"Never mind about holding up the train--we're not stopping any man from crossing right now. What I have in mind now is to ask you, do you classify me as a coward just because I counsel prudence here?"
[pg 65]
"You're the one is holding back."
"Answer me! Do you call that to me?"
"I do answer you, and I do call it to you then!" flared Woodhull.
"I tell you, you're a liar, and you know it, Sam Woodhull! And if it pleases your friends and mine, I'd like to have the order now made on unfinished business."
Not all present knew what this meant, for only a few knew of the affair at the rendezvous, the Missourians having held their counsel in the broken and extended train, where men might travel for days and not meet. But Woodhull knew, and sprang to his feet, hand on revolver. Banion's hand was likewise employed at his wet saddle holster, to which he sprang, and perhaps then one man would have been killed but for Bill Jackson, who spurred between.
"Make one move an' I drop ye!" he called to Woodhull. "Ye've give yer promise."
"All right then, I'll keep it," growled Woodhull.