandthrees，asthedrivecontinuedtoadvance。Theyleapedacrosstheplain，andstoppedinthedistance，sittingupwithstraightears，thenranonagain，werejoinedbyothers。sankdownflushtothesoil——theirearsflattened。startedupagain，rantotheside，turnedbackoncemore，dartedawaywithincredibleswiftness，andwerelosttoviewonlytobereplacedbyascoreofothers。
Gradually，thenumberofjackstobeseenovertheexpanseofstubbleinfrontofthelineofteamsincreased。Theiranticswereinfinite。Notwoactedpreciselyalike。Somelaystubbornlycloseinalittledepressionbetweentwoclods，tillthehorses’hoofswereallbutuponthem，thensprangoutfromtheirhiding-placeatthelastsecond。Othersranforwardbutafewyardsatatime，refusingtotakeflight，scentingagreaterdangerbeforethemthanbehind。Stillothers，forcedupatthelastmoment，doubledwithlightningalacrityintheirtracks，turningbacktoscuttlebetweentheteams，takingdesperatechances。Asoftenasthisoccurred，itwasthesignalforagreatuproar。
Don’tlethimgetthrough。dontlethimgetthrough。
Lookoutforhim，therehegoes。
Hornswereblown，bellsrung，tinpansclamorouslybeaten。
Eitherthejackescaped，orconfusedbythenoise，dartedbackagain，fleeingawayasifhislifedependedontheissueoftheinstant。Onceeven，abewilderedrabbitjumpedfairintoMrs。
Derrick’slapasshesatinthecarry-all，andwasoutagainlikeaflash。
Poorfrightenedthing，sheexclaimed。andforalongtimeafterward，sheretaineduponherkneesthesensationofthefourlittlepawsquiveringwithexcitement，andthefeelofthetremblingfurrybody，withitswildlybeatingheart，pressedagainstherown。
BynoonthenumberofrabbitsdiscerniblebyAnnixter’sfieldglassesonaheadwasfarintothethousands。Whatseemedtobegroundresolveditself，whenseenthroughtheglasses，intoamazeofsmall，movingbodies，leaping，ducking，doubling，runningbackandforth——awildernessofagitatedears，whitetailsandtwinklinglegs。Theoutsidewingsofthecurvedlineofvehiclesbegantodrawinalittle。Osterman’sranchwasleftbehind，thedrivecontinuedonoverQuienSabe。
Asthedayadvanced，therabbits，singularlyenough，becamelesswild。Whenflushed，theynolongerransofarnorsofast，limpingoffinsteadafewfeetatatime，andcrouchingdown，theirearscloseupontheirbacks。Thusitwas，thatbydegreestheteamsbegantocloseuponthemainherd。Ateveryinstantthenumbersincreased。Itwasnolongerthousands，itwastensofthousands。Theearthwasalivewithrabbits。
Denseranddensergrewthethrong。Inalldirectionsnothingwastobeseenbuttheloosemassofthemovingjacks。Thehornsofthecrescentofteamsbegantocontract。Faroffthecorralcameintosight。Thedisintegratedmassofrabbitscommenced，asitwere，tosolidify，tocoagulate。Atfirst，eachjackwassomethreefeetdistantfromhisnearestneighbor，butthisspacediminishedtotwofeet，thentoone，thentobutafewinches。
Therabbitsbeganleapingoveroneanother。
Thenthestrangescenedefineditself。Itwasnolongeraherdcoveringtheearth。Itwasasea，whippedintoconfusion，tossingincessantly，leaping，falling，agitatedbyunseenforces。
Attimestheunexpectedtamenessoftherabbitsallatoncevanished。Throughoutcertainportionsoftheherdeddiesofterrorabruptlyburstforth。Apanicspread。thentherewouldensueablind，wildrushingtogetherofthousandsofcrowdedbodies，andafuriousscramblingoverbacks，tillthescuffingthudofinnumerablefeetovertheearthrosetoareverberatingmurmurasofdistantthunder，hereandtherepiercedbythestrange，wildcryoftherabbitindistress。
