But the compelling weapon had instant effect, and the foreman’s resistance died out weakly.
The whole scene had occurred so swiftly that Tresler simply stood aghast. The agility, the wonderful sureness and rapidity of movement on Marbolt’s part were staggering. The whole thing seemed impossible, and yet he had seen it; and the meaning of the stories of this man he had listened to came home to him. He was, indeed, something to fear. The great bullying Jake was a child in his hands. Now like a whipped child, he stood with his back to the wall, a picture of hate and fury.
With Jake silenced Marbolt turned on him. His words were few but sufficient.
“And as for you, Tresler,” he said coldly, “keep that tongue of yours easy. I am master here.”
There was a brief silence, then the rancher returned to the subject that had caused the struggle.
“Well, what about the men for Willow Bluff, Jake?”
It was Tresler who answered the question, and without a moment’s hesitation.
“I should like to go out there, Mr. Marbolt. Especially if there’s likely to be trouble.”
It was the only position possible for him after what had gone before, and he knew it. He glanced at Jake and saw that, for the moment at least, his hatred for his employer had been set aside. He was smiling a sort of tigerish smile.