He had seen at once that it was useless to try deception or denial with Bill, and so he spoke frankly.
"That's right," nodded Bill. "A thousan' would be small money fer such a job; but it ain't no use, for none of them will take the job at that or five times as much. 'Cause why? 'Cause they knows me, Cimarron Bill, right well. They know I'd sure settle up with 'em if they done any crooked work. They have seen the notches in my guns. Some of 'em has seen me shoot."
"Well, my dear sir," smiled Merry, "I don't presume you fancied I would remain here like a man in a trance without trying to get away in some fashion?"
"I hardly opined that would be your style. But I has to warn ye that you has about one chance in fourteen million of gettin' off with a hull hide. I keep a guard inside and outside, besides another over the[Pg 42] hosses. I don't want to shoot ye—now—but it sure will be done if you breaks an' runs fer it."
"Of course I'd have to take chances on that."
"Don't! But your offer to Jake has set me thinkin'. Somehow I kinder take to your style."
"Thanks!" laughed Merriwell.
"You has a heap of nerve for a youngster."
"Thanks again!"
"And I opine we'd make a pretty strong team together. Such bein' the case, I has a propersition to make to ye, whereby, in case you accepts, you gits outer this scrape in a hurry an' none the worse for wear."