“If he ever comes after you, Levake, he will get you,” returned Arnold, looking the outlaw straight in the eye. “There isn’t any doubt about that,” he added, resuming his task.
Levake whittled but made no reply. He watched the surgeon’s work closely, and when Arnold had finished and given directions for the wounded man’s care he walked out of the place with him.
“Tell Stanley what I said, will you?” repeated Levake, as the railroad surgeon left the door and started down street.
Arnold made no answer and Levake, taunting him to send all the men the railroad had after him, followed Arnold toward the square.
The surgeon understood that it was Levake’s purpose to engage him in a dispute and kill him if he could. Arnold, moreover, was hot-tempered and made no concealment of his feelings toward 294 any man. For this reason, despite his realization of danger, he was an easy prey.
To the final taunt of the outlaw the surgeon made rather a sharp answer and quickened his pace, to walk away from his unpleasant companion. But Levake would not be shaken off, and as the two were passing a deserted restaurant he ordered the surgeon to halt. Arnold turned without shrinking. Levake had already drawn his pistol and his victim concluded he was to be killed then and there, but he resolved to tell the outlaw what he thought of him.
“I understand your game perfectly, Levake,” he said after he had raked him terrifically. “Now, if you are going to shoot, do it. You haven’t long to live yourself––make sure of that.”
“No man can threaten me and live,” retorted Levake harshly.
“I came up here, an unarmed man, on an errand of mercy.”
“I didn’t send for you.”