It had been Dopey Charlie who lighted the cigaret and in the brief illumination his friend The General had grasped the opportunity to scan the features of the other members of the party. Schooled by long years of repression he betrayed none of the surprise or elation he felt when he recognized the features of The Oskaloosa Kid.
If The General was elated The Oskaloosa Kid was at once relieved and terrified. Relieved by ocular proof that he was not a murderer and terrified by the immediate presence of the two who had sought his life.
His cigaret drawing well Dopey Charlie resumed: “This Oskaloosa Kid's a bad actor,” he volunteered. “The little shrimp tried to croak me; but he only creased my ribs. I'd like to lay my mits on him. I'll bet there won't be no more Oskaloosa Kid when I get done wit him.”
The boy drew Bridge's ear down toward his own lips. “Let's go,” he said. “I don't hear anything more downstairs, or maybe we could get out on this roof and slide down the porch pillars.”
Bridge laid a strong, warm hand on the small, cold one of his new friend.
“Don't worry, Kid,” he said. “I'm for you.”
The two other men turned quickly in the direction of the speaker.
“Is de Kid here?” asked Dopey Charlie.
“He is, my degenerate friend,” replied Bridge; “and furthermore he's going to stay here and be perfectly safe. Do you grasp me?”
“Who are you?” asked The General.