“If you get into trouble, old man, you must give me the signal instantly. I’ll be just outside here, and I’ll come in on the jump. Will you do it?”
“Sure thing.”
“You promise?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I hate to have you go alone, but I know how set you are when you make up your mind to a thing.”
“Then it is settled! You will wait here?”
“Don’t see but I’ll have to.”
“Now you are sensible, old man. You know I have entered joints quite as tough as this one, and I still live to tell the tale.”
Bart had great confidence in Merry, but he had desired to be with Frank when Hooker was discovered in some crooked or criminal act. Frank removed his scarf-pin and ring and handed them over to Bart. Then he buttoned his coat tightly across his breast and prepared to enter the low saloon.
“Remember,” said Hodge, “if you get into any trouble, just give me the signal. I’ll be with you in a jiffy.”