Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 53: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

44 us all, which is why both parties draw bead on ’em when the chance comes along. Then, as I take it, you don't deny you’re one of them fellers? ” ‘““T haven’t admitted it, and I don’t propose to be questioned by you.” “Tt don’t make no difference what you propose and what you don’t pro- pose. Eh, Bill and Jim?” “ Correct,” replied Harbridge, while Sawyer nodded and grunted, both pleased with the words of their leader. The conviction came to me that it was time to hedge. ‘“T am in your power; do with me as you choose; these two men robbed me of my pistol, and now you three are not muqh afraid of my hurting you; 1 offered to fight them both if they would return my revolver, and I now offer to fight all three if that coward there will let me have my weapon.” ‘““Humph!” sneered Peters; ‘ we’re ready to fight when there’s need of itt, but there ain’t no need of it with you.” It will always remain a mystery as to what the real feelings of Zach Peters were. It will certainly be admitted that there was nothing in the words them- selves upon which an ounce of hope could be builded, nor could my study of his face and manner add to confidence in him. True, he had shown his good will, but it would be like him to consider the ac- count square, and that the relative posi- tion between us was the same as before. In other words, his disposition was as murderous as that of his two compan- ions, and yet it is possible [ was wrong and he was ready to use any reasonable pretense in my behalf. Be that as it may, I was pretty well frightened, and made another attempt to hedge. “ There’s no need, as you say, of any one or all of vou fighting me; [ am in this part of Kentucky to look for a miss- ing friend; when I learn whether he 1s alive or dead, I’m ready to go home; but perhaps it may be well to remind you that a good many men high in THE ARGOSY. authority know where I am, and if J am missed, they will have a settling with those who had a hand in my taking off. Governor Bradley has lost pa- tience, and intends to send the State guard into these parts.” Peters, Harbridge, and Sawyer looked into one another’s faces, and then broke into laughter that echoed among the trees. It was a good joke. The fancy that they could be scared by any threats of a visit from the militia - was rich. Their merriment, perhaps, was justi- fied, for we all know the threat was re- peated many times, and even after it was carried out, did little really effective work in suppressing disorder in the mountainous regions. ‘“S’pose we tell you what happened to that chap you’ve been talking ’bout,” said Peters; “ will you be ready to git out of this part of the country and stay out? ”’ I shrugged my shoulders and replied with a smile: “Inasmuch as this climate doesn't seem to agree with me, I can safely say I shall be in no danger of coming back after placing it behind me.” Harbridge and Sawyer glared at their leader, dismayed and angered, and the former said in words whose threatening earnestness could not be mistaken : None of that, Zach!” “Not much,” added Sawyer, with equal ugliness. ‘“‘What’s the matter with you?” de- manded Peters as savagely in return. “I’m running this business.” “So you be, as long as you run tt right, but we don’t want no more of that other tomfoolery.” “Who's giving it to you?” “ What’s the meaning of them words you spoke a minute ago? ” “Tf you'll hold you jaw a bit, you'll find out.” “Wal, what was its meaning? ” “T jest wanted to know ” Peters abruptly checked himself, staggered back a couple of paces, eco