As for Arthur, the crowd gave him a cheer and condemned his opponent's conduct in no measured terms.

They were terribly disappointed by Big Bill's defection, for while not especially bloodthirsty they hated to see the impending tragedy turn out a farce.
In the printing office Patsy was laughing hysterically as her horror dissolved and allowed her to discover the comic phase of the duel.

She literally fell on Arthur's neck as he entered, but the next moment pushed him away to face the hardware merchant.
"I beg your pardon, Mr.West," said she with twinkling eyes.

"I suspected you of being a cold-blooded ruffian, when you proposed this duel; but I now see that you understand human nature better than the whole caboodle of us put together! Arthur, thank Mr.West for saving you from a flogging." "I do, indeed!" said Arthur fervently..