"Look here, what are ye drivin' at?" Joe asked, beginning to back away cautiously.
"I just want ter strengthen yer faith, partner," Tom protested kindly as he advanced good-naturedly and laid his hand on Joe's arm.
Joe shook it off and turned to go. With a sudden spring Tom was on him. A brief, fierce struggle ensued marked by low, savage growls like two bull-dogs clinched and searching for each other's throats.
"Stop them! Stop them! They'll kill one another," pleaded Barbara.
"No. It'll do them good. Wait," he replied, watching them breathlessly.
"Here! Here, you old fool," growled Joe. "Do you call this the Brotherhood of Man?"
"Yes, my son, and specially the Fatherhood er God. The Lord chastens them he loveth!"
With a sudden twist the writhing figures fell in the sand, Tom on top pinning Joe down.
Joe fought with fierce strength to rise but it was no use.
Tom clutched his throat and choked him steadily into submission.