"No danger, I hope, but I could not know that. I could not remain there in uncertainty. Do not be angry, Joaquin."
"Well, sit down and rest yourself, and do not interfere in this matter. Now, Deadwood Dick, let me know at once what you will do or what you want us to do."
"If you will return my revolvers to me, in good order and loaded, I will come down and turn this money over to you, on condition that you let me escape with my life, or give me a fair chance to do so. It is for you to accept or refuse, as you please."
"We refuse."
"Very well, then; this money goes up in smoke."
"Heavens!" cried the young woman. "Do not burn the money, sir, I beg of you!"
"It is the only weapon I have," declared Dick. "Without it, I could not hold your cutthroats at bay for a moment. With it I must bargain for my life."
"Perhaps you regret the chance you gave me," suggested Joaquin.
"No, I do not. I was simply giving you the benefit of a possible doubt, though, in truth, I did not believe it existed."
"And what do you promise him now, Joaquin?" the young woman inquired.