"Let me get up and I'll get it."

Joe spoke so naturally that Rafferty suspected nothing. He permitted
our hero to rise, supposing that he was going for the money he
demanded.

Joe knew exactly where Watson lay and went over to him. He knelt
down and drew out the revolver from beneath his head, at the same
time pushing him, in the hope of arousing him. The push was
effectual. Watson was a man whose experience at the mines had taught
him to rouse at once. He just heard Joe say:

"Hush!"

"What are you so long about?" demanded Rafferty suspiciously.

"I've got a revolver," said Joe unexpectedly; "and, if you don't
leave the room, I'll fire!"

With an oath, Rafferty, who was no coward, sprang upon Joe, and it
would have gone hard with him but for Watson. The latter was now
broad awake. He seized Rafferty by the collar, and, dashing him
backward upon the floor, threw himself upon him.

"Two can play at that game!" said he. "Light the candle, Joe."

"Help, pard!" called Rafferty.

But Hogan, on whom he called, suspecting how matters stood, was in