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Page 91
"That's jest it. Somebody's got to act sooner or later, an' if
there ain't no reg'lar law, we'll go back to the old times, an'
make our own."
The Sweetwater outfit assented unanimously to Sage-brush's
declaration of freedom from outlaw rule in the county.
"You're a fine lot to set up as law-abidin' citizens--" sneered
Buck.
"Workin' for a man that had to hop the country to keep clear of
the rope," interjected Peruna, who, heartened up by the advent of
McKee, began pouring oil on a smoldering fire.
Sage-brush turned savagely upon him: "That'll do for you."
Echo walked hastily to Sage-brush's side. She felt her presence
might help to avoid the outbreak which she saw could not long be
avoided.
Peruna had lost control of tongue and discretion by this time.
"You'll never see him back in this section again. You all know
where he is--across the line in Mexico--why, she's fixin' to make
a clean-up now, an' sell out and join him!"
Sage-brush reached for his gun, but Echo restrained him.
"You--" he cried.
Buck turned angrily on Peruna. "You keep your mouth shet," he
shouted.
Peruna subsided at his boss' command, mumbling: "There ain't no
female can pull the forelock over my eyes."
"Take care," warningly called Buck.
Peruna fired up again, regardless of consequences. "Why, I see
through her game. She's glad to get rid of him, so's she can
play up to her ranch boss, Handsome Charley there."
Buck had to act instantly to preserve his supremacy over his men.
Before any of the Sweetwater outfit could reach Peruna's side, or
pull a gun to resent the insult, Buck was on top of him. With a
blow full in the mouth, he knocked him sprawling. Echo had
seized Sage-brush's hand, preventing him from firing. The other
men moved as if to kick Peruna as he lay prostrate.
"Let him alone. He's goin' to ask the lady's pardon," snarled
Buck, covering him with his gun.
Peruna raised himself on one arm.
"No, I'll be--" he began.
Buck bent over him, speaking in a low tone, tensely and quickly.
"Quick! I don't want to have to kill you. You damn' fool, don't
you see what I'm playin' fer?"
"He ain't fit to live!" shouted Show Low.
Buck turned on the cowboy. It was his fight, and he was going to
handle it in his own fashion.
"Lem me handle this case," he interrupted. "Ther' ain't no man
can travel in my outfit and insult a woman--you ask her
pardon--right smart."
Peruna struggled to his feet. Buck commanded:
"On your knees."
A glance at Buck showed Peruna how deadly in earnest he was.
Reluctantly he sank to his knees.
"I didn't mean what I said. I hope you will excuse me--" he
whined.
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