Just how it happened Enoch could not have told to save his life. The place whereon James was standing became suddenly vacant and the spot where his face was occupied by his heels. He fell like a tree struck by a whirlwind, and his head came in violent contact with the ground. He lay there for a second or two as if he did not have his wits about him, and Caleb stood over him ready to receive him when he got up. Seeing no move on his part, he turned to face Emerson.
Caleb stood over him ready to receive him when he got up.
"Let us hear one word out of your head and I will put you down, too," said he.
"Go away," said Emerson, tremblingly. "I have not done anything to you, and I want you to let me alone. There is a magistrate in this town——"
"Go on," said Caleb. "You can get to the magistrate as soon as you please and tell him for me——"
By this time Enoch began to recover himself. He unlatched the gate, and seizing Caleb around the waist fairly lifted him from the ground and carried him inside. Then he shut the gate and looked over at Emerson.
"You had better go on your way," said he. "Pick up your comrade and go about your business."