The turn of events has
made it likely that I shall pass my days in this neighbourhood, and I
wish to clear up all possible misconceptions at the start. In the first
place, I am going to marry Miss Ruby Tresidder. Our banns will be asked
in church to-morrow; but let us have a rehearsal. Can any man here show
cause or just impediment why this marriage should not take place?"
"You'd better ask that o' Young Zeb, mister," said Prudy.
"Why?"
"You owe your life to'n, I hear."
"When next you see him you can put two questions. Ask him in the first
place if he saved it at my request."
"Tut-tut. A man likes to live, whether he axes for it or no," grunted
Elias Sweetland. "And what the devil do you know about it?" demanded
the stranger.
"I reckon I know what a man's like."
"Oh, you do, do you? Wait a while, my friend. In the second place," he
went on, returning to Prudy, "ask young Zebedee Minards, if he wants my
life back, to come and fetch it. And now attend all. Do you see
these?"
He threw back his cloak, and, diving a hand into his coat-pocket,
produced a couple of pistols. The butts were rich with brass-work, and
the barrels shone as he held them out in the firelight.
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