"Did I?" said Jim indifferently. "No odds. You've got my number, anyway.
And I thought we was so devilish sly!"
"Well, boys, thank you for the dinner and all; but I'd best be jogging.
Got to catch that train."
Knitting his brows reflectively he turned a questioning eye upon his hosts. But Shorty Bill took the words from his mouth.
"I'm like Jim: I've got a-plenty," he said. "But there's a repeating rifle in the shack, if you don't want to risk us. You can leave it at Silverbell for us if you want to—at the saloon. And we can ride off the other way, so you'll be sure."
"Maybe that'll be best—considerin'," said Pete. "I'll leave the gun."
"See here, Johnson," said Jim stiffly. "We've thrown 'em down, fair and square. I think you might trust us."
Pete scratched his head in some perplexity.
"I think maybe I might if it was only myself to think of. But I'm representing another man's interest too. I ain't takin' no chances."
"Yes—I noticed you was one of them prudent guys," murmured Jim.
Pete ignored the interruption.