CHAPTER X.
A FIGHT AGAINST ODDS.
"Diamond!"
"Great Scott!"
"Here's trouble!"
The lads about the table sprang to their feet, giving utterance to these exclamations. Willis Paulding was the only one who did not say anything, and he failed to speak because the sound seemed to stick in his throat.
Diamond's manner showed that he was fully aroused by what he had overheard, and that he meant "fight" was evident. The hot blood of the Old South was pulsating in his veins and flaming darkly, like a danger signal, in his face.
Pointing straight at Tom Thornton, Jack slowly and distinctly said, his manner showing the struggle he was making to hold himself in check:
"Mr. Thornton, you are a liar! More than that, Mr. Thornton, you know you are a liar!"