QUITS
For the second time that night Miles felt instinctively for his revolver, and for the second time in vain.
The younger man understood the movement.
"A shot would be heard in the road and at the lodge," said he quietly. "You'll only hasten matters by shooting me."
At once Miles perceived his advantage; his adversary believed him to be armed. Withdrawing his hand from the breast of his overcoat slowly, as though relinquishing a weapon in the act of drawing it, he answered:
"I believe you are right. But you are a cool hand!"
"Perhaps."
"I have only seen one other as cool—under fire."
"Indeed?"
"A fact. But I'll tell you where you come out even stronger."