WhentheyreachedHooven’sagain，theyfoundthattheLeaguershadalreadytakentheirpositionintheditch。Theplankbridgeacrossithadbeentornup。Magnus，twolongrevolverslyingontheembankmentinfrontofhim，wasinthemiddle，Harranathisside。Oneitherside，somefivefeetinterveningbetweeneachman，stoodtheotherLeaguers，theirrevolversready。Dabney，thesilentoldman，hadtakenoffhiscoat。
TakeyourplacesbetweenMr。OstermanandMr。Broderson，saidMagnus，asthethreemenrodeup。Presley，headded，Iforbidyoutotakeanypartinthisaffair。
Yes，keephimoutofit，criedAnnixterfromhispositionattheextremeendoftheline。GobacktoHooven’shouse，Pres，andlookafterthehorses，headded。Thisisnobusinessofyours。Andkeeptheroadbehindusclear。Don’tletANYONE
comenear，notANYONE，understand？
Presleywithdrew，leadingthebuckskinandthehorsesthatGethingsandCutterhadridden。Hefastenedthemunderthegreatliveoakandthencameoutandstoodintheroadinfrontofthehousetowatchwhatwasgoingon。
Intheditch，shoulderdeep，theLeaguers，ready，watchful，waitedinsilence，theireyesfixedonthewhiteshimmeroftheroadleadingtoGuadalajara。
Where’sHooven？enquiredCutter。
Idon’tknow，Ostermanreplied。HewasoutwatchingtheLowerRoadwithHarranDerrick。Oh，Harran，hecalled，isn’tHoovencomingin？
Idon’tknowwhatheiswaitingfor，answeredHarran。Hewastohavecomeinjustafterme。Hethoughtmaybethemarshal’spartymightmakeafeintinthisdirection，thengoaroundbytheUpperRoad，afterall。Hewantedtowatchthemalittlelonger。
Butheoughttobeherenow。
Thinkhe’lltakeashotatthemonhisownaccount？
Oh，no，hewouldn’tdothat。
Maybetheytookhimprisoner。
Well，that’stobethoughtof，too。
Suddenlytherewasacry。Aroundthebendoftheroadinfrontofthemcameacloudofdust。Fromitemergedahorse’shead。
Hello，hello，there’ssomething。
Remember，wearenottofirefirst。
Perhapsthat’sHooven。Ican’tsee。Isit？Thereonlyseemstobeonehorse。
Toomuchdustforonehorse。
Annixter，whohadtakenhisfieldglassesfromHarran，adjustedthemtohiseyes。
That’snotthem，heannouncedpresently，norHooveneither。
That’sacart。Thenafteranothermoment，headded，Thebutcher’scartfromGuadalajara。
Thetensionwasrelaxed。Themendrewlongbreaths，settlingbackintheirplaces。
Dowelethimgoon，Governor？
Thebridgeisdown。Hecan’tgobyandwemustnotlethimgoback。Weshallhavetodetainhimandquestionhim。Iwonderthemarshallethimpass。
Thecartapproachedatalivelytrot。
Anybodyelseinthatcart，Mr。Annixter？askedMagnus。Lookcarefully。Itmaybearuse。Itisstrangethemarshalshouldhavelethimpass。
TheLeaguersrousedthemselvesagain。Ostermanlaidhishandonhisrevolver。
No，calledAnnixter，inanotherinstant，no，there’sonlyonemaninit。
Thecartcameup，andCutterandPhelps，clamberingfromtheditch，stoppeditasitarrivedinfrontoftheparty。
Hey——what——what？exclaimedtheyoungbutcher，pullingup。Isthatbridgebroke？
Butattheideaofbeingheld，theboyprotestedattopvoice，badlyfrightened，bewildered，notknowingwhatwastohappennext。
No，no，Igotmymeattodeliver。Say，youletmego。Say，I
ain’tgotnothingtodowithyou。
Hetuggedatthereins，tryingtoturnthecartabout。Cutter，withhisjack-knife，partedthereinsjustbackofthebit。
You’llstaywhereyouare，m’son，forawhile。We’renotgoingtohurtyou。Butyouarenotgoingbacktotowntillwesayso。
Didyoupassanybodyontheroadoutoftown？
InreplytotheLeaguers’questions，theyoungbutcheratlasttoldthemhehadpassedatwo-horsebuggyandalotofmenonhorsebackjustbeyondtherailroadtracks。TheywereheadedforLosMuertos。
That’sthem，allright，mutteredAnnixter。They’recomingbythisroad，sure。
Thebutcher’shorseandcartwereledtoonesideoftheroad，andthehorsetiedtothefencewithoneoftheseveredlines。
Thebutcher，himself，waspassedovertoPresley，wholockedhiminHooven’sbarn。
Well，whatthedevil，demandedOsterman，hasbecomeofBismarck？
Infact，thebutcherhadseennothingofHooven。Theminuteswerepassing，andstillhefailedtoappear。
What’sheupto，anyways？
Betyouwhatyoulike，theycaughthim。JustlikethatcrazyDutchmantogetexcitedandgotoonear。YoucanalwaysdependonHooventolosehishead。
Fiveminutespassed，thenten。TheroadtowardsGuadalajaralayempty，bakingandwhiteunderthesun。
Well，themarshalandS。Behrmandon’tseemtobeinanyhurry，either。
ShallIgoforwardandreconnoitre，Governor？askedHarran。
ButDabney，whostoodnexttoAnnixter，touchedhimontheshoulderand，withoutspeaking，pointeddowntheroad。Annixterlooked，thensuddenlycriedout：
HerecomesHooven。
TheGermangallopedintosight，aroundtheturnoftheroad，hisriflelaidacrosshissaddle。Hecameonrapidly，pulledup，anddismountedattheditch。
Dey’recommen，hecried，tremblingwithexcitement。Iwatchumlongdimebeidersideoafderroadtinderbusches。Deyshtopbeidergateodersidederrelroadttrecksandtalklongdimemitonen’udder。Dendeygomeon。Dey’regowunsuredozummonkey-doodlepizeness。Me，IseeGritschunputderkertridgesinhisguhn。ItinkdeygowuntogomeMYblacefirst。Deygowuntotryputmeoff，tekmyhome，beiGott。
Allright，getdowninhereandkeepquiet，Hooven。Don’tfireunless——
Heretheyare。
Ahalf-dozenvoicesutteredthecryatonce。
Therecouldbenomistakethistime。Abuggy，drawnbytwohorses，cameintoviewaroundthecurveoftheroad。Threeridersaccompaniedit，andbehindthese，seenatintervalsinacloudofdustweretwo——three——five——sixothers。
This，then，wasS。BehrmanwiththeUnitedStatesmarshalandhisposse。Theeventthathadbeensolonginpreparation，theeventwhichithadbeensaidwouldnevercometopass，thelasttrialofstrength，thelastfightbetweentheTrustandthePeople，thedirect，brutalgrappleofarmedmen，thelawdefied，theGovernmentignored，behold，hereitwascloseathand。
Ostermancockedhisrevolver，andintheprofoundsilencethathadfallenuponthescene，theclickwasplainlyaudiblefromendtoendoftheline。
Rememberouragreement，gentlemen，criedMagnus，inawarningvoice。Mr。Osterman，Imustaskyoutoletdownthehammerofyourweapon。
Nooneanswered。Inabsolutequiet，standingmotionlessintheirplaces，theLeaguerswatchedtheapproachofthemarshal。
Fiveminutespassed。Theriderscameonsteadily。Theydrewnearer。Thegrindofthebuggywheelsinthegritanddustoftheroad，andtheprolongedclatterofthehorses’feetbegantomakeitselfheard。TheLeaguerscoulddistinguishthefacesoftheirenemies。
InthebuggywereS。BehrmanandCyrusRuggles，thelatterdriving。Atallmaninafrockcoatandslouchedhat——themarshal，beyondquestion——rodeattheleftofthebuggy。Delaney，carryingaWinchester，attheright。Christian，therealestatebroker，S。Behrman’scousin，alsowitharifle，couldbemadeoutjustbehindthemarshal。Backofthese，ridingwellup，wasagroupofhorsemen，indistinguishableinthedustraisedbythebuggy’swheels。
