"But I have permission from the Governor," replied Fred, handing out his pass.
The officer looked at it carefully, then looked Fred over, for he was fully described in the document, and handed it back with, "I reckon it's all right; you can go." And Fred was about to ride on, when a man came running up with a fearful oath, and shouting: "That's you, is it, my fine gentleman? Now you will settle with Bill Pearson for striking him like a nigger!" and there stood the man he had struck at Gallatin, with the fiery red mark still showing across his face.
As quick as a flash Fred snatched a revolver from the holster. "Up with your hands," said he coolly but firmly. Pearson was taken by surprise, and his hands went slowly up. The officer looked from one to the other, and then asked what it meant.
As quick as a flash Fred snatched a Revolver from the holster.
Bill, in a whining tone, told him how on the day he had enlisted, Fred had struck him "just like a nigger." Fred, in a few words, told his side of the story.
"And Bailie Peyton said ye were all right, and Bill here called ye a coward and a liah?" asked the officer.
"Yes, sir."
"Well, Bill, I reckon you got what you deserved. Let the gentleman pass."