"Preston, don't speak so!" I pleaded.
"It is the simple truth. Why shouldn't I speak it?"
"You do not mean that you would do it?" I said, scarce opening my eyes to the reality of what he said.
"I give you my word, I do. If one of these black fellows laid a hand on me I would put a bullet through him, as quick as a partridge."
"But then you would be a murderer," said I. The ground seemed taken away from under my feet. We were standing still now, and facing each other.
"No, I shouldn't," said Preston. "The law takes better care of us than that."
"The law would hang you," said I.
"I tell you, Daisy, it is no such thing! Gentlemen have a right to defend themselves against the insolence of these black fellows."
"And have not the black fellows a right to defend themselves against the insolence of gentlemen?" said I.