He pointed at the two soldiers with his great hand, extended clawlike.

"Well, they--" But during this argumentative time the desire to deal blows seemed to pass, although they said much to each other.

Finally the friend returned to his old seat.

In a short while the three antagonists could be seen together in an amiable bunch.
"Jimmie Rogers ses I'll have t' fight him after th' battle t'-day," announced the friend as he again seated himself.

"He ses he don't allow no interferin' in his business.