I'm going to fight for John Gale, however, and you can't take him." "I'll have his carcass hung to my ridge-pole before daylight." "No." "I say yes!" Stark turned to go, but paused at the door.

"And you think you'll marry Necia, do you ?" "I know it." "Like hell you will! Suppose you find her first." "What do you mean?
Wait--" But his visitor was gone, leaving behind him a lover already sorely vexed, and now harassed by a new and sudden apprehension.

What venom the man distilled! Could it be that he had sent Necia away?
Burrell scouted the idea.

She wasn't the kind to go at Stark's mere behest; and as for his forcing her, why, this was not an age of abductions! He might aim to take her, but it would require some time to establish his rights, and even then there were Gale and himself to be reckoned with.
Still, this was no time for idling, and he might as well make certain, so the young man put on his coat hurriedly, knowing there was work to do There was no telling what this night would bring forth, but first he must warn his friend, after which they would fight this thing together, not as soldier and civilian, but as man and man, not for the law, but against it.

He smiled as he realized the situation.