"
"That part of the argument is plain," rejoined the young officer.
"But you are mistaken if you think you can order me. I'm an
officer, and I'm on my own way, and I am, therefore, under orders.
I was following a prisoner late in my charge when I fell in with
this party bound up the river, to the Kansas front."
"The courts may take all that up. This is Missouri soil."
"It's no case for courts," answered the other sternly. "This will
come before the court of God Himself."
A bitter smile played over the face of the Missourian. "You
preach. Yet you yourself are lawless as the worst law-breakers.
Who made our laws--you, or the whole people of this country? And
if God is your court, why did you have no better aid to-night.
It's the long arm wins. You see, we will fight."
"That I agree. It's force that wins, but not brute force. You
will see."
"Argument!" exclaimed Dunwody. "The answer is here at our
feet--it's in blood."
"So be it then!" said the other solemnly.
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