"There are the
trees. You have your ropes, and your men are ready. Remember, no
cowardly treatment of young fellows whose hands are tied. Go on with
the lynching and get it over with!"
CHAPTER XXI
A SPECIALIST IN "HONOR"
"Sir! Stop it, I tell you," quivered Duff, again stepping to the front.
"These young hounds shan't die until I've made them apologize for every
insulting word they've said to me."
"Fine!" glowed Tom with enthusiasm.
"Great!"
"What ails you now, Reade?" demanded Duff, his face again darkening.
"You've just promised us that we shall live forever," returned Tom
dryly.
Then he added, with a sigh:
"But I suppose that's only another lie--another specimen of a gambler's
honor."
"Stand aside, Bodson! Moore, you get out of the way!" snarled the
gambler, his anger again depriving him of all reason. "I'll have my way
with these young hounds before we string 'em up."
"Let me at 'em!" implored Ashby, fingering his shotgun nervously. "Get
out of my way.
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