interrupted.

"If I wasn't crippled I'd mighty soon show you fellows what I believed.
As it is, I'm going home. But if I find either of you has double-crossed
me, I'll square accounts."

There was that in Charleton's eyes which caused the two riders to
dismount without a word. They heaved him into his saddle and, with his
lariat, arranged a sling for his injured ankle. When they had made him as
comfortable and secure as possible, Scott said politely:

"You don't need two of us, Charleton. I think I'll go after a bear I saw
in the raspberry patch beyond the corral."

"Nothing doing, Scott!" grunted Charleton.

"You've fallen down on the job, Charleton," Scott laughed, "so you've
lost your right to boss."

"No, he hasn't," said Douglas. "You come along!"

But this time Doug's six-shooter flashed no more quickly than Scott's.
Charleton, his face twisted with pain, waited for a thoughtful minute
before he said:

"Put up your guns, boys. Let him go, Doug," and he turned his horse
eastward.

Douglas reluctantly returned his gun to his hip and Scott disappeared at
a canter. The Moose followed after Democrat.