The screams of the Swede never ceased: "He did cheat! I saw him! I saw
him--"
As for the Easterner, he was importuning in a voice that was not
heeded: "Wait a moment, can't you? Oh, wait a moment. What's the good
of a fight over a game of cards? Wait a moment--"
In this tumult no complete sentences were clear. "Cheat"--"Quit"--"He
says"--these fragments pierced the uproar and rang out sharply. It was
remarkable that, whereas Scully undoubtedly made the most noise, he
was the least heard of any of the riotous band.
Then suddenly there was a great cessation. It was as if each man had
paused for breath; and although the room was still lighted with the
anger of men, it could be seen that there was no danger of immediate
conflict, and at once Johnnie, shouldering his way forward, almost
succeeded in confronting the Swede. "What did you say I cheated for?
What did you say I cheated for? I don't cheat, and I won't let no man
say I do!"