SteadilythedistancebetweentheLeaguersandthepossediminished。
Don’tletthemgettooclose，Governor，whisperedHarran。
WhenS。Behrman’sbuggywasaboutonehundredyardsdistantfromtheirrigatingditch，Magnussprangoutupontheroad，leavinghisrevolversbehindhim。HebeckonedGarnettandGethingstofollow，andthethreeranchers，who，withtheexceptionofBroderson，weretheoldestmenpresent，advanced，withoutarms，tomeetthemarshal。
Magnuscriedaloud：
Haltwhereyouare。
Fromtheirplacesintheditch，Annixter，Osterman，Dabney，Harran，Hooven，Broderson，Cutter，andPhelps，theirhandslaidupontheirrevolvers，watchedsilently，alert，keen，readyforanything。
AttheGovernor’swords，theysawRugglespullsharplyonthereins。Thebuggycametoastandstill，theridersdoinglikewise。Magnusapproachedthemarshal，stillfollowedbyGarnettandGethings，andbegantospeak。Hisvoicewasaudibletothemenintheditch，buthiswordscouldnotbemadeout。
Theyheardthemarshalreplyquietlyenoughandthetwoshookhands。Delaneycamearoundfromthesideofthebuggy，hishorsestandingbeforetheteamacrosstheroad。Heleanedfromthesaddle，listeningtowhatwasbeingsaid，butmadenoremark。
Fromtimetotime，S。BehrmanandRuggles，fromtheirseatsinthebuggy，interposedasentenceortwointotheconversation，butatfirst，sofarastheLeaguerscoulddiscern，neitherMagnusnorthemarshalpaidthemanyattention。Theysaw，however，thatthelatterrepeatedlyshookhisheadandoncetheyheardhimexclaiminaloudvoice：
Ionlyknowmyduty，Mr。Derrick。
ThenGethingsturnedabout，andseeingDelaneycloseathand，addressedanunheardremarktohim。Thecow-puncherrepliedcurtlyandthewordsseemedtoangerGethings。Hemadeagesture，pointingbacktotheditch，showingtheintrenchedLeaguerstotheposse。DelaneyappearedtocommunicatethenewsthattheLeaguerswereonhandandpreparedtoresist，totheothermembersoftheparty。Theyalllookedtowardtheditchandplainlysawtheranchersthere，standingtotheirarms。
ButmeanwhileRuggleshadaddressedhimselfmoredirectlytoMagnus，andbetweenthetwoanangrydiscussionwasgoingforward。OnceevenHarranheardhisfatherexclaim：
Thestatementisalieandnooneknowsitbetterthanyourself。
Here，growledAnnixtertoDabney，whostoodnexthimintheditch，thosefellowsaregettingtooclose。Lookatthemedgingup。Don’tMagnusseethat？
Theothermembersofthemarshal’sforcehadcomeforwardfromtheirplacesbehindthebuggyandwerespreadoutacrosstheroad。SomeofthemweregatheredaboutMagnus，Garnett，andGethings。andsomeweretalkingtogether，lookingandpointingtowardstheditch。Whetheractinguponsignalornot，theLeaguersintheditchcouldnottell，butitwascertainthatoneortwoofthepossehadmovedconsiderablyforward。Besidesthis，DelaneyhadnowplacedhishorsebetweenMagnusandtheditch，andtwoothersridingupfromtherearhadfollowedhisexample。Thepossesurroundedthethreeranchers，andbynow，everybodywastalkingatonce。
Lookhere，HarrancalledtoAnnixter，thiswon’tdo。Idon’tlikethelooksofthisthing。Theyallseemtobeedgingup，andbeforeweknowittheymaytaketheGovernorandtheothermenprisoners。
Theyoughttocomeback，declaredAnnixter。
Somebodyoughttotellthemthatthosefellowsarecreepingup。
Bynow，theangryargumentbetweentheGovernorandRuggleshadbecomemoreheatedthanever。Theirvoiceswereraised。nowandthentheymadefuriousgestures。
Theyoughttocomeback，criedOsterman。Wecouldn’tshootnowifanythingshouldhappen，forfearofhittingthem。
Well，itsoundsasthoughsomethingweregoingtohappenprettysoon。
TheycouldhearGethingsandDelaneywranglingfuriously。anotherdeputyjoinedin。
I’mgoingtocalltheGovernorback，exclaimedAnnixter，suddenlyclamberingoutoftheditch。
No，no，criedOsterman，keepintheditch。Theycan’tdriveusoutifwekeephere。
HoovenandHarran，whohadinstinctivelyfollowedAnnixter，hesitatedatOsterman’swordsandthethreehaltedirresolutelyontheroadbeforetheditch，theirweaponsintheirhands。
Governor，shoutedHarran，comeonback。Youcan’tdoanything。
Stillthewranglecontinued，andoneofthedeputies，advancingalittlefromoutthegroup，criedout：
Keepbackthere！Keepbackthere，you！
Gotohell，willyou？shoutedHarranontheinstant。You’reonmyland。
Oh，comebackhere，Harran，calledOsterman。Thatain’tgoingtodoanygood。
There——listen，suddenlyexclaimedHarran。TheGovernoriscallingus。Comeon。I’mgoing。
Ostermangotoutoftheditchandcameforward，catchingHarranbythearmandpullinghimback。
Hedidn’tcall。Don’tgetexcited。You’llruineverything。
Getbackintotheditchagain。
ButCutter，Phelps，andtheoldmanDabney，misunderstandingwhatwashappening，andseeingOstermanleavetheditch，hadfollowedhisexample。AlltheLeaguerswerenowoutoftheditch，andalittlewaydowntheroad，Hooven，Osterman，Annixter，andHarraninfront，Dabney，Phelps，andCuttercomingupfrombehind。
Keepback，you，criedthedeputyagain。
InthegrouparoundS。Behrman’sbuggy，GethingsandDelaneywereyetquarrelling，andtheangrydebatebetweenMagnus，Garnett，andthemarshalstillcontinued。
Tillthismoment，therealestatebroker，Christian，hadtakennopartintheargument，buthadkepthimselfintherearofthebuggy。Now，however，hepushedforward。Therewasbutlittleroomforhimtopass，and，asherodebythebuggy，hishorsescrapedhisflankagainstthehubofthewheel。Theanimalrecoiledsharply，and，strikingagainstGarnett，threwhimtotheground。Delaney’shorsestoodbetweenthebuggyandtheLeaguersgatheredontheroadinfrontoftheditch。theincident，indistinctlyseenbythem，wasmisinterpreted。
GarnetthadnotyetrisenwhenHoovenraisedagreatshout：
HOCH，DERKAISER！HOCH，DERVATERLAND！
Withthewords，hedroppedtooneknee，andsightinghisriflecarefully，firedintothegroupofmenaroundthebuggy。
Instantlytherevolversandriflesseemedtogooffofthemselves。Bothsides，deputiesandLeaguers，openedfiresimultaneously。Atfirst，itwasnothingbutaconfusedroarofexplosions。thentheroarlapsedtoanirregular，quicksuccessionofreports，shotleapingaftershot。thenamoment’ssilence，and，lastofall，regularasclock-ticks，threeshotsatexactintervals。Thenstillness。
Delaney，shotthroughthestomach，sliddownfromhishorse，and，onhishandsandknees，crawledfromtheroadintothestandingwheat。Christianfellbackwardfromthesaddletowardthebuggy，andhungsuspendedinthatposition，hisheadandshouldersonthewheel，onestifflegstillacrosshissaddle。Hooven，inattemptingtorisefromhiskneelingposition，receivedarifleballsquarelyinthethroat，androlledforwarduponhisface。