Thelineofvehicleswashalted。Togoforwardnowmeanttotrampletherabbitsunderfoot。Thedrivecametoastandstillwhiletheherdenteredthecorral。Thistooktime，fortherabbitswerebynowtoocrowdedtorun。However，likeanopenedsluice-gate，theextendingflanksoftheentranceofthecorralslowlyengulfedtheherd。Themass，packedtightasever，bydegreesdiminished，preciselyasapoolofwaterwhenadamisopened。Thelaststragglerswentinwitharush，andthegatewasdropped。
Come，justhavealockinhere，calledAnnixter。
Hilma，descendingfromthecarry-allandjoinedbyPresleyandHarran，approachedandlookedoverthehighboardfence。
Oh，didyoueverseeanythinglikethat？sheexclaimed。
Thecorral，areallylargeenclosure，hadprovedalltoosmallforthenumberofrabbitscollectedbythedrive。Insideitwasaliving，moving，leaping，breathing，twistingmass。Therabbitswerepackedtwo，three，andfourfeetdeep。Theywereinconstantmovement。thosebeneathstrugglingtothetop，thoseontopsinkinganddisappearingbelowtheirfellows。Allwildness，allfearofman，seemedtohaveentirelydisappeared。Menandboysreachingoverthesidesofthecorral，pickedupajackineachhand，holdingthembytheears，whiletworeportersfromSanFranciscopaperstookphotographsofthescene。Thenoisemadebythetensofthousandsofmovingbodieswasasthenoiseofwindinaforest，whilefromthehotandsweatingmassthereroseastrangeodor，penetrating，ammoniacal，savouringofwildlife。
Onsignal，thekillingbegan。Dogsthathadbeenbroughtthereforthatpurposewhenletintothecorralrefused，ashadbeenhalfexpected，todothework。Theysnuffedcuriouslyatthepile，thenbackedoff，disturbed，perplexed。Butthemenandboys——Portugueseforthemostpart——weremoreeager。AnnixterdrewHilmaaway，and，indeed，mostofthepeoplesetaboutthebarbecueatonce。
Inthecorral，however，thekillingwentforward。Armedwithaclubineachhand，theyoungfellowsfromGuadalajaraandBonneville，andthefarmboysfromtheranches，leapedovertherailsofthecorral。Theywalkedunsteadilyuponthemyriadofcrowdingbodiesunderfoot，or，asspacewascleared，sankalmostwaistdeepintothemassthatleapedandsquirmedaboutthem。
Blindly，furiously，theystruckandstruck。TheAnglo-Saxonspectatorsroundaboutdrewbackindisgust，butthehot，degeneratedbloodofPortuguese，Mexican，andmixedSpaniardboiledupinexcitementatthiswholesaleslaughter。
Butonlyafewoftheparticipantsofthedrivecaredtolookon。
Alltheguestsbetookthemselvessomequarterofamilefartheronintothehills。
ThepicnicandbarbecueweretobeheldaroundthespringwhereBrodersonCreektookitsrise。Alreadytwoentirebeeveswereroastingthere。teamswerehitched，saddlesremoved，andmen，women，andchildren，agreatthrong，spreadoutundertheshadeoftheliveoaks。Avastconfusedclamourroseintheair，ababeloftalk，aclatteroftinplates，ofknivesandforks。
Bottleswereuncorked，napkinsandoil-clothsspreadovertheground。Themenlitpipesandcigars，thewomenseizedtheoccasiontonursetheirbabies。
Osterman，ubiquitousasever，resplendentinhisbootsandEnglishridingbreeches，movedaboutbetweenthegroups，keepingupanendlessflowoftalk，crackingjokes，winking，nudging，gesturing，puttinghistongueinhischeek，neveratalossforareply，playingthegoat。
Thatjosher，Osterman，alwaysathismonkey-shines，butagoodfellowforallthat。brainytoo。Nothingstuckupabouthimeither，likeMagnusDerrick。
Everythingallright，Buck？inquiredOsterman，cominguptowhereAnnixter，HilmaandMrs。Derrickweresittingdowntotheirlunch。
Yes，yes，everythingright。Butwe’venocork-screw。
