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nced on them, and with a long-drawn 'sap-r-r-r-rie,' rushed at Slavin. But Graeme caught him by the back of the neck, saying, 'Hold on, little man,' and turning to Slavin, pointed to Sandy, who was reviving under Nelson's care, and said, 'What's this for?'
'Ask him,' said Slavin insolently. 'He knows.'
'What is it, Nelson?'
Nelson explained that Sandy, after drinking some at the stable and a glass at the Black Rock Hotel, had come down here with Keefe and the others, had lost his money, and was accusing Slavin of robbing him.
'Did you furnish him with liquor?' said Graeme sternly.
'It is none of your business,' replied Slavin, with an oath.
'I shall make it my business. It is not the first time my men have lost money in this saloon.'
'You lie,' said Slavin, with deliberate emphasis.
'Slavin,' said Graeme quietly, 'it's a pity you said that, because, unless you apologise in one minute, I shall make you sorry.'
'Apologise?' roared Slavin, 'apologise to you?' calling him a vile name.
Graeme grew white, and said even more slowly, 'Now you'll have to take it; no apology will do.'
He slowly stripped off coat and vest. Mr. Craig interposed, begging Graeme to let the matter pass. 'Surely he is not worth it.'
'Mr. Craig,' said Graeme, with an easy smile, 'you don't understand. No man can call me that name and walk around afterwards feeling well.'
Then, turning to Slavin, he said, 'Now, if you want a minute's rest, I can wait.'
Slavin, with a curse, bade him come.
'Blaney,' said Graeme sharply, 'you get back.' Blaney promptly stepped back to Keefe's side. 'Nelson, you and Baptiste can see that they stay there.' The old man nodded and looked at Craig, who simply said, 'Do the best you can.'
It was a good fight. Slavin had plenty of pluck, and for a time forced the fighting, Graeme guarding easily and tapping him aggravatingly about the nose and eyes, drawing blood, but not disabling him. Gradually there came a loo