OldBroderson，cryingout，Oh，they’veshotme，boys，staggeredsideways，hisheadbent，hishandsrigidathissides，andfellintotheditch。Osterman，bloodrunningfromhismouthandnose，turnedaboutandwalkedback。PresleyhelpedhimacrosstheirrigatingditchandOstermanlaidhimselfdown，hisheadonhisfoldedarms。HarranDerrickdroppedwherehestood，turningoveronhisface，andlaymotionless，groaningterribly，apoolofbloodformingunderhisstomach。TheoldmanDabney，silentasever，receivedhisdeath，speechless。Hefelltohisknees，gotupagain，felloncemore，anddiedwithoutaword。Annixter，instantlykilled，fellhislengthtotheground，andlaywithoutmovement，justashehadfallen，onearmacrosshisface。
ChapterVII
OntheirwaytoDerrick’sranchhouse，HilmaandMrs。Derrickheardthesoundsofdistantfiring。
Stop！criedHilma，layingherhanduponyoungVacca’sarm。
Stopthehorses。Listen，whatwasthat？
Thecarry-allcametoahaltandfromfarawayacrosstherustlingwheatcamethefaintrattleofriflesandrevolvers。
Say，criedVacca，rollinghiseyes，oh，say，they’refightingoverthere。
Mrs。Derrickputherhandsoverherface。
Fighting，shecried，oh，oh，it’sterrible。Magnusisthere——
andHarran。
Wheredoyouthinkitis？demandedHilma。
That’sovertowardHooven’s。
I’mgoing。Turnback。DrivetoHooven’s，quick。
Betternot，Mrs。Annixter，protestedtheyoungman。Mr。
AnnixtersaidweweretogotoDerrick’s。BetterkeepawayfromHooven’sifthere’stroublethere。Wewouldn’tgettheretillit’sallover，anyhow。
Yes，yes，let’sgohome，criedMrs。Derrick，I’mafraid。Oh，Hilma，I’mafraid。
ComewithmetoHooven’sthen。
There，wheretheyarefighting？Oh，Icouldn’t。I——Ican’t。
ItwouldbealloverbeforewegotthereasVaccasays。
Sure，repeatedyoungVacca。
DrivetoHooven’s，commandedHilma。Ifyouwon’t，I’llwalkthere。Shethrewoffthelap-robes，preparingtodescend。Andyou，sheexclaimed，turningtoMrs。Derrick，howCANyou——whenHarranandyourhusbandmaybe——may——areindanger。
Grumbling，Vaccaturnedthecarry-allaboutanddroveacrosstheopenfieldstillhereachedtheroadtoGuadalajara，justbelowtheMission。
Hurry！criedHilma。
Thehorsesstartedforwardunderthetouchofthewhip。TheranchhousesofQuienSabecameinsight。
Doyouwanttostopatthehouse？inquiredVaccaoverhisshoulder。
No，no。oh，gofaster——makethehorsesrun。
TheydashedthroughthehousesoftheHomeranch。
Oh，oh，criedHilmasuddenly，look，lookthere。Lookwhattheyhavedone。
Vaccapulledthehorsesup，fortheroadinfrontofAnnixter’shousewasblocked。
Avast，confusedheapofhouseholdeffectswasthere——chairs，sofas，pictures，fixtures，lamps。Hilma’slittlehomehadbeengutted。everythinghadbeentakenfromitandruthlesslyflungoutupontheroad，everythingthatsheandherhusbandhadboughtduringthatwonderfulweekaftertheirmarriage。Herewasthewhiteenamelledsetofthebedroomfurniture，thethreechairs，wash-standandbureau，——thebureaudrawersfallingout，spillingtheircontentsintothedust。therewerethewhitewoolrugsofthesitting-room，theflowerstand，withitspotsallbroken，itsflowerswilting。thecrackedgoldfishglobe，thefishesalreadydead。therockingchair，thesewingmachine，thegreatroundtableofyellowoak，thelampwithitsdeepshadeofcrinklyredtissuepaper，theprettytintedphotographsthathadhungonthewall——thechoirboyswithbeautifuleyes，thepensiveyounggirlsinpinkgowns——thepiecesofwoodcarvingthatrepresentedquailsandducks，and，lastofall，itscurtainsofcrisp，cleanmuslin，cruellytornandcrushed——thebed，thewonderfulcanopiedbedsobraveandgay，ofwhichHilmahadbeensoproud，thrustoutthereintothecommonroad，tornfromitsplace，fromthediscreetintimacyofherbridalchamber，violated，profaned，flungoutintothedustandgarishsunshineforallmentostareat，amockeryandashame。
ToHilmaitwasasthoughsomethingofherself，ofherperson，hadbeenthusexposedanddegraded。allthatsheheldsacredpilloried，gibbeted，andexhibitedtotheworld’sderision。
Tearsofanguishsprangtohereyes，aredflameofoutragedmodestyoverspreadherface。
Oh，shecried，asobcatchingherthroat，oh，howcouldtheydoit？Butotherfearsintruded。othergreaterterrorsimpended。
Goon，shecriedtoVacca，goonquickly。
ButVaccawouldgonofurther。HehadseenwhathadescapedHilma’sattention，twomen，deputies，nodoubt，ontheporchoftheranchhouse。Theyheldpossessionthere，andtheevidenceofthepresenceoftheenemyinthisraiduponQuienSabehaddauntedhim。
No，SIR，hedeclared，gettingoutofthecarry-all，Iain’tgoingtotakeyouanywherewhereyou’reliabletogethurt。
Besides，theroad’sblockedbyallthisstuff。Youcan’tgettheteamby。
Hilmasprangfromthecarry-all。
Come，shesaidtoMrs。Derrick。
Theolderwoman，trembling，hesitating，faintwithdread，obeyed，andHilma，pickingherwaythroughandaroundthewreckofherhome，setoffbythetrailtowardstheLongTrestleandHooven’s。
Whenshearrived，shefoundtheroadinfrontoftheGerman’shouse，and，indeed，allthesurroundingyard，crowdedwithpeople。Anoverturnedbuggylayonthesideoftheroadinthedistance，itshorsesinatangleofharness，heldbytwoorthreemen。ShesawCaraher’sbuckboardundertheliveoakandnearitasecondbuggywhichsherecognisedasbelongingtoadoctorinGuadalajara。
Oh，whathashappened。oh，whathashappened？moanedMrs。
Derrick。
Come，repeatedHilma。Theyounggirltookherbythehandandtogethertheypushedtheirwaythroughthecrowdofmenandwomenandenteredtheyard。
Thethronggavewaybeforethetwowomen，partingtorightandleftwithoutaword。
Presley，criedMrs。Derrick，asshecaughtsightofhiminthedoorwayofthehouse，oh，Presley，whathashappened？IsHarransafe？IsMagnussafe？Wherearethey？
Don’tgoin，Mrs。Derrick，saidPresley，comingforward，don’tgoin。
Whereismyhusband？demandedHilma。
Presleyturnedawayandsteadiedhimselfagainstthejambofthedoor。
Hilma，leavingMrs。Derrick，enteredthehouse。Thefrontroomwasfullofmen。ShewasdimlyconsciousofCyrusRugglesandS。
Behrman，bothdeadlypale，talkingearnestlyandinwhisperstoCutterandPhelps。Therewasastrange，acridodourofanunfamiliardrugintheair。Onthetablebeforeherwasasatchel，surgicalinstruments，rollsofbandages，andablue，oblongpaperboxfullofcotton。Butabovethehushednoisesofvoicesandfootsteps，oneterriblesoundmadeitselfheard——theprolonged，raspingsoundofbreathing，halfchoked，laboured，agonised。
Whereismyhusband？shecried。Shepushedthemenaside。ShesawMagnus，bareheaded，threeorfourmenlyingonthefloor，onehalfnaked，hisbodyswathedinwhitebandages。thedoctorinshirtsleeves，ononekneebesideafigureofamanstretchedoutbesidehim。