Noscrew-cork——noscare-crow？Hereyouare，andhedrewfromhispocketasilver-platedjack-knifewithacork-screwattachment。
HarranandPresleycameup，bearingbetweenthemagreatsmoking，roastedportionofbeefjustoffthefire。Hilmahastenedtoputforwardahugechinaplatter。
Ostermanhadajoketocrackwiththetwoboys，ajokethatwasratherbroad，butasheturnedabout，thewordsalmostonhislips，hisglancefelluponHilmaherself，whomhehadnotseenformorethantwomonths。
ShehadhandedPresleytheplatter，andwasnowsittingwithherbackagainstthetree，betweentwobolesoftheroots。Thepositionwasalittleelevatedandthesupportingrootsoneithersideofherwerelikethearmsofagreatchair——achairofstate。Shesatthus，asonathrone，raisedabovetherest，theradianceoftheunseencrownofmotherhoodglowingfromherforehead，thebeautyoftheperfectwomansurroundingherlikeaglory。
AndthejoshdiedawayonOsterman’slips，andunconsciouslyandswiftlyhebaredhishead。Somethingwaspassingthereintheairabouthimthathedidnotunderstand，something，however，thatimposedreverenceandprofoundrespect。Forthefirsttimeinhislife，embarrassmentseizeduponhim，uponthisjoker，thiswearerofclothes，thistelleroffunnystories，withhislarge，redears，baldheadandcomicactor’sface。Hestammeredconfusedlyandtookhimselfaway，forthemomentabstracted，serious，lostinthought。
Bynoweveryonewaseating。ItwasthefeedingofthePeople，elemental，gross，agreatappeasingofappetite，anenormousquenchingofthirst。Quartersofbeef，roasts，ribs，shoulders，hauncheswereconsumed，loavesofbreadbythethousandsdisappeared，wholebarrelsofwinewentdownthedryanddustythroatsofthemultitude。ConversationlaggedwhilethePeopleate，whilehungerwasappeased。Everybodyhadtheirfill。Oneateforthesakeofeating，resolvedthatthereshouldbenothingleft，consideringitamatterofpridetoexhibitacleanplate。
Afterdinner，preparationsweremadeforgames。Onaflatplateauatthetopofoneofthehillsthecontestantsweretostrive。Therewastobeafootraceofyounggirlsunderseventeen，afatmen’srace，theyoungerfellowsweretoputtheshot，tocompeteintherunningbroadjump，andthestandinghighjump，inthehop，skip，andstepandinwrestling。
Presleywasdelightedwithitall。ItwasHomeric，thisfeasting，thisvastconsumingofmeatandbreadandwine，followednowbygamesofstrength。Anepicsimplicityanddirectness，anhonestAnglo-Saxonmirthandinnocence，commendedit。Crudeitwas。coarseitwas，butnotaintofviciousnesswashere。Thesepeopleweregoodpeople，kindly，benignanteven，alwaysreadiertogivethantoreceive，alwaysmorewillingtohelpthantobehelped。Theyweregoodstock。Ofsuchwasthebackboneofthenation——sturdyAmericanseveryoneofthem。Whereelseintheworldroundweresuchstrong，honestmen，suchstrong，beautifulwomen？
Annixter，Harran，andPresleyclimbedtothelevelplateauwherethegamesweretobeheld，tolayoutthecourses，andmarkthedistances。ItwastheveryplacewhereoncePresleyhadlovedtoloungeentireafternoons，readinghisbooksofpoems，smokinganddozing。Fromthishighpointonedominatedtheentirevalleytothesouthandwest。Theviewwassuperb。Thethreemenpausedforamomentonthecrestofthehilltoconsiderit。
YoungVaccacamerunningandpantingupthehillafterthem，callingforAnnixter。
Well，well，whatisit？
Mr。Osterman’slookingforyou，sir，youandMr。Harran。
Vanamee，thatcow-boyoveratDerrick’s，hasjustcomefromtheGovernorwithamessage。Iguessit’simportant。
Hello，what’supnow？mutteredAnnixter，astheyturnedback。
