Although savage and game, the moonshiner gave in.
Whatever can be said against appealing to Judge Lynch in the South or elsewhere, one thing stands out on close analysis—that this court is seldom appealed to except for one thing. Womenfolk are sacred and the least disrespect, or violation of their rights, is sufficient cause for the summary taking of life.
Bradshaw knew with whom he had to deal and that Byng would not wait long for his answer. A few seconds and his life would go out forever.
"We just put 'em out," he panted, as soon as he came erect and had regained his breath.
"Where did you put 'em out?" shouted the fiercely burning Howard Byng.
"On the island. We didn't hurt 'em."
"What did you do to the man with 'em?"
Bradshaw lapsed again into sullenness until Byng moved toward him menacingly.
"We threw him in the river because he fit us fur the boat. It's our boat."
"You put two lone wimmen on Alligator Island and not a house fur ten miles, and threw the man in the river 'cause he wanted to take care of 'em?" Byng paused, that he might resist the vengeance that surged within him.