"I ain't no policeman now," said Bud. "I'm fired."
It took Louie several moments to digest this bit of information.
"So? Yo' not be de policeman now, eh? Not'ing to keep me from kill you now, eh?" he asked finally.
"Nobody but me. Mebbe I'll object."
Bud was in just the right mood to battle everyone in Eagle's Nest. Joe got up slowly, holding to the counter, while Dr. Clarey still clung to Louie's arm, talking soothingly.
Someone was coming into the store, and Bud turned to see Norah Clarey. She stopped and looked at Bud, and her dark eyes were filled with pain. She turned and looked at Joe. He tried to smile, but it was more of a smirk. Then she ignored Bud and spoke directly to Louie and her father.
"I have heard of the swift justice of the North, but it seems to have been only idle talk."
"W'at you mean?" asked Louie.
"You would let this man stay here, after what he has done?"
"He shall not stay," declared Joe firmly.