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"I didn't run away" Tamarack's blood-shot eyes flared wickedly "I

knowed thet ef I stayed 'round hyar with them damned Hollmans stickin'

their noses inter our business, I'd hurt somebody So, I went over

inter the next county fer a spell You fellers s offen the Hollmans, but I hain't"

"Thet's a damned lie," said Samson, quietly "Ye runned away, an' ye

runned in the water so thes couldn't trail ye--ye done hit

because ye shot them shoots at Jesse Purvy from the laurel--because

ye're a truce-bustin', murderin' bully thet shoots off his face, an' is

skeered to fight" Saained

cal ye was the ot anything else ter say, say hit

But, ef I ever ketches yer talkin' about oin' ter take ye by the scruff of the neck, an' drag ye pluoin' ter tell the

High Sheriff that the Souths spits ye outen their mouths Take him

away" The crowd turned and left the place When they were gone, Saain, and picked up his palette