t. But
they's to be no killin', an' no mo' shootin' up houses whar they is women
and chil'en. This ain't no feud."

"All right--we've got yo' word for it, have we?" inquired Buck Shalliday
eagerly. "You'll stand by us?"

Suddenly a brand on the hearth flamed up, and Judith peering through a
crack of the board shutter had sight of her uncle standing, his height
exaggerated by the flickering illumination, tall and black on the
hearthstone. About him the faint light fell on a circle of eager, drawn
faces, all set toward him. As she looked he raised his hand above his
head and shook the clenched fist.

"I've got obliged to," he groaned. "God knows I had nothing against Creed
Bonbright. And I can't say as I've got anything against him yit. But I've
got a-plenty against rottin' in jail. I'd ruther die."

"Will ye come with us, pap?" Jim Cal instantly put the question, and as
he spoke the light went suddenly out.

"No," returned old Jephthah doggedly. "I won't make nor meddle. I've give
you my best advice; I sont for Hawk an' Chantry, here, an' for Turn
Broyles, to do the same. We've talked it over fa'r an' squar', aimin' to
have ye do this thing right--" He broke off, and then amended sombrely,
"--As near right as sech a thing can be did. But you-all boys run into
this here agin' my ruthers, an' you'll jest have to git out yo'selves.
All I say is, no killin', and no raidin' of folks' homes."

"No _mo'_ killin', ye mean,--don't ye?" asked Jim Cal. The fat man,
goaded beyond reason, was ready to turn and fight at last.

"No, I don't," answered his father. "When I mean a thing I can find the
words to say it without any advice. As for Blatch bein' killed--you boys
think yo' mighty smart, but you'd show yo' sense to tote fair with me and
tell me all that's goin' on. I wasn't born yesterday. I've seen
interruptions and killin's befo' I seen any of you. An' I'll say right
here in front o' yo' kinfolks that's come to he'p you out with their
counsels--an' could do a sight better ef you'd tell 'em the truth--that I
never did think it was likely that Creed Bonbright made away with a body
inside of fifteen minutes. That tale's too big for me--but I'm askin' no
questions. Settle it your own way--but for God's sake settle it. Him
knowin' what he does an' havin' been did the way you boys have done him,
he's got to go. Run him out--an' run him out quick. Don't you dare tell
me how, nor when, nor what!"

Judith started back as the so