"Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain, ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you."
"I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned."
"You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to proceed to extremities."
"Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"
"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain.
"How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs bounded to where Clinton stood.
There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws, who saw this succour arrive.
Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared.
"Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if blood is shed it is your fault."
"We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are ten and we are five. What do you think?"