Dr. Bethel's hand shot out swiftly, and straight from the shoulder, and Briggs went down like a log.
"Now, sir," turning to the man nearest Briggs, "where were these things hidden?"
It chanced that this next man was Carnes, who answered quickly, and with well feigned self-concern.
"In the sthable, yer honor, foreninst the windy, behind the shay."
I heard a suppressed laugh behind me, and looking over my shoulder saw Charlie Harris.
"Things are getting interesting," he said, coming up beside me. "Will there be a scrimmage, think you?"
I made him no answer, my attention being fixed upon Bethel, who was entering the stable and dragging Carnes with him. When he had ascertained the exact spot where the tools were found, he came out and turned upon the raiders.
"Go on with your farce," he said, with a sarcastic curl of the lip. "I am curious to see what you will find next."
Then turning upon Briggs, who had scrambled to his feet, and who caressed a very red and swollen eye, while he began a tirade of abuse—
"Fellow, hold your tongue, if you don't want a worse hit. If you'll walk into my house I'll give you a plaster for that eye—after I have cared for your better."