“When it’s in the blood of two fellers to fight, why thar’s got to be a fight, that’s all. Thar won’t never be no peace until this ere question’s settled. Dave, do you still want to fight him?”
A fierce aftermath of passion gleamed in David’s eyes.
“Yes!” he cried, his nostrils quivering.
“And you’ll fight fair? Jest to punish––with no thought of killin’?”
“I’ll fight fair,” agreed the boy.
“I’ll see that you do. Come here, Jud.”
“I don’t want to fight,” protested Jud sullenly.
“He’s afraid,” said David gleefully, every muscle quivering and straining.
“I ain’t!” yelled Jud.
“Come on, then,” challenged David, a fierce joy tugging at his heart. 61