"Of course he did; and let me tell you he is one of 'em," Charley exclaimed, with enthusiasm.
"I believe ye, and the fight can go on without any further delay, after I've filled my pipe and lighted it."
We watched the miner as he slowly cut his tobacco and stuffed it into his pipe, and then, with great deliberation, sheltered it with his hands while he lighted it with a match.
"Now I'm comfortable—let the fight go on."
As soon as the miner, who appeared to have great authority over the crowd, uttered these words, there was a scattering on every side to get out of range of the bullets. The people fell back and left the two principals with their seconds in a double line, which extended for some distance.
"Let us shake hands again," said Fred, as the two men were brought into position. "You, too, Smith, are entitled to my thanks, and a farewell."
"Don't say that—God knows I did all that I could to keep you apart."
"I know that you did," replied Fred, with a smile; "but we have no time to talk of such matters. Stand one side, for I see the crowd and my opponent are impatient to smell blood."
Smith fell back, and I slowly and reluctantly followed him.
"Gentlemen," cried the Californian, taking his station about midway between the principals, "you are to fire when I say 'fire,' and not before. The man who discharges his pistol before the word is given shall get the contents of half a dozen different revolvers."