It was infinitely more than the facing of foes, the taking of stock, preliminary to the even break.

Blome's attitude was that of a trapped wolf about to start into savage action; nevertheless, equally it was the pitifully weak stand of a ruffian against ruthless and powerful law.
"The border of Pecos County could have had no greater lesson than this--Blome face-to-face with the Ranger.

That part of the border present saw its most noted exponent of lawlessness a coward, almost powerless to go for his gun, fatally sure of his own doom.
"But that moment, seeming so long, really so short, had to end.

Blome made a spasmodic upheaval of shoulder and arm.

Snecker a second later flashed into movement.
"Steele blurred in my sight.