"I'll pay you for this yet."
"Any time but now. Git out, 'r I'll kick you out." Lime's voice changed now. The silent crowd made way for them, and, seizing Joe by the shoulder and pushing Bill before him, the giant passed out into the open air. There he pushed Bill off the porch into the snow, and kicked his brother over him with this parting word:
"You infernal hyenies! Kickin's too good f'r you. If you ever want me, look around an' you'll find me."
Then, to the spectators who thronged after, he apologized:
"I hate t' fight, and especially to kick a man; but they's times when a man's got t' do it. Now, jest go back and have a good time. Don't let them hyenies spoil all y'r fun."
That ended it. All knew Lime. Everybody had heard how he could lift one end of the separator and toss a two-bushel sack filled with wheat over the hind wheel of a wagon, and the terror of his kick was not unknown to them. They all felt sure that the Yohes would not return, and all went back into the house and attempted to go on with the games. But it was impossible; such exciting events must be discussed, and the story was told and retold by each one.
When Milton returned to the parlor, he saw Bettie, tender, dignified and grave, bending over Blackler, bathing his bruised face. Milton had never admired her more than at that moment; she looked so womanly. She no longer cared what people thought.
The other girls, pale and tearful and a little hysterical, stood about, close to their sweethearts. They enjoyed the excitement, however, and the fight appealed to something organic in them.
The donation party was at an end, that was clear, and the people began to get ready to go home. Bettie started to thank Lyman for his help.
"Don't say anything. I'd 'a' done it jest the same f'r anybody. It ain't the thing to come to a donation and git up a row."