"I was paid to do it. I knew nothing against him, I had no malice in my heart," said the man eagerly.
"Nor have I," said Jack o' Judgment, "for behold! I shall kill you without passion, as a warning to all villains of all nationalities."
"This is against the law," whined the man, beads of sweat standing on his forehead. "Give me a knife and let me fight you. You coward!"
"Give Solomon White a pistol, and let him fight you," said the other. "It is against the law—well, I know it. But it is much more speedy than the law, my little cabbage!"
He was busy making a slip-knot at one end of the rope, and presently he had finished it to his satisfaction.
"Raoul Pontarlier," he said, "this is a moment for which I have waited."
The man screamed and twisted his head, but the noose was about his neck and tightening. Then with a wrench Jack o' Judgment jerked him to his feet.
"On to the table," he said sternly. "Mount! It is quicker so!"
"I will not, I will not!" yelled the Frenchman. His voice rose to a shrill scream. "I—help!... help!..."