TheyfoundOstermansaddlinghishorseinfurioushaste。Near-byhimwasVanameeholdingbythebridleananimalthatwasonelatherofsweat。Afewofthepicnickerswereturningtheirheadscuriouslyinthatdirection。Evidentlysomethingofmomentwasinthewind。
What’sallup？demandedAnnixter，asheandHarran，followedbyPresley，drewnear。
There’shelltopay，exclaimedOstermanunderhisbreath。
Readthat。Vanameejustbroughtit。
HehandedAnnixterasheetofnotepaper，andturnedagaintothecinchingofhissaddle。
We’vegottobequick，hecried。They’vestolenamarchonus。
Annixterreadthenote，HarranandPresleylookingoverhisshoulder。
Ah，it’sthem，isit，exclaimedAnnixter。
Harransethisteeth。Nowforit，heexclaimed。
They’vebeentoyourplacealready，Mr。Annixter，saidVanamee。
Ipassedbyitonmywayup。TheyhaveputDelaneyinpossession，andhavesetallyourfurnitureoutintheroad。
Annixterturnedabout，hislipswhite。AlreadyPresleyandHarranhadruntotheirhorses。
Vacca，criedAnnixter，where’sVacca？Putthesaddleonthebuckskin，QUICK。Osterman，getasmanyoftheLeagueasareheretogetheratTHISspot，understand。I’llbebackinaminute。I
musttellHilmathis。
HoovenranupasAnnixterdisappeared。Hislittleeyeswereblazing，hewasdragginghishorsewithhim。
Say，dosefellerscome，hey？Me，I’malretty，seeIhevderguhn。
They’vejumpedtheranch，littlegirl，saidAnnixter，puttingonearmaroundHilma。They’reinourhousenow。I’moff。GotoDerrick’sandwaitformethere。
Sheputherarmsaroundhisneck。
You’regoing？shedemanded。
Imust。Don’tbefrightened。Itwillbeallright。GotoDerrick’sand——good-bye。
Shesaidneveraword。Shelookedoncelongintohiseyes，thenkissedhimonthemouth。
Meanwhile，thenewshadspread。Themultituderosetoitsfeet。
Womenandmen，withpalefaces，lookedateachotherspeechless，orbrokeforthintoinarticulateexclamations。Astrange，unfamiliarmurmurtooktheplaceofthetumultuousgaietyofthepreviousmoments。Asenseofdread，ofconfusion，ofimpendingterrorweighedheavilyintheair。Whatwasnowtohappen？
WhenAnnixtergotbacktoOsterman，hefoundanumberoftheLeaguersalreadyassembled。Theywereallmounted。HoovenwasthereandHarran，andbesidesthese，GarnettoftheRubyranchandGethingsoftheSanPablo，PhelpstheforemanofLosMuertos，and，lastofall，Dabney，silentasever，speakingtonoone。
Presleycameridingup。
Bestkeepoutofthis，Pres，criedAnnixter。
Areweready？exclaimedGethings。
Ready，ready，we’reallhere。
ALL。Isthisallofus？criedAnnixter。Wherearethesixhundredmenwhoweregoingtorisewhenthishappened？
Theyhadwavered，theseotherLeaguers。Now，whentheactualcrisisimpended，theyweresmittenwithconfusion。Ah，no，theywerenotgoingtostandupandbeshotatjusttosaveDerrick’sland。Theywerenotarmed。WhatdidAnnixterandOstermantakethemfor？No，sir。theRailroadhadstolenamarchonthem。
AfterallhisbigtalkDerrickhadallowedthemtobetakenbysurprise。TheonlythingtodowastocallameetingoftheExecutiveCommittee。Thatwastheonlything。Asforgoingdowntherewithnoweaponsintheirhands，NO，sir。ThatwasaskingalittleTOOmuch。
Comeon，then，boys，shoutedOsterman，turninghisbackontheothers。TheGovernorsaystomeethimatHooven’s。We’llmakefortheLongTrestleandstrikethetrailtoHooven’sthere。
