Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/87

Rh

[With a shudder of horror]

Oh! It’s all beginnin’ over ag’in!

This is your work, Rufe!

Now don’t go packin’ it on Rufe! He done all he could to ca’m Andy!

Mebby so! [He looks at, who stands with an expression of martyrdom.] I b’lieve in givin’ the devil his dues! But he knowed Andy ’us a-drinkin’ when he started that talk about the feud!

My experience has been that a man don’t take fire at a notion like that when he’s drunk ’less he’s been thinkin’ some ’bout it when he’s sober! [He puts the pistol in his pocket and takes hold of arm.] Come on, Andy! I’m a-goin’ to put you on your horse now an’ send you home, where you ought to be!

[Steps toward him with an apologetic air]

I’ll take keer of him, Sid!