ead droops.)

Starbottle (coolly). Permit me to remark, sir, that any reminiscence of
your--er--friend--or any other man is--er--at this moment, irrelevant
and impertinent. Permit me to point out the--er--fact, sir, that your
hand is pressing heavily, demned heavily, on my shoulder.

Sandy (fiercely). You shall not go!

Starbottle (fiercely). Shall not?

Struggle. STARBOTTLE draws derringer from his breast-pocket, and SANDY
seizes his arm. In this position both parties struggle to ledge of
rocks, and COL. STARBOTTLE is forced partly over.

Miss Mary (opening schoolhouse door). I thought I heard voices. (Looking
toward ledge of rocks, where COL. STARBOTTLE and SANDY are partly hidden
by trees. Both men relax grasp of each other at MISS MARY'S voice.)

Col. Starbottle (aloud and with voice slightly raised, to SANDY).
By--er--leaning over this way a moment, a single moment, you
will--er--perceive the trail I speak of. It follows the canyon to the
right. It will bring you to--er--the settlement in an hour. (To
MISS MARY, as if observing her for the first time.) I believe I
am--er--right; but, being--er--more familiar with the locality, you can
direct the gentleman better.

SANDY slowly sinks on his knees beside rock, with his face averted
from schoolhouse, as COL. STARBOTTLE disengages himself, and advances
jauntily and gallantly to schoolhouse.

Col. Starbottle. In--er--er--showing the stranger the--er--way, I
perhaps interrupted our interview. The--er--observances of--er--civility
and humanity must not be foregone, even for--er--the ladies.
I--er--believe I address Miss Mary Morris. When I--er--state that my
name is Col. Starbottle, charged on mission of--er--delicate nature, I
believe I--er--explain MY intrusion.

MISS MARY bows, and motions to schoolhouse door; COL. STARBOTTLE, bowing
deeply, enters; but MISS MARY remains standing by door, looking toward
trees that hide SANDY.

Miss Mary (aside). I am sure it was Sandy's voice! But why does he
conceal himself?

Sandy (aside, rising slowly to his feet, with his back to schoolhouse
door). Even this conceited bully overcomes me, and shames me with his
readiness and tact. He was quick to spare her--a stranger--the spectacle
of two angry men. I--I--must needs wrangle before her very door! Well,
well! better out of her sight forever, than an object of pity or terror.
[Exit slowly, and with downcast eyes, right.

Miss Mary (watching the trail). It WAS Sandy! and