Garnettturnedawhitefacetoher。
Whereismyhusband？
Theotherdidnotreply，butsteppedasideandHilmasawthedeadbodyofherhusbandlyinguponthebed。Shedidnotcryout。
Shesaidnoword。Shewenttothebed，andsittinguponit，tookAnnixter’sheadinherlap，holdingitgentlybetweenherhands。
Thereaftershedidnotmove，butsatholdingherdeadhusband’sheadinherlap，lookingvaguelyaboutfromfacetofaceofthoseintheroom，while，withoutasob，withoutacry，thegreattearsfilledherwide-openedeyesandrolledslowlydownuponhercheeks。
Onhearingthathiswifewasoutside，Magnuscamequicklyforward。Shethrewherselfintohisarms。
Tellme，tellme，shecried，isHarran——is——
Wedon’tknowyet，heanswered。Oh，Annie——
ThensuddenlytheGovernorcheckedhimself。He，theindomitable，couldnotbreakdownnow。
Thedoctoriswithhim，hesaid。wearedoingallwecan。Tryandbebrave，Annie。Thereisalwayshope。Thisisaterribleday’swork。Godforgiveusall。
Shepressedforward，butheheldherback。
No，don’tseehimnow。Gointothenextroom。Garnett，takecareofher。
Butshewouldnotbedenied。ShepushedbyMagnus，and，breakingthroughthegroupthatsurroundedherson，sankonherkneesbesidehim，moaning，incompassionandterror。
Harranlaystraightandrigiduponthefloor，hisheadproppedbyapillow，hiscoatthathadbeentakenoffspreadoverhischest。
Onelegofhistrouserswassoakedthroughandthroughwithblood。Hiseyeswerehalf-closed，andwiththeregularityofamachine，theeyeballstwitchedandtwitched。Hisfacewassowhitethatitmadehisyellowhairlookbrown，whilefromhisopenedmouth，thereissuedthatloudandterriblesoundofguttering，rasping，labouredbreathingthatgaggedandchokedandgurgledwitheveryinhalation。
Oh，Harrie，Harrie，calledMrs。Derrick，catchingatoneofhishands。
Thedoctorshookhishead。
Heisunconscious，Mrs。Derrick。
Wherewashe——whereis——the——the——
Throughthelungs。
Willhegetwell？Tellmethetruth。
Idon’tknow。Mrs。Derrick。
Shehadallbutfainted，andtheoldrancher，Garnett，half-
carrying，half-leadingher，tookhertotheoneadjoiningroom——
MinnaHooven’sbedchamber。Dazed，numbwithfear，shesatdownontheedgeofthebed，rockingherselfbackandforth，murmuring：
Harrie，Harrie，oh，myson，mylittleboy。
Intheoutsideroom，Presleycameandwent，doingwhathecouldtobeofservice，sickwithhorror，tremblingfromheadtofoot。
ThesurvivingmembersofbothLeaguersanddeputies——thewarringfactionsoftheRailroadandthePeople——mingledtogethernowwithnothoughtofhostility。PresleyhelpedthedoctortocoverChristian’sbody。S。BehrmanandRugglesheldbowlsofwaterwhileOstermanwasattendedto。Thehorrorofthatdreadfulbusinesshaddrivenallotherconsiderationsfromthemind。Theswornfoesofthelasthourhadnothoughtofanythingbuttocareforthosewhom，intheirfury，theyhadshotdown。Themarshal，abandoningforthatdaytheattempttoservethewrits，departedforSanFrancisco。
Thebodieshadbeenbroughtinfromtheroadwheretheyfell。
Annixter’scorpsehadbeenlaiduponthebed。thoseofDabneyandHooven，whosewoundshadallbeeninthefaceandhead，werecoveredwithatablecloth。Uponthefloor，placesweremadefortheothers。CutterandRugglesrodeintoGuadalajaratobringoutthedoctorthere，andtotelephonetoBonnevilleforothers。
Ostermanhadnotatanytimesincetheshooting，lostconsciousness。HelayuponthefloorofHooven’shouse，baretothewaist，bandagesofadhesivetapereevedabouthisabdomenandshoulder。Hiseyeswerehalf-closed。Presley，wholookedafterhim，pendingthearrivalofahackfromBonnevillethatwastotakehimhome，knewthathewasinagony。
Butthisposer，thissillyfellow，thiscrackerofjokes，whomnoonehadevertakenveryseriously，atthelastredeemedhimself。
Whenatlength，thedoctorhadarrived，hehad，forthefirsttime，openedhiseyes。
Icanwait，hesaid。TakeHarranfirst。
Andwhenatlength，histurnhadcome，andwhilethesweatrolledfromhisforeheadasthedoctorbeganprobingforthebullet，hehadreachedouthisfreearmandtakenPresley’shandinhis，grippingitharderandharder，astheprobeenteredthewound。
Hisbreathcameshortthroughhisnostrils。hisface，thefaceofacomicactor，withitshighcheekbones，baldforehead，andsalientears，grewpalerandpaler，hisgreatslitofamouthshuttight，butheutterednogroan。
Whentheworstanguishwasoverandhecouldfindbreathtospeak，hisfirstwordshadbeen：
Wereanyoftheothersbadlyhurt？
AsPresleystoodbythedoorofthehouseafterbringinginapailofwaterforthedoctor，hewasawareofapartyofmenwhohadstruckofffromtheroadontheothersideoftheirrigatingditchandwereadvancingcautiouslyintothefieldofwheat。HewonderedwhatitmeantandCutter，comingupatthatmoment，Presleyaskedhimifheknew。
It’sDelaney，saidCutter。Itseemsthatwhenhewasshothecrawledoffintothewheat。Theyarelookingforhimthere。
Presleyhadforgottenallaboutthebusterandhadonlyavaguerecollectionofseeinghimslidefromhishorseatthebeginningofthefight。Anxioustoknowwhathadbecomeofhim，hehurriedupandjoinedthepartyofsearchers。
Webetterlookout，saidoneoftheyoungmen，howwegofoolingaroundinhere。Ifhe’saliveyethe’sjustasliableasnottothinkwe’reafterhimandtakeashotatus。
Iguessthereain’tmuchfightleftinhim，anotheranswered。
Lookatthewheathere。
Lord！He’sbledlikeastuckpig。
Here’shishat，abruptlyexclaimedtheleaderoftheparty。
Hecan’tbefaroff。Let’scallhim。
Theycalledrepeatedlywithoutgettinganyanswer，thenproceededcautiously。Allatoncethemeninadvancestoppedsosuddenlythatthosefollowingcarromedagainstthem。Therewasanoutburstofexclamation。
Hereheis！
GoodLord！Sure，that’shim。
Poorfellow，poorfellow。
Thecow-puncherlayonhisback，deepinthewheat，hiskneesdrawnup，hiseyeswideopen，hislipsbrown。Rigidlygrippedinonehandwashisemptyrevolver。
Themen，farmhandsfromtheneighbouringranches，youngfellowsfromGuadalajara，drewbackininstinctiverepulsion。Oneatlengthventurednear，peeringdownintotheface。
Ishedead？inquiredthoseintherear。
Idon’tknow。
Well，putyourhandonhisheart。
No！I——Idon’twantto。
Whatyouafraidof？
Well，Ijustdon’twanttotouchhim，that’sall。It’sbadluck。YOUfeelhisheart。
Youcan’talwaystellbythat。
Howcanyoutell，then？Pshaw，youfellowsmakemesick。Here，letmegetthere。I’lldoit。
Therewasalongpause，astheotherbentdownandlaidhishandonthecow-puncher’sbreast。
Well？
Ican’ttell。SometimesIthinkIfeelitbeatandsometimesI
don’t。Ineversawadeadmanbefore。
Well，youcan’ttellbytheheart。
What’sthegoodoftalkingsoblamemuch。Deadornot，let’scarryhimbacktothehouse。
