Dunsmuir, with a drawl suggestive of Toronto University, read extracts aloud:
"'This so-called representative of Broncho and district ... a beard that reeks crime and a nose that suggests whiskey.... We have heard a story about him from a dear old bar-keep friend of ours which takes a lot of beating.... I blush to print it, but Justice ... Now this is the man who is heaving bricks at the Big Chief Manitou-pewabic ... the kind who kicks a man when he is down and hits him when his hands are tied ... everybody knows to whom belongs our contemporary with the John the Baptist title, which purports to be an unprejudiced ... everybody knows that the Superintendent cannot speak ... and, in the Humphries affair, all hands in the Police are aware that Humphries followed the best traditions of the Riders of the Plains ... Who is likely to be trusted by the people, the man who has been a national and well-loved figure for twenty years or ... If it came to a showdown. who will stand by the big fellow? Why the ranchers, the Indians, the punchers, the citizens, the ... and behind the other chap? Why, the hoboes, the bums, the politicians ... We are certain a libel action will be started by our distinguished enemy for this; but one can wear off the effects of liquor in jail as well as elsewhere and we would feel quite at home, anyway...'"
"I think that calls for ringing cheers," remarked Kellett, as Dunsmuir laid down the paper.
"Huh, listen to him stick up for 'Spirit-of-Iron'!" sneered York.
The ex-Colonel flushed, squaring his broad shoulders. He had good reason to support the man who had taken him in, though over age, after his ranch had crashed, leaving him destitute.
"York, my lad!" he said gently, "I shall be forced to mould your unpleasant face with my boot if you use that tone again."
"That's right, Uncle!" Mason cut in. "Give him hell! It's coming to him."
"What'll we do to him?" demanded Dunsmuir, preparing to attack York.
"Oh, shur'rup," said York. "That fellow Williams can hand it out, can't he, eh?"
"Sure can. I guess he'll get brought up for libel, all right," said Mason.