“How are you going to make me go?” I asked.
“Do you see this gun? Well, if you don’t hustle off you may feel it.”
In spite of my efforts to remain calm I shivered. The weapon looked as if it was capable of doing some wicked work.
“You see I’m the boss around Rock Island,” went on Carney, “and I don’t take any talk from any one. I want you to get out at once.”
And saying this, he stepped back and pointed the gun at my head. I did not think he meant to fire it. He thought he would scare me; that was all. But it was not pleasant to have the barrel in line with my head, and I stepped back and out of range.
“Now get on board of your sloop, and pull up anchor,” continued Carney. “I don’t want any more talk.”
While he was speaking I watched my chance, and as he lowered the gun I rushed forward, grasped it with both hands, and pulled it away from him.
“Here! give me back that gun!” he exclaimed, as I retreated.
“Not a bit of it!” I returned. “You’ll find that two can play at that game.”