"
"Silent," said Haines, "if you want to talk, speak to me."
"What in hell do you mean, Lee?"
"You can't get at Buck except through me."
"Because that devil Barry got a bullet for your sake are you goin'
to--"
"I've lived a rotten life," said Haines.
"An' I suppose you think this is a pretty good way of dyin'?" sneered
Silent.
"I have more cause to fight for Barry than Buck has," said Haines.
"Lee, we've been pals too long."
"Silent, I've hated you like a snake ever since I met you. But outlaws
can't choose their company."
His tawny head rose. He stared haughtily around the circle of lowering
faces.
"By God," said Silent, white with passion, "I'm beginnin' to think
you do hate me! Git down there an' take your place. You're first an'
Daniels comes next. Kilduff, you c'n count!"
He stalked to the end of the room. Haines lingered one moment.
"Buck," he said, "there's one chance in ten thousand that I'll make
this draw the quickest of the two. If I don't, you may live through
it. Tell Kate--"
"Haines, git to your mark, or I'll start shootin'!"
Haines turned and took his place. The others drew back along the walls
of the room. Kilduff took the lamp from the table and held it high
above his head.
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