Twoorthreeranbacktotheroadforplanksfromthebrokenbridge。Whentheyreturnedwiththesealitterwasimprovised，andthrowingtheircoatsoverthebody，thepartycarrieditbacktotheroad。Thedoctorwassummonedanddeclaredthecow-
punchertohavebeendeadoverhalfanhour。
WhatdidItellyou？exclaimedoneofthegroup。
Well，Ineversaidhewasn’tdead，protestedtheother。I
onlysaidyoucouldn’talwaystellbywhetherhisheartbeatornot。
Butallatoncetherewasacommotion。ThewagoncontainingMrs。
Hooven，Minna，andlittleHildadroveup。
Eh，den，mymen，criedMrs。Hooven，wildlyinterrogatingthefacesofthecrowd。Whadthashappun？Sey，den，dosevellers，hevdeyhurdtmymen，eh，whadt？
Shesprangfromthewagon，followedbyMinnawithHildainherarms。Thecrowdborebackastheyadvanced，staringattheminsilence。
Eh，whadthashappun，whadthashappun？wailedMrs。Hooven，asshehurriedon，hertwohandsoutbeforeher，thefingersspreadwide。Eh，Hooven，eh，mymen，areyouallerighdt？
Sheburstintothehouse。Hooven’sbodyhadbeenremovedtoanadjoiningroom，thebedroomofthehouse，andtothisroomMrs。
Hooven——Minnastillatherheels——proceeded，guidedbyaninstinctbornoftheoccasion。Thoseintheoutsideroom，sayingnoword，madewayforthem。Theyentered，closingthedoorbehindthem，andthroughalltherestofthatterribleday，nosoundnorsightofthemwashadbythosewhocrowdedintoandaboutthathouseofdeath。Ofallthemainactorsofthetragedyofthefightintheditch，theyremainedtheleastnoted，obtrudedthemselvestheleastupontheworld’sobservation。Theywere，forthemoment，forgotten。
ButbynowHooven’shousewasthecentreofanenormouscrowd。A
vastconcourseofpeoplefromBonneville，fromGuadalajara，fromtheranches，swelledbythethousandswhohadthatmorningparticipatedintherabbitdrive，surgedabouttheplace。menandwomen，youngboys，younggirls，farmhands，villagers，townspeople，ranchers，railroademployees，Mexicans，Spaniards，Portuguese。Presley，returningfromthesearchforDelaney’sbody，hadtofighthiswaytothehouseagain。
Andfromallthismultitudethereroseanindefinablemurmur。Asyet，therewasnomenaceinit，noanger。Itwasconfusionmerely，bewilderment，thefirstlong-drawnoh！thatgreetsthenewsofsomegreattragedy。Thepeoplehadtakennothoughtasyet。Curiositywastheirdominantimpulse。Everyonewantedtoseewhathadbeendone。failingthat，tohearofit，andfailingthat，tobenearthesceneoftheaffair。Thecrowdofpeoplepackedtheroadinfrontofthehousefornearlyaquarterofamileineitherdirection。Theybalancedthemselvesuponthelowerstrandsofthebarbedwirefenceintheirefforttoseeovereachothers’shoulders。theystoodontheseatsoftheircarts，buggies，andfarmwagons，afewevenuponthesaddlesoftheirridinghorses。Theycrowded，pushed，struggled，surgedforwardandbackwithoutknowingwhy，convergingincessantlyuponHooven’shouse。
When，atlength，Presleygottothegate，hefoundacarry-alldrawnupbeforeit。Betweenthegateandthedoorofthehousealanehadbeenformed，andashepausedthereamoment，agroupofLeaguers，amongwhomwereGarnettandGethings，cameslowlyfromthedoorcarryingoldBrodersonintheirarms。Thedoctor，bareheadedandinhisshirtsleeves，squintinginthesunlight，attendedthem，repeatingateverystep：
Slow，slow，takeiteasy，gentlemen。
OldBrodersonwasunconscious。Hisfacewasnotpale，nobandagescouldbeseen。Withinfiniteprecautions，themenborehimtothecarry-allanddepositedhimonthebackseat。therainflapswereletdownononesidetoshutoffthegazeofthemultitude。
Butatthispointamomentofconfusionensued。Presley，becauseofhalfadozenpeoplewhostoodinhisway，couldnotseewhatwasgoingon。Therewereexclamations，hurriedmovements。Thedoctorutteredasharpcommandandamanranbacktothehousereturningontheinstantwiththedoctor’ssatchel。Bythistime，Presleywasclosetothewheelsofthecarry-allandcouldseethedoctorinsidethevehiclebendingoveroldBroderson。
Hereitis，hereitis，exclaimedthemanwhohadbeensenttothehouse。
Iwon’tneedit，answeredthedoctor，he’sdyingnow。
Atthewordsagreathushwidenedthroughoutthethrongnearathand。Somementookofftheirhats。
Standback，protestedthedoctorquietly，standback，goodpeople，please。
Thecrowdborebackalittle。Inthesilence，awomanbegantosob。Thesecondspassed，thenaminute。Thehorsesofthecarry-allshiftedtheirfeetandwhiskedtheirtails，drivingofftheflies。Atlength，thedoctorgotdownfromthecarry-all，lettingdowntherain-flapsonthatsideaswell。
Willsomebodygohomewiththebody？heasked。Gethingssteppedforwardandtookhisplacebythedriver。Thecarry-alldroveaway。
Presleyreenteredthehouse。DuringhisabsenceithadbeenclearedofallbutoneortwooftheLeaguers，whohadtakenpartinthefight。HilmastillsatonthebedwithAnnixter’sheadinherlap。S。Behrman，Ruggles，andalltherailroadpartyhadgone。OstermanhadbeentakenawayinahackandthetableclothoverDabney’sbodyreplacedwithasheet。Butstillunabated，agonised，raucous，camethesoundsofHarran’sbreathing。
Everythingpossiblehadalreadybeendone。Forthemomentitwasoutofthequestiontoattempttomovehim。Hismotherandfatherwereathisside，Magnus，withafaceofstone，hislookfixedonthosepersistentlytwitchingeyes，AnnieDerrickcrouchingatherson’sside，oneofhishandsinhers，fanninghisfacecontinuallywiththecrumpledsheetofanoldnewspaper。
Presleyontip-toesjoinedthegroup，lookingonattentively。
OneofthesurgeonswhohadbeencalledfromBonnevillestoodcloseby，watchingHarran’sface，hisarmsfolded。
Howishe？Presleywhispered。
Hewon’tlive，theotherresponded。
Bydegreesthechokeandgurgleofthebreathingbecamemoreirregularandthelidsclosedoverthetwitchingeyes。Allatoncethebreathceased。Magnusshotaninquiringglanceatthesurgeon。
Heisdead，Mr。Derrick，thesurgeonreplied。
AnnieDerrick，withacrythatrangthroughallthehouse，stretchedherselfoverthebodyofherson，herheaduponhisbreast，andtheGovernor’sgreatshouldersbowednevertoriseagain。
Godhelpmeandforgiveme，hegroaned。
Presleyrushedfromthehouse，besidehimselfwithgrief，withhorror，withpity，andwithmad，insensaterage。OntheporchoutsideCarahermethim。
Ishe——ishe——beganthesaloon-keeper。
Yes，he’sdead，criedPresley。They’realldead，murdered，shotdown，dead，dead，allofthem。Whoseturnisnext？
That’sthewaytheykilledmywife，Presley。
Caraher，criedPresley，givemeyourhand。I’vebeenwrongallthetime。TheLeagueiswrong。Alltheworldiswrong。Youaretheonlyoneofusallwhoisright。I’mwithyoufromnowon。BYGOD，ITOO，I’MARED！
Incourseoftime，afarmwagonfromBonnevillearrivedatHooven’s。ThebodiesofAnnixterandHarranwereplacedinit，anditdrovedowntheLowerRoadtowardstheLosMuertosranchhouses。
