Holy Smoke! it sounded ter me like ye hit him with a pole-axe.

I got his gun, an' thet's whut's makin' this skunk hold so blame still--oh, yes, I will, Jack Rale; I'm just a achin' fer ter let ye hav' it." "And the other fellow?
He hit me." "My ol' frien', Gaskins; thet's him, all right." The deputy gave vent to a short, mirthless laugh.

"Oh, I rapped him with the butt; had ter do it.

He'd got hold ov a club somwhar, an' wus goin' ter give yer another.

It will be a while, I reckon, 'fore he takes much interest.
What'll I do with this red-headed gink ?" I succeeded in reaching my feet, and stood there a moment, gaining what view I could through the darkness.