"It's growing dark," broke in Desmond's voice after a time. "I'm thinking they'll be making that rush mighty soon. I'd give something to take you along, instead of having to climb like a cat up the bluff."
Allard roused himself.
"Not possible! You should have gone with the rest instead of being here now." He held out his hot hand for the other's clasp. "Good-by, Desmond. Without you this thing would never have worked at all."
"It's not so. Many a time this game has been tried and has fallen through half-way; and it's not thousands are made at it. You did it, with the gentleman's brain and knowledge and wit. Not that it matters now."
"Not very much. You are forgetting my revolver."
"No, I am not forgetting. You will not need it." He turned away to add the last one to the pile of weapons in the opposite corner.
Allard rose on his arm, his eyes flashing wide and keen.
"You have no idea what I need, Desmond. Give me that revolver."
"You would shoot no one, and it would be of no use."
"Desmond, we have been friends; give me that."