ThebodiesofDelaneyandChristianhadalreadybeencarriedtoGuadalajaraandthencetakenbytraintoBonneville。
HilmafollowedthefarmwagonintheDerricks’carry-all，withMagnusandhiswife。Duringallthatridenoneofthemspokeaword。Ithadbeenarrangedthat，sinceQuienSabewasinthehandsoftheRailroad，HilmashouldcometoLosMuertos。TothatplacealsoAnnixter’sbodywascarried。
Lateronintheday，whenitwasalmostevening，theundertaker’sblackwagonpassedtheDerricks’HomeranchonitswayfromHooven’sandturnedintothecountyroadtowardsBonneville。Theinitialexcitementoftheaffairoftheirrigatingditchhaddieddown。thecrowdlongsincehaddispersed。BythetimethewagonpassedCaraher’ssaloon，thesunhadset。Nightwascomingon。
Andtheblackwagonwentonthroughthedarkness，unattended，ignored，solitary，carryingthedeadbodyofDabney，thesilentoldmanofwhomnothingwasknownbuthisname，whomadenofriends，whomnobodykneworspoketo，whohadcomefromnooneknewwhenceandwhowentnooneknewwhither。
Towardsmidnightofthatsameday，Mrs。Dykewasawakenedbythesoundsofgroaningintheroomnexttohers。MagnusDerrickwasnotsooccupiedbyHarran’sdeaththathecouldnotthinkofotherswhowereindistress，andwhenhehadheardthatMrs。DykeandSidney，likeHilma，hadbeenturnedoutofQuienSabe，hehadthrownopenLosMuertostothem。
Though，hewarnedthem，itisprecarioushospitalityatthebest。
Untillate，Mrs。DykehadsatupwithHilma，comfortingherasbestshecould，rockinghertoandfroinherarms，cryingwithher，tryingtoquiether，foroncehavinggivenwaytohergrief，Hilmaweptwithaterribleanguishandaviolencethatrackedherfromheadtofoot，andatlast，wornout，alittlechildagain，hadsobbedherselftosleepintheolderwoman’sarms，andasalittlechild，Mrs。Dykehadputhertobedandhadretiredherself。
Arousedafewhourslaterbythesoundsofadistressthatwasphysical，aswellasmental，Mrs。DykehurriedintoHilma’sroom，carryingthelampwithher。
Mrs。Dykeneedednoenlightenment。ShewokePresleyandbesoughthimtotelephonetoBonnevilleatonce，summoningadoctor。ThatnightHilmaingreatpainsufferedamiscarriage。
Presleydidnotclosehiseyesonceduringthenight。hedidnotevenremovehisclothes。Longafterthedoctorhaddepartedandthathouseoftragedyhadquieteddown，hestillremainedinhisplacebytheopenwindowofhislittleroom，lookingoffacrosstheleaguesofgrowingwheat，watchingtheslowkindlingofthedawn。Horrorweighedintolerablyuponhim。Monstrousthings，huge，terrible，whosenamesheknewonlytoowell，whirledatagallopthroughhisimagination，orrosespectralandgrislybeforetheeyesofhismind。Harrandead，Annixterdead，Brodersondead，Osterman，perhaps，evenatthatmomentdying。
Why，thesemenhadmadeuphisworld。Annixterhadbeenhisbestfriend，Harran，hisalmostdailycompanion。BrodersonandOstermanwerefamiliartohimasbrothers。Theywereallhisassociates，hisgoodfriends，thegroupwashisenvironment，belongingtohisdailylife。Andhe，standingthereinthedustoftheroadbytheirrigatingditch，hadseenthemshot。Hefoundhimselfsuddenlyathistable，thecandleburningathiselbow，hisjournalbeforehim，writingswiftly，thedesireforexpression，thecravingforoutlettothethoughtsthatclamouredtumultuousathisbrain，nevermoreinsistent，moreimperious。
Thushewrote：
Dabneydead，Hoovendead，Harrandead，Annixterdead，Brodersondead，Ostermandying，S。Behrmanalive，successful。theRailroadinpossessionofQuienSabe。Isawthemshot。NottwelvehourssinceIstoodthereattheirrigatingditch。Ah，thatterriblemomentofhorrorandconfusion！powdersmoke——flashingpistolbarrels——bloodstains——rearinghorses——menstaggeringtotheirdeath——Christianinahorribleposture，onerigidleghighintheairacrosshissaddle——Brodersonfallingsidewaysintotheditch——
Ostermanlayinghimselfdown，hisheadonhisarms，asiftired，tiredout。Thesethings，Ihaveseenthem。Thepictureofthisday’sworkisfromhenceforthpartofmymind，partofME。Theyhavedoneit，S。Behrmanandtheownersoftherailroadhavedoneit，whilealltheworldlookedon，whilethepeopleoftheseUnitedStateslookedon。Oh，comenowandtryyourtheoriesuponus，usoftheranchos，us，whohavesuffered，us，whoKNOW。Oh，talktoUSnowofthe’rightsofCapital，’talktoUSoftheTrust，talktoUSofthe’equilibriumbetweentheclasses。’Tryyouringeniousideasuponus。WEKNOW。Icannottellwhetherornotyourtheoriesareexcellent。Idonotknowifyourideasareplausible。Idonotknowhowpracticalisyourschemeofsociety。IdonotknowiftheRailroadhasarighttoourlands，butIDOknowthatHarranisdead，thatAnnixterisdead，thatBrodersonisdead，thatHoovenisdead，thatOstermanisdying，andthatS。Behrmanisalive，successful，triumphant。thathehasriddenintopossessionofaprincipalityoverthedeadbodiesoffivemenshotdownbyhishiredassociates。
Icanseetheoutcome。TheRailroadwillprevail。TheTrustwilloverpowerus。Hereinthiscornerofagreatnation，here，ontheedgeofthecontinent，here，inthisvalleyoftheWest，farfromthegreatcentres，isolated，remote，lost，thegreatironhandcrusheslifefromus，crusheslibertyandthepursuitofhappinessfromus，andourlittlestruggles，ourmoment’sconvulsionofdeathagonycausesnotonejarinthevast，clashingmachineryofthenation’slife。afleckofgritinthewheels，perhaps，agrainofsandinthecogs——themomentarycreakoftheaxleisthemother’swailofbereavement，thewife’scryofanguish——andthegreatwheelturns，spinningsmoothagain，evenagain，andthetinyimpedimentofasecond，scarcenoticed，isforgotten。Makethepeoplebelievethatthefainttremourintheirgreatengineisamenacetoitsfunction？Whatafollytothinkofit。Tellthemofthedangerandtheywilllaughatyou。
Tellthem，fiveyearsfromnow，thestoryofthefightbetweentheLeagueoftheSanJoaquinandtheRailroadanditwillnotbebelieved。What！apitchedbattlebetweenFarmerandRailroad，abattlethatcostthelivesofsevenmen？Impossible，itcouldnothavehappened。Yourstoryisfiction——isexaggerated。
YetitisLexington——Godhelpus，Godenlightenus，Godrouseusfromourlethargy——itisLexington。farmerswithgunsintheirhandsfightingforLiberty。IsourStateofCaliforniatheonlyonethathasitsancientandhereditaryfoe？AretherenootherTrustsbetweentheoceansthanthisofthePacificandSouthwesternRailroad？Askyourselves，youoftheMiddleWest，askyourselves，youoftheNorth，askyourselves，youoftheEast，askyourselves，youoftheSouth——askyourselves，everycitizenofeveryStatefromMainetoMexico，fromtheDakotastotheCarolinas，haveyounotthemonsterinyourboundaries？IfitisnotaTrustoftransportation，itisonlyanotherheadofthesameHydra。Isnotourdeathstruggletypical？Isitnotoneofmany，isitnotsymbolicalofthegreatandterribleconflictthatisgoingoneverywhereintheseUnitedStates？Ah，youpeople，blind，bound，tricked，betrayed，canyounotseeit？