Theysetoff。Itwasaterribleride。Twiceduringthescramblingdescentfromthehills，Presley’sponyfellbeneathhim。Annixter，onhisbuckskin，andOsterman，onhisthoroughbred，goodhorsemenboth，ledtheothers，settingaterrificpace。Thehillswereleftbehind。BrodersonCreekwascrossedandonthelevelsofQuienSabe，straightthroughthestandingwheat，theninehorses，floggedandspurred，stretchedouttotheirutmost。Theirpassagethroughthewheatsoundedliketheripandtearofagiganticwebofcloth。Thelandscapeoneitherhandresolveditselfintoalongblur。Tearscametotheeyes，flyingpebbles，clodsofearth，grainsofwheatflungupintheflight，stungthefacelikeshot。Osterman’sthoroughbredtookthesecondcrossingofBroderson’sCreekinasingleleap。DownundertheLongTrestletorethecavalcadeinashowerofmudandgravel。upagainonthefurtherbank，thehorsesblowinglikesteamengines。onintothetrailtoHooven’s，singlefilenow，Presley’sponylagging，Hooven’shorsebleedingattheeyes，thebuckskin，gameasafightingcock，catchinghersecondwind，farintheleadnow，distancingeventheEnglishthoroughbredthatOstermanrode。
AtlastHooven’sunpaintedhouse，beneaththeenormousliveoaktree，cameinsight。AcrosstheLowerRoad，breakingthroughfencesandintotheyardaroundthehouse，thunderedtheLeaguers。Magnuswaswaitingforthem。
Theridersdismounted，hardlylessexhaustedthantheirhorses。
Why，where’sallthemen？AnnixterdemandedofMagnus。
BrodersonishereandCutter，repliedtheGovernor，nooneelse。IthoughtYOUwouldbringmoremenwithyou。
Thereareonlynineofus。
AndthesixhundredLeaguerswhoweregoingtorisewhenthishappened！exclaimedGarnett，bitterly。
RottheLeague，criedAnnixter。It’sgonetopot——wenttopiecesatthefirsttouch。
Wehavebeentakenbysurprise，gentlemen，afterall，saidMagnus。Totallyoffourguard。Butthereareelevenofus。Itisenough。
Well，what’sthegame？Hasthemarshalcome？Howmanymenarewithhim？
TheUnitedStatesmarshalfromSanFrancisco，explainedMagnus，camedownearlythismorningandstoppedatGuadalajara。WelearneditallthroughourfriendsinBonnevilleaboutanhourago。TheytelephonedmeandMr。Broderson。S。Behrmanmethimandprovidedaboutadozendeputies。Delaney，Ruggles，andChristianjoinedthematGuadalajara。TheyleftGuadalajara，goingtowardsMr。Annixter’sranchhouseonQuienSabe。Theyareservingthewritsinejectmentandputtingthedummybuyersinpossession。Theyarearmed。S。Behrmaniswiththem。
Wherearetheynow？
CutteriswatchingthemfromtheLongTrestle。TheyreturnedtoGuadalajara。Theyaretherenow。
Well，observedGethings，FromGuadalajaratheycanonlygototwoplaces。EithertheywilltaketheUpperRoadandgoontoOsterman’snext，ortheywilltaketheLowerRoadtoMr。
Derrick’s。
ThatisasIsupposed，saidMagnus。ThatiswhyIwantedyoutocomehere。FromHooven’s，here，wecanwatchbothroadssimultaneously。
IsanybodyonthelookoutontheUpperRoad？
Cutter。HeisontheLongTrestle。
Say，observedHooven，theinstinctsoftheold-timesoldierstirringhim，say，dosefellerprettydemnschmart，Itink。WegottoputsomepicketwayoudtbeiderLowerRoadtalzoh，undhetekdoseglassusMist’rEnnixt’rgotbeium。Say，lookatdoseirregationditsch。DotditschherunrighdacrossBOTHdoseroad，hey？Dat’ssomefineentrenchment，youbedt。Wefighdumfromdoseditsch。
Infact，thedryirrigatingditchwasanaturaltrench，admirablysuitedtothepurpose，crossingbothroadsasHoovenpointedoutandbarringapproachfromGuadalajaratoalltheranchessaveAnnixter’s——whichhadalreadybeenseized。
GethingsdepartedtojoinCutterontheLongTrestle，whilePhelpsandHarran，takingAnnixter’sfieldglasseswiththem，andmountingtheirhorses，wentouttowardsGuadalajaraontheLowerRoadtowatchforthemarshal’sapproachfromthatdirection。
Aftertheoutpostshadleftthem，thepartyinHooven’scottagelookedtotheirweapons。Longsince，everymemberoftheLeaguehadbeeninthehabitofcarryinghisrevolverwithhim。Theywereallarmedand，inaddition，Hoovenhadhisrifle。Presleyalonecarriednoweapon。
