Clay removed the thong from his pistol and turned to face the loudmouth and said, "Mr. I don't know who you think your are, but you just called me a horse thief. Now you retract that, and apologize, and say it loud so everyone here can hear you, or go for your gun." Major ledbetter realized he had just made a fool of himself. He looked around for help, but saw none coming. If he backed down now he would be the laughing stock of the county, and if he didn't back down, he had a strong feeling he was going to be dead. "Mr, I've never apologized for anything in my life, and I'm not about to start with you." Before the last word was out of his mouth Clay hit him and Ledbetter was flat on his back in the street.