His spine straightened rigidly; a solemn light came into his eye; a cough that fairly choked with wisdom echoed from his throat.

It was a great day for Blackman, J.P.
"Do I know this man, this cow puncher ?" said he.

"Of course I know him, damn him, and I know what he done, too.

Such a high-handed act never ought to be tolerated, sir! Destroyin' property--why, a-destroyin' of life _and_ property, for he killed the pig--and this new family of citizens dependin' in part on the pig fer their sustenances this comin' season; to say nothin' of his nigh shootin' me up as I was crossin' the street from the post-office! Try him! Why, of _course_ we ought to try him.

What show have we got if we go on this lawless way?
What injucement can we offer Eastern Capital to settle in our midst if, instead of bein' quiet and law-abidin', we go on a-rarin' and a-pitchin' and a-runnin' wide open, every man for hisself?
What are we here for, you, and you, and me, if it ain't to set in trile over such britches of the peace ?" "You're in," said Dan Anderson, succinctly.