ThemainroomofHooven’shouse，inwhichtheLeaguerswerenowassembled，wasbarren，poverty-stricken，buttolerablyclean。Anoldclocktickedvociferouslyonashelf。Inonecornerwasabed，withapatched，fadedquilt。Inthecentreoftheroom，straddlingoverthebarefloor，stoodapinetable。Aroundthisthemengathered，twoorthreeoccupyingchairs，Annixtersittingsidewaysonthetable，thereststanding。
Ibelieve，gentlemen，saidMagnus，thatwecangothroughthisdaywithoutbloodshed。Ibelievenotoneshotneedbefired。
TheRailroadwillnotforcetheissue，willnotbringaboutactualfighting。Whenthemarshalrealisesthatwearethoroughlyinearnest，thoroughlydetermined，Iamconvincedthathewillwithdraw。
Thereweremurmursofassent。
Lookhere，saidAnnixter，ifthisthingcanbyanymeansbesettledpeaceably，Isaylet’sdoit，solongaswedon’tgivein。
Theothersstared。WasthisAnnixterwhospoke——theHotspuroftheLeague，thequarrelsome，irasciblefellowwholovedandsoughtaquarrel？WasitAnnixter，whonowhadbeenthefirstandonlyoneofthemalltosuffer，whoseranchhadbeenseized，whosehouseholdpossessionshadbeenflungoutintotheroad？
Whenyoucomerightdowntoit，hecontinued，killingaman，nomatterwhathe’sdonetoyou，isaseriousbusiness。I
proposewemakeonemoreattempttostavethisthingoff。Let’sseeifwecan’tgettotalkwiththemarshalhimself。atanyrate，warnhimofthedangerofgoinganyfurther。Boys，let’snotfirethefirstshot。Whatdoyousay？
Theothersagreedunanimouslyandpromptly。andoldBroderson，tugginguneasilyathislongbeard，added：
No——no——noviolence，noUNNECESSARYviolence，thatis。Ishouldhatetohaveinnocentbloodonmyhands——thatis，ifitIS
innocent。Idon’tknow，thatS。Behrman——ah，heisa——a——surelyhehadinnocentbloodonHIShead。ThatDykeaffair，terrible，terrible。butthenDykeWASinthewrong——driventoit，though。
theRailroaddiddrivehimtoit。Iwanttobefairandjusttoeverybody
There’sateamcominguptheroadfromLosMuertos，announcedPresleyfromthedoor。
Fairandjusttoeverybody，murmuredoldBroderson，wagginghishead，frowningperplexedly。Idon’twantto——to——toharmanybodyunlesstheyharmme。
IstheteamgoingtowardsGuadalajara？enquiredGarnett，gettingupandcomingtothedoor。
Yes，it’saPortuguese，oneofthegardentruckmen。
Wemustturnhimback，declaredOsterman。Hecan’tgothroughhere。Wedon’twanthimtotakeanynewsontothemarshalandS。Behrman。
I’llturnhimback，saidPresley。
Herodeouttowardsthemarketcart，andtheothers，watchingfromtheroadinfrontofHooven’s，sawhimhaltit。Anexcitedinterviewfollowed。TheycouldhearthePortugueseexpostulatingvolubly，butintheendheturnedback。
MartiallawonLosMuertos，isn’tit？observedOsterman。
Steadyall，heexclaimedasheturnedabout，herecomesHarran。
Harranrodeupatagallop。Theotherssurroundedhim。
Isawthem，hecried。Theyarecomingthisway。S。BehrmanandRugglesareinatwo-horsebuggy。Alltheothersareonhorseback。Thereareelevenofthem。ChristianandDelaneyarewiththem。Thosetwohaverifles。IleftHoovenwatchingthem。
BettercallinGethingsandCutterrightaway，saidAnnixter。
We’llneedallourmen。
I’llcallthemin，Presleyvolunteeredatonce。CanIhavethebuckskin？Myponyisaboutdoneup。
Hedepartedatabriskgallop，butonthewaymetGethingsandCutterreturning。They，too，fromtheirelevatedposition，hadobservedthemarshal’spartyleavingGuadalajarabytheLowerRoad。PresleytoldthemofthedecisionoftheLeaguersnottofireuntilfiredupon。
Allright，saidGethings。Butifitcomestoagun-fight，thatmeansit’sallupwithatleastoneofus。Delaneynevermisseshisman。