" "We'll git aout the hoss-fiddles an give em some
mewsic." "We'll raise devil nuff fer em ter night." "Come on fellers."
"Les give em a bonfire."
There was a general movement of the men out of the barroom, all
talking together, clamorously suggesting plans, or merely, as in the
case of the younger men and boys, venting their excitement in hoots
and catcalls. It was a close dark night, obscure enough to make
cowards brave, and the crowd that surged out of the tavern were by no
means cowards, but angry and resolute men, whose exasperation at the
action of the authorities, was sharpened and pointed by well-founded
apprehensions of the personal consequences to themselves which that
action threatened if not resisted. Some one's suggestion that they
should begin by putting David Joy and his family back into their
house, was received with acclamation and they were forthwith fetched
from a neighboring shed, under which they had encamped for the night,
and without much ceremony thrust into their former residence and
ordered to stay there. For though in this case David happened to be
identified with their own cause, it went against their grain to help a
Baptist.
"Now, boys, les go an see Iry Seymour," said Abner, and with a yell,
the crowd rushed off in the direction of the deputy sheriff's house.
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