Clay removed the thong from his pistol and turned to face the loudmouth and said, "e;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."e;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.