Martin’s tone was peculiar.
“I was poisonous,” he said.
Rio looked at him again and shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, I guess it cured him.”
Martin thought a moment.
“I don’t know. I suppose that when it comes down to it I don’t understand him at all.... By the way, Rio, what made him take such a dislike to you?”
“Nothin’ much. I asked him about you once and when I found out he lied, I shook him up.” Rio closed his fist in the dark. “I wish I’d shook ’im harder now,” he added, half under his breath.
“Damn it! That’s the pay-off!” said Martin angrily.
Rio turned to him.
“If you mean you’re fed up messin’ with this queer outfit, I’m with you.” He began to walk more rapidly. “I wish to God I was back——”