move, he insisted, "You wouldn't have me kill you like a
rattlesnake?"

"You couldn't," said the older man. "You're not that kind--and I'm
not the kind to be cheated, either. Listen! I've lived over forty
years, and I never took less than was coming to me. I won't begin
to-night."

"You'll get your share--"

"Bah! You don't know what I mean. I don't want you; it's him I'm
after, and when I'm done with him I'll take care of you; but I won't
run any risk right now. I won't take a chance on losing what I've
risked so much to gain, what I've lived these fifteen years to get.
You might put me away--there's the possibility--and I won't let you
or any other man--or woman either, not even my girl--cheat me out of
Gale. Put up your gun."

The soldier hesitated, then did as he was bidden, for this man knew
him better than he knew himself.

"I ought to treat you like a mad dog, but I can't do it while your
hands are up. I'm going to fight for John Gale, however, and you
can't take him."

"I'll have his carcass hung to my ridge-pole before daylight."

"No."

"I say yes!" Stark turned to go, but paused at the door. "And you