When the waterhole was reached, Bettles, having evidently
reviewed the quarrel during the silent walk, burst out in a final
''Twa'n't called for,' while Lon McFane kept grim silence.
Indignation so choked him that he could not speak.
Yet deep down, whenever their own wrongs were not uppermost, both
men wondered at their comrades. They had expected opposition, and
this tacit acquiescence hurt them. It seemed more was due them
from the men they had been so close with, and they felt a vague
sense of wrong, rebelling at the thought of so many of their
brothers coming out, as on a gala occasion, without one word of
protest, to see them shoot each other down. It appeared their
worth had diminished in the eyes of the community. The
proceedings puzzled them.
'Back to back, David. An' will it be fifty paces to the man, or
double the quantity?'
'Fifty,' was the sanguinary reply, grunted out, yet sharply cut.
But the new manila, not prominently displayed, but casually
coiled about Malemute Kid's arm, caught the quick eye of the
Irishman, and thrilled him with a suspicious fear.
'An' what are ye doin' with the rope?' 'Hurry up!' Malemute Kid
glanced at his watch.
Pages:
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66