Read the excerpt from the land.

"well, now, mitchell," hammond went on, "we rode over because we wanted to have a little talk with you."

"that's right," said george. "we understand that you been beating up on paul there." i appreciated the fact that george was getting right to the heart of this matter. "quite often, as a matter of fact."

mitchell's grip tightened on the axe, but he said nothing.

why does mitchell tighten his grip on the axe?

he is worried that he will drop it on the ground.
he thinks that george and hammond will steal it.
he feels threatened by george and hammond.
he is anxious to continue chopping wood.