“Now we can get down to business,” he said.
Jimmy sat down, and at that moment the door opened again and a newcomer appeared upon the scene. He was young, but large and apparently very strong. He took a seat at the table without a word. Then Jimmy noticed for the first time that his hand was tightly bandaged.
“This, Dick,” said Jones to the newcomer and indicating Jimmy, “is the youngster who put the bullet through your hand.”
Dick jumped up.
“Is that so,” he cried. “Then I have a score to settle with him.”
He advanced toward Jimmy, but Jones stopped him.
“Not now,” he said; “at any rate, not if he will do my bidding.”
Dick sat down again.
“Now,” said Jones to Jimmy, “I am going to give you one last chance to do as I have asked. I am willing yet to pay the stipulated amount. However, in case you refuse, I might as well tell you that I shall use other means. Gabriel must not win the Derby. In offering you the chance I have, I am simply taking the easiest way. If you refuse or I think you will play me false, I shall take other steps. What do you say?”
Jimmy got slowly to his feet.