Hugh’s speech seemed to break the spell under which the man had been laboring, for he raised his fist and struck at Hugh. Before the blow reached him, however, Hugh had thrown his arms about the big man just below the shoulders, pinioning both his arms to his sides.
Tony tried to free himself, but he could not. He struggled violently and then tried to kick, but Hugh stood firm, seeming to hold the man tighter and tighter to his chest, and in a moment Tony had forgotten all about fighting and was screaming with the pain of the pressure.
“HUGH TOOK HOLD OF HIS WRIST AND WRENCHED THE REVOLVER AWAY FROM HIM.”—[Page 292]
It was exciting to both the boys, and they waited, not knowing what to do, astonished to see this man, who looked like a giant, held as if he were a little child by Hugh, who, though tall, was rather slender, and on account of his white hair and beard appeared to them venerable.
After a few seconds Tony was weeping and praying to be released, and promising to do anything he was told to if only he were set free. Hugh somewhat relaxed his embrace and said, “Now, you Williamson and you Louis, are you ready to go?”
“Yes, Hugh,” said the white man, “you bet we’ll go quick;” and Louis assented.
“Have you got any arms, any pistols or guns?” said Hugh.
“Yes,” said Williamson, “I’ve got my rifle here and Louis has a six shooter.”
“Well,” said Hugh, “bring ’em out and put ’em on the ground here, with all your ammunition, and we’ll take ’em into the Agency and leave them there for you.” Then, raising his voice a little, he called, “Boys, come over here.”