But the story spread, and it pleased the farmers immensely. The boldness of the charge and the magnificent muscle that backed it up took hold of the people's imagination strongly, and added very greatly to his fame.
When the story reached Judge Brown, he was deeply amused. On the following Monday morning, as Brad was writing away busily, the Judge entered the room.
"Well, Brad, they say you called the Russells thieves."
"I guess perhaps I did."
"Well, aint that goin' to embarrass you a little when—when you're calling on Nettie?"
"I aint a-goin' to call there any more."
"Oh, I see! Expect the colonel to call on you, eh?"
"I don't care what he does," Bradley cried, turning and facing his employer. "I said what I know to be the truth. I call it thieving, and if they don't like it, they can hate it. I aint a-goin' to back down an inch, as long as I know what I know."
"That's right!" chuckled the Judge. As a Democrat, he rejoiced to see a Republican ring assaulted. "Go ahead, I'll stand by you, if they try the law."