Quicker than the jaws of a trap Strong's hand caught the boss by the back of his neck and flung him headlong.
The dealer in hasty speech rose and took a step towards the Emperor and halted.
"B-better think it over," said Strong, coolly.
The boss turned to his men. He shouted at some eight or ten of them who had come near, "Are you going to stand there and see me treated that way."
"You fight your own battles," said one of them. "For my part, I think the Emp'ror is right."
"So do I," said another. "I've pulled the brier for you as long as I want to."
The rest of the "gang" stood still and said nothing.
"I'll go and see Migley about this," declared the foreman, who was walking hurriedly in the direction of his camp. He turned and shouted to the toilers, "You fellers can go 'histe the turkey.'"
One who had to pick up his effects and get out was told to "histe the turkey" there in the woods.
Strong and Master had a few words with the men and resumed their journey to Lost River.