Before any of the Sweetwater outfit could reach Peruna's side, or pull a gun to resent the insult, Buck was on top of him. With a blow full in the mouth, he knocked him sprawling. Echo had seized Sage-brush's hand, preventing him from firing. The other men moved as if to kick Peruna as he lay prostrate.
"Let him alone. He's goin' to ask the lady's pardon," snarled Buck, covering him with his gun.
Peruna raised himself on one arm.
"No, I'll be—" he began.
Buck bent over him, speaking in a low tone, tensely and quickly. "Quick! I don't want to have to kill you. You damn' fool, don't you see what I'm playin' fer?"
"He ain't fit to live!" shouted Show Low.
Buck turned on the cowboy. It was his fight, and he was going to handle it in his own fashion.
"Lem me handle this case," he interrupted. "Ther' ain't no man can travel in my outfit and insult a woman—you ask her pardon—right smart."
Peruna struggled to his feet. Buck commanded:
"On your knees."