"I'll git you!" she shrieked, her pale eyes blazing with rage as McIvor stood smiling before her--but his smile was not for her. Allifair had stood fast and now she came running to throw herself into his arms. "God has saved you!" she sobbed, and he bowed his head. "Yes," he said. "Saved me for you." They stood locked in each other's arms, oblivious of the spectators, unconscious of what was going on; and when they looked about the clerk was piling up his books and the District Attorney was speaking. "If the court please," he said, "the conduct of the complaining witness has destroyed the value, in my opinion, of her testimony; and I therefore ask the court to direct an acquittal, since no jury would convict on such evidence." As court was adjourned he came over and shook hands, wishing them all the happiness in life; and Hall and Allifair were still receiving congratulations when Meshackatee came hurrying back. "Well, come on; come on!" he boomed, "we've got her locked up in jail. And I'll say right now she's half red and the other half stinging scorpion. So if you're going to git married you'd better do it quick, before she breaks down the bars. I'll give the bride away, if you'll excuse these clothes; but by grab if them scoundrels hadn't jinglebobbed my ears I'd've stole Miss Allifair myself. A prettier woman--or a braver woman, either--I never expect to see. She lived up in them cliff-dwellings for nigh onto two months; and when I come by there----Well, I'll go and git the license. There's the Judge there, trying to flag you." The Judge indeed was beckoning them to his chambers, and when they had entered he gave Hall his hand while Allifair looked on, smiling. "Mr. McIvor," he said, "I owe you an apology. And allow me to retract what I said about Kentucky, a state which may well be proud of you. Whatever she may lack in respect for the law, you have learned there a chivalry and a reverence for womankind which I never expected to witness. If you and Miss Randolph will do me the honor I shall be happy to officiate at your marriage." Hall hesitated a moment and glanced down at Allifair, who blushed and nodded her head. "We thank you, Judge," he said, "and since you have referred to Kentucky, let me say that our marriage will end the greatest feud that has ever existed in that state. The Randolphs and McIvors have fought for twenty years, and our code may seem different from yours; but despite our lawless acts we McIvors love truth and justice and hold our honor above our lives." "You have shown," declared the Judge, "that that is no idle phrase--I can see that it comes from your heart. But why, if I may ask, did you refuse to strike that woman? Would you stand there and allow her to kill you?" "No gentleman----" began Hall, and then he stopped and met Allifair's unbelieving gaze. "She was a Randolph," he said, and bowed. "Oh, Hall!" reproached Allifair, suddenly clutching at his hand, and then her eyes softened and she smiled.