"Liar yourself," I said. "You'd pulled it all right. Now clear out, and by the Lord, if you try any dog tricks on us by way of being even we'll shoot, you understand. This is outside British jurisdiction, you know. So look out." He gave me a look that was positively devilish, and which his battered and blood-smeared countenance did not soften, you may be sure. "Look out yourself," he retorted furiously. "What sort of a man are you to come in and try to sneak another man's trade? I was here first, I tell you." "That's all right. But you might as well have made sure I was trying to sneak your trade first. Instead of that you come charging up to me at the head of about a hundred armed scoundrels and start a game of bounce. Did you think I was going to turn my waggons, and trek back at your bidding, or at any man's bidding, because if so you got hold of the wrong pig by the ear, that's all. I hadn't intended to go near your old soaker's place--but now I shall please myself about it." "Will you? All right. You were saying something just now about being outside British jurisdiction. Well, remember that. You're not out of this country yet remember, and while you're in it you'd better keep a bright look out. Dolf Norbury ain't the man to be bested all along the line--and I shouldn't wonder if he didn't begin now. So keep a bright look out, that's my advice." "Oh all right. I'm not afraid," I sung out after him, for he had jumped on his horse and was now riding away without another word. "Tre-ek!" The whips cracked, and the waggons rolled forward, now without opposition. The turbulent crowd had completely quieted down, and although they still kept pace with us it was with a subdued sort of air. The reason was easy to read. We had come off best in the affair-- wherefore it was obvious to them that we must be greater than Dolf Norbury. Of their first annoyance I took no notice whatever, treating it as a matter of such small account as not even to be worth remembering; and soon they began to drop off by twos and threes, till at last there was only a handful left--to whom I administered a suitable lecture. "Think that skunk'll give us any more trouble, eh, Glanton?" said Falkner, presently. "Shouldn't wonder. Anyway we'll take his advice and keep a bright look out. He's more than capable of trying a long shot at us from behind, if he sees his chance." "By Jove, but that's a tough customer. If he'd only had science I should have been nowhere with him. It's science that does it," he added complacently. "Ever learn boxing, Glanton?" "No. Yet I've held my own in a scrap on an occasion or two." "Well learn it. I can tell you it's worth while. You get the science that way. We used to go in strong for it in the regiment, but there's every chance of forgetting it here. These silly niggers can't use their hands at all."