"What's the matter with these boys?" The County Judge waved his hand toward two hold-over deputies.
"They're fired."
The County Judge laughed.
"Well, I reckon I can't attend to that right now."
"Then, you refuse?"
"Mebby you might call it that."
Samson leaned on the Judge's table, and rapped sharply with his knuckles. His handful of men stood close, and Callomb caught his breath, in the heavy air of storm-freighted suspense. The Hollman partisans filled the room, and others were crowding to the doors.
"I'm High Sheriff of this County now," said Samson, sharply. "You are
County Judge. Do we coöperate—or fight?"
"I reckon," drawled the other, "that's a matter we'll work out as we goes along. Depends on how obedient ye air."
"I'm responsible for the peace and quiet of this County," continued
Samson. "We're going to have peace and quiet."