The engineer was almost ready to believe that, but cunning was not the only weapon in his enemies’ arsenal. How would this lean lawyer stand up under intimidation, bribes, threats?
“I trust so, Martinez,” said he. “Do you think they will try to get me sometime by an out-and-out gun-play?”
“No, no, no.”
“Do you think they could if they tried?” Weir inquired, grimly.
The attorney paused with finger and thumb on the point of his mustache, lifted his eyebrows and smiled broadly.
“They’ll consider twice before they attempt it, after your expert exhibition this evening,” said he. “It was amazing, your speed, your accuracy.”
Steele tapped the man on the breast, who experienced a distinct tremor at that significant touch and at the veiled menace in the dam manager’s eyes.
“There’s always one bullet in my gun for the man who betrays me, Martinez.”
The lawyer licked his lips. On general principles he disliked statements that committed one to the future. But it was necessary to say something.