Then suddenly there was a great cessation. It was as if each man had
paused for breath, and although the room was still lighted with the
anger of men, it could be seen that there was no danger of immediate
conflict, and at once Johnnie, shouldering his ways forward, almost
succeeded in confronting the Swede. "What did you say I cheated for?
What did you say I cheated for? I don't cheat and I won't let no man
say I do!"
The Swede said: "I saw you! I saw you!"
"Well," cried Johnnie, "I'll fight any man what says I cheat!"
"No, you won't," said the cowboy. "Not here."
"Ah, be still, can't you?" said Scully, coming between them.
The quiet was sufficient to allow the Easterner's voice to be heard.
He was repeating: "Oh, wait a moment, can't you? What's the good of
a fight over a game of cards? Wait a moment."
Johnnie, his red face appearing above his father's shoulder,
hailed the Swede again. "Did you say I cheated?"
The Swede showed his teeth. "Yes."
"Then," said Johnnie, "we must fight."
"Yes, fight," roared the Swede. He was like a demoniac. "Yes, fight!
I'll show you what kind of a man I am! I'll show you who you want to
fight! Maybe you think I can't fight! Maybe you think I can't! I'll
show you, you skin, you card-sharp! Yes, you cheated! You cheated! You
cheated!"
"Well, let's git at it, then, mister," said Johnnie coolly.
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