"Unarmed!" interrupted Titus. "Devil burn me! this iron shillelah shall convince you to the contrary, Jack, or any of your friends."
"Make ready then, my lads," cried Palmer.
"Stop a minute," exclaimed Coates. "This gets serious; it will end in homicide—in murder. We shall all have our throats cut to a certainty; and though these rascals will as certainly be hanged for it, that will be poor satisfaction to the sufferers. Had we not better refer the matter to arbitration?"
"I'm for fighting it out," said Titus, whisking the poker round his head like a flail in action. "My blood's up. Come on, Jack Palmer, I'm for you."
"I should vote for retreating," chattered the attorney, "if that cursed fellow had not placed a ne exeat at the door."
"Give the word, captain," cried Rust, impatiently.
"Ay, ay," echoed Wilder.
"A skilful general always parleys," said Jack. "A word in your ear, Luke, ere that be done which cannot be undone."
"You mean me no treachery?" returned Luke.
Jack made no answer, but uncocking his pistols, deposited them within his pockets.