Snap rode in with Holderness. Hare thought if he was unarmed they
wouldn't draw. But Snap did."
"Was he drunk?"
"No. They came over to kill Hare." Dave went on to recount the incident
in full. "And--and see here, dad--that's not all. Snap's gone to the
bad."
Dave Naab hid his face while he told of his brother's treachery; the
others turned away, and Hare closed his eyes.
For long moments there was silence broken only by the tramp of the old
man as he strode heavily to and fro. At last the footsteps ceased, and
Hare opened his eyes to see Naab's tall form erect, his arms uplifted,
his shaggy head rigid.
"Hare," began August, presently. "I'm responsible for this cowardly
attack on you. I brought you out here. This is the second one. Beware
of the third! I see--but tell me, do you remember that I said you must
meet Snap as man to man?"
"Yes."
"Don't you want to live?"
"Of course."
"You hold to no Mormon creed?"
"Why, no," Hare replied, wonderingly.
"What was the reason I taught you my trick with a gun?"
"I suppose it was to help me to defend myself."
"Then why do you let yourself be shot down in cold blood? Why did you
hang up your gun? Why didn't you draw on Snap? Was it because of his
father, his brothers, his family?"
"Partly, but not altogether," replied Hare, slowly.
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