Nels’s long arm shot out, and his hand fell upon Stewart, holding him down.
“Shore I’m sorry,” said Nels, slowly. “Then you was goin’ to hit the trail?”
“I am going to. Let go, Nels.”
“Shore you ain’t goin’, Gene?”
“Let go, damn you!” cried Stewart, as he wrestled free.
“What’s wrong?” asked Nels, lifting his hand again.
“Man! Don’t touch me!”
Nels stepped back instantly. He seemed to become aware of Stewart’s white, wild passion. Again Stewart moved to mount.
“Nels, don’t make me forget we’ve been friends,” he said.
“Shore I ain’t fergettin’,” replied Nels. “An’ I resign my job right here an’ now!”