The briers being cleared from the path, the two combatants now came together. The stranger did not retreat, when Alden quickly but guardedly approached, and after a couple of feints landed a blow fair and square on his cheek that staggered him. He held his feet, however, and advanced again. The two would have closed the next minute, with the result in doubt, but an unlooked for interruption came. A loud voice demanded: “What do you mean, Ross?” And without waiting for an answer, a tall man, with bearded face and dressed in rough homespun, strode forward. With his right hand he flung back the youth whom he had addressed, and in the same moment did the same to Alden with the other hand. His black eyes shone with anger. “You young fools! I ought to spank both of you, and I’ll do it, if either strikes another blow. Off with you, Ross!” If the youth called “Ross” felt no fear of Alden Payne, he held the man in awe. He dropped his hands, though they remained clenched, and tried to make excuse. “He attacked me, uncle; haven’t I a right to defend myself?” “How is that?” sternly asked the man, turning upon Alden. “He pushed me almost off my feet, and instead of apologizing, added an insulting remark.” “He is speaking false,” said the nephew. “Probably you are right,” commented the man, who evidently had faith in the veracity of his nephew, “but there has been enough of this; come with me.” “I hope you will let us fight it out,” said Alden, keenly regretting the interference; “I should like to give him a lesson in speaking the truth.” “Please let us finish,” pleaded the other, with a beseeching look to his relative. Certainly there was no questioning the courage of either young man. “Yes; let ’em settle it,” added one of the bystanders, uttering the sentiments of the spectators; “the fight will be a thing of beauty.” Others joined in the request, but the man paid no heed. He did not lay his hand on his nephew, but merely said, “Come,” and strode off in the direction of the river. The youth walked reluctantly after him. Looking back at Alden, he paused a moment, shook his fist and said: “We’ll meet again some day and have it out.” “That will suit me down to the ground,” replied Alden, emphasizing his words also with a gesture of his fist. “Gorrynation!” said Jethro, after the stranger was at a distance, “but it was lucky for bofe of you dat dese four men held me back. When I git mad, I’m orful, and if I’d got at you, dere wouldn’t anyting been left ’cept a couple of grease spots.” This boast caused uproarious laughter. Jethro looked around in the faces of the crowd and asked reprovingly: “What you all laughing at? What’s de matter wid you, Tony Burke? If yo’ doan’ shet up straight off, I’ll frow you down so hard you’ll make a bulge on toder side de yarth.”