"Hold on!" exclaimed the man. "Do you mean to insult me?"
"Not at all," answered the boy.
"But I consider you have insulted me, when you don't think I'm good enough for you to play cards with!"
"I did not say that," was Jed's reply. "I said I didn't believe in gambling or card playing. I don't consider that it's right."
"Then you think I'm doing wrong?"
"I don't think anything about you. I'm simply speaking for myself."
"Aw, you're a tenderfoot! A milksop! Why didn't you stay back East, tied to your mother's apron string? Does she know you're out? Give her my regards!"
That was too much for Jed. That any one should speak disrespectfully of his dear mother was more than he could stand. Without stopping to think of the consequences of his act, he shot out his left arm, his fist caught the gambler squarely on the chin, and the fellow fell flat on his back, after a desperate effort to retain his footing.
There were murmurs of astonishment from all in the room. The boy's act was so sudden it took every one by surprise. Instinctively Will moved nearer to his brother to protect him, for he felt there would be a fight.
The gambler was on his feet in an instant. With a quick motion he drew a revolver and leveled it at Jed.