"I don't want to be a killer, even over such as you are, but you've got me mad. We don't know an' nobody else knows how this girl's goin' to make it in this country, but, by God, Webb, she's goin' to have a fair chance. There ain't going to be any rotten talk that ain't called for an' it ain't called for ... yet.
"I expect I'd get into trouble if I killed you for this. There's just one chance for me to keep out of trouble, and that's for you to say you lied!"
He moved closer as Webb retreated slowly, his spurs ringing ever so slightly, yet their sound was audible in the stillness.
"Say it!" he insisted. "Say it, you whelp!"
Webb's face had gone from red to the color of suet and the blotches stood sharply out against the pallor. His dirty assurance was beaten down and before this man he was frightened ... and enraged at his own fright.
"Mebby I spoke too quick—"
"You lied! Nothin' short of that! Say you lied and say it now.... Quick!"
He half lurched forward, lifting his eager, vengeful hands, when Webb relaxed and gave a short, half laugh and said:
"Have it your own way. I lied, I guess. I didn't mean—"
"That'll do, Webb. You've said all that's necessary."