Canyounotseehowthemonstershaveplunderedyourtreasuresandholdingtheminthegripoftheirironclaws，dolethemouttoyouonlyatthepriceofyourblood，atthepriceofthelivesofyourwivesandyourlittlechildren？YougiveyourbabiestoMolochfortheloafofbreadyouhavekneadedyourselves。YouofferyourstarvedwivestoJuggernautfortheironnailyouhaveyourselvescompounded。
Hespentthenightoverhisjournal，writingdownsuchthoughtsastheseorwalkingthefloorfromwalltowall，or，seizedattimeswithunreasoninghorrorandblindrage，flinginghimselffacedownwarduponhisbed，vowingwithinarticulatecriesthatneitherS。BehrmannorShelgrimshouldeverlivetoconsummatetheirtriumph。
Morningcameandwithitthedailypapersandnews。PresleydidnotevenglanceattheMercury。Bonnevillepublishedtwootherdailyjournalsthatprofessedtovoicethewillandreflectthetemperofthepeopleandthesehereadeagerly。
Ostermanwasyetaliveandtherewerechancesofhisrecovery。
TheLeague——somethreehundredofitsmembershadgatheredatBonnevilleovernightandwerepatrollingthestreetsand，stillresolvedtokeepthepeace，wereevenguardingtherailroadshopsandbuildings。Furthermore，theLeaguershadissuedmanifestoes，urgingallcitizenstopreservelawandorder，yetsummoninganindignationmeetingtobeconvenedthatafternoonattheCityOperaHouse。
ItappearedfromthenewspapersthatthosewhoobstructedthemarshalinthedischargeofhisdutycouldbeproceededagainstbytheDistrictAttorneyoninformationorbybringingthematterbeforetheGrandJury。ButtheGrandJurywasnotatthattimeinsession，anditwasknownthattherewerenofundsinthemarshal’sofficetopayexpensesforthesummoningofjurorsortheservingofprocesses。S。BehrmanandRugglesininterviewsstatedthattheRailroadwithdrewentirelyfromthefight。thematternow，accordingtothem，wasbetweentheLeaguersandtheUnitedStatesGovernment。theywashedtheirhandsofthewholebusiness。TherancherscouldsettlewithWashington。ButitseemedthatCongresshadrecentlyforbadetheuseoftroopsforcivilpurposes。thewholematteroftheLeague-Railroadcontestwasevidentlyforthemomenttobeleftinstatusquo。
ButtoPresley’smindthemostimportantpieceofnewsthatmorningwasthereportoftheactionoftheRailroaduponhearingofthebattle。
InstantlyBonnevillehadbeenisolated。Notasinglelocaltrainwasrunning，notoneofthethroughtrainsmadeanyhaltatthestation。Themailswerenotmoved。Furtherthanthis，bysomearrangementdifficulttounderstand，thetelegraphoperatorsatBonnevilleandGuadalajara，actingunderorders，refusedtoreceiveanytelegramsexceptthoseemanatingfromrailwayofficials。Thestoryofthefight，thestorycreatingthefirstimpression，wastobetoldtoSanFranciscoandtheoutsideworldbyS。Behrman，Ruggles，andthelocalP。andS。W。agents。
Anhourbeforebreakfast，theundertakersarrivedandtookchargeofthebodiesofHarranandAnnixter。PresleysawneitherHilma，Magnus，norMrs。Derrick。ThedoctorcametolookafterHilma。
HebreakfastedwithMrs。DykeandPresley，andfromhimPresleylearnedthatHilmawouldrecoverbothfromtheshockofherhusband’sdeathandfromhermiscarriageofthepreviousnight。
Sheoughttohavehermotherwithher，saidthephysician。
Shedoesnothingbutcallforherorbegtobeallowedtogotoher。IhavetriedtogetawirethroughtoMrs。Tree，butthecompanywillnottakeit，andevenifIcouldgetwordtoher，howcouldshegetdownhere？Therearenotrains。
ButPresleyfoundthatitwasimpossibleforhimtostayatLosMuertosthatday。Gloomandtheshadowoftragedybroodedheavyovertheplace。Agreatsilencepervadedeverything，asilencebrokenonlybythesubduedcomingandgoingoftheundertakerandhisassistants。WhenPresley，havingresolvedtogointoBonneville，cameoutthroughthedoorwayofthehouse，hefoundtheundertakertyingalongstripofcrapetothebell-handle。
Presleysaddledhisponyandrodeintotown。Bythistime，afterlonghoursofcontinuedreflectionupononesubject，asombrebroodingmalevolence，adeep-seateddesireofrevenge，hadgrownbigwithinhismind。Thefirstnumbnesshadpassedoff。
familiaritywithwhathadbeendonehadbluntedtheedgeofhorror，andnowtheimpulseofretaliationprevailed。Atfirst，thesullenangerofdefeat，thesenseofoutrage，hadonlysmouldered，butthemorehebrooded，thefiercerflamedhisrage。
Suddenparoxysmsofwrathgrippedhimbythethroat。abruptoutburstsoffuryinjectedhiseyeswithblood。Hegroundhisteeth，hismouthfilledwithcurses，hishandsclenchedtilltheygrewwhiteandbloodless。WastheRailroadtotriumphthenintheend？Afterallthosemonthsofpreparation，afterallthosegrandiloquentresolutions，afterallthearrogantpresumptionoftheLeague！TheLeague！whatafarce。whathaditamountedtowhenthecrisiscame？WastheTrusttocrushthemallsoeasily？
WasS。BehrmantoswallowLosMuertos？S。Behrman！Presleysawhimplainly，huge，rotund，white。sawhisjowltremulousandobese，therolloffatoverhiscollarsprinkledwithsparsehairs，thegreatstomachwithitsbrownlinenvestandheavywatchchainofhollowlinks，clinkingagainstthebuttonsofimitationpearl。AndthismanwastocrushMagnusDerrick——hadalreadystampedthelifefromsuchmenasHarranandAnnixter。
Thisman，inthenameoftheTrust，wastograbLosMuertosashehadgrabbedQuienSabe，andafterLosMuertos，Broderson’sranch，thenOsterman’s，thenothers，andstillothers，thewholevalley，thewholeState。
Presleybeathisforeheadwithhisclenchedfistasherodeon。
No，hecried，no，killhim，killhim，killhimwithmyhands。
Theideaofitputhimbesidehimself。Oh，tosinkhisfingersdeepintothewhite，fatthroatoftheman，toclutchlikeironintothegreatpuffedjowlofhim，towrenchoutthelife，tobatteritout，strangleitout，topayhimbackforthelongyearsofextortionandoppression，tosquareaccountsforbribedjurors，boughtjudges，corruptedlegislatures，tohavejusticeforthetrickoftheRanchers’RailroadCommission，thecharlatanismofthetenpercent。cut，theruinofDyke，theseizureofQuienSabe，themurderofHarran，theassassinationofAnnixter！
ItwasinsuchmoodthathereachedCaraher’s。Thesaloon-keeperhadjustopenedhisplaceandwasstandinginhisdoorway，smokinghispipe。Presleydismountedandwentinandthetwohadalongtalk。
When，threehourslater，PresleycameoutofthesaloonandrodeontowardsBonneville，hisfacewasverypale，hislipsshuttight，resolute，determined。Hismannerwasthatofamanwhosemindismadeup。
