He laid
his hands upon it to still the disturbance. Then he became
conscious that he had bitten his pipe-stem in two and swallowed
the end. He felt it sticking in his throat.
"Did you hear what I said?" demanded Willie, in a voice that
sounded like the sawing of a meat bone.
Glass opened his mouth, and when no sound issued, nodded.
"And you understand?"
Again the trainer bobbed his head. The pipe-stem had cut off all
power of speech, and he knew himself dumb for life.
"Then I guess that's all. It's up to you." Willie replaced his
gun, and the fat man threatened to fall. "Come on, boys!" The
cowboys filed out silently, but on the threshold Willie paused
and darted a venomous glance at his enemy. "Don't forget what I
said about Mr. Colt and the equality of man."
"Yes, sir!--yes, ma'am!" ejaculated the frightened trainer,
nervously. When they were gone he collapsed.
"They are rather severe, aren't they?" ventured Fresno.
"Severe!" cried the unhappy man. "Why, Speed can't--" He was
about to explain everything when the memory of Willie's words
smote him like a blow.
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