name. It rankled in the expectant bridegroom's heart that all he
could complain of concerning Creed Bonbright was that Huldah had thrown
herself in his way and forced a kiss upon him--not that Bonbright had
been the amatory aggressor!

"I say what Blatch says," growled Wade as though the words stuck in his
throat.

More and more the whole thing was like a nightmare to Creed; he felt as
though with sufficient effort he might throw it off and wake. The four
men hung at the path-side eyeing him, motionless if he were still, moving
only if he stirred. Even this scarcely gave him a complete understanding
of the gravity of his situation.

"Well," he said finally, "I'm going on home. If any of you boys has
anything to say to me, to-morrow or any day after--you know where to find
me."

He made as though to pass; but Blatch Turrentine stepped swiftly to the
middle of the pathway and stood breathing a little short.

"No, by God, we don't!" he panted. "Ef we let you to go this night--we
don't know whar we'll ever find you again. Mebbe you've got yo' budget
made up--on yo' way to yo' friend Mr. Dan Haley right now. _Ye don't go
from here_!"

Instinctively Creed fell back a step. It was out at last--this was
neither more nor less than a waylaying. Did they mean to kill him? Blatch
Turrentine had crouched where he stood, and even as the question went
through the victim's mind, he launched himself with that sudden frightful
quickness bodily upon Creed.

It would seem that the slighter man must be borne down by the onset. But
Bonbright gathered himself, his arms shot out and gripped his assailant
midway. Struggling, panting, gasping, stamping, they wrenched and swayed,
the three who watched them holding aloof. Then with a sheer effort of
strength Creed tore the heavier man from his footing and lifted him clear
of the ground.

With a little sobbing oath Andy ran in. Bonbright could have heaved the
man he held over his shoulder in that terrific fall well known to deadly
wrestling. Wade's stern, "Sst! Git back there!" stopped the boy. Even as
Creed's muscles knotted themselves to the supreme effort came sudden
memory of what he must stand for to these people. It was his right to
defend his own life; he must not, in any extremity, take that of another.
His grip relaxed. Turrentine partially got his feet again; his arms were
free; the right made a swift movement, and Creed caught the gleam of a
knife-blade. Without volition of hi