Kells, with an agile bound, reached the table and pounded it with
his fist, confronting the giant.

"So you say!" he hissed in dark passion. "You've gone too far,
Gulden. Here's where I call you! ... You don't get a gram of that
gold nugget. Jim's worked like a dog. If he digs up a million I'll
see he gets it all. Maybe you loafers haven't a hunch what Jim's
done for you. He's helped our big deal more than you or I. His
honest work has made it easy for me to look honest. He's supposed to
be engaged to marry my daughter. That more than anything was a
blind. It made my stand, and I tell you that stand is high in this
camp. Go down there and swear Blight is Jack Kells! See what you
get! ... That's all. ... I'm dealing the cards in this game!"

Kells did not cow Gulden--for it was likely the giant lacked the
feeling of fear--but he overruled him by sheer strength of spirit.

Gulden backed away stolidly, apparently dazed by his own movements;
then he plunged out the door, and the ruffians who had given silent
but sure expression of their loyalty tramped after him.

"Reckon thet starts the split!" declared Red Pearce.

"Suppose you'd been in Jim's place!" flashed Kells.

"Jack, I ain't sayin' a word. You was square. I'd want you to do the
same by me. ... But fetchin' the girl into the deal--"

Kells's passionate and menacing gesture shut Pearce's lips. He
lifted a hand, resignedly, and went out.