"Same thing for any man who raises a rifle against us," Ferrers called back. "Gage, I want only a good excuse for taking one honest shot at you!"
The moment was tense with danger. Heedless of the black looks of Dolph, Tom dug his heels into his pony's flanks, moving forward at a trot.
"Gage," called the young engineer, steadily, "I think you have been in wrong often enough. This time I am sure that you will want to keep on the right side."
"You keep on the right side by staying off the claim!" Gage ordered, but at that instant Reade rode over the boundary.
For an instant no man could guess who would fire the first shot.
Gage was angry and desperate enough to fire and take great chances.
Had he fired at that moment there was no doubt that he would have
been killed at the next breath.
Something stuck in Gage's throat. He did not raise his rifle, but instead he growled:
"You're a fine lot, to bring a small army against one man!"
"We have as much right here, Gage, as you have, spoke Tom, steadily.
"What do you want here!"
"We have come to look this claim over."