“Then you will get in with him and go wherever the driver takes you. By the time the carriage stops you will have explained matters in any way you see fit; only young Langford must be given to understand that it is all off between you.”
“And after that?”
“After that I think it will be best for you to leave Denver. It is a fair-sized town, but I am afraid it isn’t big enough to hold you and me at the same time.”
“And what if I refuse? What if I tell you to go to——”
Brant took out the borrowed pistol and balanced it on the palm of his hand.
“In that case I shall be obliged to make sure of you here and now; and remembering what you are, I’d about as soon do it as not.”
The man at bay fought the fear back out of the telltale eyes and tried to laugh hardily.
“You are a pretty smooth talker, George, but you can’t bluff me. I don’t know just what you are driving at, but I do happen to know that you don’t care to get your name in the papers just now. All the same, I’m willing to oblige you—for a consideration.”
“How much?” asked Brant, still balancing the weapon.
“A hundred, say, in money, and that little package of papers you took the trouble to have sworn out against me up in Taggett’s Gulch.”