"Shoot!" retorted Pearce. "I obeyed orders as I saw them. ... An' I
want to say right here thet when it comes to anythin' concernin'
this girl you're plumb off your nut. That's what. An' you can like
it or lump it! I said before you'd split over this girl. An' I say
it now!"

Through the door Joan had a glimpse of Cleve stepping between the
angry men. This seemed unnecessary, however, for Pearce's stinging
assertion had brought Kells to himself. There were a few more words,
too low for Joan's ears, and then, accompanied by Smith, the three
started off, evidently for the camp. Joan left her room and watched
them from the cabin door. Bate Wood sat outside smoking.

"I'm declarin' my hand," he said to Joan, feelingly. "I'd never hev
stood for thet scurvy trick. Now, miss, this's the toughest camp I
ever seen. I mean tough as to wimmen! For it ain't begun to fan guns
an' steal gold yet."

"Why did Kells want me insulted?" asked Joan.

"Wal, he's got to hev a reason for raisin' an orful fuss," replied
Wood.

"Fuss?"

"Shore," replied Wood, dryly.

"What for?"

"Jest so he can walk out on the stage," rejoined Wood, evasively.