“The report of the weapon would suffice. My voice would not be needed.”
“How many friends have you near?”
“Oh,” grinned Bruant, with a shrug of his shoulders, “there are enough—four or five.”
“Five—not more?”
“Why are you so anxious to know?”
“Because this revolver holds six shots. That would be one for you and each of your five friends. I really think I had better begin on you, and let the others come along later. I’ll take them as they come!”
The astounded Frenchman began to fear that the American really contemplated carrying out the idea.
“Wait a little!” he urged. “You can save yourself trouble by handing over the article. When you have done that, you will be permitted to depart unharmed. I will guarantee that not a hand shall be raised against you.”
“You are very kind!”
“Then you will comply?”