"Is he dead?" asked Chester as Hal bent over the body.
"No," said Hal. "I didn't shoot to kill him. I shot him through the shoulder."
"Then he should regain consciousness pretty quick," declared Chester.
"Oh, he's conscious right now," said Hal. "He's just shamming a bit.
Isn't that so, Matin?"
Matin sat up.
"What of it?" he demanded.
"Nothing," returned Hal, "except that the next time you come near me, except in the performance of duty, you will not get off so lightly."
"Are you going to let him go?" asked Jules, in surprise.
"What did you expect me to do with him?" demanded Hal.
"Shoot him again."