ThehourforthemassmeetingattheOperaHousehadbeensetforoneo’clock，butlongbeforenoonthestreetinfrontofthebuildingand，infact，allthestreetsinitsvicinity，werepackedfromsidetosidewithashifting，struggling，surging，andexcitedmultitude。Therewerefewwomeninthethrong，buthardlyasinglemaleinhabitantofeitherBonnevilleorGuadalajarawasabsent。MenhadevencomefromVisaliaandPixley。ItwasnolongerthecrowdofcuriosityseekersthathadthrongedaroundHooven’splacebytheirrigatingditch。thePeoplewerenolongerconfused，bewildered。Afullrealisationofjustwhathadbeendonethedaybeforewasclearnowinthemindsofall。Businesswassuspended。nearlyallthestoreswereclosed。SinceearlymorningthemembersoftheLeaguehadputinanappearanceandrodefrompointtopoint，theirriflesacrosstheirsaddlepommels。Then，byteno’clock，thestreetshadbeguntofillup，thegroupsonthecornersgrewandmergedintooneanother。pedestrians，unabletofindroomonthesidewalks，tooktothestreets。Hourlythecrowdincreasedtillshoulderstouchedandelbows，tillfreecirculationbecameimpeded，thencongested，thenimpossible。Thecrowd，asolidmass，waswedgedtightfromstorefronttostorefront。Andfromallthisthrong，thissingleunit，thisliving，breathingorganism——thePeople——
thereroseadroning，terriblenote。Itwasnotyetthewild，fierceclamourofriotandinsurrection，shrill，highpitched。
butitwasabeginning，thegrowloftheawakenedbrute，feelingtheironinitsflank，heavingupitsheadwithbaredteeth，thethroatvibratingtothelong，indrawnsnarlofwrath。
Thustheforenoonpassed，whilethepeople，theirbulkgrowinghourlyvaster，kepttothestreets，movingslowlybackwardandforward，oscillatinginthegroovesofthethoroughfares，thesteady，low-pitchedgrowlrisingcontinuallyintothehot，stillair。
Then，atlength，abouttwelveo’clock，themovementofthethrongassumeddefinitedirection。ItsettowardstheOperaHouse。
Presley，whohadlefthisponyattheCityliverystable，foundhimselfcaughtinthecurrentandcarriedslowlyforwardinitsdirection。Hisarmswerepinionedtohissidesbythepress，thecrushagainsthisbodywasallbutrib-cracking，hecouldhardlydrawhisbreath。Allaroundhimroseandfellwaveafterwaveoffaces，hundredsuponhundreds，thousandsuponthousands，red，lowering，sullen。Allweresetinonedirectionandslowly，slowlytheyadvanced，crowdingcloser，tilltheyalmosttouchedoneanother。Forreasonsthatwereinexplicable，great，tumultuousheavings，likeground-swellsofanincomingtide，surgedoverandthroughthemultitude。Attimes，Presley，liftedfromhisfeet，wassweptback，back，back，withthecrowd，tilltheentranceoftheOperaHousewashalfablockaway。then，thereturningbillowbeatbackagainandswunghimalong，gasping，staggering，clutching，tillhewaslandedoncemoreinthevortexoffranticactioninfrontofthefoyer。Herethewaveswereshorter，quicker，thecrushingpressureonallsidesofhisbodylefthimwithoutstrengthtoutterthecrythatrosetohislips。
then，suddenlythewholemassofstruggling，stamping，fighting，writhingmenabouthimseemed，asitwere，torise，tolift，multitudinous，swelling，gigantic。AmightyrushdashedPresleyforwardinitsleap。Therewasamoment’swhirlofconfusedsights，congestedfaces，openedmouths，bloodshoteyes，clutchinghands。amoment’soutburstoffurioussound，shouts，cheers，oaths。amoment’sjamwhereinPresleyveritablybelievedhisribsmustsnaplikepipestemsandhewascarried，dazed，breathless，helpless，anatomonthecrestofastorm-drivenwave，upthestepsoftheOperaHouse，onintothevestibule，throughthedoors，andatlastintotheauditoriumofthehouseitself。
Therewasamadrushforplaces。mendisdainingtheaisle，steppedfromoneorchestrachairtoanother，stridingoverthebacksofseats，leavingtheprintofdustyfeetupontheredplushcushions。Inatwinklingthehousewasfilledfromstagetotopmostgallery。Theaisleswerepackedsolid，evenontheedgeofthestageitselfmenweresitting，ablackfringeoneithersideofthefootlights。
Thecurtainwasup，disclosingahalf-setscene，——theflats，leaningatperilousangles，——thatrepresentedsomesortofterrace，thepavement，alternatesquaresofblackandwhitemarble，whilered，white，andyellowflowerswererepresentedasgrowingfromurnsandvases。Along，doublerowofchairsstretchedacrossthescenefromwingtowing，flankingatablecoveredwitharedcloth，onwhichwassetapitcherofwaterandaspeaker’sgavel。
PromptlythesechairswerefilledupwithmembersoftheLeague，theaudiencecheeringascertainwell-knownfiguresmadetheirappearance——GarnettoftheRubyranch，GethingsoftheSanPablo，Keastoftheranchofthesamename，ChatternoftheBonanza，elderlymen，bearded，slowofspeech，deliberate。
Garnettopenedthemeeting。hisspeechwasplain，straightforward，matter-of-fact。Hesimplytoldwhathadhappened。Heannouncedthatcertainresolutionsweretobedrawnup。Heintroducedthenextspeaker。
Thisonepleadedformoderation。Hewasconservative。Allalonghehadopposedtheideaofarmedresistanceexceptastheverylastresort。Hedeploredtheterribleaffairofyesterday。Hebeggedthepeopletowaitinpatience，toattemptnomoreviolence。HeinformedthemthatarmedguardsoftheLeaguewere，atthatmoment，patrollingLosMuertos，Broderson’s，andOsterman’s。ItwaswellknownthattheUnitedStatesmarshalconfessedhimselfpowerlesstoservethewrits。Therewouldbenomorebloodshed。
Wehavehad，hecontinued，bloodshedenough，andIwanttosayrightherethatIamnotsosurebutwhatyesterday’sterribleaffairmighthavebeenavoided。Agentlemanwhomweallesteem，whofromthefirsthasbeenourrecognisedleader，is，atthismoment，mourningthelossofayoungson，killedbeforehiseyes。
GodknowsthatIsympathise，asdoweall，intheafflictionofourPresident。Iamsorryforhim。Myheartgoesouttohiminthishourofdistress，but，atthesametime，thepositionoftheLeaguemustbedefined。Weoweittoourselves，weoweittothepeopleofthiscounty。TheLeaguearmedfortheverypurposeofpreservingthepeace，notofbreakingit。Webelievedthatwithsixhundredarmedanddrilledmenatourdisposal，readytomusteratamoment’scall，wecouldsooveraweanyattempttoexpelusfromourlandsthatsuchanattemptwouldnotbemadeuntilthecasespendingbeforetheSupremeCourthadbeendecided。Ifwhentheenemyappearedinourmidstyesterdaytheyhadbeenmetbysixhundredrifles，itisnotconceivablethattheissuewouldhavebeenforced。Nofightwouldhaveensued，andto-daywewouldnothavetomournthedeathsoffourofourfellow-citizens。AmistakehasbeenmadeandweoftheLeaguemustnotbeheldresponsible。